Temperature: 30C, even bluer skies Highlights: The island sits in a beautiful lagoon which stretches out 3 miles, surrounding it. It gets no deeper than 30 metres but mostly around 3 metres with turquoise water. Lots of sharks, black tips, white tips, lemon sharks, all a sacred animal with the Polynesians, which probably explains their abundance, known to them as the protector of the reef. Disappointments: Didn't catch anything marlin fishing. Thoughts: This really is heaven and every bit as real as the reputation. Other: Always aim for low season to avoid the tourists