January 4, 2026
When you think about escaping to a semi-deserted, tropical island to recharge, FAKARAVA wins my vote! I had never heard of this place a month ago and when I did, people giggled, just saying its name. No one knew what we were going to do there for 2 days. Divers knew a little about it, but we couldn't find any tours through usual channels.
Fakarava is a remote coral atoll in the Tiamat Archipelago, about 280 miles NE of Tahiti, with a population of roughly 800, spread mainly around the main village of Rotoava, (where we tendered too.) The atoll and several nearby islands form the UNESCO designated Fakarava Biosphere Reserve, renowned for pristine reefs, rare birdlife and world class shark diving. Fakarava has an easygoing "old Polynesia" vibe, sandy lanes, bikes instead of taxis, tiny family shops and water so clear you can see rays and reef sharks gliding over the coral heads right from shore. It's all about nature - lagoon, sky and quiet! What a wonderful place!!
Below are drone shots from resident Janette.
My afternoon in Paradise! I rented an e-bike at tender drop off in village and then set off down road to PK9 beach where I met up with my buddy Ben, who had come ashore earlier. This little girl took a real shining to Ben, was so sweet, with big smile!
