Rangiroa Atoll, French Polynesia

Tuamotu Pearl Farm, Rangiroa, French Polynesia
Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:TuamotuPearlFarm.jpg
Author: clesenne


Rangiroa Atoll is one of the biggest atolls in the world. It is part of the Tuamotu Archipelago, in French Polynesia. The atoll covers 79 sq km (30.5 sq mi). The administrative village in Rangiroa is Avatoru, while the biggest village is Tiputa. These two Polynesian villages are separated by the Tiputa Pass, a stretch of ocean that is a very popular diving spot.

Rangiroa Atoll comprises reef islets called motu and sandbars, with the sea surrounding them at varying depths. Between these motus are narrow passages called r'oa where boats can pass thorugh. The whole circumference of Rangiroa Atoll is 200 km. Like a pearl necklace, the islets and sandbars form a garland with a width of between 300 to 500 meters, and cover an entire area of 1446 sq km.

Blue lagoon of Rangiroa
Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Blue-laggon-rangiroa.jpg
Author: Jnarboux


The economy of Rangiroa Atoll is today supported by tourism, catering mostly for upscale tourists. The exceptionally clear waters of the blue lagoon of Rangiroa makes it a much desired destination for enjoying the sea. Another major industry of Rangiroa is the breeding of pearl oysters. The region is particularly well known for its black pearls.

Visiting Rangiroa

Air Tahiti flies to Rangiroa from Bora Bora, Papeete and Fakarava. The airstrip for Rangiroa is at Avatoru.

Sights & Attractions in Rangiroa

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Dear visitor, thank you so much for reading this page. My name is Timothy Tye and my hobby is to find out about places, write about them and share the information with you on this website. I have been writing this site since 5 January 2003. Originally (from 2003 until 2009, the site was called AsiaExplorers. I changed the name to Penang Travel Tips in 2009, even though I describe more than just Penang but everywhere I go (I often need to tell people that "Penang Travel Tips" is not just information about Penang, but information written in Penang), especially places in Malaysia and Singapore, and in all the years since 2003, I have described over 20,000 places.

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