Islands destinationRangiroa atollTuamotu archipelago - French Polynesia | Pacific Ocean

Last updated on 08/21/2026 at 06:11 PM
Rangiroa atoll, whose name means « vast sky », is part of the Tuamotu archipelago in French Polynesia. It is located at the northwestern tip of the Tuamotu archipelago, just east of Tikehau atoll.
With its breathtaking underwater scenery and abundant marine life, Rangiroa is a prime destination for scuba diving enthusiasts.
One of the world's largest lagoons
Rangiroa atoll is one of the world's largest lagoons, measuring about 19 miles wide and 50 miles long.
Aerial view of Rangiroa atoll and its famous blue lagoon
Aerial view of Rangiroa atoll and its famous blue lagoon © | Dreamstime.com
It features emerald-green waters and is dotted with sandy islets such as Pink Sand island, as well as Reef island, home to beautiful natural pools.
The lagoon is surrounded by a succession of sandy islets, known as « motus », which stretch out to form a natural boundary with the waters of the Pacific ocean for more than 124 miles ! Avatoru Motu is the main motu, but there are also Tahuhu Motu, Mahuta Motu, Teavahia Motu and Tivaru Motu.
The lagoon has two main entrances, through the Avatoru and Tiputa passes. The small Fara Motu is located at the mouth of Avatoru Pass.
Remarkably, the Blue Lagoon forms a lagoon within the lagoon and is an absolute must-see to fully appreciate the beauty of the area !
A world-class diving destination
Rangiroa's two legendary passes, Avatoru and Tiputa, have made the atoll a world-renowned scuba diving destination. The passes are prime locations where an extraordinary diversity of marine species gathers in one place, including a wide variety of brilliantly colored tropical fish, sharks, dolphins, sea turtles, barracudas, manta rays and many others. These exceptional dive sites are home to such an abundance of marine life that they attract numerous large predators !
Snorkeling offers an alternative to scuba diving and another way to discover and explore Rangiroa's incredible diversity of colorful marine life.
Where to stay ?
Rangiroa atoll offers a wide range of accommodations, from luxury hotels to charming family-run guesthouses, most of which offer dining options where you can discover traditional Polynesian dishes.
How to get there ?
Rangiroa atoll is located about 217 miles northeast of Tahiti and is only about an hour away by direct flight.
Upon arrival at Rangiroa Airport, located on the main Avatoru Motu, it is advisable to arrange a car or boat transfer to reach your destination motu, as there is no regular shuttle service between the atoll's motus.
Did you know ?
Rangiroa atoll is the only atoll in French Polynesia with its own vineyards, producing both white and rosé wines !
The marine species in Rangiroa
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