Liveaboard Aqua Tiki II – Discover the Fakarava and Taumotu atolls in French Polynesia
Sail with only eight guests along the most beautiful atolls of French Polynesia and make impressive drift dives among sharks, manta rays and schools of tropical fish.
Travel period
Features
Starting from
Dive the Fakarava and Taumotu atolls in French Polynesia
Board the Aqua Tiki II and discover the pristine atolls of the Tuamotu archipelago in a way few travelers experience. On this exclusive dive trip, you will sail past remote lagoons, small Polynesian villages and world-famous dive sites such as Fakarava and Toau. With only eight guests on board, you’ll enjoy a personal atmosphere, plenty of space and a relaxed pace of travel.
The dives in French Polynesia are among the most spectacular in the world. In the famous passes of the atolls you make impressive drift dives among huge schools of gray reef sharks, barracudas, napoleon fish and manta rays. Depending on the season, you may even encounter hammerhead sharks, tiger sharks, whale sharks or humpback whales. Thanks to the clear water and strong currents, the marine life here is exceptionally rich. Dives are carefully planned around the tide, so that you can take full advantage of the best visibility and the most beautiful underwater encounters.
What makes this trip extra special is the combination of adventurous diving and exploring Polynesia above water. Between dives you will visit deserted motu’s (coral islands), traditional villages and pearl farms. You will sail through turquoise lagoons, enjoy barbecues on the beach and get to know the local culture and cuisine. This trip is not just about diving, but the complete experience of French Polynesia.
Best travel time for a diving vacation to French Polynesia
French Polynesia has a tropical climate, but the islands vary in climate depending on their location relative to the equator and the South Pole. The dry season from May to October is generally the best time for diving, when the weather is cooler, drier and more pleasant for divers. However, the ideal travel time may vary by island group depending on their specific climate.
Availability of the Aqua Tiki II liveaboard
French Polynesia is a special destination that you should book well in advance. Keep in mind 1 to 2 years in advance. It is more the rule than the exception that the boat is already booked up a year in advance.
You can also choose a longer or shorter itinerary on the boat. Check the FAQ at the bottom of the page to see what itineraries are available.
Average temperatures
Wetsuit advice for diving in French Polynesia
What will you experience on this diving vacation?
View itinerary here
Day 1 & 2 | Trip to French Polynesia
The trip to French Polynesia takes some hours. The finest route is via Paris, from where there is a direct flight to Tahiti. Located in the heart of the South Pacific, Tahiti is the largest island in French Polynesia. It is a 22-hour flight, with the plane making a technical stop in Los Angeles.
On Tahiti, you will make a final transfer to Fakarava. This is a one-hour and 15-minute flight.
You can also choose to stay one night on Tahiti so that you can recover peacefully from the trip. We recommend being in Tahiti or even already on Fakarava at least a day before departure of the liveaboard.
Day 3 | Aboard the Aqua Tiki II
In the morning you will fly on to Fakarava, a short flight of over an hour from Tahiti. At the airport, you will be welcomed by the crew of the Aqua Tiki and transferred to the boat.
After settling into your cabin, there is time to explore the village. You can also swim or take advantage of the water sports facilities. There is no rush, as the boat does not leave until early the next morning.
At the end of the day, enjoy the sunset with a cocktail, followed by a presentation about the boat and the voyage and a nice welcome evening on board.
Day 4 | Diving around Tetamanu
Early in the morning, the boat leaves for southern Fakarava. The boat anchors at the small village of Tetamanu, with only 6 inhabitants.
After lunch, it’s time for your first dives! You will make up to 2 dives each day, leaving the rest of the day for water sports or shore excursions. Most dives done here are drift dives, where you have a great chance of seeing pelagic life and you will be picked up by zodiac at the end of the dive.
In the afternoon you will take a shore excursion, visiting the ancient village of Tetamanu and the historic church. Along the way you can collect shells and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of this remote part of Fakarava.
In the evening, there is the opportunity to participate in a fun Polynesian evening on the island.
Day 5 & 6 | Diving around Tahanea
In the early morning, the boat anchors off a beautiful and pristine motu in Tahanea. The day is all about relaxation and adventure: you will again make 2 dives at different sites. You will also make a shore excursion to a deserted beach, where you can swim, hike and collect shells.
Lunch will be followed by a trip around the island by zodiac, after which there will be another opportunity to dive. At the end of the day you will return to the Aqua Tiki for an enjoyable barbecue evening on board.
The next morning you will wake up in the paradisiacal lagoon of Tahanea. In the early morning you will make a dive in search of manta rays, which regularly glide through the clear waters of the lagoon. The calm conditions and excellent visibility make this dive extra special.
After lunch you can swim in the crystal clear water, followed by another dive among colorful reef fish and healthy coral. In the late afternoon, the Aqua Tiki sets sail for Kauehi. Along the way, fish for large pelagic species and enjoy the sunset at sea.
Day 7 & 8 | Diving around Kauehi
Today you will anchor off the Kauehi coral reef. You will make a dive along the reef, where you have a chance to see reef sharks, schools of tropical fish and impressive coral formations.
After lunch, another dive is scheduled. Between dives you can kayak or relax on board. Towards sunset there will be fishing in the Kauehi passage as the light slowly fades over the lagoon. The day ends with a pleasant barbecue evening on board.
The next day you dive around Kauehi again. Thanks to the rich marine life and colorful reefs, every dive here is different.
After lunch there is the opportunity to go on a shore excursion. You can snorkel to explore the reef, look for shells and, of course, take an additional dive in the lagoon. In the evening you will enjoy dinner on board as the sun slowly sets over the ocean.
Day 9 & 10 | Diving around Toau
Early in the morning, the boat leaves for Toau. As the sun rises you sail leisurely across the sea, aided by the trade winds. Along the way there will be fishing for larger ocean fish.
Upon arrival, you will anchor off a beautiful white coral sand beach. Here you will take a dip in the clear waters of Toau, known for its beautiful reef structures and large number of tropical fish.
After lunch, you can optionally visit a pearl farm or take an additional swim in the lagoon. At the end of the day you will enjoy the sunset over the water, followed by a barbecue evening on board.
The next morning you will wake up in the spectacular lagoon of Toau. A dive is scheduled in the morning where you will once again dive the colorful marine life of this atoll.
Later in the day, you will take a shore excursion. You can swim in the lagoon and learn about Polynesian cuisine during a coconut tasting. Here you will also learn how coconut milk is made, an important ingredient in local dishes.
After lunch there is an opportunity for one last swim in the lagoon. The day ends with a beautiful sunset and dinner on board.
Day 11 | Diving in Garuae Pass
Early in the morning you will depart for northern Fakarava. After a short boat ride, anchor off the reef and dive the famous Garuae Pass, one of the widest passages in French Polynesia. Here you can expect large schools of fish, reef sharks and impressive current dives.
After lunch there will be a final dive before the Aqua Tiki sails quietly on to the village of Rotoava. During the last evening on board you will enjoy the sunset with a cocktail and the trip will be concluded festively during the farewell party.
Day 12 | The last morning on board
On the last morning there is time to visit the village and enjoy the water one last time. Then you will be transferred back to the airport. Here you will say goodbye in Polynesian atmosphere, before your trip ends or continue with a tour of French Polynesia.
For divers, it is absolutely recommended to extend the trip with a stay on Rangiroa or Moorea, for example. Rangiroa is known for spectacular drift dives with dolphins, sharks and large schools of pelagic fish. Moorea, on the other hand, offers a combination of relaxed island culture, beautiful coral reefs and encounters with turtles, rays and reef sharks.
Highlights of this trip
What can you expect from the underwater world in French Polynesia?
The shark wall of Fakarava
One of the absolute highlights of this trip is diving in the South Pass of Fakarava, known for its impressive “wall of sharks.” During the drift dives, you’ll float past hundreds of gray reef sharks gathering in the atoll’s passage. Among the sharks swim schools of barracudas, snappers and napoleon fish, while manta rays regularly glide by. Clear waters and strong currents make this dive site among the most spectacular shark experiences in the world.
More than just diving
This trip combines spectacular diving with plenty of opportunities to explore French Polynesia above water as well. You will visit small villages, deserted beaches and idyllic motus with pink sand. Between dives you can kayak, swim in crystal clear lagoons or visit a pearl farm. You will also get to know Polynesian culture during local excursions, barbecue nights and traditional meals. This way you will not only experience the underwater world, but also life on the remote atolls of the Tuamotu Islands.
Exclusive trips with Aqua Tiki
Aqua Tiki II
The livaboard and facilities
The Aqua Tiki is a comfortable and small-scale catamaran specially equipped for relaxed travel through the remote atolls of French Polynesia. With room for only eight guests, there is a quiet and personal atmosphere on board. The spacious lounge with library, video room and cocktail bar is the heart of the boat, while the covered outdoor area is perfect for dining together or enjoying the views across the lagoons. Up front are two large trampolines where you can relax while cruising. Thanks to its spacious layout, the boat feels more like a floating boutique hotel than a traditional liveaboard.
On board, you will be cared for by a permanent crew of three: a captain, a hostess and a diving instructor. Meals are an important part of the trip and often consist of fresh fish and local dishes, complemented by homemade treats such as bread, pancakes and yogurt. Between dives, there is plenty of time to enjoy life on board. Since there is no sailing every day, this also leaves plenty of room for excursions, beach visits and discovering Polynesian culture.
Travel costs
What is included
This dive vacation to French Polynesia is available from € 5.580 per person based on two people in one cabin. The diving trip can be extended as desired. A number of things are included as standard in this travel package.
It is also possible to be on the boat longer or shorter, there are different itineraries. Check the FAQ at the bottom of the page for the different options.
Prices are subject to price changes, increases or changing exchange rates. Flights are always based on the cheapest possible booking class.
Want to know more about this diving vacation to French Polynesia? Get in touch with us!
Included in this trip, from € 5.580 p.p.
- 9 nights in a cabin for 2 people
- Accommodation on full board basis
- Coffee, tea, drinking water, welcome drink
- Cabin towels
- Dive package consisting of 16 dives
- Use diving equipment
- Land excursions
- Use of kayaks and snorkeling equipment
- Return transfers
- VZR & Administration fee
Excluding
- Flight to Fakarava from € 2.100 p.p.
- Overnight stay in Tahiti (optional)
- Alcoholic beverages
- Dive and travel insurance
✈︎ The quoted (international) flight prices are indicative prices and based on departures from Europe. However, we can arrange flights from any location worldwide. Booking your own flights is of course also possible.
Optional
- WiFi on board (€ 25)
- Rental dive computer (€ 50 per week)
Send this trip by email
Want to save or share the details of this trip with someone? You can do so by sending the trip by email.
Where may we send the email to?
Frequently asked questions about this liveaboard
The liveaboard
Yes, the boat has several routes that are longer or shorter than the program on this page.
- 9 days / 8 nights
- 10 days / 9 nights
- 11 days / 10 nights
- 12 days / 11 nights
- 15 days / 14 nights
Absolutely! This is also one of the highlights of this boat. You don’t sail every day, allowing ample time to also visit the atolls themselves and walk the beautiful beaches.
The Aqua Tiki II is a small boat and has only 3 crew on board.
- The skipper / captain
- The hostess who cooks during the week and keeps the boat clean
- The diving instructor
Yes, you can use the WiFi for € 25
Diving general
Because of the current, a minimum of Advanced Open Water with 50 logged dives is required here.
You will make all dives from the zodiac. Most dives are drift dives.
Each day you can make up to 2 dives. Often there is 1 dive in the morning and 1 dive in the afternoon, after lunch. In consultation with the crew, some night dives can be planned during the week.
Yes, it is possible to make a night dive. This is not included in the program by default. Would you like to make night dives? That is in consultation with the crew and costs €100 per dive.
Yes, you can take a nitrox course. Only 1 dive instructor is present, so other courses will not be given during this week.
Diving equipment
Standard diving is done with DIN, but they can supply adapters for INT controllers
You dive here by default with a 15L tank.
Yes, you can dive here with nitrox.
The use of diving equipment is included as standard. Equipment includes a 15L tank, regulator, BCD, mask, snorkel, wetsuit and fins.
Renting a dive computer costs € 50 per week.
Related diving trips
We are EWDR
