Fakarava Grouper Spawning Trip June 2025

Fakarava Grouper Spawning Group Trip June 2025

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. Various other species gather for this spectacular event such as sharks, barracuda, and other prefatory fish. Guests will spend 3 days at the Havaiki Lodge and 5 days at Motu Aito for a total of 7 nights and 6 days diving in Fakarava.

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.
• The trip is scheduled to target the exact Grouper Spawning date: June 11, 2025.
• Get a total of 17 dives in Fakarava, with Free Nitrox!

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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.

Our Bluewater trip has been planned to coincide with the predicted date of the grouper spawning in 2025. Please note that this will occur overnight and night diving is not permitted in Fakarava, however, in the days before and after the grouper spawning we can expect to see huge aggregations of grouper and sharks. We will also plan a dive very early in morning on the day after the grouper spawning to catch the final stages of the event.

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

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

• 3 nights accommodation in a beach bungalow with air conditioning in Havaiki Lodge 
• Half board meals (Breakfast and Dinner) at Havaiki Lodge
• 4 nights accommodation in a bungalow in Motu Aito Paradise. Note: none of the bungalows have air conditioning. All bungalows face the water and are cooled by ocean breezes. 
• Full board meals (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner) at Motu Aito Paradise
• 3 days diving in Fakarava North Pass (total 8 dives)
• 3 days diving in Fakarava South Pass (total 9 dives)
• Free Nitrox (subject to availability)
• Free rental scuba gear if required
• All airport transfers and transfers between resorts 

Exclusions

• Flights
• Lunches while at Havaiki Lodge
• Gratuities

Itinerary

• Jun 6: Arrival in Fakarava (FAV) and transfer to Havaiki Lodge to check in
• Jun 7: 3 dives in Fakarava North Pass
• Jun 8: 3 dives in Fakarava North Pass
• Jun 9: 2 dives in Fakarava North Pass and transfer to Motu Aito to check in
• Jun 10: 3 dives in Fakarava South Pass
• Jun 11: Expected day of grouper spawning. 3 dives in Fakarava South Pass
• Jun 12: 3 dives in Fakarava South Pass
• Jun 13: Check out of Motu Aito and transfer to Fakarava airport (FAV) 

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Havaiki Lodge

The Havaiki team, welcoming guests with warm Polynesian smiles, ensures a rich stay at the Havaiki Lodge. Located in Fakarava, the Havaiki Lodge welcomes guests to enjoy their ammenities on the lagoon or in the heart of the garden. Complete with kayaks, canoes, and bikes, the resort is the perfect place for guests to discover the most beautiful places such as the  well-known pink sand atolls. While here, guests are welcome to enjoy the cocktails and the refined cuisine of local and European inspiration.

Motu Aito

Motu Aito Paradise is a charming, isolated eco-resort that takes its commitment to long-term sustainability seriously. This island paradise is located in the protected UNESCO Biosphere Reserve of Fakarava, French Polynesia. Because of the area's Biosphere Reserve status, all construction at Motu Aito Paradise is done in the traditional Polynesia way using natural materials such as wood. This is a genuinely authentic escape from the hustle and bustle of modern life. 

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Trip Type

PHOTO GROUP TRIP

Led by a professional or experienced photographer who will be happy to provide advice and guidance on all elements of your photography as required. The logistics of this trip mean that formal photography tutorials and workshops are not practical. 

What to expect from our Photo Group Trips

• Photography support - Your trip leader will ensure that they spend time with everyone throughout the trip, providing advice and guidance on all elements of photography. If you have specific questions about your equipment, shot composition, or post-processing, they will be happy to support you.
• Quality time with fellow photographers - You will meet like-minded divers or travelers with a passion for photography. Newer photographers will benefit from the experience of more advanced shooters, and those with experience can share their advice and tips with the group. 
• Suitable for everyone - New and experienced photographers are welcome on all our trips. Gain the necessary skills to start shooting great photos, increase your confidence in finding the best underwater shots, or hone specific skills. We also encourage non-photographers to join, and do our best to split groups according to skills and interests. 
• Enjoy free,  unlimited access to a wealth of knowledge and advice from your photo instructor.

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Flight Information

Guests should fly internationally to Tahiti (PPT), arriving in the evening of Jun 5 or early morning of Jun 6. 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 6 with Air Tahiti https://www.airtahiti.com/en/. We recommend booking domestic flights early as they book up well in advance. 

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About The Trip Leader

Mark Hatter is an accomplished photojournalist who has had nearly one hundred feature articles with many hundreds of images published in more than two dozen fly fishing and diving publications over the last two decades.  His most recent destination features have appeared in Alert Diver and Diver (UK) magazines. 

Mark has traveled the world in pursuit of new underwater photography challenges, including cold-water destinations such as British Columbia and even Antarctica in January 2018.  

“Of course, I love shooting in tropical locations but I think cold water diving is a great forcing function to hone one’s photography skills as the environment and equipment are much more demanding of a diver.  Good image capture in cold water is particularly rewarding.” Mark tells us. 

Mark has been shooting underwater since the early 1980s and has worked in both film and digital mediums in his photojournalism pursuits.  In 35 years of diving, Mark has logged over 2000 hours, much of it doing underwater photography.  Currently, he teaches underwater photography classes locally at Seminole Scuba in Lake Mary, Florida. More about Mark here.

Payment Schedule  

Deposit: $1,000

Second Payment: $2,000 due September 1, 2024

Balance due: February 1, 2025

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Photo Gallery 

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