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Fakarava overview and all-year dive program
Dive Spot Guide•
Garuae Pass
Fakarava's broad north pass, known for sharks and strong current.
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Local operator required
Conditions or access may require a local guide. Dive with a local operator.
A boat-run drift through the north channel where tide timing, shark action, and canyon structure drive the dive.
About Garuae Pass
Garuae Pass is Fakarava's broad north channel and one of French Polynesia's signature current dives. Incoming tide funnels water across the pass, carrying divers past shark schools, pelagic traffic, and coral-lined sections of the channel. Conditions are best for experienced divers who are comfortable with drift timing and open-water exposure. It is a boat dive that rewards good tide planning rather than a casual reef cruise.
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Research Estimate At Garuae Pass
Conservative baseline from public research. No community dives logged yet.
VisibilityVisibility: 30m
AccessModerate entry effort
CoralHealthy coral
Aquatic LifeExceptional variety
FacilitiesGood facilities
CurrentVery strong current
SurgeLight surge
Where Is Garuae Pass?
This spotNearby spotsExplore nearby spots on the map
Community sourced coordinates.
Garuae Pass Planning Details
Depth range, seasonality, and planning context.
Reported Depth
Up to 30m
Depth Note
Public pages describe the site by its pass drift and channel structure; the maximum reported depth is around 30 m.
Best Season
Year-round, with the tide window deciding when the pass is best.
Typical Conditions
Clear water, shark wall starts, canyon finish, and fast-moving current.
Safety & Access At Garuae Pass
Hazards, restrictions, and access requirements.
Key Hazards
Dangerous wildlife
Safety Notes
Time the run to the tide and dive with an operator that knows Garuae well.
Access Restrictions
Boat-only access; run it with a local operator and only on a suitable current window.
Legal Notes
Fakarava is part of a UNESCO biosphere reserve, so follow local marine rules and operator guidance.
Local Intel For Garuae Pass
Community notes to help plan your visit.
Scuba Diving
An advanced drift through the north channel with sharks, tuna, barracuda, and canyon shelter.
Freediving
Advanced freedivers may consider it, but the current and channel width make scuba the better default.
Snorkeling
Not a casual snorkel site; the pass flow and shark wall are better suited to scuba.
Wildlife at Garuae Pass
Species commonly reported at this site, with direct links into their wildlife guides.
Recent Logged Visits At Garuae Pass
Community dive logs and visit reports for this site.
Dive Spot Log Averages At Garuae Pass
Average conditions based on logged dives & visits.
Conditions
Avg. Visibility30m
Activity
No dive activity logged yet.
