Fakarava

Former capital of the Tuamotu, Fakarava is 450 km northeast of Tahiti. Renowned for the beauty of its seabed and the diversity of its ecosystem, the island has been awarded the title of biosphere by UNESCO. It is good to bask in the sun of Fakarava.
With its 60km long and 21 km wide, the island is considered the second largest Polynesian atoll after Rangiroa. 16km² of land for 1100km² of lagoon, you must admit that these numbers are nice enough to attract divers from every corner of the globe.

Punctuated by numerous motu (islets), most of which remain unexplored, the atoll only asks to be visited by new adventurers on its beaches of pink sand lined with crystalline waters.

Although it is tempting to live from love and fresh coconut water, it is necessary that the inhabitants provide for their needs. Therefore, the majority of them live in the two main villages of the atoll, where the economic center is. As in most Tuamotu Islands, the primary source of income is pearl farming. Ladies (gentlemen), if you want to visit a pearl farm, you are at the perfect place! Tourism comes in second place and allows hosts and other service providers alive.

Split into two parts, the island concentrates the majority of its economic activities in the North where are the airport, some shops and other snacks. In the South, everything seems wilder and isolated. To sum up, if you want to choose the ease, opt for the North face where you can find the main motu and the Rotoava village. If on the contrary, you have an adventurous spirit, go for the South part with its little motu and the village of Tetamonu.

Symbol of Polynesia, the “Tahiti Black Pearl”, as it is generally called, is an exceptional souvenir that many like to bring back from their holidays. By having chosen a stay at the Tuamotu, you are in the perfect place. The pearl is to the Tuamotu what the nougat is to Montelimar, the “Bêtises” to Cambrai, etc… The atoll has two pearl farms open to the public. 10km from Rotoava is “the Hinano Pearls”, while “Pearls of Havaiki”, the oldest farm in the atoll still in operation, is further south. Both will allow you to learn more about the creation process. And if you’d like a quick summary, check out our article on pearl farms.

Let’s go for a walk in the “city center”! Charming and picturesque village, Rotoava is located on the north, just by the beach. The church there testifies of the evangelization of the atoll in 1849, it was built and blessed the following year by Honoré Laval. Since then, the population of Fakarava has remained predominantly Catholic.

The town also hosts the only school of the atoll that can accommodate up to 130 students. From the sixth grade, students must go to Rangiroa High School and Papeete High School.

Finally, you will find a tiny police center, diving centers, some snacks and that’s it. This is also what makes the beauty of the Tuamotu, its calm and its wilderness.

Built at the edge of the Tumakohua Pass, the village of Tetamanu is one of a kind. Former capital of the atoll, it is home to one of the first Catholic churches in French Polynesia. Built in 1874 with coral, it is very well preserved and beautifully decorated with garlands of shells.

The Big Blue? Blue hell? In deep water? These films probably ring a bell … Find out by yourself what the Pacific has to offer. It is unimaginable to go to Fakarava without jumping into the water … Scuba diving is the number one activity on the atoll as the underwater fauna and flora are so rich.

Flip a coin?

To the north, the Garuae Pass has some surprises for you … The largest pass in French Polynesia, it is 1600m wide and allows you to observe the coral reefs and different specimens drift diving, like grey sharks. It is considered to be more difficult because of the current but most dive centers choose to exploit it because it is only 25 minutes away by boat from the village.

To the south, the Tumakohua Pass is in the middle of nowhere. It is particularly known for its famous school of grey sharks that stroll on 20m deep and 200m wide, something to impress you. There, thousands of fishes have their home: barracuda, napoleon fish, very classic for Polynesia. Oops … I’m told in the headset that we just saw a paddle perch and a fish surgeon!

Red mullet, damselfish, damselfly, grouper, parrotfish, jacks, soles, scorpion fish, nazons, trumpet fish and hundreds of small coral fishes have found refuge in these waters … Some eagles rays wander here and there, between sleeping sharks, grey sharks and white tips. Beware of the moray eels…

Only disadvantage: the price, which is higher than the rates charged in the North because of the distance. It takes 1hr30 to 2hrs to get there by boat. However, you can choose an accommodation located on the south of the atoll if you want to save time.

The richness of the island’s ecosystem earned its reputation as the “Mecca for diving”.

The beauty of the lagoon as well as the diversity of species that are hidden there have contributed to the fame of the island. It would be a pity to leave without having enjoyed an excursion on the water … Located 45min by boat from the Atoll, the blue lagoon (or green lagoon for some) is a must. Under the radiant sun, we discover a lagoon inside the lagoon, it reveals all its shades and contrasts with the surrounding sandbars. Between two snorkeling breaks, do not forget to get your head out of the water and roll your eyes, take the time to stop at the Bird Island.

Cultural remains of yesteryear Polynesia, the marae attest of the richness of the Maohi heritage. In Torea, at the north of the atoll, is the Tainoka marae, also called Tahiri Vai Rau named after the warrior who guarded the pass more than 300 years ago.

The ships wishing to cross the lagoon were to announce themselves by singing a warrior song and, in the manner that it was executed, Tahiri Vai Rau knew if they were allies or enemies. The latter were thrown to sharks or taken to Utukaega for torture.

Once again, if you are near the village, you will have no problem finding a snack bar or a small restaurant for lunch. Day trips also include a meal and a snack, but for dinner we recommend booking your stay half board. In addition, it will give you the opportunity to taste the homemade dishes of your host…

If you stay next to the village, walking can be a relaxing option, there is no doubt you will be able to get around the village. However, if you want to go further, you’d better rent a bike or a scooter. And if you want more comfort and drive as fast as 30km/h on the main road, choose an electric car!

First of all, you have to take a plane to Tahiti, as you can imagine that the airstrips of the atolls cannot accommodate Airbus or any other plane this big… Then, you just have to book a flight from Tahiti to Fakarava via the local airline Air Tahiti. 1h10 in direct flight, 2h if you make a small stop in Rangiroa, the exact time you need to doze off on the plane…