Cruising Life in Makemo: What it's like Living on a Remote Atoll

Welcome back to life aboard SV Goose! We’re exploring the remote atoll of Makemo in the Tuamotus — a place where the water is impossibly clear, the pace is slow, and daily life depends on the rhythm of the ocean… and the supply ship.

We take you underwater with us into Makemo’s stunning reefs, soaking in the magic of this place. Then it’s back to town to see if the supply ship has made it in — because out here, that arrival means everything. Fresh food, fuel, essentials… or sometimes nothing at all.

It’s all part of living (and sailing) in one of the most remote corners of the world. If you’ve ever wondered what cruising life is really like — the beauty, the unpredictability, the small wins, and the everyday challenges — this episode gives you a genuine glimpse into it. Join us for another day in paradise aboard SV Goose. 🦢✨

Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and come along as we continue exploring the world by sea!

Sailing French Polynesia | Paddle Boarding in Makemo Atoll’s Crystal Clear Lagoon

Join us as we sail into the heart of the Tuamotus — the stunning Makemo Atoll!

🌊 After dropping anchor in this remote slice of paradise, we grab our paddleboards and set out to explore. The water here is unbelievably crystal clear, revealing coral gardens and colorful fish right beneath our boards.

🐠💙 From gliding across turquoise shallows to discovering hidden motus and drifting with the tide, this day was pure magic. There’s something truly special about these untouched atolls — peaceful, wild, and breathtakingly beautiful.

French Polynesia - Our First Atoll! 🏝️ Sailing from The Marquesas to the Tuamotus ⛵️

We’re leaving the stunning Marquesas island of Ua Pou and setting sail for the Tuamotus — our first atoll experience in French Polynesia! It’s about 500 miles of open-ocean sailing with steady trade winds, good vibes, and one big goal: don’t hit anything and sink the boat like someone did last week.

With good wind, we make it to Raroia…where it’s time to enter our very first atoll pass. The current is ripping, the reefs are close, and once inside, the lagoon is filled with coral bommies waiting to catch an unwary keel. Navigating this crystal-clear maze is both breathtaking and nerve-wracking.

Join us as we sail across the South Pacific, face our fears, and discover why the Tuamotus are both paradise and a challenge for cruising sailors. ️