Pukarua, Coral atoll in eastern Tuamotu Archipelago, French Polynesia
The atoll extends 17 kilometers in length and 4.5 kilometers in width, featuring a long northeastern reef shaped like a fish hook.
British mariner James Wilson first documented Pukarua in 1797 during his voyage from Tongatapu to Marquesas aboard the ship Duff.
The village of Marautagaroa maintains traditional Polynesian practices while adapting to contemporary life with its 236 permanent residents.
Access to Pukarua requires coordination with flights to Reao Airport followed by boat transportation, as the atoll lacks direct large vessel entry points.
The lagoon contains substantial populations of giant clams, contributing to the marine ecosystem within the enclosed coral reef system.
Location: Reao
Part of: Tuamotus
GPS coordinates: -18.31667,-137.01667
Latest update: June 23, 2025 09:46
Fangataufa
473.8 km
Puka-Puka
434.2 km
Tatakoto
183 km
Reao
72.2 km
Hiti
775.8 km
Nengonengo
492.8 km
Fakahina
421.1 km
Tikei
886.4 km
Mohotani
948 km
Morane
540 km
Maria Est
421 km
St. Michael's Cathedral
575.9 km
Matureivavao
358.4 km
Tenararo
333.3 km
Haraiki
688 km
Mount Duff
576.4 km
Motane Nature Reserve
947.7 km
Makemo lighthouse
720.8 km
Église Notre-Dame-de-la-Paix d'Akamaru
584.1 km
Église Notre-Dame-de-la-Paix d'Omoa
887.1 km
Église de la Sainte-Mère-de-Dieu, Vaitahu
959.6 km
Église Saint-Gabriel de Taravai
575.9 km
Église du Saint-Cœur-de-Marie de Hapatoni
956.5 km
Église Saint-Benoît
7.4 km
Église Saint-Raphaël d'Aukena
579.2 km
Église Saint-Michel de Hanavave
892.1 km
Église Saint-Joseph de Makemo
720.8 km
Chapelle Saint-Pierre de Rikitea
576.7 kmReviews
Visited this place? Tap the stars to rate it and share your experience / photos with the community! Try now! You can cancel it anytime.
Discover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes