Relais Marama
About this stay
Relais Marama is a simple guesthouse in Rotoava, the village on the northern side of Fakarava atoll, close to the shops and the dive centres that run trips to Garuae Pass. Its bungalows are raised on stilts on the ocean side of the motu, each with a small terrace and mosquito nets, and there is also a campground. Rotoava is small enough to get around on foot or by bike. It suits divers and budget travelers who want to stay in the village and spend their money underwater rather than on a room.
Good for
About Fakarava
Fakarava is a large rectangular atoll in the Tuamotu Archipelago, a long thin ring of coral islets enclosing a lagoon roughly 60 km from end to end. It is known above all for diving, especially its two passes: Garuae in the north and Tumakohua in the south. It suits divers, snorkellers and travellers happy with simple guesthouses, a single village and very little nightlife. Unlike the high Society Islands there are no mountains here, just sand, coconut palms and water.
Getting there
Fakarava's airport (FAV) is near Rotoava in the north. Air Tahiti flies from Papeete in about an hour, sometimes stopping at another Tuamotu atoll on the way. Inter-island cargo ships also call from Papeete, a slow but scenic option for travellers with time.