Rangiroa, with its
42-mile long by 16-mile wide turquoise lagoon, is the largest atoll in the Tuamotu
Archipelago and the second largest atoll in the world. Only an hour’s flight from
Tahiti, Rangiroa offers sunshine, white coral beaches and an immense playground for water
sports and activities including some of the best diving in the world. The lagoon is
more like a vast inland sea, and dry land exists as a narrow chain of sandy motus
encircling this huge waterway. Divers come from all over the world to Rangiroa and the
configuration of the lagoon is such that the rise and fall of the tide causes
powerful currents that divers `surf’. Whether you opt for shallow, ocean
or drift dives, the underwater scenery is guaranteed to be some of the most spectacular
you’ve ever seen.
The flavor of village life on an atoll can be experienced in the
small villages of Tiputa and Avatoru, each with a population of approximately 700. Both
villages are beside a navigable pass.
While in this part of the archipelago,
you should consider a visit to Kia Ora Sauvage Resort, a unique, natural setting, where
life is simple and your time is your own. This resort features the most peaceful
surroundings you can imagine. Bask in the sun, snorkel in the bath-like waters, and take
in this pure Polynesian experience.
Rangiroa's Hotel Kia Ora and Kia Ora Sauvage are both
very popular with visitors. The Hotel Kia Ora is a very pleasant, full service
resort while the Kia Ora Sauvage offers guests a unique experience in an intimate,
beautiful atmosphere. The Kia Ora Sauvage prefers that guests allow a
minimum of two nights at the property, and due to flight schedules into and out of Rangiroa, it is frequently
necessary and recommended that you allow at least one night at Hotel Kia Ora before and
after your visit. For detailed information regarding the hotels in Rangiroa we
invite you to visit the
Rangiroa Hotels
page in the "hotels" section of our website.
Lagoon excursions include snorkeling through the pass, unparalleled
diving and unforgettable shark feeding. Whether you opt for shallow, ocean or drift dives,
the underwater scenery is guaranteed to be some of the most spectacular you’ve ever
seen. Sailing, fishing, para-sailing, and many other water activities are also available
in this immense, natural aquarium where underwater visibility is up to 150 feet. 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.
Please see our
Rangiroa Tours and Activities page for additional information.
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In contrast to the dramatic peaks of the high islands such as Tahiti, Moorea
and Bora Bora, the low islands of the Tuamotus are equally dramatic rings of coral reef
surrounding a central lagoon. About 200 miles northeast of Tahiti, the Tuamotu Archipelago
is composed of the largest collection of coral atolls in the world.
Rangiroa is the largest atoll in the South Pacific. Its lagoon
is gigantic (40 miles long/20 miles wide, a depth up to150 feet), communicating with the
ocean by the Avatoru and Tiputa channels. Through the channesl flows a huge quantity of
water from the ocean into the lagoon and vice versa. Colors are brighter and water
clearer (100-150 foot visibility is common).
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AIR TAHITI
Tahiti-Faaa International Airport
Several daily flights to Rangiroa from Tahiti-Faaa international
airport by ATR 42 or ATR 72 departing from Faaa international airport (flight time: 1
hour)
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HOTEL KIA ORARestaurant
Tel (689) 96. 03. 84
Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner. Continental and local cuisine, lagoon fresh fishes.
All credit cards.
MIKI MIKI VILLAGE Restaurant
Tel (689) 96. 83. 63
Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner. Local cuisine, seafood specialties.
All credit cards.
RAIRA LAGOON Restaurant
Tel (689) 96. 04. 23
Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner. French cuisine, seafood specialties.
All credit cards.
ACAJOU
Avatoru
Tel. (689) 96. 04. 12 Chinese cuisine. res. Closed Wednesday.
No credit cards.
CHEZ GLORINE
Ohotu Point
Tel (689) 96. 03. 58
Local cuisine, seafood specialties. Res. Open daily.
Credit cards: Visa, Master
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