An atoll is an island of coral that encircles a lagoon partially or completely. Most of the world's atolls are in the Pacific Ocean and Indian Ocean with only a few small ones in the Atlantic Ocean.
The lists of the most attractive atolls below are the most ideal places for beach and nature lovers including divers. They will surely enjoy swimming, snorkeling, scuba diving among many other activities on these wonderful gifts of nature. (Photos courtesy of Wikipedia)
Aldabra Atoll: Seychelles
Aldabra atoll is considered the second largest atoll by dry land area with 155 km² and regarded as the largest raised coral atoll in the world. This beautiful paradise which is located in Seychelles in the Indian Ocean is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The atoll's islands nurture an array of both unique flora and fauna, as well as the world's largest population of 150,000 giant tortoises. Its lagoon boasts the most vibrant marine life of the entire archipelago.
Aitutaki Atoll: Cook Islands
Aitutaki Atoll is the second most visited island of the Cook Islands. It is traditionally known also as Araura, Ararau and Utataki. The barrier reef that forms the basis of Aitutaki is roughly the shape of an equilateral triangle with each side measuring 12 km in length. Aitutaki is famous for its turquoise central lagoon, uninhabited islands and palm-fringed beaches. Another advantage is that until now it has been spared by mass tourism. One Foot Island, which is part of the atoll, was awarded “Australasia's Leading Beach” at the World Travel Awards held in Sydney in June 2008.
Rapota and Moturakau Islands were the locations of the first series of the UK reality television program Shipwrecked in 2000. In 2001, Steve Fossett passed over just south of Aitutaki in the balloon Solo Spirit during his round-the-world trip. In 2006, the island was used as the location for the tribal council in Survivor: Cook Islands. Surrounding islands were used for tribal camps and crew locations. Then, not long afterwards, Shipwrecked returned again, with Shipwrecked: Battle of the Islands. This was filmed on the same islands as before. Aututaki has a population of approximately 2,000 only but has 8 Rugby teams.
Bikini Atoll: Marshall Island
An ideal place to explore of adventurer is the Bikini Atoll. Bikini Atoll is a ring of coral islets, forming parts of the Republic of the Marshall Islands in the west-central Pacific Ocean. It consists of 36 islets encircling a large lagoon with a land area of about 3 square mi (8 sq km). Bikini Island is well-known for being the subject of nuclear bomb tests, and because the bikini swimsuit was named after the island in 1946.
Only limited number of divers head for the lagoon at Bikini every year for an extensive tour of World War II naval vessels. Due to the dangers of the radioactivity and limited services in the area, divers are staying away from one of the most remarkable potential diving sites in the Pacific. The dive spot has become popular among divers in the last 10 years. The lagoon contains a larger amount of sealift than usual due to the lack of fishing, including sharks, increasing the fascination with the spot as a diver's adventure spot.
Orona Atoll: Kiribati
Another ideal place for adventurer is the Orona Atoll. Orona Atoll which is also known then as Hull Island is one of the Phoenix Islands in the Republic of Kiribati, an island nation in the Pacific Ocean. It is a narrow ribbon of land surrounding a sizable lagoon with depths of 15-20 meters. Numerous passages connect the lagoon to the surrounding ocean, only a couple of which will admit even a small boat. Total land area is 3.9 sq. km, and the maximum elevation is nine meters.
Although occupied at various times during the past, including as late as 2004, Orona is uninhabited today. An attempt was made to re-establish a settlement on Orona from 2001-04, but this appears to have failed. Orona, together with the other Phoenix Islands, was proclaimed in 2008 to be part of the Phoenix Islands Protected Area, the world's largest marine protected area. Orona contains evidence of prehistoric Polynesian inhabitation. An ancient stone marae stands on the eastern tip of the island, together with ruins of shelters, graves and other platforms.
The area is covered with towering coconut palms and the remainder of the atoll is covered with scrub forest, herbs and grasses. Feral cats, rats, pigs, and dogs exist on the island. Ducks and chickens were raised by the former inhabitants, but it is unknown whether any remain. Orona also boasts three species of lizards, Polynesian rats, land and hermit crabs, together with approximately fifty species of insects. Turtles are also known to use the island as a nesting area.
Tetiaroa Atoll: French Polynesia
One fabulous place you shouldn't miss is Tetiaroa. Tetiaroa, one of the Society Islands, is an atoll 59 km north of Papeete, the capital of French Polynesia on the island of Tahiti. Tetiaroa Atoll has a width of 7.3 km and is made up of 12 small islands called motus. The first thing you will notice is this island is not developed at all! Its peaceful pristine natural setting and absolute secluded charm are what attracted Marlon Brando to this atoll, and during his years of ownership here he did everything he could to keep it that way.
Best things to do in the area are; swimming, walking around and exploring the many tiny motus which comprise the area, snorkeling, scuba diving, and checking out Bird Island.
All these beautiful paradises are vying for a place in the search for the New 7 Wonders of the World. One thing is certain; visiting these places is 100% pollution-free.
