About Rangiroa
Explore Tahiti
Overview
It’s hard to tell exactly where the sea ends and the sky begins on Tahiti’s largest atoll, the second biggest in the world, Rangiroa. Even its name means “endless skies.” Looking a bit like a lovely necklace from the air, Rangiroa’s stunning coral reefs surround bright turquoise lagoons. There are more than 200 miniature motus, or tiny islands, set along this delicate reef, providing some of the planet’s best scuba diving and snorkeling. Located about 220 miles from the island of Tahiti, it is part of the Palliser group of islands, named in honor of Admiral Sir Hugh Palliser by Captain James Cook in 1774. Unlike many other Tahitian islands, Rangiroa is flat with no mountains.
The water means everything in this diver’s paradise. It comes in nearly every shade of blue you can imagine, and even some you have to see to believe. Here, the serene lagoon moana-tea (Peaceful Ocean) meets the open waters of moana-uri (Wild Ocean), where whales, dolphins, sharks and manta rays roam. In between dives, vacationers can wander through Rangiroa’s charming villages of Tiputa and Avotoru, learn about the dance and culture of these enchanting French Polynesian isles, or search for the perfect black pearl.
What To Do
Visit the world’s only vineyard on an atoll at Vin de Tahiti, only ten minutes from Avatoru village via boat. Its delicious white and rosé wines are produced from delicate coral soil. Stroll through the lovely town, with its colorful churches, boutiques, petite boulangerie, restaurants and friendly locals.
Explore Les Sables Roses (The Pink Sands), a deserted beach to the east, or Ile aux Récifs (Reef Island) with raised coral formed over the past 4 million years resembling tiny towns. Tour a pearl farm and discover the South Pacific’s mysterious black pearl.
Take a glass bottom boat tour of the ultimate Lagon Bleu (Blue Lagoon), which is actually a lagoon within a lagoon, formed when a necklace of motus (atolls) and coral reefs created a natural pool on the edge of the larger reef. There’s even a bird island nearby to explore. Parasail, or go deep-sea fishing for marlin and mahi mahi. And dive into some of the most spectacular waters in the world.
When to Go
Rangiroa enjoys a tropical climate with miniature motu rainforests. There are plenty of welcome showers, plus high temperatures, which creates humidity. The best time to visit is during the dryer winter season, from May to October. The temperatures are a bit cooler and there is less rain during this time.
Fast Facts
Vin de Tahiti is the only vineyard in the world growing on a coral atoll. Rangiroa’s atoll is made up of 418 tiny islands, only two of which are inhabited.
On Rangiroa, the sea life is nearly as friendly as the natives and will usually allow you to photograph them up close during your dive.
Only 2,500 people live on Rangiroa year-round.
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