The Tuamotus

Tattoo is one of the few Polynesian words that worked its way into English (taboo is another). This ancient Polynesian custom dates back to the days of warring on neighboring tribes. Full of symbolism, often done without anesthetic, and using traditional instruments, this remains an important part of Tahitian tradition.

The Tuamotus, the largest of the Polynesian archipelago’s, are located northeast of Tahiti and include 76 islands and atolls spread out over more than 7500 square miles. Four of these islands – Rangiroa, Manihi, Tikehau, Fakarava – offer a host of exciting activities, including world-class scuba diving, horseback riding, shark feeding and deep-sea fishing.

Rangiroa, a one-hour flight from Tahiti, is part of the Tuamotu Archipelago and is the world’s second largest atoll. From the air it appears that a large pearl necklace was gently placed on the water. Known as “The Island of the Long Sky,” this ring of low land creates a seemingly endless lagoon of deep turquoise and lapis blue. Because there’s no island runoff, the visibility in the lagoon is over 150 feet and a constant 80 degrees.

The famous Tiputa Pass, which provides an opening to the ocean, is rich with sea life. It’s known as one of the world’s greatest shark dives, and those who “shoot the pass” find themselves in the deep blue with literally hundreds of gray, black-tip, white-tip, lemon and nurse sharks. Non-divers can try some world-class snorkeling and see schools of dolphins that gather in the pass. For the true adventurer, a two-hour boat ride across the lagoon leads to the Kia Ora Sauvage, a luxurious way to “rough it.” There’s no electricity at this remote property, but it offers spectacular scenery and complete solitude.