Apataki, Tuamotu Archipelago

Apataki is a coral atoll in the South Pacific Ocean, territorially part of French Polynesia. It is one of the Palliser Islands, a subgroup of the Tuamotu Archipelago. Apataki is located approximately 370 kilometers northeast of the island of Tahiti.

The atoll is rectangular in shape and a major center for pearl farming development. Exports from this atoll include a small amount of fish, copra, and "noni" juice, an exported exotic health elixir. Its wide lagoon has two navigable passes to enter it. The main village is called Niutahi.

The sparse soil of Apataki does not permit diverse vegetation. Agriculture is generally limited to simple subsistence. The animal life on the islands is mostly seabirds, insects, and lizards. The underwater fauna, however, is diverse. Pearl-farming and tourism are both key industries on Apataki.

Things to See and Do

* Guided island and lagoon tours
* Fishing
* Water sports
* Snorkelling & Diving

Cruise Season – Jan - Dec
Currency – CFP franc (XPF)
Language – French, Tahitian
Population – 430 approx
Electricity – 2 angled flat pins and 1 round pin centred below Australian style
Time – GMT minus ten hours
International Country Telephone Code – + 689

Port Location – Anchorage is available in the Apataki atoll lagoon and transfer to shore is by tender boat.

Transport Links – There is a small domestic airfield located on Apataki, about 0.2 km’s from the village centre.
Two cruise ships/luxury liners currently ply the islands: the Paul Gauguin, which does a regular 7-day trip around the Societies, with occasional trips out to the Tuamotus, Marquesas and Cook Islands; and the Tahitian Princess which does similar itineraries.