Makatea

Makatea is the 1st island of the Tuamotu Archipelago that we visited. It is unique in French Polynesia in that it is neither volcanic nor a typical atoll. It is a raised coral island with shear cliffs around most of the circumference. The cliffs rise straight up about 80 meters and are becoming a significant rock climbing site with over 100 routes already in place from beginner to expert climbs.
For about 60 years of the last century, phosphate was mined here. When that operation shut down, the population dropped from about 3,600 to fewer than 100 today.
The 1st picture is taken from the ship as we approached this island. You can see some of the cliffs to the left. The 2nd picture is taken from atop the bluffs, looking back at the remains of the phosphate operation's shipping terminal. This serves as the landing site for the island.
The 3rd picture is a typical road on the east side of the island.
The 4th and 5th pictures are of the former maintenance area of the mine with rusting equipment that was abandoned.
The 6th picture is a closer look at the bluffs. I don't think I've ever seen natural limestone columns outside of a cave like those to the left in the picture.
The 7th and 8th pictures are in a natural grotto where swimming among the cave formations is possible.
The last picture is of a portion of the small village on the island.Read more