South Pass (Tumakohua / Tetamanu)

The classic Fakarava dive. Drop on the ocean side of the pass on an incoming tide and drift in past the grey reef shark aggregation toward a shallow coral garden inside the lagoon. Steadier current than Garuae lets you hold position and observe.

Depth

6–40m

Current

Moderate

Diver level

Advanced open water

Entry

Boat

Unique features

Resident 'wall of sharks' - grey reef sharks commonly counted at 300-700
Site of the June-July camouflage grouper spawning aggregation
More moderate current than the North Pass; divers can shelter and watch

Sources & last checked

Checked July 2026

This is a researched draft, not yet human-verified. The seasonality and logistics are drawn from the sources below — confirm specifics (permits, fees, closures) with an operator before you book.

A Tale of Two Passes — Divers Alert Network (Alert Diver)
Discover a Wall of Sharks in Fakarava — Tahiti Tourisme
Snorkeling Tetamanu & Fakarava South Pass — Snorkeling Report

Note on the data: Coordinates are approximate; not surveyed dive-site GPS.