Tahiti Ecotourism
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Fakarava Ecotourism

Fakarava is the number two largest atoll in the French Polynesia (Rangiroa is the largest.) Fakarava is approximately one hour from Tahiti by plane, and 35 minutes from Rangiroa. Fakarava measures approximately 60 km in length and 25 km in width, forming a 1500 square km lagoon. The lagoon is rectangular, and the crown consists of several islands.

Fakarava has two main villages: Rotova, the village closest to the airport, is on the north east side of Fakarava. The other village, Tetamanu, is towards the south end of the atoll, was the village which used to be the main village.

This atoll, plus the six other nearby islands, is together called the Unesco Classified Nature Reserve. The reserve is a collection of islands that has their own ecosystem, filled with rare flora and fauna rarely seen in other parts of the world. Some examples are sea cicadas, the hunting king-fisher, and squills. Many of these species are considered so rare that they need preservation and protection.

 

Things to Do in Fakarava .

Some of the things to do and see on Fakarava include visiting pearl farms, seeing the sea slug smoke house, as well as one of the first Catholic churches that was every constructed on a coral. The Tetamanu Sauvage near the Tetamanu village offers several magnificent pink sand peaches for your enjoyment.

Scuba divers will be joyed to hear that the atoll features the rare tiger and hammer-headed sharks, in addition to manta rays, barracudas, meru, and loach.

The island features some 400 residents and several hundred tourists every year.

For a relaxing vacation, and a date with some of the richest sealife in the world, why not visit Fakarava in your next vacation?

 

Photo Courtesy Tahiti Tourisme
(Copyright Didier ALPINI) Photo: Fakarava motu
(Copyright Alexis-rosenfeld.com) Photo: Fakarava Fisches

 

 

FAKARAVA ECOTOURS

Fakarava is an atoll of Tuamotu in French Polynesia. Fakarava is the second largest atoll of Tahiti. It is 25km by 60km. There are two main villages here - Rotoava and Tetamanu. The main draw card for tourists to Fakarava is the scuba diving possibilities. There is a very large and untouched area here that contains amazing fish and marine creatures like various species of ocean fish and of course sharks such as the tiger and hammerhead.

The world class diving at Fakarava is centered around two dive passes at either end of the lagoon. The 650 foot wide Tumakohua pass on the south east side and the 1km wide Garuae pass is found on the northern west coast of the atoll. You can arrange dives on the outer reefs and deep sea dives with diving companies and instructors.

In addition to the splendid scuba diving available at Fakarava there are also other locations of interest such as a pearl farm, Tetamanu (an ancient village) and of course the various natural attractions.

Fishing excursions are very popular in Fakarava where you can take a trip out to the lagoon of Fakarava or even further to do some deep sea fishing depending how adventurous you feel. A motu picnic is a must-do on any Tahiti holiday. The Koka Koka motu is a favorite on Fakarava. Here you will see the pink coral tinged sands and clear blue water that contains a startling array of tropical fish. Coconut trees ad crabs put the finishing touches on this idyllic tropical destination.

Black Pearl Farms are a popular attraction in Tahiti and Fakarava is no exception. You can not visit them all so ask your hotel or resort operator for information.

Fakarava is a UNESCO classified nature reserve. UNESCO choose only the richest natural environments to put on their list and this just proves the diversity of life on the Fakarava and neighboring islands. Not only are the marine creatures incredibly rich and varied but there are also the very rare and native flora and fauna such as the hunting kingfisher, sea cicadas and the wonderful Tuamotu palm.

There are some three star hotels in northern Fakarava including the Le Maitai Dream Fakarava. There is also the pension Tokerau Village which contains four tastefully decorated bungalows.

Fakarava is a spot you simply do not want to miss whilst on your Tahiti vacation.

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