Off the Beaten Track
Nitrox Included
Shark Encounters
Every year, the Grouper Spawning occurs in Fakarava Atoll, where numerous groupers of different species come together. The primary gathering spot for these groupers is the southern pass, which connects the lagoon to the open ocean. During this event, female groupers release millions of eggs, and the males release clouds of sperm, ensuring successful fertilization.
This spawning event is essential for sustaining grouper populations and also attracts various marine predators and scavengers. Sharks, barracudas, and other predatory fish often gather in large numbers to capitalize on the abundant food available during the spawning season.
Our Bluewater trip has been planned to coincide with the predicted date of the grouper spawning in 2027. Please note that this will occur overnight and night diving is not permitted in Fakarava, however, in the days before and after the grouper spawning we can expect to see huge aggregations of grouper and sharks. We will also plan a dive very early in morning on the day after the grouper spawning to catch the final stages of the event.
This remarkable occurrence offers a unique and unforgettable experience for those lucky enough to witness this spectacular event.
Check out this amazing video of thousands of groupers in Fakarava!
Read our full 2025 Fakarava Grouper Spawning Trip Recap, and check out Scott Gietler's photo essay from our past grouper spawning trip. There's more than just sharks in French Polynesia!
See what to expect during this trip, with our video recap from our 2024 Fakarava Grouper spawning trip:
Video recap of Bluewater Travel's 2024 Fakarava Grouper Spawning Trip
The Havaiki team, welcoming guests with warm Polynesian smiles, ensures a rich stay at the Havaiki Lodge. Located in Fakarava, Havaiki Lodge welcomes guests to enjoy their ammenities on the lagoon or in the heart of the garden. Complete with kayaks, canoes, and bikes, the resort is the perfect place for guests to discover the most beautiful places such as the well-known pink sand atolls. While here, guests are welcome to enjoy the cocktails and the refined cuisine of local and European inspiration.
Motu Aito is considered a “pension” in French Polynesia, which is a local Tahitian guesthouse and is not in the same category as a resort or hotel. The accommodation options range from large ocean facing bungalows with up to 4 beds to small over water bungalows with a small queen bed for a couple. All bungalows are built of wood in traditional Tahitian style. While they do not have air conditioning, each of the bungalows faces the ocean and the fresh sea breeze flows through large windows. Some bungalows do not have doors, instead, a curtain hangs in the doorway for privacy. Beds are equipped with sheets and mosquito nets to keep insects out. Most bungalows have an ensuite shower and toilet in a separate room, however, Suite Rai, Lagoon Bungalow Kaha, and Lagoon Bungalow Teanuanua contains the ensuite within the main room and is separated by only a curtain. Therefore, we recommend these for only solo travelers or companions who are comfortable with an extra layer of “closeness”. The ensuites are equipped with Western-style sit-down flush toilets and a basic shower consisting of a hose attached to a spicket. While there is no hot water, the cool shower water is pleasant in the hot weather.


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