Takaroa is separated from Takapoto by 8 km (less than 5 miles) of ocean. Home to 936 Paumotu people, Takaroa is 24 km (14.4 miles) long and 8 km (4.8 miles) wide, with a 3 meter (15 ft.) deep pass through the barrier reef. Anchorages are good in all parts of the lagoon and the little village of Teavaroa, 2 km (1.2 miles) from the airport, is attractive and very pleasant. Marae altars from Polynesia's Maohi past are found among the mikimiki bushes and the black pearls from Takaroa's pretty lagoon are of fine quality.