Garuae Pass (North Pass)
Passe Garuae
A large atoll channel about 1.6 km wide, the widest pass in French Polynesia. Drift dives reveal sharks, manta rays and dolphins.
Passe Garuae lies at the northern end of the atoll and is about 1.6 km wide, the widest lagoon pass in French Polynesia. At high tide, drift dives in strong currents let you see grey reef sharks, blacktip reef sharks and eagle rays along the outer edge of the pass. Occasionally you may spot manta rays and bottlenose dolphins, and great hammerhead sharks have been recorded here in summer. It is only about 15 minutes by boat from Rotoava, and dive shops on the island run boats every day, making it ideal for multiple dives. The current is strong, so some diving experience is required. Non-divers can join dolphin-watching boat trips or snorkel in the lagoon near the pass.
Opening hours
Open all day (depends on tides)
Nearby sights
- PK9 Beach
- Topaka Lighthouse
- Fakarava Pearl Farm
- Blue Lagoon (Lagon Bleu)
- Rotoava Village
- Tetamanu Village
- Tumakohua Pass (South Pass)
- Les Sables Roses (Pink Sand Beach)