Fakarava

When planning a trip to Fakarava, you are heading to the very heart of the Tuamotu Archipelago, the jewel of French Polynesia. This unique UNESCO biosphere reserve is not a bustling metropolis, but a secluded paradise atoll renowned for its incredible underwater world and pink sands. You can reach this destination primarily by air, leaving the hustle and bustle of big cities far beyond the horizon.

The main and fastest way to reach the atoll is by air. The local Fakarava Airport (FAV) regularly receives domestic flights connecting the island with Tahiti and other parts of the archipelago.

The flight will offer you unforgettable bird's-eye views of turquoise lagoons and coral reefs. The airport is conveniently located relative to the main village of Rotoava, ensuring easy access to most guesthouses immediately after landing.

Since Fakarava is a narrow coral atoll in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, there is absolutely no railway service here. The specific geographical location excludes the possibility of reaching the resort by train.

Tourists accustomed to the rhythm of the rails will have to change their preferences: the only fast method of arrival remains the plane. There are no railways not only on this atoll but in the entirety of French Polynesia.

Reaching Fakarava by intercity bus is impossible, as the island is separated from other landmasses by hundreds of kilometres of ocean. There are no bus routes connecting the atoll to the outside world.

Within the atoll itself, public transport is also practically non-existent. To move between locations, travellers usually use bicycles or transfers organized by guesthouse hosts, so one should not expect standard bus stops here.

It is impossible to drive to Fakarava in a private car or taxi from the mainland or neighbouring islands due to the lack of land connections. The atoll is surrounded by water, and roads exist only within its narrow strip of land.

If you wish to explore the island, renting a car here is difficult and not always practical: distances are short, and the best choice would be a bicycle. Taxis in the traditional sense are replaced here by arrangements with local residents or hotel transfers.

A trip to a remote atoll requires special preparation to ensure your holiday is carefree and comfortable. Here are some practical tips to help you enjoy your stay in this tropical paradise:

1. Clothing and Footwear: Bring light clothing made of natural fabrics, swimwear, and definitely special footwear for entering the water (reef shoes) to avoid injuring your feet on the coral.
2. Transport: The best way to move around on land is by bicycle, which is often provided by guesthouses. Motorboats are used for trips between parts of the atoll (motu).
3. Finances: Stock up on cash (Pacific Franc) in advance. There are few ATMs on the atoll, and they may not be working, while cards are not accepted in all guesthouses and shops.
4. Health and Protection: The sun here is very strong, so high SPF cream is mandatory. Also, bring mosquito repellents and a basic first aid kit, as access to medical facilities is limited.
5. Communication and Internet: Wi-Fi can be slow and unstable. For communication, it is better to purchase a local SIM card upon arrival in the country, though coverage is not available everywhere.
6. Water and Environment: It is not recommended to drink tap water; please buy bottled water. Respect nature: do not touch the corals and do not feed the fish with bread — this disrupts the ecosystem.

By following these simple recommendations, you will be able to fully immerse yourself in the atmosphere of tranquillity and natural beauty for which this unique corner of Polynesia is famous.