Garuae Pass (North Pass) – Fakarava (Tuamotu)

35m Max

15-40m Vis

boat

Site Overview

Garuae Pass is Fakarava's North Pass and the wider of the atoll's two ocean entrances, offering advanced divers a thrilling drift diving experience with a different but equally impressive marine life assemblage compared to the famous South Pass. The wider channel creates different current dynamics that attract a diverse range of pelagic species including the occasional but thrilling tiger shark sightings that make this pass particularly exciting for experienced divers seeking encounters with one of the ocean's most powerful apex predators. Grey reef sharks and silvertip sharks are consistently present in impressive numbers, their sleek bodies cruising through the pass channel with the characteristic confidence of animals at the top of the marine food chain. Dogtooth tuna patrol the deeper sections with their explosive speed and power, launching high-speed attacks on schooling fish that create dramatic feeding events visible throughout the pass. Eagle rays are abundant in the North Pass, their broad wings carrying them gracefully through the nutrient-rich water as they search for molluscs and crustaceans on the sandy areas between the coral formations. Manta cleaning stations on the outer reef near the pass entrance provide additional encounter opportunities with these gentle giants during the warmer months when plankton concentrations support their filter-feeding behaviour. The coral communities along the pass walls are protected by the UNESCO Biosphere designation and remain among the healthiest and most diverse in the entire Tuamotu archipelago.

Dive Briefing

"Enter the water at the ocean entrance of the North Pass and allow the incoming tidal current to carry you through the wider channel while your guide positions the group along the deeper edge where pelagic encounters are most frequent. Grey reef sharks and silvertip sharks appear almost immediately, cruising in groups through the pass channel with their characteristic fluid predatory movements. Eagle rays are abundant in the North Pass, their distinctive silhouettes banking gracefully through the current as they navigate the channel in search of food. Dogtooth tuna patrol the deeper sections with their powerful torpedo-shaped bodies, occasionally rocketing through bait fish schools with explosive speed that demonstrates their position as apex pelagic predators. Tiger shark sightings are possible but not guaranteed, adding an element of anticipation to every dive in this productive pass environment. The coral walls along the pass are pristine and colourful, providing excellent secondary interest between pelagic encounters. Your guide will monitor current strength and group position throughout the drift, choosing the exit point for safe DSMB deployment and boat pickup beyond the pass."