Matureivavao, Maritime boundary in Gambier, French Polynesia
Matureivavao is an atoll in the southeastern Tuamotu Islands, measuring approximately 7 kilometers (4.4 miles) in length and 5 kilometers (3.1 miles) in width. The interior lagoon spans roughly 18 square kilometers (7 square miles) and is enclosed by a coral reef.
The first documented sighting occurred on February 5, 1606, during a Spanish expedition led by Portuguese navigator Pedro Fernández de Quirós. This early European encounter marked the beginning of recorded history for this remote location.
The atoll exists in its natural state without human settlements, embodying the Polynesian understanding of preserving untouched marine environments. Visitors encounter a landscape shaped minimally by people, where the original character of the place remains intact.
The lagoon lacks a natural entrance and requires specialized vessels for safe navigation through shallow waters. The surrounding reef must be approached with care during poor weather, as conditions can quickly become challenging.
The absence of rats throughout its history has allowed native flora and fauna to develop without the ecological disruptions common to other Pacific atolls. This lack of invasive species makes the atoll a rare example of a nearly undisturbed island ecosystem.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
