Dive site · access from Fakarava
Ali Baba (North Pass canyon)
A canyon set to the side of the North Pass drift where the current eases and fish pack in.
- Depth
- 12–25m
- Current
- Moderate
- Minimum level
- Advanced open water
- Access
- Boat
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The case for it
Why dive here
- A coral canyon off the main Garuae drift, out of the strongest current
- Dense schooling fish and gathered grey reef sharks
- Shallower and more sheltered than the open North Pass drift
Check before booking
What may rule it out
- Advanced open water certification is the stated minimum.
- Moderate current can affect whether the site is suitable on the day.
Access and timing
Plan this through Fakarava
Best overall months: Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep. Check the destination planner for operating season, wildlife and other matching sites.
Wildlife
Seen around Fakarava
rareoccasionalcommonly seenpeak seasondestination closed
These are destination-level records, not confirmed sightings at Ali Baba (North Pass canyon).
Humpback whale
| Month | Likelihood |
|---|---|
| January | not seen |
| February | not seen |
| March | not seen |
| April | not seen |
| May | not seen |
| June | not seen |
| July | not seen |
| August | occasional |
| September | occasional |
| October | occasional |
| November | not seen |
| December | not seen |
Humphead wrasse
| Month | Likelihood |
|---|---|
| January | commonly seen |
| February | commonly seen |
| March | commonly seen |
| April | commonly seen |
| May | commonly seen |
| June | commonly seen |
| July | commonly seen |
| August | commonly seen |
| September | commonly seen |
| October | commonly seen |
| November | commonly seen |
| December | commonly seen |
Grey reef shark
| Month | Likelihood |
|---|---|
| January | commonly seen |
| February | commonly seen |
| March | commonly seen |
| April | commonly seen |
| May | commonly seen |
| June | peak season |
| July | peak season |
| August | commonly seen |
| September | commonly seen |
| October | commonly seen |
| November | commonly seen |
| December | commonly seen |
Camouflage grouper (marbled grouper)
| Month | Likelihood |
|---|---|
| January | occasional |
| February | occasional |
| March | occasional |
| April | occasional |
| May | occasional |
| June | peak season |
| July | peak season |
| August | occasional |
| September | occasional |
| October | occasional |
| November | occasional |
| December | occasional |
Bottlenose dolphin
| Month | Likelihood |
|---|---|
| January | occasional |
| February | occasional |
| March | occasional |
| April | occasional |
| May | occasional |
| June | occasional |
| July | occasional |
| August | occasional |
| September | occasional |
| October | occasional |
| November | occasional |
| December | occasional |
Nearby alternatives
Compare another site
Sources & last checked
Checked July 2026
Research is source-backed, but conditions and fees should still be confirmed locally.
View 2 sources and checking notes
- Scuba Diving Fakarava North Pass, Scuba Diving Earth
- Dive Fakarava South and North Pass, Diveplanit / O2 Fakarava
Note on the data: Coordinates are approximate; not surveyed dive-site GPS.