Fakarava Shark & Atoll Expedition

French Polynesia

Trip Details

When:
March, 2027

Length:

8 Days / 7 Nights

Group Size:

10 people

Trip Leaders
Kelsey Williamson

Where:

Embark: Fakarava (FAK)
Disembark: Fakarava (FAK)

2027 Rates:

Twin Share Cabin
$4,995 USD per person

Private Double Cabin

(Solo Occupancy)
$8,495 USD

Private Double Cabin (2 Guests)

$9,995 USD per cabin
($4,998 USD per person)

Why This Trip Is Special

Fakarava is often considered one of the world's greatest shark diving and snorkeling destinations, but there's far more to this UNESCO Biosphere Reserve than its famous passes.

This expedition is designed to slow down and fully immerse ourselves in the atolls surrounding Fakarava, allowing us to explore places that many visitors never have the chance to experience. Rather than rushing between islands, we'll spend our time discovering remote motus, vibrant coral reefs, turquoise lagoons, and the incredible marine life that calls this region home.

One of the greatest advantages of exploring by catamaran is the freedom it provides. Instead of being limited to a single island or accommodation, we'll have the flexibility to move throughout the atoll and visit remote locations that are difficult to access independently.

From the legendary shark-filled channels of the South Pass to the untouched beauty of Toau and Faaite, each day offers a new opportunity for adventure both above and below the surface.

With only 10 guests onboard, this is a true small-group expedition for ocean lovers, photographers, freedivers, snorkelers, and divers seeking a deeper connection to one of the most spectacular marine environments on Earth.

HIGHLIGHTS

Explore the legendary passes of Fakarava and some of the most remote atolls in the Tuamotus aboard a

private catamaran.

Highlights include:

South Pass shark encounters
North Pass exploration
Toau Atoll
Faaite Atoll
Remote motus and lagoons
Snorkeling and freediving
Optional scuba diving excursions
Small group experience (maximum 10 guests)
French & Tahitian cuisine prepared onboard
Kayaks and paddleboards
Local cultural experiences

This expedition is designed for ocean lovers, photographers, freedivers, snorkelers, and scuba divers looking to experience the wild side of French Polynesia.

How to get to FAKARAVA

Getting to Fakarava is easier than most people expect.

Guests will first fly into Tahiti International Airport (PPT) on the island of Tahiti. From there, a domestic flight with Air Tahiti or Air Moana will take you directly to Fakarava, located in the heart of the Tuamotu Archipelago.

We recommend arriving in Tahiti at least one day before your domestic flight to allow for any travel delays.

The expedition begins in Fakarava, where we'll board the catamaran at 3:00 PM on embarkation day. Detailed flight recommendations and booking guidance will be provided to all confirmed guests closer to departure.

THE CATAMARAN- bali 5.4

For this expedition, we'll call a private Bali 5.4 catamaran home as we journey through some of the most remote and spectacular atolls in French Polynesia.

Built for both comfort and exploration, the vessel offers spacious cabins, air conditioning, hot-water showers, expansive outdoor deck space, and plenty of room to relax between adventures. Wake up anchored inside turquoise lagoons, spend your days exploring shark-filled passes and remote motus, and enjoy evenings beneath some of the darkest, star-filled skies in the South Pacific.

With only 10 guests onboard, this is not a crowded cruise, it's a true small-group expedition designed for ocean lovers, photographers, freedivers, and adventurers seeking a deeper connection to the Tuamotus.

INCLUDED

Onboard Accommodation & Sailing Experience

10 nights aboard a spacious 54 ft+ catamaran
Private cabins with linens, towels & daily comforts
Skipper and hostess/cook
Dinghy & outboard for lagoon exploration
Snorkeling gear, paddles, & water access
Fuel, mooring & harbor fees, end cleaning
Starter pack & handling fees included
Freshwater, shower gel, and shampoo provided

Meals

Full board: breakfast, lunch , afternoon snack & dinner prepared onboard
Soft drinks included (alcohol available by request)

Creative & Cultural Experiences
Digital photo & video package from ocean photographer Kelsey Williamson
Storytelling, songs, and cultural teachings from a Mo'orea local, Poema Duprel

NOT INCLUDED

Flights & transfers
Alcoholic beverages
Cancellation insurance
Scuba diving excursions (additional cost)

Tourist taxes & island/customs fees (if applicable)
Private excursions & special meal requests
Tips & anything not specifically listed

TRIP LEADERS

KELSEY WILLIAMSON

Ocean born in spirit, Kelsey is an underwater photographer, expedition leader, and lifelong seeker of wild encounters. What began as a personal devotion to the sea grew into a calling, creating small, intentional journeys where people can swim alongside marine life, wander remote coastlines, and feel the awe of something ancient beneath the surface.

For more than seven years, she has guided expeditions across French Polynesia, Mexico, Norway, and beyond, documenting moments that remind us of our place within the natural world. To Kelsey, photography isn’t just about images, it’s about translating wonder into action. Her mission is to inspire connection so deep that it naturally leads to protection. Because when we fall in love with the ocean, we begin to care. And when we care, we change.

Deeply tied to the rhythms of nature and endlessly curious, Kelsey is more than your guide, she’s a storyteller, an advocate, and a bridge between travelers and the wild. To join her is not only to explore, but to rediscover how deeply we belong to this planet.

Patea Alexandre

Patea is a local from Mo'orea who grew up on the water, surfing, spearfishing, and exploring the ocean from a young age. He began working on whale tours in 2002 as an underwater cameraman, long before getting in the water with humpback whales became common.

Having spent time living and working in Fakarava, he knows the lagoons, passes, and hidden corners of the atoll like the back of his hand. With over 25 years of experience on the water, Patea brings a deep knowledge of French Polynesia, its marine life, and the ocean conditions that shape these islands.

An accomplished freediver, spearfisherman, fisherman, and dedicated father, Patea is not only an incredible waterman but also someone whose passion for the ocean is contagious. Whether sharing stories, spotting wildlife, or exploring remote corners of the Tuamotus, he's the kind of person you'll feel lucky to spend time with on the water.

Ultimate Tuamotu Expedition

For those who truly want to experience the Tuamotus in depth, it is possible to combine both expeditions into one unforgettable 17-day adventure.

Spend over two weeks exploring remote atolls, shark-filled passes, vibrant coral reefs, hidden lagoons, and some of the most spectacular waters in French Polynesia.

If you're interested in joining both the Fakarava Shark & Atoll Expedition and the Tuamotus Crossing Expedition, please email us for discounted pricing and availability.