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The "Black Pearl Paradise" of Tahiti & Her Islands, Manihi was
the site of the first black pearl farm and today is a leading
supplier for the Tahitian pearl industry. The oyster that produces
the black pearl is found in abundance in the waters of the Tuamotu
Archipelago and Manihi's lagoon provides an ideal temperature,
density, salinity, light and overall climate for black pearl
farming. Besides pearl farms, visitors can enjoy exploring the
lagoon and its abundant marine life, the ancient marae sites on
the north and south ends of the atoll and visit the town of
Turipaoa.
Walk through
Manihi and be thrust back to a time when simplicity was the
order of the day.
Manihi Village
The homes here are surrounded by handsome yards adorned with
shells, shrubs and flowers. The village boasts one main concrete
dock, a flagpole and a square where older residents gossip under
the shade of a huge tree.
Turipaoa Village
This modest village is home to many of Manihi's 769 inhabitants.
The colorful homes here are shaded by breadfruit trees and
ornamented with frangipani, hibiscus and bougainvillea. Other
citizens reside on the pearl farms built on struts beside the
lagoon.
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