There were close to 25 boats in the N Fakarava town anchorage.  So, we decided to go to a smaller, more isolated atoll called Toau (pronounced “toe-ow”).  We have visited here before, but we went to the False Pass which is on the opposite side of the island.  Weather was predicted to be light N-NW winds which would be good for entering a new pass and exploring a new atoll. 

Our friends on Agape (Josh and Rachel) followed us out and we motored the short 15nm to the next atoll.  We had wind directly on the nose at 3kts.  Not good sailing conditions, but we did not have far to go.  We entered the pass with no concerns and found a nice anchoring spot in the midst of tons of bommies (coral heads).

There are two passes on the SE side of the Toau atoll that allow vessels to enter the lagoon.  One is used far more frequently because there are range markers helping you navigate through the pass.

This is just a glorious shot.  Shows the exposed motu at low tide and the pass in the distance.

This drone shot shows the very large coral heads that we had to navigate around to get to our anchor spot.  We came around the two large bommies in the upper left and thru the little pass to the anchorage.

The Anchorage

You can see all the coral heads (black spots) in the lagoon side in this drone shot. Then 3 boats in front of the false pass and the Pacific on the other side of the motu.  Toau at NoForeignLand.com. 

This is a great shot from the Pacific looking over the motu to the Toau lagoon.  The reflection of the clouds is so spectacular and in contrast to the motu and the reef.

Sugar Shack sitting pretty at sunrise.

This is a fun photo of a super cool coral tower.

We did not stay very long here as a weather window opened up for us to head to Tahiti.  A return visit is a must as this was just a beautiful atoll to visit.

Events from this blog post occurred during the beginning of June, 2021.  Our blog posts run 10-12 weeks behind our adventures.