No trip to the Tuamotus Archipelago of French Polynesia is complete without visiting the uplifted coral atoll of Makatea. While we cruised along with the rolling swell over deep oceanic waters, we caught our first glimpses of this unique island at sunrise. We spent our morning ashore, traversing across the island. We enjoyed impressive views of the landscape, sightings of endemic birds, and a refreshing visit to a beautiful grotto. After a delicious barbecue lunch, we headed out for an afternoon of exploring, including scuba diving, snorkeling, and Zodiac cruising. The coral reef ecosystem around Makatea Island is as peaceful as it is diverse, and we are always incredibly fortunate to explore here.