Slack Water
Liveaboards · French Polynesia

Rangiroa and Fakarava liveaboards

7–14 nights from Fakarava or Rangiroa. Ride the incoming tide through atoll passes lined with grey reef sharks.

Compare boats and dates ↗Rangiroa and Fakarava dive guide
Clear turquoise lagoon water over coral heads beside a palm-covered motu in Rangiroa
Photo: Slim MARS / Unsplash (Unsplash License)

At a glance

Best months
June to October
Trip length
7–14 nights
Departs from
Fakarava, Rangiroa
Price per night
US$650–US$760Per person, typical published rates
Certification
Advanced certification needed
Current
StrongStrong tidal currents in the passes; dives are timed for the incoming tide

When boats run

June to October (drier, grouper spawning in Fakarava around the June or July full moon); December to March for hammerheads in Rangiroa.

Overview

Liveaboard choice in French Polynesia is small. The main operator in 2026 is Aquapolynesie, which runs the small catamarans Aqua Tiki II and Aqua Tiki III on loops of about 8 to 14 nights from Fakarava. The French Polynesia Master, which ran Fakarava and Rangiroa trips, has halted operations there.

These trips dive the tidal passes of Fakarava and nearby atolls such as Toau and Kauehi, usually with two dives a day. Currents are strong, so operators ask for Advanced Open Water and logged dives. Most divers still visit Rangiroa and Fakarava from land, flying from Papeete, and dive with local centres. Fares typically run from about USD 650 to 760 per night in 2026 listings.

Routes

  • Northern Tuamotu loop from Fakarava8–9 nights · Several departures a year; 2026 dates listed for June, July, October and December. A round trip from Fakarava on a small catamaran, diving Fakarava's Garuae Pass and nearby atolls such as Toau, Aratika or Kauehi. For experienced drift divers.
  • Extended Tuamotu cruise from Fakarava11 nights · 2026 dates listed for June, August and October; one June 2027 trip timed for grouper spawning. A longer loop from Fakarava with more days in the atoll passes. Suits divers who want more dives per trip or, on the June departure, the grouper spawning.
  • Long Tuamotu cruise14 nights · Not stated in sources. A two-week Aqua Tiki itinerary from Fakarava. The operator says the passes are demanding and a certain level of certification is required.

Getting to the boat

  • FakaravaAqua Tiki trips start and end at Fakarava airport and port, reached by an Air Tahiti flight of about 1 hour 10 minutes from Papeete.
  • RangiroaSome liveaboards have used the Rangiroa quay as a port; Rangiroa is about one hour by air from Papeete and about 45 minutes from Fakarava.

Who can go

Liveaboard trips in the Tuamotus are for experienced divers. Aqua Tiki listings ask for Advanced Open Water with at least 30 dives, and some reseller listings ask for 50 dives. Divers should be comfortable in strong current, and nitrox availability varies by listing, so confirm with the operator.

Advanced Open Water and drift experience recommended for the passes. Lagoon dives and the gentler South Pass at Fakarava can suit less experienced divers on the right tide.

What it costs

Published rates typically run US$650 to US$760 a night. Per person, shared cabin, Aqua Tiki listings for 2026: about USD 5,198 to 5,838 for 8 nights and USD 5,290 for 7 nights. Usually includes meals, tanks, weights and guiding. Flights, marine park and port fees and nitrox are typically extra.

  • Marine park and port fees: listed as not included by resellers of Aqua Tiki trips; no amount published in the sources found (2026)
  • French Polynesia Master (now halted): park and port fees of USD 70 to 120 per trip and a USD 175 surcharge for trips starting or ending in Papeete were listed; kept for reference only

Know the risks

  • Strong tidal current; an outgoing tide can carry divers out to sea
  • Remote atolls far from a recompression chamber
  • Cyclone season, roughly November to April

Questions

Is a Fakarava liveaboard worth it?

A liveaboard lets you dive Fakarava's passes and quieter atolls such as Toau and Kauehi on one trip, which is hard to do from land. It costs more than staying on the atolls, typically USD 650 to 760 per night in 2026 listings, and boats ask for Advanced Open Water and at least 30 dives.

How much does a French Polynesia liveaboard cost?

Aqua Tiki trips typically cost about USD 5,198 to 5,838 per person for 8 nights in 2026 listings. Marine park and port fees, flights and nitrox are usually extra.

Do liveaboards in French Polynesia visit Rangiroa?

Not usually now. The French Polynesia Master, which linked Fakarava and Rangiroa, has halted operations there, and current Aqua Tiki itineraries are loops around Fakarava and nearby atolls. Rangiroa is best visited from land.

Can Open Water divers join a Tuamotu liveaboard?

Generally no. Listings ask for Advanced Open Water with at least 30 dives, and some ask for 50, because the pass dives have strong currents.

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Also by boat in the same months

Sources

Last reviewed 15 October 2026. Prices and fees change every season; confirm with the operator before you book.