Manihi Island Photo Curtesy of Tahiti Tourism Bureau 

Manihi atoll was the site of the first pearl farm that paved the way for the other Tuamotu islands. Pearl farming has become widespread and perfected to the point where the pearls produced are real jewels worthy of adorning the most beautiful queen.

The tourist attractions of this atoll with a deep navigable pass, beside which stands the special village of Turipaoa, lie in the sumptuousness of its lagoon of fairytale colors and the exceptionally high quality of its flora and fauna and the world renown of its seabed.

Manihi and its waters are known to divers for their amazing density of fish at the outstanding spots from the pass to the reef wall and "the circus" inside the lagoon. The usual cavally and napoleons swim past perch, cod, loach and meru while the majestic manta rays dodge past the eagle rays.

As a change from diving, visitors can visit one of the many pearl farms or discover the ancient marae sites which are still visible at the north and south ends of the atoll. You can also choose between hotel categories from the most luxurious built out over the water or the more simple family pension accommodation.

Manihi Island

Manihi is an atoll 312 miles northeast of Tahiti in the Tuamotu Archipelago. Its clear lagoon, which is 3 1/2 miles wide by l9 miles long, has a deep navigable pass through the reef, and shelters several black pearl farms.

Most of the Manihi's population of 400 live in Turipaoa village alongside the pass. Manihi activities are naturally centered around the lagoon and no matter where you stay, your hosts will arrange boat trips to show you around the lagoon, visiting the fish parks and pearl farms, with picnics on a motus and line or spear fishing. There is lodging in Manihi's private homes, as well as at the Manihi Pearl Resort which has overwater bungalows.

Besides the interesting pearl farms, visitors like to exploring the lagoon and the main village of Turipaoa. There are not many cars here so walking around the town square and along the coral paths is as peaceful and romantic as the lagoon itself.

Manihi has wonderful scuba diving and snorkeling. The water in Manihi lagoon is pristine, and exceptionally good for photography.