Deserted Pink Sands Beach- Fakarava

We found ourselves in total seclusion on the island of Fakarava. The second biggest atoll in the west of the Tuamotu group, was simply beyond imagination with an endless horizon, unbelievably wild scenery and placid pristine waters.  Fakarava was unique and inconceivable, an undiscovered oasis where we would have  loved to be  stranded on.

I remember waking up with the first rays of the sun. Guille was deeply  asleep so I headed out to our private outdoor terrace to savour the unsurpassed views of the infinite lagoon. There, surrounded by beauty, I realized once again that travel is worth any effort, sacrifice or expense. It had been such an endless journey to that remote piece of land, but we had made it and I was glad.

The smell of freshly brewed coffee distracted me from my own thoughts. Breakfast was ready. Fresh fruit, French baguettes, jam and local honey, cereals, chocolate pastries, cheeses, ham…I couldn’t have asked for more. It was going to be an unforgettable day discovering the atoll’s marvelous underwater world and for that reason, a healthy and nutritious meal was essential to boost our energy.

 

A stranded Pearl in the Ocean

Hugo, Claire and Mateata awaited us at the pier. In a couple of minutes we would be reaching the rolling blue sea and navigating through big waves. After a memorable morning snorkelling at Tetamanu Pass, we smoothly sailed to one of the most beautiful places on Earth: The Pink Sands Beach!

As we anchored in the crystal-blue waters, the famous mutinity on the Bounty in 1769 came to my mind. I could never blame the British crew for tossing their captain and superiors in a life boat and seeking refuge on the exotic islands of French Polynesia.

Like them, we had encountered a precious pearl in the Pacific with exotic shores shaded by coconut palms and pink sands stretching to infinity. With not a soul in sight, the pink sands beach seemed one of the last untouched paradises on Earth.

The incredible visibility of the water and the infinite shades of blue completely amazed us. A few vessels serenely cruised in the distant, however, we felt like being isolated from the rest of the world.

Playing with sharks

As soon as we dropped the anchor, we were greeted by a myriad of bright colored fish and dozens of reef sharks. Since the pass is heavily populated with these wonderful creatures, a unique underwater experience is always guaranteed.

As I enjoyed the calm and tranquility of the pink  sands beach, Guille spent hours capturing his encounters with the blacktip sharks on the shore.

 

 

 

 

 

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Inspired by James Cook voyages, Rakel decided to travel the world and live a life of adventure. Rakel

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4 Comments

  • Salvador says:

    You have me dreaming & calculating my 2015 venture to Fakarava!!! My new travel mantra is geographical desolation, warm clear waters & cultural richness!!!
    Thanks for sharing!
    S.

    • Rakel says:

      You will love it! Fakarava is a place where you´ll rediscover harmony, relaxation and inner peace. I´m counting down the days until I return to French Polynesia! Lots of kisses and hugs!!

  • Serge says:

    Sharks don’t bite? 🙂

    • Rakel says:

      Hi Serge! Reef sharks mainly feed on reef fish, squid, cephalopods, crab, lobster and shrimp. Reef shark is not an aggressive species and is not considered dangerous to humans unless provoked. Kisses and hugs! 🙂

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