Fakarava Travel Guide

Located in the Tuamotu archipelago in the South Pacific Ocean, Fakarava is one of the most spectacular islands in French Polynesia. It is an absolutely fantastic place to photograph, full of palm trees that lean out over white-sand beaches and turquoise water teeming with tropical fish. Fakarava was not discovered until 1820. It was formerly known as Hawaiki and was established as the ancient capital of the Tuamotu archipelago towards the end of the 19th century.

The atoll surrounds an incredible lagoon, so unique that it was declared a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in 2006. This distinction recognizes not only the beauty of the island itself but also the outstandingly diverse and abundant marine life that it hosts. Snorkeling or scuba diving in the north or south ocean channels is highly recommended. Taiaro, located to the northeast of Fakarava Atoll, was the first atoll in the world to be included in the “Man and the Biosphere Program” (MAB) in January 1977. Subsequently, 29 years later in October 2006, this designation was extended to the remaining six atolls of the Fakarava Commune (Aratika, Fakarava, Kauehi, Niau, Raraka and Toau). Today the entire archipelago is known as the Commune de Fakarava Biosphere Reserve.

Keep on reading to find much more, including some great pictures.