Aratika Atoll - A Butterfly Shaped Island Jewel

Aratika Atoll - Landsat S-06-15_2000 (1:115,000)

Aratika Atoll - EVS Precision Map (1:115,000)

Aratika Atoll, at first glance looks to be a pretty place with little of significance save balmy breezes and lazy days. There are about 240 inhabitants living on the atoll with the majority living in the village of Paparara. The island is not a usual tourist destination. Now for some interesting facts.

One of the founders of modern physical oceanography, Charles Wilkes, visited Aratika Atoll on Sept 3, 1839. Wilkes was given command of the United States Exploring Expedition that was to explore the southern oceans. For the next 3-years his team circumnavigated the globe gathering legions of information. Due to some unfortunate actions on Wilkes part, he was court-martialled for cruelty to members of his crew. He was acquitted of most charges. His later years were spent organizing and writing the results of this expedition.

One other interesting fact associated with this island has to do with two children using their inheritence to invest in a pearl farm on the atoll. A brother and sister made the investment and in 1997 the sister, Dora Fourcade took over the entire pearling operations. Today her company is a success. She is one of only a handful of women in this male-dominated industry.

So what started as just another Tuamotu atoll proved to be rather interesting after all.

Enjoy!