Tuamotu Islands, French Polynesia

Tuamotu, or "long islands", is an archipelago with two parallel ridges of atolls in the central part of French Polynesia. The second name is Puamotu , which means "swarm". Both names characterize these places fully. Tuamotu is a large group of elongated coral islands scattered throughout the southeastern Pacific Ocean.

General information

Location: Tuamotu-Gambier region , 300 kilometers east of Tahiti
Number of islands: 78
Total area of the archipelago: 850 km²
Population of Tuamotu: about 15 thousand

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How to get to Tuamotu

The best option for transfer is air travel. Regular flights are operated by Air Tahiti and Air Moana from Papeete one or more times a day. Flight time is about 1.5 hours. From Bora Bora airport - about 2.5 hours.

Traveling by water to the Tuamotu archipelago is not a quick process. A cargo boat goes from Tahiti to the islands, scheduled once every few weeks. This is the most budget-friendly transfer, which lasts two days one way.

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History and facts about Tuamotu

This is the largest group of atolls on the planet.
Due to the low-lying coral reefs, it is considered the most dangerous archipelago for ships. The islands are difficult to spot from afar even in good weather.
The archipelago is home to about 60 species of birds, 13 of which are considered endangered .
According to historical data, the Tuamotu were settled by people from Southeast Asia in the 11th century.
Only a few Tuamotu islands, which belong to the Gambier group, are of volcanic origin .
Tuamotu, namely Puka-Puka Island , was first discovered by Ferdinand Magellan in 1521.
Since 1844, the Tuamotu Islands have been a French colony.
Since the mid-19th century, copra production, coconut plantations, and pearl mining, and later culture, have developed on the archipelago.
In 1996, the Tuamotu archipelago became part of French Polynesia .
The islands are a sparsely populated region of the country.
Tuamotu is home to the Tuamotuans , a Polynesian people whose culture and language have much in common with the Tahitians.

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Tourism in Tuamotu

The Tuamotu Islands have a thriving tourism industry. Some of the islands are covered in white beaches, while the larger landmasses are covered in pandanus , banyan and coconut trees.

The larger atolls have resorts, while the smaller local islands offer a cozy atmosphere and family-run guesthouses. World-class surfing, snorkeling , diving and freediving thrive here . These places are called Tahiti's hidden paradise.

The local underwater world attracts divers from all over the world. You can expect encounters with sharks, sea turtles, manta rays, dolphins and a variety of reef inhabitants. Cycling around the islands is also a popular pastime. Nature trails among green plantations are incredibly picturesque. Small motu decorate the vineyards. Tuamotu is also known as a region for the cultivation of Tahitian pearls. Excursions to pearl farms are offered here. Be sure to visit the main island of Rangiroa with its coral structures and craft centers.

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Rangiroa

Rangiroa is the largest atoll in French Polynesia. It consists of more than 400 small islands (motu) in a vast lagoon, 80 kilometers long. Inside it, you could visit the entire island of Tahiti. This is the piece of Tuamotu where the archaeological sites, ancient marae , are best preserved, and there is also modern infrastructure in the form of roads, hotels, shops and restaurants. Rangiroa is located at a distance of 50 minutes flight from Tahiti.

Things to do in Rangiroa

A holiday on Rangiroa will be more than authentic. It is a calm haven with a carefree atmosphere and a leisurely flow of time. On the islands of the atoll you will find everything for a versatile holiday:

The underwater world of Avatoru and Tiputa passes . Amazing diving sites.
Gauguin's Pearl. Aquafarm , where you can learn all about growing unique Tahitian pearls and buy a valuable souvenir.
Boat trips on the Blue Lagoon.
Recife Island , famous for its coral mounds of bizarre shapes.
Vin de Tahiti. A 6-hectare vineyard grown on motu 10 minutes by boat from the village of Avatoru . The world's only vineyard on coral soil.
Snorkeling safari through the beautiful coral gardens of the local motu.

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Where to Stay in Rangiroa

This is a popular destination with accommodation to suit all budgets. There are several luxury resorts and guesthouses. Popular offerings include:

Hotel Kia Ora Resort & Spa
Tevahine Dream Residence
Coconut Lodge
Hotel Maitai Rangiroa
Tiputa Lodge
Va'a i te Moana
Pension Cecil
Bounty Rangiroa - Lodge & Boutique Hotel
Moana Breeze Eco Lodge
Pension Punua & Moana
Pension Rangiroa Beach
Les Relay de Josephine

Hotel Kia Ora Resort & Spa

Fakarava

An island of amazing beauty 560 kilometers from Tahiti. Remote Fakarava, thanks to its unique nature, is a UNESCO protected reserve. These places are known for their rich ecosystem and underwater biodiversity.

Top attractions in Fakarava

Hiking and cycling among coconut plantations and local villages.
Kayaking , jet skiing , surfing and other water activities in the center of Fakarava Adventure .
Diving: Fakarava is considered one of the best diving spots in the world.
Picnic excursions to a pink sand motu.
Exciting night snorkeling .
ATV tours.
Pearl farms and marae visit .

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Where to stay in Fakarava

Fakarava offers a good choice of guesthouses and waterfront lodges .

Havaiki Lodge
Relay Marama
Raimiti
Motu Aito Paradise
KoriKori Lodge Fakarava
Pension Vaiama Village
Pension Vekeveke Village
Kauehi Lodge
Tetamanu Village

Havaiki Lodge

Tikehau

An unearthly haven of pink coasts, a real paradise. One of the most beautiful atolls in the world , Tikehau , 10 kilometers from Rangiroa , consists of many small sandy islands in the vastness of a huge lagoon. No more than 500 people live on the atoll. Tourism has not yet reached here in full force, so Tikehau is ideal for a secluded vacation by the ocean. There are a couple of guesthouses on the atoll and no shops at all. Local residents are engaged in fishing and growing copra. Underwater adventures on the Tikehau Atoll will be impressive. More than 350 species of fish live in this area.

Must see places:

The main village of Tukheraera .
Eden Island. Private farm with organic garden.
Les Sables Roses, a unique coastline of pink sands in the south-east of the island.

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Where to Stay in Tikehau

There are several guesthouses in the village of Tuheraera , and the Ninamu resort hotels are also open on Tikehau. Resort , Le Tikehau by Pearl Resorts , Fafarua Private Island & Lodge in Tikehau .

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Mataiva

A little further, 18 kilometers from Tikehau , is the small atoll of Mataiva . Just 55 minutes by plane from Tahiti, and you are already in an oasis, outside the coverage area of megalopolis networks. There is only one village here. No more than 300 people live on Mataiva . The peculiarity of the atoll is a lagoon, unique for French Polynesia, divided into many pools up to 8 meters deep. You can go here for privacy, amazing diving and idyllic views.

What not to miss in Mataiva :