Cruises visiting Makatea, Tuamotu Islands (French Polynesia)

Located in the Tuamotu Archipelago, Makatea (from the Polynesian words for rock, “maka”, and white, “tea”) is a raised coral atoll belonging to the Palliser group of islands in French Polynesia.It is precisely this geological structure that made it famous, as its core contains significant phosphate rock deposits that were mined during the first half of the 20th century. This activity left an indelible mark that can still be seen today, as lush vegetation now covers the former industrial wasteland.