16:03S 145:37W

 

It’s always hard leaving places you fall in love with and Fakarava is one of those.  It is just so full of superlatives it’s hard to know where to start or stop.  The diving and snorkelling was definitely a highlight – we had our final drift snorkel through the pass yesterday and, once again, it was amazing to see all those sharks just sitting in the current.  The water was incredibly clear making visibility fantastic.  The beaches here are stunning – white coral sand and the water is so many shades of blue from light turquoise to deepest azure.   Best of all is that because it is so darned difficult to get here, there are few people.

 

With much reluctance we left the beautiful south pass to head back up to the village of Fakarava.  We’d decided to stock up on baguettes and croissants for the trip to Tahiti and going out the northern pass gives us a better wind angle for the sail.   As we sailed up the inside channel, near the motus, we passed gorgeous beach after gorgeous beach – all totally deserted.   We decided that when everywhere else in the world gets crowded, Fakarava will still be quiet and tranquil as it really takes an effort to get here.

 

For any keen divers reading this, there is a wonderful rustic resort at the south pass.  The burres are on the waterfront and would make an amazing holiday spot – only for a few days as there is nothing to do there except dive and snorkel.

 

We are now back in the village and will enjoy a taste of village life before leaving first thing tomorrow for Tahiti.