An atoll forms when a ring-like structure of coral grows surrounding an island’s coastline. As the island gradually sinks or erodes, the coral continues to grow and build upon itself.
However, atolls are exclusive to tropical and subtropical regions since the reef-building corals prefer warm waters. This means that atolls harbor beautiful turquoise lagoons, vibrant reefs teeming with marine creatures, and idyllic beaches that resemble postcards.
Living on an atoll allows one to experience a Robinson Crusoe-like lifestyle, disconnected from the hustle and bustle of civilization.
10. Tikehau
Tikehau is one of the beautiful islands in the Tuamotu Archipelago, which is a collection of atolls encompassing a vast area in the Pacific Ocean – about the size of Western Europe.
It truly resembles a scene from a perfect postcard, with its seemingly endless stretch of white or pink sandy islands. Within these islands lies a mesmerizing turquoise lagoon that serves as a haven for an extraordinary array of fish.
In fact, the abundance of fish in this lagoon is so remarkable that Jacques Cousteau’s research group proclaimed it to possess the highest concentration of fish compared to any other place in French Polynesia.
9. Rangiroa
Rangiroa stands as one of the largest atolls across the globe, holding the title of the largest atoll within the Tuamotu Archipelago (a group of islands that also includes Tikehau).
This picturesque destination has gained remarkable popularity among divers due to its incredibly clear, azure waters and the abundance of diverse marine life that resides within its lagoon. The Blue Lagoon and Tiputa pass serve as highly sought-after diving spots.
In the Tiputa pass, thanks to powerful currents, sharks glide effortlessly, allowing divers to observe them up close with ease. Moreover, visitors may catch a glimpse of magnificent manta rays, graceful sea turtles, and playful dolphins.
It is worth noting that the sandy stretches of beach in Rangiroa mostly consist of coarse coral fragments.
8. Atolls of the Maldives
The Maldives, a small country situated in the Indian Ocean, consists of approximately 1,200 coral islands grouped together to form 26 atolls. The term “atoll” is derived from the Dhivehi language, spoken in the Maldives.
With its highest point standing at just 2 meters (6.5 feet) above sea level, the Maldives offers an immersive experience reminiscent of Robinson Crusoe’s lifestyle. Scuba diving and snorkeling are the predominant activities in this region.
Due to their secluded location, far from any major landmass, the atolls boast crystal-clear water and diverse marine life. From magnificent manta rays to impressive sharks and intriguing shipwrecks, the Maldives presents a wide array of underwater wonders to discover.
7. Aitutaki Atoll
The Aitutaki Atoll consists of several volcanic and coral islets that surround a triangular lagoon. The scenery is absolutely stunning.
It’s like stepping into a classic postcard image of a small tropical island, with palm trees, clear turquoise waters, vibrant corals, tropical fish, and endless blue skies.
One particular islet, Tapuaetai (One Foot Island), located in the southeast of the lagoon, is especially popular. In fact, we consider it one of the top 10 most amazing beaches in the world.
To add to its charm, Aitutaki served as the filming location for the tribal council in the reality show “Survivor: Cook Islands” in 2006. The surrounding islets were also used for tribal camps and crew areas.
6. Aldabra
Aldabra, located in the Seychelles, is a breathtaking island that lies over 1,100 kilometers away from Mahé, the largest island in the Seychelles. Surprisingly, it is actually closer to the coast of Africa.
This island stands as the second largest atoll globally, only surpassed by Kiritimati. Thanks to its challenging accessibility and remote location, Aldabra remains beautifully unspoiled by human presence.
As a result, it is home to an astonishing 152,000 giant tortoises, boasting the world’s largest population of these magnificent reptiles.
5. Caroline Island
Caroline Island, discovered by Europeans in 1606, is a captivating part of the Republic of Kiribati. Over the course of more than 300 years, humans have left occasional marks on the island, yet it remains one of the most untouched tropical paradises on Earth.
Its pristine state has earned it a reputation as one of the most unspoiled atolls globally.
Notably, Caroline Island, along with its neighboring counterpart, Flint Island, houses thriving communities of colossal coconut crabs, known to have some of the largest populations worldwide.
However, the precarious situation lies in Caroline Island’s elevation, which merely reaches six meters above sea level. With the imminent threat of rising sea levels, the island faces the grim possibility of being claimed by the ocean as early as 2025.
4. Tubbataha Reef
Tubbataha Reef, located in the Philippines, is renowned as a top-notch scuba diving spot. This magnificent reef comprises of two atolls, namely North Atoll and South Atoll, with a deep channel spanning about 8 kilometers between them.
Its popularity as a dive site stems from the captivating coral “walls” where the shallow reef abruptly transitions into the depths, providing a mesmerizing view.
These “walls” not only make for excellent diving locations but also serve as thriving habitats for numerous fish colonies. Tubbataha Reef remains a pristine destination, devoid of permanent residents, and is solely frequented by fishermen and divers.
3. Lighthouse Reef
In the waters of Belize, you’ll find three out of the four atolls in the western hemisphere. The fourth atoll is located just north in Mexican waters. Among these atolls, Lighthouse Reef is particularly famous because of its captivating feature called the Great Blue Hole.
This mesmerizing dive site is renowned across Belize, attracting divers from all over. When exploring the Great Blue Hole, divers are treated to an intriguing sight of limestone formations that shape its walls.
As you descend deeper into the Blue Hole, the water becomes clearer, and the scenery becomes even more breathtaking. The array of peculiar stalactites and intricate limestone formations become increasingly complex and awe-inspiring.
2. Funafuti
Tuvalu, situated in the Pacific Ocean between Hawaii and Australia, is an island nation famous for its “.tv” internet domain name.
With a population of merely 4,500, it holds the title for being the second-least populous sovereign state worldwide, with only Vatican City having fewer residents. Owing to its remote location, Tuvalu sees very few tourists exploring its shores.
The capital city, Funafuti, is a small coral atoll, with a width of just 20 meters (66 ft) at its narrowest point and around 400 meters (1300 ft) at its widest.
Despite its small size, the city boasts administrative buildings, an exquisite church, and a solitary hotel near the air terminal.
1. Bikini Atoll
Bikini Atoll holds significance for two reasons. First and foremost, the atoll earned its name from the famous two-piece swimsuit, the bikini, back in 1946.
However, it also gained notoriety as a testing ground for over 20 nuclear weapons from 1946 to 1958, as part of the Pacific Proving Grounds. Unfortunately, the native inhabitants were forced to leave their homes in 194 and have been living in exile on other islands since then.
Presently, Bikini Atoll is considered safe for tourists, with background radiation levels lower than those found in many major cities. Despite this, caution is still necessary as the soil carries hazardous amounts of radioactive material.
Interestingly, the marine life, particularly the fish, remains unaffected by these conditions and thrives due to the lack of fishing activities.
This has made the atoll a popular destination for visitors who come to explore the wrecks left behind from the nuclear tests of 1946, resting peacefully on the lagoon floor.
