Tikehau "The Pink Sand Island"

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Located some 300 kilometres to the northwest of Tahiti, and about 10 kilometres north of Rangiroa, Tikehau is an oval shaped atoll. It is accessible by frequent flights from Papeete (about 55 minutes) and Rangiroa (twenty minutes flights).

Tikehau, one of the most beautiful atolls in Polynesia, forms an almost unbroken circle, 26 kilometres across, creating a unique ecosystem and the highest preponderance of fish of all the atolls. The pink sand beaches take in many bird colonies that have sought refuge in the small islands scattered in the lagoon, including the aptly named Island of Birds, well known for its red-footed gannets and brown noddies.

The beauty and abundance of the fauna is also remarkable for scuba divers, especially in the Tuheiava pass, where the manta rays' dance alternates with the parade of barracudas, multicoloured coral fish, tuna and the harmless reef sharks.

The abundance of fish in the lagoon has interested Jacques Cousteau's research group who declared that Tikehau's lagoon contained the most fish in all of the Tuamotu atolls.

Fish parks earn an income for many of the atoll's 400 residents, who regularly ship parrot fish and other choice lagoon fish to Papeete for sale in the local markets. Many of the residents live in Tuheiava, an important centre for lagoon fishing. You can visit the two other villages, Tuherahera on the south end, surrounded with flowers; and Maiaia on the northeast, which is a traditional copra producer.

Tikehau will offer you the opportunity to enjoy the traditional Polynesian way of life, exploring the lagoon, the Island of Birds or the villages, by canoe, walking, bicycle, scooter or sailboat.