Fakarava Shark & Atoll Expedition
French Polynesia
Trip Details
When:
March 13-20, 2027
Length:
8 Days / 7 Nights
Embarkation:
Fakarava (FAK)
Disembarkation:
Fakarava (FAK)
Trip Leader:
Kelsey Williamson
Standard Cabin (1 available)
$7,995 USD per cabin
Based on two guests sharing. Perfect for couples or friends traveling together.
Private Cabin (Solo Occupancy): $6,995 USD
Premium Cabin (4 available)
$8,495 USD per cabin
Based on two guests sharing. Enjoy one of our larger cabins with added space and comfort.
Private Cabin (Solo Occupancy): $7,495 USD
***Trip confirmed with a minimum of 4 cabins booked.
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 6 guest cabins 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:
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South Pass shark encounters
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North Pass exploration
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Toau Atoll
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Faaite Atoll
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Remote motus and lagoons
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Snorkeling and freediving
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Optional scuba diving excursions
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Small group experience (maximum 5 guest cabins)
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French & Tahitian cuisine prepared onboard
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Kayaks and paddleboards
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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.
Your Home at Sea: The Lagoon 620
For this expedition, we'll call a 62-foot Lagoon 620 catamaran home as we explore the remote atolls of the Tuamotu Archipelago.
Designed for comfort on longer passages, the Lagoon 620 offers spacious cabins, expansive outdoor lounging areas, panoramic ocean views, and plenty of room to relax between adventures. Whether you're enjoying your morning coffee on deck, watching dolphins play in the bow wave, or gathering for sunset after a day of exploring, life onboard becomes part of the experience itself.
At 62 feet in length, the Lagoon 620 is exceptionally stable and well-suited for open-ocean crossings, providing a comfortable platform for exploring some of the most remote corners of French Polynesia. Air-conditioned cabins, hot-water showers, generous common spaces, and freshly prepared meals onboard ensure that you'll have all the comforts of home while surrounded by some of the most spectacular seascapes on Earth.
With only a small group of guests onboard, this is not a crowded cruise ship experience,it's an intimate expedition designed to immerse you in the beauty, wildlife, and culture of the Tuamotus.
INCLUDED
Onboard Accommodation & Sailing Experience
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7 nights aboard a spacious 62 ft+ catamaran
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Private cabins with linens, towels & daily comforts
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Skipper and hostess/cook
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Dinghy & outboard for lagoon exploration
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Snorkeling gear, paddles, & water access
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Fuel, mooring & harbor fees, end cleaning
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Starter pack & handling fees included
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Freshwater, shower gel, and shampoo provided
Meals
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Full board: breakfast, lunch , afternoon snack & dinner prepared onboard
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Soft drinks included (alcohol available by request)
Creative & Cultural Experiences -
Digital photo & video package from ocean photographer Kelsey Williamson
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Cultural teachings from a Mo'orea local,
Patea Alexandre
NOT INCLUDED
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Flights & transfers
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Alcoholic beverages
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Cancellation insurance
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Optional scuba diving excursions can be arranged with trusted local dive operators at each destination (additional cost, approx $200 for a 2 tank dive)
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Tourist taxes & island/customs fees (if applicable)
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Private excursions & special meal requests
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Tips & anything not specifically listed
IMPORTANT NOTE
Our itineraries are designed to provide the best possible experience; however, routes, activities, and destinations may be modified due to weather, ocean conditions, technical considerations, or other factors beyond our control. Flexibility is part of any expedition, and changes may occur with little or no notice to ensure the safety of our guests, crew, and vessel.
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.
