The main hub, and only settlement of any size, of the Gambiers archipelago is the town of Rikitea on the island of Mangareva. But the archipelago boasts 14 islands in total, and after a week or two of civilization its time for some exploration.
The island of Taravai lies to the southwest of Mangareva, and the anchorages on the west side offer good protection when the prevailing easterly winds turn north with the passing of a low pressure system. The large bay between Taravai and the small island of Agakauitai has a large sandy patch between an outer ring of coral and is a great spot for watersports (once you learn to coexist with the many small- and medium-sized reef sharks that live in the bay).
Around the corner, Onemea Bay is a postcard of an anchorage. Palms heavy with coconuts lean over small sandy beaches, sharing the steep slopes at sea level with pandanus trees and their interesting segmented fruit. Like in most areas of the Gambiers, beautiful, healthy coral rings the bay, making for nice viewing by snorkel underwater or by paddleboard above water.
