Visiting the Rangiroa Atoll in Polynesia

If the words beaches, sky, turquoise water and warmth make you dream, then we have what you need: a stopover in French Polynesia and more specifically on the Rangiroa Atoll.
The second largest atoll in the world, Rangiroa will leave you speechless. Composed of 240 islands (motu), Rangiroa has a turquoise lagoon 80 km long and 32 wide.

Taking advantage of Tahiti’s economic boom in 1950, Rangiroa is now the atoll with the most developed economy in the Tuamotu Islands. Tourism, pearl farming, fishing and coprah are the main contributors to this prosperity.
With its extraordinary wildlife, you will never tire of being amazed by this charming atoll!

How to get to Rangiroa?

During your stay in French Polynesia, you will certainly want to visit several islands, which is why I recommend that you purchase a pass.la compagnie Air Tahiti and more specifically the pass PASS BORA BORA-TUAMOTU which includes the islands of Moorea, Huahine, Raiatea, Maupiti, Bora Bora, Rangiroa, Tikehau, and Fakarava are available at a price of 527 euros in low season and 570 euros in high season.

With this pass you can choose 2 islands and personally I would recommend this itinerary: Tahiti >> Bora Bora >> Rangiroa >> Tahiti. I also recommend you to go to Moorea by boat with The Aremiti ferry company offers a return trip for only 25 euros.

What to do in the Rangiroa atoll?

• Snorkeling or diving

Given the turquoise and transparent water, we can only recommend snorkeling or diving as a first option. With its world-renowned spots, you will have the opportunity to discover an exceptional flora.
Snorkeling will give you the opportunity to get close to dolphins, hammerhead sharks and mantas. Countless colorful fish will add to the magical tableau. Be careful, the current is quite strong and if you find it too rough for snorkeling, you can try diving instead.

Thanks to its depth, the tiputa pass will offer you an unforgettable diving spot. Commandant Cousteau had classified it as 1^he Some of the most beautiful and richest sites in the world. You will swim alongside groupers, rays, schools of barracudas, sharks of all kinds, dolphins and much more.

As for me, I went through  Top Dive And I was very satisfied with it. The company offers inter-island passes of 6 dives for 500 euros for 2 people.
Last detail regarding snorkeling: I strongly recommend you to buy it. The snorkeling mask from Decathlon.

• Spending a day on a motu 

The Rangiroa atoll is part of an archipelago. The small islands that make up Rangiroa They are called Motu. About 1 hour by boat from Rangiroa, you will have the opportunity to spend an entire day on one of them. You can swim in the turquoise waters away from the world, feed the colorful fish and enjoy the magnificent view that unfolds before you. All this without a Wi-Fi connection, so you can really feel disconnected! After a lunch break with local products (coconut bread, Tahitian salad, fruits …), you can visit the island on foot and discover the wonderful flora that hides there.
The white sand, the crystal-clear water, and the tranquility will leave you indifferent. A day alone on a motu is guaranteed to discover a part of the Rangiroa archipelago that is just as beautiful and as unique.

• Visiting a pearl farm

Pearl farming is the main activity of the inhabitants of Polynesia. When you visit Rangiroa, it is truly the opportunity to visit a pearl farm. A true Polynesian skill, the pearl is what tourists are most eager to buy.
Necklaces, bracelets, necklaces… you can get them all for yourself. Some farms will let you tour their manufacturing workshops. You’ll get to see the inside of things and admire this practice so dear to the Polynesians.
After the visit, you can buy the jewel of your dreams directly on site, featuring a real Tahitian pearl, handcrafted.

I am also preparing an article dedicated to pearl farms very soon.

http://www.gauguinspearl.com

• Visit the vineyards of Tahiti and taste the wines.

As strange as it may seem to you, and yes, in Rangiroa they do make wine! The only wine in French Polynesia is produced on this atoll.
Dominique Auroy created the first vineyard in the 90s. His tenacity and audacity allowed Rangiroa to become the first and only producers of such a scale. From three hectares in 1997, the atoll of Rangiroa now has nearly eight. The specificity of their wine is that the vines grow among coral and coral debris; something that gives a particular taste to the grape.
A visit to the vineyards of Rangiroa will allow you to discover a special aspect of this wonderful place, and will give you the opportunity to taste a Blanc de Corail, a dry white wine, a soft white wine, or even a Nacarat rosé wine.

http://www.vindetahiti.com

• Discovering the island by bike 

Rangiroa is a true paradise on earth. Between the flora and the immense waves that come crashing down on the coral, the atoll offers you a unique spectacle. The best way to discover the island is by bike; you can easily rent one, especially at the hotels. This will allow you to discover the grandeur and beauty of the atoll.  You can follow the route to discover the landscape and the village, but feel free to venture onto the small trails to discover its hidden secrets.
The lagoon offers a magnificent view; if you feel like it, you can take a break near the lagoon and admire the splendid view that unfolds before you.
Cycling is the most suitable means of transportation to discover the interior of the Rangiora atoll. 

Where to sleep in Rangiroa?

• The family pension «Coconut Lodge»

With a charming new address, this guesthouse was created by Alice, Nicolas and their two little children.
Located on the edge of the lagoon, there are a total of four cozy and family-friendly bungalows in the property’s garden. A bathroom and a private terrace await you for unforgettable moments with friends or family.
Able to accommodate up to four people, the bungalows have a private beach, a rarity in Rangiora.  
But this pension never fails to surprise you! In fact, you will have the pleasure of tasting the small dishes prepared by Nicolas, using fresh local products. You can enjoy everything while facing the lagoon.
If you come as a family, this is the address you shouldn’t miss. You will immediately be drawn to the location and the pension.

More information here 

• The Tehavine pension dream

Charming guesthouse located near the lagoon, Tehavine Dream consists of five bungalows. Perfect for a couple, the «honeymoon», «pearl wedding», «coral wedding», «gold wedding», and «the remembrance» bungalows each have their own unique character; they are all made and decorated using local materials. Moreover, each bungalow has its own bathroom, as well as an outdoor shower.
You will have the option to choose your bungalow based on the view you prefer: the sunset, or the lush garden.
Various nautical activities will be offered to you by your warm-hearted hosts, Norbert and Tilda.
After a day of discovery, we recommend you dine at the pension's restaurant, one of the best in Rangiroa, with a view of the lagoon.

More information here 

• The Maitai Hotel

Located between the renowned diving spots of Avatoru and Tiputa, the Maitai hotel is ideal if you want to spend your stay diving and snorkeling.
Thanks to these many bungalows, you will have the opportunity to choose them according to your budget. Whether in the middle of a fragrant garden or near the lagoon, the quality of the bungalows is impeccable. Built in the pure Polynesian tradition, each bungalow will surprise you with its uniqueness.
Each one of them has a mini-bar and a flat-screen TV, but also a private bathroom.
For your activities, feel free to inquire at the hotel which has a full program of activities. From the exhibition of flower crowns to Tahitian dance classes, diving excursions, or visits to vineyards, you will have plenty of choices to fill your stay thanks to the Maitai hotel.
The restaurant will serve you Polynesian, French and international specialties. 

More information here 

 

 

* Stay was arranged as part of a partnership with Tahiti Tourism and the airline French Bee.

The content of this article only reflects my opinion; I maintain complete freedom in my statements, and my recommendations are always objective.

 

Our tips for a trip to French Polynesia

• We offer you 25 euros on your first booking on the site Booking.com by clicking here
• We offer you 25 euros on your first reservation on the site d’ Airbnb.com by clicking here