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Only one hour away from Tahiti by plane, Rangiroa
is the largest atoll in French Polynesia, and the second
largest
in the world with more than 240 “motus” (islets in the
lagoon). It is also the most visited atoll of the Tuamotu archipelago. Its turquoise lagoon is 80 km long
and 32 km wide, with more than 100 “hoa” (small channels
that make up its ring of coral). The great length of
this atoll gives it its name of Ra’iroa, which
means ‘huge sky’.
Thanks to this infinite lagoon, Rangiroa offers a good
range of water activities, from line or drag
fishing, to visiting black pearl farms or fish parks. A
must-do is, of course, to dive in this clear emerald ‘sky’
and experience the amazing snorkelling in the
channels. There, you will discover an endless number of
fish in all kinds of shapes, sizes and colours. And
don’t forget the harmless sharks that swim close enough
to make your heart beat a little faster. You will be a
part of this natural aquarium, famous throughout the
world for its extraordinary diving opportunities.
Visit the main villages of Avatoru and Tiputa, with their
houses ringed by bleached coral and fenced with
flowering hedges. Discover the simple, quiet and
peaceful life of the “Paumotu” people. A 13km road, made
with crushed coral or tar seal, links the two villages
and their neighbourhoods. Otherwise, you can use an
outrigger speed canoe or motor boat to reach distant motu islets across the lagoon. Other places of interest
are the bird sanctuary on the Motu Paio and the famous
blue lagoon of Toeo’s.
Wherever you are in Rangiroa – on an outrigger speed
canoe through the “hoa”, underwater with thousands of
fish, or on the road discovering this necklace of
“motus” – you will be rejuvenated by the harmony of this
colourful gift of nature.
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Main Figures |
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Archipelago
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Tuamotu Islands |
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Main village |
Avatoru |
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Surface
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1,640 square km |
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Population
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2,335 (census
2002) |
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Highest Peak |
n/a |
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