Lonely Planet™ · Thorn Tree Forum · 2020 |

# Better Fakarava or Mataiva in the Tuamotus? Country forums / Pacific Islands & Papua New Guinea / Tahiti & French Polynesia
albpavar 05:00 UTC 08 Apr 2013 | I will be going to French Polynesia in August, but I will only have time to visit one of the Tuamotu islands, for 3-4 days. I am considering whether to choose Fakarava or Mataiva. I gather that Fakarava is a sort of paradise, but its attractions all lie very far (several hours by boat) and can only be reached through an organized excursion. Maitava attracts me because it is small enough to walk or cycle, and one could go around it without necessarily joining an excursion. But I also heard that its lagoon is shallow and murky,and that snorkeling is poor. Could anyone help me to choose between the two islands? Please consider I do not scuba dive: I plan on snorkeling, enjoying beach life and tropical panoramas. Thanks |
mikeheaventree 14:01 UTC 07 Oct 2013 | Albpavar, I have no advice to offer, and anyway it would be too late as you made your trip in August! BUT I face the same dilemma you did and am wondering how you resolved it? Where did you go and were you happy with your decision? Any detailed advice would be welcome. | 1
namavareza 13:43 UTC 16 Nov 2013 | Hi The south pass of Fakarava belongs to one of the most intense things I have seen and I have seen a lot. I have been to Mataiva as well. The beauty there is much more closer, the atol is very very quiet but once I you have traveled to the outer regions of Fakarava, for me, it was more intense. The Tetamanu area of Fakarava is really the only heaven on earth Reza | 2