Fakarava Grouper Spawning & Exploration Trip June 2026

Fakarava Grouper Spawning & Exploration Trip June 2026

Join us in the Fakarava Atoll and experience the Grouper Spawning, where female groupers release millions of eggs and the males release clouds of sperm to ensure fertilization and the future of grouper populations. Travel aboard the well-equipped 18.9m Lagoon 620 Catamaran and explore the remote atoll of Toau, a hidden gem of French Polynesian diving.

Why Join This Trip?

• Experience the spectacular event that is the Grouper Spawning, where millions of eggs and sperm are released to ensure fertilization.
• Get the chance to see other pelagics such as sharks and barracudas.
• Travel aboard the luxurious Lagoon 620 catamaran
• Fully refundable deposit until 18 months from departure.
• Take advantage of our Flight Package.

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Trip Overview

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. This remarkable occurrence offers a unique and unforgettable experience for those lucky enough to witness this spectacular event.

After witnessing the spawning event we travel to the Tuamotu Archipelago where guests will have the unique opportunity to dive the pristine reefs and discover this stunning part of French Polynesia rarely visited by tourists. Toau is a remote atoll in the Tuamotu Archipelago of French Polynesia, known for its untouched beauty and exceptional diving conditions. Unlike more frequented dive sites, Toau offers a tranquil and secluded environment with crystal-clear waters, vibrant coral reefs, and an abundance of marine life. Divers can explore diverse underwater landscapes, from lush coral gardens to deep drop-offs, often encountering a variety of fish species, including colorful reef fish, majestic rays, and occasional sharks. Its relatively isolated location means fewer crowds and a more intimate connection with nature, making it a hidden gem for adventurous divers seeking a unique and serene diving experience.

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

Read our full 2024 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!

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Inclusions

• Full board (breakfast, lunch, dinner + non-alcoholic beverages)
• Bedding, towels & beach towels
• Fuel and water
• Insurance (liability) for the boat and passengers
• 2 Paddle boards / 1 kayak
• Relocation fees included
• 2 Exploration dives / day (8 days of diving) - (3rd dive during a day – extra €70 per diver)
• Aluminum dive tanks and weights, 02 safety kit
• Dive tender and pilot + fuel, private dive guide (English & French speaking)
• Insurance and liability of the tender, pilot & dive guide

Exclusions

• Dive gear: wetsuits, snorkeling gear, BCDs, regulators & octopus
• Underwater photo equipment
• Personal dive insurance / travel insurance / cancellation insurance
• Alcoholic beverages
• Shore-based excursions
• Airport transfers and flights
• Personal expenses
• Crew And dive team gratuity
• Harbour and mooring fees for the catamaran If Any 

Itinerary

• Day 1 – 27th June
• Fakarava North Pass: Boarding in the afternoon
  Refresher dive
  Lecture about underwater highlights in the Tuamotu
• Day 2 – 28th June
• Fakarava North Pass
  Morning dive
  Possibility for shore-based activities
• Days 3 - 4 – 29th – 30th June
• Fakarava North Pass to South Pass
  The boats head to Fakarava’s South Pass through the lagoon (about 30NM)
  Arrival at the South Pass – dive in the afternoon
• Day 5 – 1st July
• Fakarava South Pass
  Grouper spawning event
• Days 6 & 7 – 2nd – 3rd July
• Fakarava South Pass to Toau
  Early morning dive at the South Pass
  The boats head back to the North Pass
  Dive at the North Pass then en route to Toau (about 15 NM from Fakarava North Pass)
  Diving at Toau
• Day 8 – 4th July
• Toau to Fakarava North Pass
  Last morning dive
  The boats will cruise back to Fakarava for the last night at anchor close to the North Pass and village
• Day 9 – 5th July
• Fakarava North Pass
  Departure

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About the Lagoon 620 Catamaran 

Experience the ultimate in comfort and adventure aboard a fully crewed 18.9m Lagoon 620 catamaran. This luxurious vessel serves as your floating home throughout the journey, offering serene views of the remote archipelago between exploration dives and fresh, delicious meals. The catamaran accommodates up to 10 guests in 5 spacious cabins, each featuring air conditioning and an ensuite bathroom, ensuring privacy and relaxation. The dedicated crew, consisting of a captain and a hostess/cook, attends to your every need, creating a seamless and enjoyable experience.

For your diving convenience, a 9.5m semi-inflatable dive tender accompanies the catamaran, acting as a dedicated dive operation platform. This tender is equipped with a Bauer Mariner compressor, keeping dive tanks and gear onboard, which allows for more space and quietness on the catamaran itself. Designed as a superyacht support vessel, the tender provides ample comfort, space, and shade, ensuring each dive is conducted in optimal conditions.

Please note that the boat only has double bed cabins. Solo travelers or friends sharing a cabin will be given a bed divider for privacy. 

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Trip Type

This trip is a group trip, not a photography workshop. It will be led by an experienced Bluewater trip leader who will manage the trip logistics and ensure your needs are met throughout. While this trip is designed to optimize your photography opportunities, it is not led by one of our photo instructors and so meaningful photography advice from your trip leader should not be expected. 

What to expect from our Group Trips

• Meet like-minded travelers - Our Group Trips are perfect for solo travelers who enjoy meeting other divers or photographers and enjoy the support of a pre-arranged itinerary. Your trip leader will arrange group activities such as meals or game nights to ensure everyone feels part of the Bluewater family.
• Problems solved - Your trip leader will be on hand to assist with any issues you may have. From delayed or canceled flights, to lost room keys and dietary requirements. We have dealt with it all before and will ensure that your trip runs smoothly.

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Flight Information

Guests should fly internationally to Tahiti (PPT), arriving in the evening of Jun 26 or early morning of Jun 27. Direct flights are available from LAX and SFO with United, Air Tahiti Nui, Delta, French Bee, and Qantas. You should then book a domestic flight from PPT to FAV on Jun 27 with Air Tahiti https://www.airtahiti.com/en/. We recommend booking domestic flights early as they book up well in advance. 

Guests will be met at Fakarava Airport and transferred to the boat for embarkation.

Flight Package

Our group trips attract guests from all over the globe and many of our customers prefer to book their own flights to take advantage of mileage points or credit card discounts. For these reasons, flights are not included in our group trip packages. 

However, we are more than happy to work with you to find the best travel itinerary for your trip and will gladly give suggestions and advice, even if you make the final booking. We will check through your travel reservations at any time to ensure they fit with the trip schedule and can give recommendations on transit hotels and day tours where needed. 

If you would like us to book flights, hotels, and transfers for your domestic and/or international travel on your behalf, we are also happy to arrange this. Please be advised that there is a 10% fee for this service to cover our booking and administration costs. 

Contact Us for more information.

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Recommended Gear

• Wetsuits. A full-length Lycra skin or a 3mm neoprene suit is recommended. A hood or hooded vest provides additional warmth and sun protection. Browse Wetsuits at Bluewater Photo.
• Strong fins. We recommend the Apeks RK3 Dive Fins. 
• SMB. The Mares Dive Marker Buoy is our choice!
• Travel BCD. Read our Best Travel BCD Article.
• Travel regulator. We suggest Mares Ultra 62X Dive Regulator.
• Dive computer. Take your pick of dive computers at Bluewater Photo. 

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Payment Schedule  

Deposit: $3,000

Second Payment: $3,000 due June 1, 2025

Balance due: December 1, 2025

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Photo Gallery 

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