Manihiki (Paperback)

Please note that the content of this book primarily consists of articles available from Wikipedia or other free sources online. Manihiki is an island in the Cook Islands known as the Island of Pearls. It is a triangular atoll 1,160 kilometres (720 mi) north of Rarotonga. Manihiki sits atop an underwater mountain rising 4000 m above the ocean floor. Its stunning 10 km-wide lagoon is laced with 43 tiny motu (islets), which are strung along the reef. The reef provides excellent swimming and snorkeling among colourful tropical fish and coral. Diving is a major attraction at the island. Visitors are allowed to snorkel or free-dive but not scuba dive without a permit. Visitors can obtain a permit at the administration office either from the Island Secretary or the Mayor or the Deputy Mayor. There is good fishing in the open waters beyond the reef, including catches of Yellow-fin Tuna and Flying fish.