Choosing Between Tetamanu Village and Motu Aito for Diving in Fakarava

[Juli124]

I’m planning a diving trip to Fakarava and I’m looking for some advice from those who have dived there before. I’m trying to decide between staying at Tetamanu Village or Motu Aito.

I’m okay with basic accommodations, but I draw the line at anything dirty or unhygienic. Also, safety is my top priority, so I’m looking for feedback on the quality and safety of the dive centers associated with these places.

If you’ve stayed at either of these accommodations or dived with their dive centers, I’d love to hear about your experiences—both the good and the bad.

Thankful for any pointers.

 

[bathbiggles2]

I’m planning a diving trip to Fakarava and I’m looking for some advice from those who have dived there before. I’m trying to decide between staying at Tetamanu Village or Motu Aito.

I’m okay with basic accommodations, but I draw the line at anything dirty or unhygienic. Also, safety is my top priority, so I’m looking for feedback on the quality and safety of the dive centers associated with these places.

If you’ve stayed at either of these accommodations or dived with their dive centers, I’d love to hear about your experiences—both the good and the bad.

Thankful for any pointers.

Hi Juli
We've just returned from Fakarava and dived both passes.

We stayed in the North and having been to Tetamanu Willage I'm pleased we didn't stya there. The place is very remote and there is nothing to do other than dive - with a 3 time daily limit. The accommodation is basic - no a/c obviously (but that's the same in the north) but quite run down and very untidy. Hygiene didn't look great. The choice in the north is pretty good for all budget levels.

My advice would be to stay on Fakarava long enough for a day trip (two dives plus about 75 minutes by boat) - or if not then only stay in the south one or two nights - unless you like your own company! The day trip usually go 2-3 a week depending on demand.

The diving in both passes was extraordinary - but if I had to choose personally the North has more excitement!

Hope your trip works out

 

[Islanddiver23]

Strong recommendation for motu aito. As @bathbiggles2 points out it is far from everything, so I would recommend taking your own entertainment (games, booze, whatever). Cell service is surprisingly good, so you could even stream movies if that’s what you’re looking for. Power and water are limited, so just something to be aware of and mentally prepared for.

As for motu aito specifically, there are a limited number of rooms, the owner was putting in desal last time we visited a few years ago and the dive master and equipment were excellent. This location was run by the owner of top dive when we were there. I assume this has not changed.

 

[Juli124]

Awesome thank you! We decided to go with Motu Aito and picked a Garden bungalow.
We'll be staying for 3 nights in order to get 2 days of diving in.
Afterwards we'll travel to the north and stay 4 nights at Kaipolanie Garden, which is supposed to be quite a lot nicer. So I feel fine, roughing it for 2 days (she said from her comfortable couch at home, haha).

We'll visit Moorea and Tikehau before. We won't dive on Moorea but plan to use our time at Tikehau for some more chill diving before checking out the passes of Fakarava.

 

[Manuel Sam]

After roughing it in the south, Kaipolanie Gardens will feel like you died and went to heaven. Each bungalow is spacious, has AC, a small fridge, and the wifi signal is excellent. The owners, Cedric and Vanina, are excellent hosts. Her cooking is excellent but very fish-centric.

Be advised that they do not provide drinking water except with meals, but it is not far to the bakery or the nearby grocery store (about 10 minutes walking) to get water and whatever else you need. There is another grocery store called Tumoana Market next to the town dock further north (about 20 minutes walking). It has more variety.

Have a great trip.