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	An article written by our staff and featured in The Charter Connection THE TUAMOTUS Ever dreamed of going somewhere totally different? by Ed December 2007 Manilo, a guest who chartered with us this summer, could choose to vacation virtually anywhere in the world. He and his wife could have stayed in a luxurious resort with attentive staff and every convenience. What made them choose two weeks on a relatively plain yacht, designed for ocean cruising, in some of the most remote islands in the Pacific, with none of the ‘conveniences’ we take for granted – and why was it one of the best vacations they have ever had? The Tuamotus are not for everyone. Getting there involves an 8 hour flight from Los Angeles to Papeete, Tahiti, and a local flight to Rangiroa that flies on certain days of the week. Charter fees are understandably higher than in the more competitive Caribbean. Cell phones and internet connections are unreliable once you leave the major islands. There are no supermarkets, and ‘Western style’ foods are scarce and expensive. 15,000 residents live on 76 islands (atolls) scattered over an area 1200 miles wide or about the distance from New York to Florida. The islanders live simply, in harmony with their surroundings. Most islands are less than 20 feet high. There is little tourism and few places that cater to tourists - just friendly islanders offering a sincere welcome. The type of person that enjoys The Tuamotus is someone who doesn’t need urban conveniences, who has a genuine interest in seeing new remote places, but who has a respect for the people living there and for their different ways. Scuba divers (or snorkelers) will see more sharks, exotic fish and coral than they can imagine, all in a pristine environment. It's a diver's paradise. Then there are also the famous black pearls... Choosing the right boat is key. The crew on Manlio’s charter had sailed to every part of the world, including Antarctica. They knew and loved The Tuamotus – they have lived there for several years and have cruised throughout the area. We enjoyed planning this charter and were so pleased to hear Manlio’s ecstatic post charter phone call – from a man who could have chosen any vacation in the world! If you feel this is the type of vacation you are looking for, give us a call! We would love to hear from you. Return to the Charter Connection home page Receive new articles by E-mail   Return to our Main Site Sign up to receive notification and a brief summary of new articles by e-mail. We will e-mail you short highlights of new articles as they are added to the magazine. Subscribe Unsubscribe   Return to BAREBOAT Pages. Return to CREWED Boat Pages. Return to NEWSLETTER Home Page. Need help finding your way around? Click on the site directory . See where you have been and the best places to go next! Your Suggestions   How to contact us We are always interested in new ideas for our newsletter. If you have any suggestions, special concerns or comments, fill out one of our Suggestion Forms.   Ed Hamilton & Company 37 Washington St., Wiscasset, ME 04578 Call Toll Free 1-800-621-7855 in the Continental U.S. & Canada Tel (207) 882-7855 / Fax (207) 882-7851 Request literature or contact us via E-MAIL We look forward to helping you plan your vacation.