The great sky of the Tuamotus
Rangiroa or Ra'iroa, which means “immense sky”, is the second largest atoll in the world in terms of lagoon surface area. The lagoon is a veritable inland sea, with the entire island of Tahiti at its center.
Its inhabitants live permanently on 2 of the hundreds of Motu (white sand islets) that make up the atoll. Rangiroa has 7 villages: Tiputa, Avatoru, Ohotu, Taeo'o, Fenuaroa, Otepipi and Tevaro. The daily life of its inhabitants is punctuated by pearl farming, tourism, fishing and copra.
A school dedicated to pearl farming techniques has been set up on Rangiroa, as well as a pearl oyster research center, to promote the development of this activity.
Rangiroa is world-famous for its lagoon, with its exceptionally abundant marine life: dolphins, sharks, reef fish, whales in season, etc.
Described as a natural aquarium, Captain Cousteau ranked this atoll as the most beautiful and richest site in the world.
Discovering the marvellous colors of its lagoon is simply dazzling. Sailing on a glass-bottomed boat is exquisite, and excursions to the island's reefs and pink sands or deep-sea fishing trips are incredible.
This diver's paradise offers a magical spectacle of marine life. What a pleasure to swim with red mullets, napoleons, manta rays, leopard rays, jacks and dolphins.
At the entrance to the Tiputa pass, at a depth of around 50 metres, you can admire a wall of around 100 sharks that forms when the current flows in. The sharks remain motionless and are easy to observe.
The Blue Lagoon tour also includes a visit to the enchanting Bird Island, where you can observe a wide range of species, some of which are now rare in their natural state.
Other recommended sites include the Otepipi church and the Marae (ancient open-air sacred temples) of the Motu (white sand islets) in the north-western part of the coral ribbon.
Last but not least, as incredible as it may seem, there's a vineyard to discover that's unique in the world. It's located in the middle of a coconut grove where the vines grow right on the edge of the lagoon.
Two harvests a year are a must. The winery is located in the center of the village of Avatoru, where the grapes are transported by boat. Carignan and Muscat de Hambourg are among the grape varieties selected and currently produced on Rangiroa.
Pleasant guesthouses and a superb hotel are available on this magnificent atoll.
Between exceptional diving, idleness, vineyards and white sandy beaches, Rangiroa offers a range of activities that make every Polynesian holiday a real treat.
