Shore Diving

There are no major shore dives accessible off Rangiroa.

Diver, Credit

Boat Diving

All dive sites can be accessed by boat in roughly 5 – 10 minutes. Dives revolve heavily around the tides, with sites and marine life changing dramatically between low and high tide.

Corals, Credit

Diving the underwater cliffs outside the Tiputa Pass : During the falling tide and the out of flowing current, the divers enter the water over the oceanic cliffs outside of the effects of the current. Rays, turtles and dolphins are often at the scene.

Drift diving in the Tiputa Pass: In the rising tide, a large quantity of water comes from the ocean into the lagoon through the passes, creating a current of 3 to 6 knots. Divers enter the water at the ocean side of the pass and let themselves be carried by the current which propels them trough the pass to the lagoon, where the course  dissipates.

Underwater, Credit

Liveaboard Diving

Liveaboads that sail through French Polynesia/Tahiti will most certainly explore the waters surrounding Rangiroa. In fact, this is often the departure point for most cruises. Note that formerly, the Aggressor was the primary liveaboard in the region – but it closed in 2011 and options have since been more limited.

Fish, Rangiroa, Credit

How to Get There

Rangiroa is located 350 kilometers from Pape’ete. It takes 50 minutes by plane with a direct flight. Rangiroa also happens to be the most accessible of all the Tuamotu atolls. There are frequent flights from Papeete and Bora Bora. Connections can also be made through Rangiroa to other Tuamotu atolls.

Rangiroa Airport, Credit

Once at the airport, it is only a short drive to any of the primary resorts. Generaly, this transport is organized by your lodge in advance.

Where to Eat & Drink

Generally, visitors to Rangiroa opt for a half-board package with their lodge (breakfast and dinner included). This keeps meals simple, given that there isn’t a huge amount of variety on the island. However, if you are interested in sampling local cuisine prepared outside of the lodges, head to the villages of Avatoru and Tiputa where you can try roulottes, snack shops and local restaurants.

A restaurant near the beach, Credit

Nightlife in Rangiroa is concentrated at the lodges and is generally quite subdued. Most of the activity occurs at the Kia Ora Lodge bar, or the Tiki Bar.

Other Activities

The ocean and the beach are unsurprisingly the primary attraction on Rangiroa. Aside from diving, guests also enjoy snorkelling – particularly at L’Ile aux Recifc Beach, Papiro Point and the Mahuta area. Drift snorkelling is also possible at Tiputa pass – though others may prefer to snorkel right off the beach at the hotel. Other on-water activities include deep sea fishing, kayaking, parasailing and water skiing.

Too Inviting, Credit

Heading out to explore the lagoons is a great day activity. On a day-long tour, you can stop at the Blue Lagoon, the bird sanctuary and Tiputa Pass – a favourite spot for dolphins. Otherwise, you might consider a day venturing out to the more secluded beaches on the island.

On the island, guests can pop by the largest pearl farm in French Polynesia. This farm produces some of the most sensational pearls, and a visit here gives you insight into exactly how these beauties are cultivated.

Tips

Rangiroa possesses a health centre for the emergencies, a pharmacy, a post office and two banks.

The closest hospital (with recompression chamber) is located on the island of Pape’ete. The only way of accessing the island is on an hour-long flight.

Diving with Fish, Credit

French is the official language on Rangiroa, however most tourism-orientated facilities will speak English.