B18 - Raroia Atoll, Tuamotus Archipelago

Raroia was our first stop in the Tuamotus Archipelago. We arrived anxious about the navigational hazards of these unique atoll formations of the Pacific, but soon learned the tricks of the trade and sailed smoothly in its huge lagoon doted with beautiful ¨bommies¨ (surfacing reefs inside the lagoon) and ¨motus¨ (palm fringed islands on the outer reef). Its coral reef in its only pass into the lagoon, is the most amazing marine environment that I have seen, and perhaps will ever see in my life, both due to its living coral and abundance of fish . A spear fishers dream we loaded Shaima with fresh grouper and snapper! Watch this video and you will see under and over the water videos showcasing this paradisiacal atoll!