Tetamanu Village & Sauvage

This feels like a real, grounded place, quiet and far from everything, rather than a five-star resort. The diving is among the best in the world. You can see the famous wall of sharks right in front of you, reef sharks passing during breakfast, and colorful fish everywhere. The night dive was the highlight, with hundreds of sharks hunting below you.

The diving was 1000% worth it, and the instructors were amazing. The local staff provided decent service, though asking them for information or help seemed to annoy them. Be ready for a very basic camping experience. When we arrived, our private bathroom and sink looked like they hadn’t been cleaned for 4-5 months. Both had black smears and a foul smell. There’s understandably no AC, but there weren’t even fans despite the heat and very little wind. A small investment from the owner could make things much better. The food was average at best. Every meal came with rice or pasta and mashed potatoes, but not fresh fish each time, even though we were on a deserted island surrounded by millions of fish that were free to catch. There were no vegetables or fruit. The boat trip to Tetamanu village takes a solid two hours, not the advertised one hour. It’s also important that your flight arrive by 4 PM at the latest if you want a ride to the village. Otherwise, pickup is the next day. We only found this out two days before pickup, so we had to make rushed arrangements even though we’d booked a month earlier.

Tetamanu village is a peaceful escape from the chaos of the world, tucked away on a remote motu in Fakarava atoll. The property is charming, the staff very friendly, and the diving world-class. Our bungalow was spacious and comfortable, the food was good, and the atmosphere was a 10/10. The beds and showers could use an update, but nobody presents this as a five-star resort. It’s a fantastic place in an ideal location, and I’d highly recommend staying here.

The diving was the most amazing I’ve ever experienced, especially if you’re even a little curious about sharks. The hosts are funny and enjoy life. We could spot sharks around the accommodation and main area by the arrival dock and restaurant, both day and night, even as snorkelers or without getting in the water. The sunset night dive was amazing, too. We stayed three nights and arrived after dark. At first we wondered if that was too long, but we ended up wishing we’d stayed several days more. Pickup from our accommodation in Fakarava North went smoothly. The boat ride was bumpy and took about two hours, a little longer than expected. Rooms are basic but huge, with no AC and mosquitoes, so it’s not for luxury or comfort-only travelers. There’s lots to do: go fishing with the captain, visit the pink beach, or walk around the small island. There’s a small beautiful church, and a woman nearby sells artisanal jewelry. You can rent kayaks next door, or just read and hang out on your terrace until the sun gets too hot. Mauruuru for a great stay. We’ll be back for sure, Marc and Luana!