20 Best Beaches in the World
By • Last UpdatedOne Foot Island, Aitutaki, Cook Islands
The marooned atmosphere is so tangible that it even attracted the hit show Survivor to this 15-island atoll. Tapuaetai, meaning “one footprint” in the local Māori dialect, is just a quick jaunt across the crystal-clear lagoon, boasting a coconut palm-fringed shoreline that you can stroll in about 15 minutes. However, take your time, and be sure to grab a footprint-shaped passport stamp from the converted hut that serves as the post office.
Aitutaki, traditionally known as Araura, Ararau, and Utataki, is one of the Cook Islands located north of Rarotonga, with a population of around 2,000 residents. It is the second most visited island in the Cook Islands, and the main village, Arutanga (or Arutunga), is situated on the western side.
Known as an “almost atoll,” Aitutaki reaches a maximum elevation of approximately 123 meters, featuring Maunga Pu near its northernmost point. The atoll covers an area of 18.05 km² (6.97 sq mi), with the main island comprising 16.8 km² (6.5 sq mi). The Ootu Peninsula extends eastward from the main island along the reef’s eastern rim, occupying 1.75 km² (0.68 sq mi) of the total area. The lagoon’s size varies, with estimates ranging from 50 to 74 km² (19 to 29 sq mi). Measurements from satellite imagery indicate that the larger estimate likely includes the reef flat, which is typically not counted as part of the lagoon.
The barrier reef surrounding Aitutaki resembles an equilateral triangle, with each side measuring about 12 kilometers (7.5 mi). The southern edge of this triangle is mostly submerged, while the eastern side features a series of small islands, including Mangere, Akaiami, and Tekopua.