Fakarava is an atoll. It looks quite precarious from our ship. It’s about 35 miles long, in the shape of a boomerang. The inside of the atoll provides a bay with beautiful white and pink sand beaches. The outside provides access to the ocean with stronger waves and less protection. There are about 600 residents. There is world class snorkeling and diving. Pearl farming, tourism, and French subsidies keep the economy afloat. You can see very nice expensive houses in close proximity to extremely simple houses.

The island itself is quite attractive. There are ample palm trees, coconut trees, flowering bushes, etc. The primary school and post office are both new and in excellent repair. The view of the bay is beautiful.

It’s a very short walk to the ocean.

We spent the morning walking around the small town. Here’s a picture of our ship.

Tomorrow is a sea day. I hope this finds everybody doing well.