FAKARAVA IS YET A SMALLER ATOLL than Rangiroa in the Tuamotu Archipelago, 429 square miles overall but only 5% of it above water! It's almost nothing atoll. Couldn't resist it. It is hard to imagine life on an island isolated in the Pacific with only 800 residents. Tourism is dependent upon the two-dozen or so cruises that visit each year.
The Red Supply Ship
Unlike Maasdam most are smallish with only 250 passengers so there are just so many black pearls the islanders can sell. As far as we could tell from our four-mile walk, locals exist on fish, coconuts and whatever the red supply ship delivers on its regular run.
The Simple Life, Fakarava
It’s an uncomplicated life but hardly a stimulating one unless you are one of the kids who grab hold of a shark for a ride that’s sure to generate a photo and a tip from the tourists.
