Stunning French beach, reminiscent of a picture-perfect wallpaper, ranks fifth among the world's most beautiful beaches.
Fakarava's Untouched Beach, PK9, Ranks Among World's Best
The peaceful and pristine beach of PK9, hidden on the UNESCO biosphere reserve atoll of Fakarava, has captured the world's attention, earning a spot in the top 5 of 'The World's 50 Best Beaches' ranking. Fakarava, part of the Tuamotu archipelago, lies 450 kilometers northeast of the popular island of Tahiti.
PK9, named for its location 9 kilometers south of Rotoava (population 900), is accessible by plane from Tahiti and a coastal track via bicycle, scooter, or boat. This remote, natural paradise offers visitors a remarkable and secluded getaway, devoid of commercial development and tourist facilities.
The World's 50 Best Beaches described PK9 as the "beach that looks like your screensaver," with its gentle turquoise waves, unspoiled coral reefs, and a lone, leaning coconut tree that serves as a visual landmark. Nature enthusiasts were drawn to the area's calm waters, untouched nature, and the rich biodiversity it supports.
Visitors to PK9 can bask in a slow-paced island life, observing seabirds during the day and witnessing the setting sun paint the sky orange and pink in the evenings. The beach remains mostly empty, even during peak seasons, offering a sense of space, freedom, and tranquility.
Fakarava's biodiversity is protected as a UNESCO biosphere reserve since 2006. On PK9's striking white sand, coconut crabs and Polynesian doves provide a delightful distraction from lounge chairs and umbrellas. The ecosystem, characterized by coconut trees and forests of pisonia grandis, remains largely untouched by human impact.
Under the clear surface of the lagoon surrounding PK9, a vibrant coral reef teems with life. Snorkelers and underwater photographers can explore local biodiversity, including blacktip reef sharks, angelfish, butterflyfish, Napoleon wrasse, groupers, barracudas, turtles, and sometimes dolphins, without the need to venture out to sea.
For travelers wishing to engage with Fakarava's culture, visiting the Havaiki pearl farm is a unique and engaging experience. The farm, the oldest in Fakarava, offers presentations on the entire pearl harvesting process, including the grafting technique. A hands-on activity called the Pearl Lottery allows guests to pick an oyster and harvest their own pearl, which can then be crafted into a souvenir as a memorable memento.
PK9 Beach in Fakarava offers a range of activities centered on natural beauty, relaxation, marine exploration, wildlife, cultural experiences, and pearl farming—making it an exceptional destination for travelers seeking both adventure and tranquility within the stunning landscapes of the Tuamotu archipelago.
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Adventure-travel enthusiasts can immerse themselves in the unspoiled beauty of PK9 Beach, an in-flight destination from Tahiti, offering a unique blend of travel, lifestyle, and adventure-travel experiences, such as snorkeling, observing wildlife, and even harvesting pearls.
This tranquil beach paradise, part of Fakarava's UNESCO-protected biosphere reserve, provides a serene escape for those seeking a secluded getaway away from commercial development and tourist facilities.
