The Tuamotu Atolls: Rangiroa, Manihi, Tikehau and Fakarava

All of the islands that make up the Tuamotus are low lying and very different from the mountainous islands of Tahiti, Moorea and Bora Bora. These coral rings surround a lagoon and offer beautiful colors and clear waters.

Accommodation options in the Tuamotus are limited and range from low-key hotel/resorts near the main village to primitive beach bungalows on a remote lagoon islet.

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Rangiroa

Part of the Tuamotus archipelago, Rangiroa is the world's second largest atoll, actually just a ring of low land encircling a vast crystal-clear deep turquoise lagoon. The island, about an hour's flight from Tahiti, offers among other things world-class scuba diving. The water is so clear that visibility is estimated at least 150ft (46m), and the temperature remains a constant 80°F (27°C). The stretch where the lagoon opens to the ocean, known as Tiputa Pass, is particularly rich in marine life and is recognised as one of the world's greatest shark dive locations. Even snorkellers can appreciate close up views of the various species of sharks and schools of dolphins that gather in the pass.

Rangiroa Attractions

Avatoru Village

Located on the western end of a string of connected islands, the village of Avatoru is where you'll find most of the island's businesses, banks and shops. Rangiroa's airport is also located here.

Tiputa Village

Tiputa is a 45-minute boatride from Avatoru. Though both communities boast a similar number of government agencies, Tiputa is the main administrative community, with an infirmary, post office and town hall.

Islets

There are a number of small islets within Rangiroa's blue lagoon that are important sanctuaries for bird life. The most popular of these islands is Paio, which is easily accessible by boat.

›› Map of Rangiroa

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Manihi

Manihi is a small remote hideaway located 330 miles from Tahiti. It is a refuge for those truly seeking to "truly get away from it all."

Manihi is the site of Tahiti's first black pearl farm. Today, Manihi is still the leading supplier for the Tahitian cultured pearl industry. Over 60 farms here produce the world's most sought after gem: pearls. Manihi's lagoon waters are among the most perfect on earth for cultivating pearls because of the temperature, density, salinity, light, and overall climate.

Besides the pearl farms, visitors enjoy exploring the lagoon and the main village of Turipaoa. There are few cars here so walking around the town square and along the coral paths is as peaceful and romantic as the lagoon itself.

Manihi Attractions

Manihi Village

The homes in Manihi village are surrounded by handsome yards adorned with shells, shrubs and flowers. The village boasts one main concrete dock, a flagpole and a square where older residents gossip under the shade of a huge tree.

Turipaoa Village

This modest village is home to many of Manihi's 769 inhabitants. The colorful homes here are shaded by breadfruit trees and ornamented with frangipani, hibiscus and bougainvillea. Other citizens reside on the pearl farms built on struts beside the lagoon.

›› Map of Manihi

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Tikehau

Approximately 8 miles from Rangiroa, Tikehau is a much smaller atoll with an incredible beach and crystal clear lagoon. In this pristine world, fish seem to outnumber people one-billion-to one. In fact the density of the fish in the lagoon is so high that Jacques Cousteau's research group declared that Tikehau's lagoon contained the highest concentration of fish in all of the Tuamotu atolls.

Fishing is among the primary industries here for the 400 residents. Families share fish parks - underwater fenced areas - where they trap parrotfish and other lagoon species as a primary source of food and income. Families also ship fish by air to Papeete for sale in the local markets. Visitors enjoy endless hours of exploring the perfection of the lagoon, the Isle of Birds, and the charming village of Tuherahera, situated on the south end of the largest motu.

Tikehau Attractions

Temaruopapahi

The village, once sprawling with natives, is now a vacant and serene area of the island to explore. The village displays images of wealth, see a church and cemetery built in the early 1900's. Other buildings hold artifacts such as a copper bathtub.

Tuherahera

This charming village has broad streets lined with pretty houses surrounded by beautiful flowers and gardens. Also visit its neighboring towns of Tuheiava, with many "fish parks" that supply the markets of Tahiti, and Maiaia on the other large a copra producer.

›› Map of Tikehau

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Fakarava

Fakarava, an hour and a half flight from Papeete, is the second largest atoll in the Tuamotu Archipelago and part of the UNESCO biosphere reserve program. Take time to wander amid its especially rare fauna and flora. The real allure to Fakarava is the remarkable scuba diving available surrounding the atoll. In this pristine environment, both beginners and experienced divers will be amazed by the generous concentration of lagoon and ocean fish.

Fakarava Attractions

A pearl farm, the sea slug ("rori") smoke house-highly prized by Asian gourmets, the ancient village of Tetamanu with one of the first Catholic churches built in coral and dating from 1874.

›› Map of Fakarava

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