One Foot Island (Tapuaetai)

Tapuaetai, better known as One Foot Island, is a small palm-covered motu on the south-east edge of the lagoon and the stop every lagoon cruise builds its day around. The water around it is shallow, warm and an intense turquoise; at low tide a long sandbar appears next to the island. The island is known for its tiny post office, where you can get a foot-shaped stamp (on a souvenir page, not in your passport) and send a postcard. Most cruises serve their barbecue lunch here and give you an hour or more to swim and walk around. There is no way to get here without a boat, so it only works on a lagoon cruise or private charter. Bring reef shoes, a hat and plenty of sunscreen: there is little shade on the sandbar.