Fakarava Atoll

 

Our first stop in French Polynesia is a long thin (300-400 meters or so) coral atoll. “No Bikini Atoll” and McHale’s Navy, comedy highlights from my formative years come to mind. 

An early tender boat takes us to shore where we rent bicycles for our morning’s outing. We take the road on the lagoon (west) side out of town, and after a couple of kilometers turn onto the main paved road along the middle.

The exposed east side of the atoll has heavy surf and currents. It is not recommended for bathing. The lagoon side is sparsely developed, with hostels, dive shops , and modest private residences scattered along the way. Eve turns back to find a bathing spot. I continue on to the pavements end, about 15 km from the harbor, before turning around and riding back. 

The vegetation is lush. I marvel at the many coconuts hanging from the trees. At dinner we had heated debate about whether these were edible. 

On my return to town I find Eve and Ilona at a small beach. It is hard to overstate how clear and turquoise colored the water in the lagoon is. 

Following a quick swim and beer we head back towards the harbor, and return to the ship.  

Tomorrow: The island Moorea.