Deserted Islands and Tropicbirds: Escape to Aitutaki, Cook Islands in Polynesia

It's the scene straight out of every tropical travel brochure—crystal-clear aqua waters, powdery white sands, uninhabited islands, and, where people gather, vibrant traditional clothing and ornate headdresses. The Cook Islands embody this paradise perfectly.

I had the privilege of visiting Aitutaki Island, where I spent time exploring its breathtaking lagoon—an expanse framed by coral reefs and dotted with small, sandy islets. Stepping onto a deserted island, I felt like a modern-day Robinson Crusoe. I was the first to leave footprints on the pristine sand that day, trailing after brightly colored crabs along the shoreline, strolling over polished white shells, and gazing up at the Red-tailed Tropicbird (Phaethon rubricauda) gliding through the endless blue sky before disappearing into the jungle to nest.

Coconuts lay untouched, sprouting roots in the sand, while the beach was strewn with coral in an astonishing variety of shapes and sizes. The greatest challenge in processing my photographs was staying true to the vivid colors—each image a reflection of the raw, natural beauty of this unforgettable place.