South Pacific · French Polynesia
French Polynesia
Fakarava & Rangiroa — Pacific atoll diving.
Destination snapshot
Best time
Jun–Oct (sharks); Jul–Nov (humpbacks)
Water temp
78–84°F
Visibility
100–150 ft
Skill level
Advanced
Flight time (US)
Connection via Tahiti
Great for
Sharks · Liveaboards
Why visit
A wall of 700+ grey reef sharks in Fakarava's South Pass and drift dives at Rangiroa's Tiputa.
Best dive sites
- South Pass Fakarava
- Tiputa Pass Rangiroa
- Tumakohua
Best snorkeling spots
- Blue Lagoon
- Coral Gardens
What you may see underwater
Interesting fact
The Fakarava Pass hosts an aggregation of 700+ grey reef sharks — one of the largest shark schools on Earth, and a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.
Who this destination is best for
- Advanced divers
- Photographers
Frequently asked questions
- Which atoll for what?
- Fakarava for shark walls; Rangiroa for dolphins and Tiputa Pass drift; Tikehau for coral and mantas.
- Liveaboard?
- Yes — the classic Tuamotu itinerary hits multiple atolls in one trip.
- Combine with Tahiti?
- Almost every trip does — Papeete is the hub for domestic flights to the atolls.
Ready to dive French Polynesia?
Tell us your dates and experience level — a Salty Reef Travel Concierge will match you with the right resort, operator, or liveaboard in French Polynesia and handle the details. Always free to you.
Available 24/7 · 727-240-2242 · Our travel concierge service is always free to you.
At a glance
- Region
- South Pacific
- Country
- French Polynesia
- Best season
- Jun–Oct (sharks); Jul–Nov (humpbacks)
- Water temp
- 78–84°F
- Visibility
- 100–150 ft
- Skill level
- Advanced
- Flight from US
- Connection via Tahiti
Newsletter
One dispatch a month, straight from the water.