Safety · Destination Guide
Two legendary passes, shark-rich drift dives, and a lagoon that still feels wild
Updated Apr 21, 2026 • 9 sources
Fakarava's core risks are strong current, remoteness, heat and sun exposure, and the legal reality of protected wildlife rules.
Pass dives are tide-planned, guide-led dives with current, depth, and pickup logistics. Stay within certification and recent-experience limits, follow no-fly-after-diving guidance, and carry an SMB. Freedivers should not train alone and should avoid independent pass work.
Serious dive or medical problems may require evacuation to Tahiti. Carry dive accident and evacuation insurance and keep key contacts offline.
Pass currents are serious
Garuae and Tumakohua are tide-driven channels, not casual drift sites. Expect guides to reschedule or change sites when needed.
Medical backup is remote
Serious dive injuries may require evacuation to Tahiti, so dive and evacuation insurance are essential.
Wildlife disturbance is illegal
Do not feed or attract sharks and rays, and do not harass protected marine species.
French Polynesia protects sharks, rays, turtles, dolphins, whales, and other marine species. Do not feed, attract, chase, or harass wildlife. Keep fins and hands off coral and use operators who brief good conduct clearly.
Do Not Do This
Avoid entering when pass currents are serious. Confirm local briefings before committing.
| Contact | Role | Phone | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ambulance and medical emergency | Emergency medical response | 15 | 24/7 emergency number |
| Fire and emergency | Fire and rescue | 18 | 24/7 emergency number |
| Police | Police emergency | 17 | 24/7 emergency number |
| Sea rescue | Maritime emergency | 16 | 24/7 emergency number |
| European emergency number | General fallback | 112 | 24/7 emergency number |
| Divers Alert Network | Diving emergency hotline | +1-919-684-9111 | 24/7/365 |