WEsail · video

What this video covers

A 50-nautical-mile passage from Tahanea to Fakarava in the Tuamotu archipelago involves navigating the South pass, where outgoing tides can generate currents of five to six knots.0:18 Despite the strong current, the pass remains manageable for a cruising vessel without producing hazardous sea states.2:00 Once inside the atoll, the anchorage offers reliable holding on the first attempt.2:14 The area is a destination for shark diving, specifically near the inlet and the "shark wall" or "shark cave" formations.3:38 Local conditions at Fakarava include access to shore-based amenities like bars and beaches, though wind conditions can vary significantly, ranging from breezy to calm.17:53 The transit across the atoll to reach different dive sites or exit points can take approximately eight hours depending on wind speed and direction.21:30

More from WEsail

We Had to Abort the Passage | Sailing Fiji's Reef-Strewn WatersSept 2026France to Fiji in 24 Hours | Back to Boat LifeAug 2026We Flew Halfway Around the World to Surprise My Family | Fiji to FranceAug 202613 Knots, Big Seas & Dolphins at Sunset | Sailing Back to Fiji's MainlandAug 2026

From WEsail — see the channel’s boat, crew, and every analysed video.

The Sailing Directory Newsletter

One email with the fleet's best finds — the moments, boats, and stories worth your watch time. Enter your own address to get your own copy.