Rangiroa, one of the world's largest coral atolls, stretches to the horizon as far as the eye can see.

---------------------------------------

Only five miles of paved road exist on the entire atoll.

---------------------------------------

The atoll forms a ring 125 miles long, yet land is only a few hundred feet at its widest point. Water is visible everywhere.

---------------------------------------

People come to Rangiroa for what's below the waterline. Here a diveboat waits to take people out into the lagoon.

---------------------------------------

A trio of Moorish idols seems to float effortlessly in synch.

---------------------------------------

Hawksbill turtles cruise the reef looking for food.

---------------------------------------

Descending nearly 90 feet below Avatoru Pass, where a seat on the coral wall provides an excellent perch for shark viewing.

---------------------------------------

No matter which direction one turns, curious sharks slowly emerge from the deep blue void.

---------------------------------------

A gray reef shark swims by for a closer look.

---------------------------------------

Silvertip reef shark surveying the new arrivals.

---------------------------------------

(Hopefully) the closest I will ever come to a shark on a dive!