Vagabond Voyagesvideo
Surviving on a remote atoll... and hunting giant crabs! Vlog 91
12 September 2025 · 28 min · 14K views · French Polynesia
What this video covers
Tom and Anissia visit the remote atoll of Maupélia in French Polynesia, where they document local subsistence practices, including hunting coconut crabs and fishing in the lagoon.▶ 0:55 The crew learns to extract coconut crabs from their burrows, noting that these crustaceans can weigh over 4 kilograms and possess powerful claws capable of crushing coconuts.▶ 1:47 They emphasize that the crabs must be kept in separate barrels to prevent fighting.▶ 11:06 The pair also engages in line fishing from their boat, successfully catching a spangled emperor, a species they note is safe to eat in this specific atoll because the area is free of ciguatera.▶ 21:58 They use hermit crabs as bait on a weighted line, though they frequently contend with grey reef sharks attracted to their catch.▶ 22:13 The visit highlights the self-sufficiency of the local community, who rely on visiting sailors to deliver supplies to the isolated island.▶ 0:57
More from Vagabond Voyages
From Vagabond Voyages — see the channel’s boat, crew, and every analysed video.
The Sailing Directory Newsletter
One email with the fleet's best finds — the moments, boats, and stories worth your watch time. Enter your own address to get your own copy.