The Endless Lagoon
Rangiroa is quite possibly the world's most immense natural aquarium. Blessed with an accessible yet secluded appeal and a large abundant lagoon, this renowned destination should be at the top of every eager diver's list.
The Locale
Here on this secluded coral atoll, there are no soaring mountain peaks or sweeping fragrant valleys characteristic of the other Tahitian islands. Instead, flattened islets and skinny sandbars encircle the perimeter of Rangiroa's vast blue lagoon. This atoll formation allows you the unique opportunity to enjoy endless horizons on either side. Fittingly, Rangiroa actually means "immense sky" in the local language.
Rangiroa is the largest of the Tuamotu Atolls and the second largest in the world. Home to the greatest population in this remote region, it receives frequent air service from Tahiti. Flight time from Papeete or Bora Bora is approximately one hour. Made of mostly water, the lagoon in Rangiroa is so substantial that the entire island of Tahiti could fit inside. This size, coupled with the lagoon's sheer abundance of marine life, has earned Rangiroa her reputation as a superb diving locale.
The Allure
This status is also upheld by the presence of some impressive diving and snorkeling sites. The Avatoru Pass and Tiputa Pass, both located on the northern side of the atoll, produce currents that are ideal for drift diving or snorkeling. They are also known to attract schools of wild dolphins. The Blue Lagoon, located on the western side of Rangiroa, is a shallow lagoon carved into the reef inside the central lagoon, creating a small natural aquarium no more than 16 feet (5 meters) deep. Boasting a continuous supply of fish, deep-sea fishing is also a popular water activity in Rangiroa.
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Featuring Hotel Maitai Rangiroa
Explore the depths of the Rangiroa's lagoon with this 5-night dive package. Included with your stay in a Lagoon Bungalow at the Hotel Maitai Rangiroa is a 10-dive pass with Six Passengers, which can be split between two people, allowing you to see the wide range of sealife for which Rangiroa is so well known. Also included is round-trip international airfare from Los Angeles, inter-island airfare to Rangiroa, breakfast and dinner daily for two, and added amenities for our honeymoon clients.
FROM
$3,250
PP
5 Nights
Featuring the Kia Ora Resort and Spa
Escape to the pristine atoll of Rangiroa, the world's second-largest atoll. Includes round-trip international air from select California gateways, all transfers, and inter-island air, two nights at the Te Moana Tahiti Resort, Tahiti ATV adventure, five nights in a Beach Bungalow at the Hotel Kia Ora, daily breakfast for two, drift snorkeling excursion, Blue Lagoon tour, wine tasting, plus added romantic amenities for our honeymoon clients.
FROM
$3,675
PP
7 Nights
The two main resorts located near the Tiputa Pass are the Hotel Maitai Rangiroa and the Hotel Kia Ora Resort & Spa. Both offer convenient access to the airport and a selection of lovely beach and garden bungalows; while the Hotel Kia Ora features the highly desired overwater bungalows.
If adventure sports are not your forte, you can still enjoy an afternoon cruising the lagoon and visiting a number of secluded motu (islets) in Rangiroa. Spend the day at Les Sables Roses,"The Pink Sands," a phenomenal deserted beach laden with pink sand at the eastern corner; or visit the Ile aux Récifs, "Reef Island," where erosion has created impressively sharp, jutting coral formations on the south side of the atoll. On the mainland, pay a visit to the nearby village and discover coral churches, quaint local restaurants and tiny roadside shops.
Entirely unique to the destination is the fact that Rangiroa has its own vineyard and winery. Located in the main village of Avatoru, the Dominique Auroy Winery produces French Polynesia's only wine label, Vin de Tahiti. The small vineyard, known as Domaine Ampélidacées, is situated on a separate islet where the grapes are grown on a remote coconut plantation. It is the only winery in the world where the grapes are transferred by boat during harvest twice a year. Particularly known for their whites and rosés, we recommend trying one of the four varieties during your stay.
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