In Rangiroa, there are reefs more than 2 meters high, rising from the water several million years ago. Reefs where dozens of small pools of seawater are hidden which fill with the tides. A playground that Léon Révault knows well

This Polynesian decided in 2001 to share this little corner with tourists passing through the atoll. Going to the “Reef islands”, as they calls the excursion, is to discover this unique space. It’s from 6 A.M. that Léon gets ready. Cutting coconut palms, preparing the boat, the coolers are his daily routine, when he has clients.

Customers that he find on the Avatoru quay around 9:00 A.M. Immediate boarding for this little paradise, located 1 hour by boat on the other side of the immense lagoon of Rangiroa. Once on the other side, everyone gets into the water to reach a small motu. After a short one-hour stroll, tourists can discover the immense natural wall which rises as we approach it. Burnt by the onslaught of the sun and winds depending on the time of year, these reefs stretch for almost ten km.

You must proceed with caution, as the jagged rocks can easily injure or cut you. He is a guide who escorts visitors on the reefs, discovering small rivers of sea water and pools of crystal clear water, where they can enjoy swimming for another good hour.

Meanwhile, Léon prepares the meal on a motu not far away. On the menu, fish of course, grilled, or prepared with that special “Léon” style, with herbs, a recipe of which he alone has the secret. Accompanied by some rice, or even vegetables, but above all a coconut bread that he is not afraid to call “one of the best in the world”. A coconut bread prepared at dawn and which will finish cooking over a fire of coconut palms and coconut husk.

Very hungry, visitors arrive around 1 P.M. directly to sit down and enjoy the food. And if there are any leftovers, the fish and sharks will be fed right in front of the small reception station. A treat for the cameras and cell phones of satisfied visitors.

After 17 years, Léon has perfected the smallest details of his excursions, no question is left unanswered, and each visitor leaves the islet with a full stomach, eyes sparkling with memories, a boy's hat on his head and/or a basket of freshly woven niau on his arm.

As a wise captain, he will immediately suggest a stop at the island's aquarium located a few hundred meters from the banks, the main village Avatoru and Tiputa, for a colorful discovery of the marine fauna of the atoll. Then another little tour in the pass just after the coral reef to see the dolphins having fun in the waves.

Léon makes it a point of honor that his visitors are satisfied once they return. For him, it’s still a good hour of work once the boat is removed from the water. You have to rinse it, clean the equipment, the coolers, and above all prepare for the next day's excursions. Long working days don't scare him. Léon wouldn't trade his little corner of paradise for an office space in Tahiti for anything in the world.

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Source : article re-published with permission of a report made for Polynésie La 1ère