Issue 197: Moneron Island

Hey Explorer,

This is Adventure Fix, the newsletter that helps you discover extraordinary journeys and experiences across the globe.

Here’s what we've got for you today:

• Diving: Fakarava’s Wall of Sharks

• Remote Places: Moneron Island

• Stays: Lakutaia Lodge

Diving Fakarava’s Wall of Sharks

If you’ve ever dreamed of being surrounded by sharks, Fakarava’s south pass in French Polynesia is where that dream becomes very real.

This remote atoll in the Tuamotu Islands is home to something divers call the Wall of Sharks—and yes, it’s exactly what it sounds like.

Picture this: you drop into clear, warm water and let the incoming tide pull you through the pass. Coral reefs drift by below, schools of fish swirl around, and then suddenly—there they are.

Dozens, sometimes hundreds, of gray reef sharks, calmly cruising together.

It’s one of the most incredible, adrenaline-filled dives out there, and it still feels peaceful. The sharks couldn’t care less about you. They’re focused on the current and the buffet of fish it brings.

If you time it right (around the full moon in June and July), you’ll catch the annual grouper spawning event, which brings even more predators into the mix.

It’s like front-row seats to the raw power of nature—no cage, no feeding, just the real deal.

Explore more:

• Here’s What It’s Like to Dive Through French Polynesia’s Shark Alley (article)

• The Wall of Sharks- Fakarava South Pass (video)

Moneron Island

Moneron Island—ever heard of it?

It’s this little Russian island off the coast of Sakhalin in the Sea of Japan, and it feels like you’ve stumbled into another world. No roads, no towns, just wild cliffs, crashing waves, and the kind of untouched nature that makes you forget your phone exists.

Getting there is a bit of an adventure in itself—you need a special permit because it’s part of a protected national park, and there’s usually just one boat that goes out from Nevelsk when the weather’s right.

But once you land, it’s like stepping into a postcard. We're talking dramatic coastlines, fields of flowers, pine trees twisted by the wind, and some of the clearest water you’ve ever seen.

People mostly go for the diving. The water’s cold, but it's insanely clear, and the marine life is next level—sea urchins, anemones, seals, even sea lions sometimes. It’s the only place in Russia where you can see coral reefs.

On land, birds are everywhere, and if you're lucky, you might spot foxes or deer wandering around.

It’s not exactly luxury travel—think camping or rustic cabins, and you’re pretty much off the grid—but that’s part of the magic. You wake up to the sound of waves and seabirds, spend your days hiking or exploring tide pools, and your nights staring at a sky full of stars.

If you’re into nature and don’t mind going a bit off the beaten path, Moneron’s a wild, beautiful, totally underrated gem.

Explore more:

• Moneron Island - Secret Gem of the Far East (article)

• Moneron Island National Park (video)

Lakutaia Lodge

Lakutaia Lodge is a cozy, off-the-grid spot on Navarino Island in Chilean Patagonia, right by Puerto Williams—the southernmost town in the world. It’s set along the Beagle Channel with amazing views of the mountains and fjords.

With just 24 rooms, it feels quiet and personal. The food is local and hearty, and the Chilean wine flows freely—perfect after a day outside.

This place is all about connecting with nature. You can hike deep into the Dientes range, kayak the icy waters, go bird-watching at Punta Gusanos, or ride horses through the sub-Antarctic forests.

They also offer trips to the Omora Ethnobotanical Park, where you can learn about the unique local flora and indigenous cultural traditions.

There’s no Wi-Fi or TVs in the rooms, which is kind of the point. It’s all about unplugging and just being surrounded by raw, untouched beauty. If you’re after a real adventure at the edge of the world, this place delivers.

Explore more:

• Lakutaia Lodge (website)

Natural Geometry: Nature’s own harmonic order

Wildlife: Polar bears move into abandoned Arctic weather station

National Parks: Exploring Albania’s new Vjosa Wild River National Park

Safari: Africa’s best lion destinations

Diving: A scuba road trip into the wild of Northern New Caledonia

Where in the World

Wanna flex your adventure geography skills? Guess where this pic was snapped!

Stumped? No worries. The answer is at the end of this email.

I’d love to hear what you think of this issue, scroll down to the poll to let us know.

Until next time…

Keep exploring,

-Amanda

Whenever you’re ready, here’s how we can help you plan truly unique adventure trips:

• Get inspired with our adventure eBooks.

• Plan your next trip with our tool Adventure Finder.

• Book a scheduled adventure trip to some of the most unique travel destinations with Adventure Fix GO.

 ANSWER: Francois Peron National Park, Australia