Rangiroa
Tiputa Pass is the space where the reef wall breaks, allowing marine life to stream into and out of the lagoon. Diving or snorkeling through the pass is a magnificent experience as long as you just go with the flow. (They call this "shooting the...
You'll need to join an organized tour to get there, but a trip to the Blue Lagoon is well worth the experience. Located on the western edge of the Rangiroa atoll, about an hour by boat from Avatoru, it's like stepping into a postcard from...
If you want to experience the magnificence that is Tiputa Pass, but prefer to not get wet, you can shoot the pass in a glass-bottom boat. Tours here allow you to see the marine life through the floor of your vessel without having to worry about...
Many of the beautiful black pearls that the French Polynesian islands are known for are cultured and grown in the Tuamotus. Pay a visit to a working pearl farm like Gauguin's Pearl while on Rangiroa. You'll get a tour about the process of...
Rangiroa's best resort restaurant is at the Kia Ora Resort; besides its celebrated meals, it gives you a chance to dine on a deck perched directly over the lagoon. The menu offers a fusion of European, Asian and Pacific dishes that will...
The best way to see all the top sites on the atoll is to hop on one of the lagoon-excursion day trips that are available here. These won't leave you much time to do anything else, but the tours take you through Tiputa Pass, stop in various spots...
Right on the pier, this restaurant is run by the enigmatic Lili, who hails from Madagascar. The menu differs from the typical list of raw-fish-in-coconut-milk dishes found at most restaurants. Instead, expect rotating daily specials like chicken...
This shop, run by well-known Polynesian artist Arno, sells his earth paintings in traditional and modern designs. The store also offers a range of souvenirs from T-shirts to bracelets and necklaces made from shells.
On the eastern edge of Avatoru, Ikimasho is where to head to for very creative and locally designed jewelry, including some pieces made with black pearls and/or bone. You'll find everything from pendants to rings and from earrings to bracelets...
