Rangiroa is a coral atoll in the Tuamotu Archipelago of French Polynesia. Although the land mass of the entire atoll is only 40 sq km, the lagoon it surrounds is the second largest in the world, behind Kwajalein in the Marshall Islands. At...

Rangiroa is a coral atoll in the Tuamotu Archipelago of French Polynesia. Although the land mass of the entire atoll is only 40 sq km, the lagoon it surrounds is the second largest in the world, behind Kwajalein in the Marshall Islands. At 1640 sq km in size, the lagoon could contain the entire island of Tahiti. Known for it's incredibly clear waters (60 foot plus 'viz'), year-round warm waters, and abundant sea life, Rangiroa is a mecca for divers and snorkelers. Rangiroa is about an hour north of Tahiti by plane.

The only inhabited part is an 10 km string of islets connected by a series of concrete bridges. There is also a luxury resort in the southern part of the atoll, accessible only by boat. The sleepy hamlet of Avatoru contains several high-end resorts, many small pensions and several scuba center centers.  Tiputa, across the brilliantly named Tuputa pass from the eastern edge of Avatoru, is even quieter.

The lagoon is absolutely gorgeous, with tons of fish. There are several scuba shops that operate on the atoll. The signature Rangiroa dive starts at a reef outside of the atoll, where you ride the current of the incoming tide through the Tiputa pass into the lagoon.  On the way, you will see triggerfish, hammerhead sharks, barracuda, and 5 foot long mahi-mahi. Additionally, there is beautiful snorkeling if you're not scuba certified.

Besides diving and snorkling, there are plenty of excursions by boat available from various small tour operators to various locations such as Les Sables Roses (Pink Sand Beach, the Reef Islands (a series of eery-looking coral spires reminiscent of the Trona Pinnacles in the southern California desert), and the Blue Lagoon, a large lagoon within a lagoon on the western edge of the atoll.  

Don't expect to find a TV, or at least not one receiving much of a signal. However,  Rangiroa is home of the only internet access point in the entire Tuamotu archipelago!

The locals are friendly and incredibly nice, and all together this is an atoll you should not miss if you plan to visit French Polynesia!

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