Tuamotu Archipelago

We arrived at Kauehi in the Tuamotu Archipelago this morning after a very quiet 3 day passage (mainly under motor) from the Marquises.

Photo 1: Approaching the Tuamotu's at day break

Photo 2: Sunrise over the Tuamotu's

Photo 3: The sailing definitley hasn't been arduous

Photo 4: Sunset

Photo 5: Another Sunset

The Tuamotu’s are a group of 78 islands, all but 2 being coral atolls. In contrast to the lush vegetation and towering mountains of the Marquises, the atolls have very little greenery except for the palm trees and short grass and they are “low-lying”. Together with the Marquises and Society Islands they form French Polynesia and are administrated from Tahiti.

Kauehi is a green low atoll and it is well wooded except on the SW side. The entry is a well marked, deep and clear channel on the SW side and we passed through it at slack water to avoid the strong tidal flows. Navigation across the lagoon to our anchorage off the village of Tearavero on the NE side was simple and free of coral heads.

Photo 6: Salacia off the village

Photo 7: The village church is picturesque and shows the community pride

Photo 8: This gentleman called Eduardo asked us to take his picture and print it out

for him

We are the only yacht in the atoll and it is absolutely gorgeous here. Definitely picture perfect and all that is missing is Beau Derek !!!

Photo 9: Salacia in Paradise