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South Pacific · French Polynesia
French Polynesia
Fakarava & Rangiroa — Pacific atoll diving.
5.0Salty Reef rating
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.
French Polynesia's Tuamotu atolls deliver the most iconic shark diving on Earth — the wall of sharks in Fakarava and Rangiroa's drift dives with dolphins.
Best dive sites
- South Pass Fakarava
- Tiputa Pass Rangiroa
- Tumakohua
Best snorkeling spots
- Blue Lagoon
- Coral Gardens
What you may see underwater
Grey Reef SharksSilvertip SharksManta RaysHumpback WhalesDolphinsSea TurtlesSchools of Fish
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 — we'll match you with the right resort and operator, and handle the details.
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