The Tuamotus are otherwise known as 'The Dangerous Archipelago', a name inspired by their reef dotted lagoons and somewhat difficult passes. Proof of these hazards lie in the amount of ship wrecks you often see strewn along the outside of the atolls. We didn't have much trouble with any of the passes even though we entered what is considered one of the most dangerous ones in Aratika. Saying that, we went to great lengths to enter the lagoons at the right time i.e. in-coming currents.



Jamie keeps a lookout as we negotiate Fakarava's Lagoon



Aratika



Kauehi


The Tuamotus have presumably been formed by sunken volcanoes. As the volcano sunk, a rim of sand, shells and coral has accumulated to create an outer rim of atolls and a large central lagoon miles wide. Coconut palms sprout out of the atolls which form the outer rim and the protected centre. This protected center is perfect for harvesting Black Lipped Oysters, Black Pearls.



Trading for Black Pearls


We enjoyed our stay immensely. Snorkelling with sharks, Manta Rays, Napoleon fish, trumpet fish. Shell collecting at low tide. Jamming with local woman Valentine and other Musicians in Toau. Seeing the pearl grafting process in Kauehi, and the extraction process. Trading rum for pearls.



Black Tipped reef shark, Fakarava


The islands felt so remote, so off the beaten track. What an adventure!