Rangiroa Island: 8 things you don’t want to miss

Do I really need to introduce you to the island of Rangiroa, which is probably even better known than Fakarava? This mythical and breathtaking place, lost at the end of the world, is renowned for hosting “some of the most beautiful scuba diving (snorkeling) spots in the world”. These are the words of Commander Cousteau who spoke then of an incredible richness, an amazing marine life (marine fauna and flora), a true natural aquarium. I am talking about Rangiroa Island, which is not correct, because it is actually an atoll.

I have been living in French Polynesia for 4 years now at the time of writing this article, and I have had the opportunity to discover many islands and atolls in French Polynesia on a professional and personal level. Rangiroa is one of those places that I was able to visit as an individual in early 2018 during an extended weekend. Located only an hour by plane from Tahiti Island (Papeete), the journey to this enchanting place is really easy.

Unfortunately, I didn’t have time to do and see all the points mentioned in the article, but I hope to go back there at the beginning of the year to see the hammerhead sharks (which I missed this year). Here are, in my opinion, the 8 things not to be missed if you are going to spend a few days there. At the end of the article, you will find all the information you need to know for a trip to French Polynesia on the atoll. If you want to visit another atoll, this is the Tikehau atoll.

If you’re planning to visit Rangiroa, be sure to check out our Tuamotu guide. It will help you get the lay of the land, choose other atolls to visit, and much more.

I always find it interesting to know a little more about the place your going to, don’t you think? Maybe it’s a professional thing (I’m a geographer/geologist by training), but it seems nice to know some information about the atoll:

• Rangiroa is located about 1 hour north of Tahiti Island,
• This coral atoll is part of the Tuamotu archipelago, composed of more than 75 atolls,
• The others archipelagos are Society Islands, Gambier, Australes and Marquesas Islands,
• The place is actually an atoll, i.e. an ancient volcano, now submerged and only the motu (sandbank) outcropping at the water’s surface,
• There are a lot of inhabited small islets around the atoll. The Polynesians use them for copra culture (coconuts) and pandanus culture,
• It would be a great idea so discover the place with a catamaran or a sailboat,
• It is the second largest atoll in the world,
• The atoll was discovered at the beginning of the 17th century,
• Today, the two main activities of this paradise and tropical island are scuba diving (the Polynesian waters are very beautiful, ideal for discovering marine fauna)  and pearl farming,
• Many tourists spend their honeymoon trips to discover this idyllic setting, as there’s a lot of great places to stay

Now you know all the localisation information and where is Ragiora located.

As promised, based on my weekend spent there and the information gathered, here are the things to do or see on the Rangiora atoll, both in terms of activities in Rangiroa, as well as visits, etc.. To clarify this from the beginning, it is possible to visit the atoll all year round, even if the best season remains (as on all the Polynesian islands) the cool season or the inter-seasons (roughly from May to September).

This is obviously the main reason why the majority of tourists come to the atoll. Not all of them come for a dive trip, but if you like the clear shallow waters and the underwater life, is of course a must.

If you arrive for a dive cruise, everything will be managed by your organization. If you come on your own and visit the other South Pacific islands in French Polynesia, you can book your dives yourself by calling the island’s diving clubs (there are 7 to my knowledge in 2018). I personally chose the Yaka diving center, and everything was fine.

The best time to come and dive: remember that whales are generally present from August to October and that the preferred time to see hammerhead sharks is from January to March (potentially in the rainy/cyclonic season).

On the program: a multitude of sharks (tiger sharks, grey sharks, hammerhead sharks, white tips, etc.), manta rays (which you can get very close to if you are lucky) and the classic eagle rays, dolphins, various tropical fish, etc. For those who are not diving fans (but only white sandy beaches), don’t hesitate to put on a mask and snorkel to discover the wonderful underwater world.

A few more details about scuba diving in Rangiroa:

• There are currently six diving clubs on the atoll, all based in the north of the atoll, in Avatoru,
• Almost all the diving takes place in the two passes of the atoll, Tiputa and Avatoru;
• These include Rangiroa Diving Centre, Y’AKA Plongée, Top Dive, Rangiroa Plongée, Raie Manta Club and The 6 Passengers,
• In terms of prices, expect to pay around 12,000 to 15,000 xpf for a first dive and between 8,500 and 12,000 xpf for a single dive,
• The best known sites include Tiputa Pass, Avatoru Pass, Motu Paio and the Fault site.

Here is one of the excursion and expedition I didn’t have the opportunity to do during my weekend on site. It was a choice on my part having already done a lot of boat trips of this type on other islands and atolls in French Polynesia, but especially because I had actually come to dive…

What can you expect then? This is a place, south of Rangiroa Atoll (1 hour by boat), where coral reefs are out of water and can reach 2m in height. The result is apparently splendid and you can walk and swim between the channels, open plains and turquoise waters. This is clearly known as one of the beautiful and best sites of the atoll. As a bonus, you sunbathe all day on the boat (sailing), usually eat a good local meal (like raw fish in coconut milk) and return in the late afternoon. Generally, you never come back disappointed!

The “Sable Rose” place is about 1h30/2h by boat to the south-east of the atoll. Operators don’t usually offer these trips so often, but the feedback is excellent.

You can organise it directly with the guesthouse or with Rangiroa Excursion, which we highly recommend and whose reviews are excellent! Expect to pay between 12,000 and 15,000 xpf depending on the excursion. They also offer trips to the Green Lagoon (7,500 xpf) and snorkelling at Pass d’Avatoru (3 hours).

This is the other ‘must do’ on Rangiroa, almost world famous. To imagine the postcard, it is a site made up of 5 sandbanks (motu) that surround a kind of mini sea of almost 30 hectares, all are placed on the coral reef of the atoll.

Tourists know the spot very well, but I must admit that the site is superb, if only to relax in the middle of hundreds of black tip reef sharks that guard the site (you can see the fins in the distance!). It takes an hour by boat to get there and the sea can sometimes be rough! As with Reef Island, several providers offer this excursion. Just ask the guesthouse where you’re staying; they’ll arrange it for you. This is the opportunity to meet sharks up close 🙂

Among the (nautical) activities to do in Rangiroa, fishing, paddle boarding and surfing on the atoll is very nice. It’s in fact possible to surf in the Tiputa pass, famous for its dolphin parades! Some service providers organize big game fishing days for those interested!

Among other very nice things to do in Rangiroa, take the time, by bike for example, to go to Ohotu Point which overlooks the Tiputa Pass. Feel free to have a drink on the terrace at Maitai Rangiroa or at the Teina and Marie pension. With some luck, you will have the opportunity to observe the dolphin broom in a beautiful light. A magical show 🙂

Even if Rangiroa atoll is particularly famous for scuba diving, I advise you to get on a bike and go around the main motu. It’s very nice, even if it’s hot, and you have great and panoramic views of the turquoise lagoon and ocean. You can also swim in superb “hoa”, the water passages between the lagoon side and the ocean. Take advantage of the beautiful day trip to bring back some local souvenirs sold by the roadside.

And yes, because spending a few days on an atoll is also enjoying the white sand and coconut trees, right? Whether you are on the lagoon or ocean side, you will always have the opportunity to swim in crystal clear water. Of course, the best spots for swimming are always on the lagoon side, as in all the atolls of the South Pacific! However, you won’t find many white sandy beaches on the Rangiora atoll.

One of the most beautiful sites where I had the opportunity to swim is at the tip of Avatoru, at the other end of the motu. The water has an extraordinary turquoise color and strolling there for an hour is not far from paradise!

There is nothing great in the villages to do or see, but during your bike ride, take the time to stroll through the streets of both polynesian villages. An atmosphere of a ghost village prevails under the crushing heat in the middle of the day.

And yes, if you weren’t aware yet, there are many vines on the atoll that produce wine. Isn’t it too rare even to be mentioned? This famous Tahitian wine is produced on a small motu off the Avatoru Pass. Only white and rosé wines are produced. Depending on the season, visits are possible on the Estate with tastings!

That’s it for the things to do and see on Rangiroa Atoll. If you have time to go and you are in French Polynesia, don’t hesitate to go and spend a few days there! Here is some practical advice to prepare your trip on site. Do you want to discover something else? Here is the atoll of Mataiva!

The trick is to look at the best flight comparator and determine “the cheapest month”. All you have to do now is set your holiday dates for French Polynesia. The Cheapest flights to Tahiti from the USA are here, starting at 500/600$. There are 4 main companies flying here : Air Tahiti Nui, Air France, Frenchbee and United Airline. Note there is no international airport for now.

Once there, it is very easy to jump from island to island, regardless of the cost of the ticket in relation to the distance. Rangiroa is served by two airlines from the island of Tahiti: Air Tahiti and Moana Air (arriving in July 2023). The average cost is 50,000 xpf (Air Tahiti) and 33,000 xpf (Air Moana). Air Tahiti also offers passes to visit Fakarava and Tikehau, two other local atolls. There are daily flights to the paradise island. The island is served daily from Tahiti (the main island).

You want to know everything about transport in French Polynesia? In any case, during your vacation in French Polynesia, air travel will be the main expense.

Rangiroa may be the second largest atoll in the world, but you’ll spend most of your time on the main motu. This is where you’ll find the airport, shops, restaurants and all the scuba diving centres. In short, a walk around the motu in the heat is out of the question, but a bike ride is more than possible. You don’t need to hire a car in Rangiroa. Bikes can often be hired directly from the guesthouses. Rangiroa Location also offers small cars and 4x4s, although I’m not sure why… E-Bike Rangiroa also offers electrically assisted bicycles (VAE) for between 1,000 and 3,500 xpf depending on the model and duration.

The rest of the time you either go diving and the club picks you up from your guesthouse/hotel, or you eat at the local restaurant (to taste Polynesian dishes and immerse yourself in Polynesian culture), which is a stone’s throw from where you’re staying. The same goes for excursions, where the service providers will pick you up.

Rangiroa Atoll offers a wide range of possibilities to sleep on site, from a small local boarding house, to an Airbnb, to luxury hotels. Having only been there once, I can only recommend 1000 times the small unpretentious guesthouse (as I like them): at Olga’s (Pension Turiroa). It offers bungalows, double rooms and even dormitories for small budgets. The area is magical on the edge of the lagoon, and a stone’s throw from the small local restaurants.

Alternatively, if you are there during the tourism fair (or know someone here in Tahiti), you can use “Séjour dans les îles” to book the flight + guesthouse, which is cheaper than taking them both separately. But you have to be in Tahiti to book through this.

As far as other accommodation is concerned, here are some serious recommendations for where to stay in Rangiroa. To find out more, we’ve put together a complete guide to Rangiroa accommodation.

Here is a small selection of this type of accommodation in Rangiroa, in addition to the Pension Olga mentioned above:

• Pension Rangiroa plage: offers authentic accommodation on one of the white sandy beaches of the island, with double rooms, dormitories and camping pitches with a magnificent view over the lagoon. Please note that it is not possible to cook on site or have half board. The welcome is said to be warm.
• Bounty Lodge Rangiroa: a recently refurbished place with a first class welcome! You’ll find studios set in a beautiful, tranquil and lush garden. You can even cook for yourself!
• Pension Cécile: a group of simple but clean and comfortable bungalows. Bicycles, kayaks and mountain bikes are available free of charge. The food is said to be excellent!
• Tiputa Lodge Rangiroa: Large accommodation with great views! Breakfast is on the house and you can use the private facilities if you want to dive!
• Rangiroa Cottage: Here’s a little newcomer we wanted to mention. It’s a single air-conditioned bungalow with a lovely kitchen and a terrace overlooking the ocean.
• Va’a i te Moana: Here you’ll find 3 modern bungalows, glamping facilities, a dormitory and even a private bedroom. Bikes, snorkelling and fishing equipment are also available.

Compared to Fakarava, Rangiroa Atoll offers visitors very good accommodation options, in beautiful hotels or similar. If you want to stay in beautiful places with great facilities, here are some recommendations:

• Kia Ora Resort & spa: This luxury resort offers a varied range of 60 bungalows and villas, including 10 overwater bungalows, with top facilities including a spa and infinity pool, and an excellent reputation for its restaurant and bar.
• Le Coconut Lodge: a charming place to stay, with large air-conditioned wooden bungalows, quality bedding and a warm welcome, all in a tropical setting on the beach overlooking the turquoise lagoon.
• Relais Joséphine: This unique honeymoon specialist offers comfortable bungalows with sea or garden views, providing a peaceful and tranquil experience with the chance to watch dolphins from the terrace.
• Maitai Rangiroa: This hotel offers 34 air-conditioned bungalows set in a beachfront garden, including 6 Lagoon Bungalows, 10 Premium Garden Rooms and 18 Garden Bungalows, offering modern comforts with included services such as infinity pool, pontoon access, kayaks and snorkelling equipment. Excursions can be arranged on request!
• Tevahine Dream: This resort offers an exceptional experience with 4 Polynesian-style bungalows, each with its own unique charm. There are three lagoon side bungalows and one tropical garden side bungalow with a small swimming pool. Each is well equipped with a kitchenette and the famous meals are served overlooking the lagoon. Kayaks, snorkelling equipment and excursions are also available and Norbert, the owner, is always on hand to help.

In addition to the guesthouse and hotel options mentioned above, I wanted to mention two secluded establishments that are a dream and could very well be great options for a stay in Rangiroa atoll:

• Aotera Guesthouse: Situated on a motu at the north-western tip of Rangiroa, this establishment offers a real haven of peace at an affordable price, with around ten lagoon-side bungalows offering uninterrupted views of an exceptional white sandy beach. The well-maintained facilities, lagoon-side restaurant/bar and on-site activities make it an attractive option for travellers seeking tranquillity and natural beauty.
• Tihimani Lodge: The lodge offers a heavenly setting south of Rangiroa Bliss (another property). With five charming bungalows, three of which face the beach, you’ll appreciate the peace and quiet, as well as free facilities such as bikes and kayaks. Feedback has been excellent, highlighting the warm welcome and exceptional beauty of the place, where the owners grow their own produce to provide tasty meals.

To eat on an atoll, there aren’t 30 options. Either you have a large budget and you are going to eat at the restaurant of your pension or hotel. Either you be a little careful and you can cook your own dishes. At Olga, you have access to a kitchen to cook directly for yourself. This is one of the tricks to make a trip cheaper to French Polynesia. A good little raw fish in coconut milk on the edge in this sumptuous setting is still not bad at all….

That’s a fair question, isn’t it? Honestly, I only spent four days on Rangiroa atoll for vacations, but I was pleasantly surprised. At first I was afraid of finding myself in a big tourist place, especially because of diving. But in reality, the main motu is big and you don’t really see many people.

At the same time, I was there in the middle of the rainy season (theoretically) in French Polynesia. So maybe that made a difference. Nevertheless, I really enjoyed my stay, especially at the pension which is very quiet and in a splendid setting. Spending a few days on the island is a real treat and I will undoubtedly come back to dive. I don’t know if it’s better to choose Rangiroa than Fakarava for diving. I know Fakarava, but I only went there for work for two days. I didn’t have time to get into the atmosphere. Fakarava’s main motu is huge and it is impossible to visit everything by bike. Many choose “Faka” for the famous shark wall, that may be a reason to go there anyway! By the way, do you want to know more about diving in Fakarava ?

That’s it, I’m coming to the end of this article with a tropical taste. I hope this article has inspired you to visit Rangioa. Now you know all about what to do in Rangiroa: things to see and do. Personally, I loved the weekend spent there, between relaxing, enjoying white sand beaches, scuba diving and boat trips (cruises). I will definitely go back to dive (as well as to Fakarava). In my opinion, during a trip to Tahiti, a trip to the Tuamotu is mandatory, if only to feel the tranquility of the place and enjoy the lagoon. So does this article make you want to live in Rangiroa? To go play Robinson Crusoe on the spot? Would you like to discover another French polynesian paradise? These are the Gambier Islands, in the archipelago of the same name!

I look forward to seeing you soon for another Polynesian discovery.

Sylvain

Written by Sylvain PONS

From 2015 to 2021, French Polynesia was our home, with Mélanie and our children. I'm happy to share my experience and advice to help you organize an unforgettable stay in French Polynesia, based on my in-depth knowledge of the territory.

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