Photo courtesy of Ina Koys

TAKAROA TODAY

Takaroa is found in the northern part of the Tuamotu Archipelago in French Polynesia. The largest of the Polynesian archipelagoes, it is an enormous arc of seventy-six islands and coral atolls stretching one thousand miles.  True atolls have unbroken reefs, but most of the Tuamoto reefs are broken, forming passes and islets into a central lagoon.

Home to 1100 Paumotu people, Takaroa is 14.4 miles long and 4.8 miles wide, with a 15 ft. deep pass through the barrier reef.

On the surface of the vast inside lagoon you can see the outlines of little jetties and pearl farm structures. Black Tahiti cultured pearls from Takaroa's lagoon are famous for their quality.

The small but charming village of Teavaroa is located 1.2 miles from the airport. The whitewashed walls of the homes on the Tuamotu islands are typically decorated with "tifaifai" cushions, shell necklaces and shell art work.

CATCH THE TRADEWINDS . . .