Rangiroa, the endless lagoon

Publicado: 22/03/2007

TODOELLAS.COM

Rangiroa, a string of coral encircling a luminous turquoise and jade-green lagoon, is one of the world's greatest dive destinations.

From the air, the atoll -the second largest in the world-seems to be a giant pearl necklace laid upon the water.

Here is a world where 240 tiny islets, or motu, each no more than three feet in elevation, lay upon the ocean for more than 110 miles completely encircling an infinitely deep lagoon.

Surrounded by two legendary bodies of water, Moana-tea (Peaceful Ocean) and Moana-uri (Wild Ocean), the main villages of Avatoru and Tiputa offer the visitor with a unique look at the South Pacific lifestyle of the residents. Along the few roads, coral churches, craft centers, local restaurants, and tiny shops provide enjoyable land-based experiences to complement the many activities awaiting the visitor in the lagoon.

For the visitor, the seclusion and serenity of Rangiroa brings an infinite world of colors and sites to your senses.

Diving in the Atolls
To "shoot the pass" is to experience what many have called "the world's greatest adrenaline rush!" Divers, snorkelers, and even those aboard a glass-bottomed boat are carried in a rush of water between the ocean and lagoon surrounded by seemingly millions of fish. Outside the reefs is a breathtaking array of large species along the walls of the drop-offs, including squadrons of eagle rays and schools of sharks and tuna.

Snorkeling
Rangiroa's lagoon carries an astounding assortment of marine life, which makes it a prime spot for snorkeling. L'Ile aux Recifs Beach, Papiro Point and the Mahuta area are all known for their superb snorkeling. However, you don't have to go anywhere in particular to snorkel on the atoll of Rangiroa. Just grab your mask and fins, walk out the front door of your hotel and jump in!

Lagoon Excursions
Enjoy a day excursion to Rangiroa's nearby islets, explore the lagoons, the Blue Lagoon, the bird sanctuary, or to watch the dolphins frolicking at Tiputa Pass.

Beaches
Rangiroa boasts such an abundance of white sand, the atoll can be described as one big beach. That said, Rangiroa does have its share of officially-designated beach areas. Blue Lagoon Motu is perhaps the most popular of the beaches here. Tiputa Point has a wonderful vista point that doubles as a picnic area, while L'ile Aux Recifs is noted for its fossilized coral formations.

Avatoru and Tiputa
The majority of Rangiroa's residents live in these two villages. Located on the western end of a string of connected islands, Avatoru is where you'll find most of the island's businesses, hotels, shops and banks. Rangiroa's airport is also located here. Tiputa is a 45-minute boatride from Avatoru. Though both communities boast a similar number of government agencies, Tiputa is the main administrative community, with an infirmary, post office and town hall.