Pukarua, Coral atoll in eastern Tuamotu Archipelago, French Polynesia
Pukarua is a coral atoll in the eastern Tuamotu Archipelago stretching 17 kilometers in length and 4.5 kilometers in width. The reef system takes on a distinctive shape along its northeastern edge, resembling a fishing hook.
British mariner James Wilson documented the atoll in 1797 during his voyage from Tonga to the Marquesas aboard the ship Duff. This early record marked the first known European documentation of the island.
The village of Marautagaroa preserves Polynesian traditions as residents engage with the sea and the seasonal rhythms of atoll life. Daily routines and local customs reflect both ancestral knowledge and adaptation to the isolated island setting.
Reaching Pukarua requires flights to Reao Airport followed by boat transportation, since the atoll has no facilities for large vessels. Planning a visit demands coordination and flexibility with local transport options.
The lagoon is home to substantial populations of giant clams that form part of the enclosed reef ecosystem. These mollusks stand out to visitors for their impressive size and abundance.
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