Motu ???
 

Anyone know what a "Motu" is ? I'm planning a cruise around Tahiti and I see that word a lot.

Hi Sue
I don't know if there's any connection, but Motu is the common language of Papua (half of Papua New Guinea). Maybe it has language connotations in Tahiti but I would doubt the same language would have travelled that far.

Motus are the little islands that lay either in the lagoon or (more typically) along the reef of larger islands in Polynesia. Usually (though not always) they are sandbar-like and very low-laying and covered with palm trees (just the way you imagine a little tropical island to be). Motus are often some of the most beautiful locations of these islands, both because of the nice waters nearby, and because they typically provide wonderful views back at the main island. Finally, because the are usually uninhabited, they sometimes offer a chance to see the "natural" unspoiled environment and as well as a place to "pretend to be shipwrecked on a lovely tropic isle."

Ken

Thanks - LordBalfor - that should be fun

You're welcome. I should point out that the motus (along with the fabulous lagoons) are what really define the Society Islands (Tahiti, Bora Bora, Moorea, etc), the Cook Islands and the other islands of the region. The calm, clear water of the lagoons and the presence of motus are what really differentiate these islands from places like Hawaii (where there are only limited lagoons and almost no motus). The result is an entirely different, environment, eco-system, and experience.

Ken

PS: I've lots of motu pictures in my Bora Bora & Cook Islands albums here:

http://community.webshots.com/user/lordbalfor