Rangiroa Atoll Photo Tahiti Tourism Bureau

Ruled by the rhythms of the wind and sea, the Tuamotu Archipelago is the world's largest collection of coral atolls. The largest of these is Rangiroa, with its immense 42-mile long, 16-mile wide turquoise lagoon. Rangiroa is the largest atoll in the Tuamotu Archipelago. A diver's nirvana, this huge, natural aquarium harbors an extraordinary array of marine life. Further north from Rangiroa lies Manihi, a smaller atoll, where palm trees languish and dazzling white beaches abound.

Kio Ora Resort, Rangiroa Island, Tahiti photo taken by Bob Mc Millen, Travelwizard.com

It is here, in the pure, blue-green waters surrounding these two remote atolls, that that South Seas "gem," the rare black pearl, is farmed. Isolated and sparsely populated (Manihi has only 400 inhabitants!), Rangiroa and Manihi offer the adventurer a chance to live amid wild, untamed scenery, quite removed from civilization.

Rangiroa is only an hour's flight from Tahiti. Rangiroa offers sunshine, white coral beaches and an immense playground for water sports and activities. Rangiroa Lagoon excursions include snorkeling through the pass, along with hundreds of fish and sharks, line or drag fishing in the lagoon, motor boat outings to visit Tiputa village, various motu islets, and especially to the bird sanctuary on Motu Paio and to the "Blue Lagoon" of Taeo'o. Picnics are sometimes included. All of the hotels and pensions can arrange these excursions.

Kia Ora Sauvage Motu Resort photo taken by Bob Mc Millen, Travelwizard.com

Rangiroa's lagoon is also world famous for unsurpassed scuba diving. The magnificent turquoise lagoon attracts adventurers from all corners of the world. Rangiroa lagoon is world famous for scuba diving and snorkeling, and is unsurpassed as the clearest waters in the world. Shooting the pass is a favorite where millions of fish congregate. If you are a diver or snorkel you shouldn't miss this world treasure.

Ra'iroa gets its name "huge sky" from its great length. It is the largest atoll here and one of the four largest in the world, with more than 240 motu separated by more than 100 "hoa", small channels that make up its ring of coral, and, in the center of the inside lagoon is the Paio motu.

The incomparable brilliance and colors of the lagoon from jade-green to violet, completely overwhelm the visitor who discovers this long ribbon of islets way out in the middle of the Pacific Ocean.

On the northwest side of the atoll is Avatoru, the main village opposite the Fara motu whose lagoon is said according to the legend to have been breached by the two twins "Moana-tea" (Peaceful Ocean") and "Moana-uri" ("Wild Ocean").

The main government buildings are to be found here, including the Mayor's Office, the Post Office, the Pearl Industry Research Center together with a mother of pearl and pearl culture Crafts Center, and two churches. The other village of Tiputa, situated at the eastern end of the motu, near to the second main reef entry point, has houses ringed with bleached coral and fenced with flowering hedges. A road surfaced with crushed coral or tar seal links the two villages and their neighborhoods.

Overwhelmed by all the choices? Don't worry, let us orchestrate your Rangiroa dream vacation. Our Virtuoso--- South Pacific Travel and Cruise Consultants are experts in every intimate detail regarding your vacation request---just click on our, "Vacation Planner" at the top or bottom of this page and we will be happy to assist you at no extra charge.