Discovered by the Dutch navigator Roggeveen in 1722, Apataki lies between Fakarava and Rangiroa, in the Northwestern Tuamotu islands. The main village, Niutahi, has a population of 350. The atoll is a developing center for Tahitian pearl culture, it also produces small quantities of fish, coprah and “nono” for export to Tahiti.
There are two passes into the lagoon.
Passe Pakaka is quite narrow but entrance through both passes is reported to be quite easy at slack water.
Passe Tehere is reported to be navigable at any tide with no strong currents.
There are several large pearl farms in the south eastern part of the atoll so it is advisable to navigate in good visibility, keeping watch for unmarked buoys and horizontal ropes.
SY Morning Dove went aground on the reef on the SSW side of Apataki Atoll in May 2016. Read the news report here.
Apataki offers exceptional diving in a setting almost untouched by humans and is a perfect stop on a Tuamotu dive cruise.
15° 27.3'S, 140° 45.4'W (approx.)
Last updated: May 2025
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