Tag: Fakarava

Where in the World Are We?

We are in Fakarava, French Polynesia.

FAKARAVA, FRENCH POLYNESIA
A UNESCO Biosphere Atoll of Reefs, Passes, and Polynesian History.
Fakarava is oblong-shaped and has an almost continuous string of reef and motu stretching for 25 miles on its eastern edge.

It’s the second largest of the Tuamotu atolls, located 280 miles northeast of Tahiti and 75 miles southeast of Rangiroa.

It’s renowned for the drift diving in its two passes – Garuae (also spelled Ngarue) in the north near the main town of Rotoava (and the airport) and Tamakohua Pass, 30 miles across the lagoon in the south.

The tiny village of Tetamanu, situated by the southern pass, was once the capital of the Tuamotus and houses the first church in the archipelago, built in 1874.

In 2006, the entire atoll was deemed a UNESCO biosphere reserve; to preserve the lagoon, no overwater bungalows have been built in it.

Fakarava was “discovered” by Russian explorer Fabian Gottlieb Von Bellingshausen in 1820; some 20 years later, missionaries arrived, in the guise of fanatical Catholic priest Honore Laval, and began building churches.

Fakarava, also historically known as Havaiki-te-araro, Havai’i, or Farea, is a breathtaking coral atoll in the western Tuamotu Archipelago of French Polynesia. Renowned for its vast lagoon and pristine reefs, Fakarava holds the distinction of being the second-largest atoll in the Tuamotus, making it a standout destination for nature lovers and divers alike.

Where Is Fakarava Located?

Fakarava lies in the western Tuamotu Islands, a remote chain of coral atolls in the South Pacific Ocean. Its nearest neighbor is Toau Atoll, situated approximately 9 miles to the northwest. This isolation has helped preserve Fakarava’s exceptional marine biodiversity and tranquil atmosphere.

Why Fakarava Is Special

• Size & Scale: As one of the largest Tuamotu atolls, Fakarava features an expansive lagoon surrounded by coral reefs.
• Marine Biodiversity: The atoll is part of a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, celebrated for its rich underwater ecosystems.
• Cultural Heritage: Its multiple traditional names reflect deep Polynesian history and cultural significance.
• Remote Beauty: Limited development keeps the environment pristine and authentic.

A Must-Visit Atoll in the Tuamotus

Whether you’re researching French Polynesia’s atolls, planning a diving adventure in the Tuamotu Archipelago, or exploring rem

Dinner was in The Atlantide Restaurant