Rangiroa

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.

Final Impression

Rangiroa can provide an appealing contrast to the other more frequented islands in French Polynesia. Whether she draws you in with her world-class diving reputation or the chance to relax in complete isolation, you can successfully achieve both in perfect harmony.

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Recreation

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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Rangiroa Activities

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Bicycle Rental

Enjoy a leisurely bike ride to Avatoru Village. On the way you will see restaurants, shops and churches. Get a glimpse of the simple life on the island. The happy, friendly people of Rangiroa are sure to greet you with a smile on your way! Available only to guests of Hotel Kia Ora Resort and Spa.

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$33

Wine Cellar Tour with Tasting

Discover French Polynesia's only winery, Dominique Auroy's Vin de Tahiti, on the atoll of Rangiroa. Upon arrival there will be an introduction to the Rangiroa Wine, after which you can view the wine cellar. At the end of the tour, you can taste Rangiroa Wine and a type of rum made from sugar cane called 'Mana'o'. If so inclined, you can purchase the wine and rum to take home or enjoy later in your room. Operates: MON-SAT

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$55

Rangiroa Aquarium Snorkeling

Just a ten-minute boat ride from Kia Ora lies the Aquarium, one of Rangiroa`s most renowned snorkeling spots. Located off the coral islet of Motu Nui Nui, at the entrance to Tiputa Pass, this vibrant marine haven is easily accessible. Whether you`re new to snorkeling or an experienced enthusiast, a visit to this captivating `open-water aquarium` is a must during your time in Rangiroa. This excursion requires a minimum of four participants to operate. Available only to guests of Hotel Kia Ora Resort and Spa. Operates: Everyday

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$68

Dolphin Watching in the Tiputa Pass

Venture out to the edge of the reef at the mouth of the Tiputa Pass to watch the playful dolphins while accompanied by an experienced captain. This excursion requires a minimum of two participants to operate. Life jackets provided.

Available only to guests of Hotel Kia Ora Resort and Spa.

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$75

Cultural Island Tour by private car

Join your friendly local guide for an unforgettable journey through the breathtaking atoll of Rangiroa. Explore the charming village of Avatoru, visit fascinating historical landmarks, and discover some of the island`s most stunning scenic spots. Along the way, your guide will share captivating stories, legends, and the rich history that make Rangiroa so unique.

Available only to guests of the Hotel Kia Ora Resort & Spa.

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$80

Drift Snorkeling

Equipped with flippers, a mask, a snorkel, and a life jacket, let yourself drift along the Tiputa Pass safely. This activity is for one and all and will allow you to discover the exceptional underwater fauna of Rangiroa. You can see incredible underwater sites. The gentle currents will carry you across the water and allow you to discover the colorful marine life. In their natural environment, you may see manta rays, sharks, turtles, dolphins, Napoleon fish, and barracuda. This excursion requires a minimum of four participants to operate. Snorkeling gear, wetsuits, and life jackets are provided.

Available only to guests of the Hotel Kia Ora Resort & Spa.

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$84

Six Passengers Rangiroa Dive Center

Explore Rangiroa's world-renowned dive sites with The Six Passengers, a top-rated dive center in Rangiroa. Each dive group is organized by experience level and allows for a maximum of six people. The Six Passengers' guides are known for their expert knowledge and attentiveness to safety. The dive spots depend on the tide and the time of day and allow divers to encounter countless tropical fish, sharks, turtles, dolphins, and manta rays. The price is an example for a single-tank exploration dive.

Children must be 8 or older. Operates: Everyday

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$160

Blue Lagoon Excursion with Lunch

The Blue Lagoon is a natural pool formed by a string of islets and coral reefs on the edge of the main reef - a lagoon within a lagoon. It isn`t too deep and is home to countless varieties of marine life. You will discover this incredible paradise and enjoy an afternoon of swimming, snorkeling, and relaxing on pristine beaches. A freshly prepared Polynesian picnic will also be provided. Depending on the tide, you may even drift snorkel in the Avatoru Pass before heading back to the hotel. A minimum of six passengers is required to operate this tour.

Available only to guests of the Hotel Kia Ora Resort & Spa.

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$180

Reef Island Excursion with Lunch

South of the atoll, Reef Island is an area dotted with raised 'feo' coral formations, weathered shapes chiseled by erosion into petrified silhouettes on the exterior of the reef that stretch for several hundred meters with basins and channels that make superb natural swimming pools. Depending on the tide, you might see dolphins swimming around the boat in the Tiputa Pass on the return trip to the hotel. A minimum of six passengers is required to operate this tour.

Available only to guests of the Hotel Kia Ora Resort & Spa.

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$180

Otepipi and Reef island

This activity combines the discovery of two different landscapes while learning more about Rangiroa`s history. Otepipi will captivate you with the beauty of its 12-metre long beach, a fairy-tale landscape, whereas the reef island will surprise you with its lunar landscape of fossilized coral on the edge of the turquoise lagoon. The guides will also explain how Otepipi was the first motu inhabited by the locals. Enjoy a freshly prepared BBQ picnic on a private motu. A minimum of six passengers is required to operate this tour.

Available only to guests of the Hotel Kia Ora Resort & Spa.

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$210

Rangiroa Lagoon Fishing

Enjoy a two-hour fishing experience. Your captain will guide you to the best fishing grounds inside the reef of Rangiroa. Lagoon fishing is also available for a four-hour excursion for $200 more. Price is per boat with a maximum of four passengers.
Available only to guests of Hotel Kia Ora Resort and Spa.

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$265

Guided Jet Ski Tour

Experience this beautiful atoll from a different perspective as you skim over the turquoise waters of the lagoon. One shared Jet Ski for two persons. The price per Jet Ski is for either riding as a single rider or in tandem.

Available only to guests of the Hotel Kia Ora Resort & Spa.

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$278

Deep Sea Fishing

Enjoy a four-hour deep-sea fishing experience. Your captain will guide you to the best fishing grounds outside the reef of Rangiroa. Troll for various fish, including jacks, wahoo, barracuda, mahi mahi, bonito, yellowfin tuna, and sometimes marlin. Priced per boat, 3 persons maximum. Available as a 4 or 8-hour excursion.
Available only to guests of Hotel Kia Ora Resort and Spa.

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$930

Private Motor Boat Charter with Captain

Enjoy an unforgettable cruise on your own motorboat charter. The captain will tailor this cruise of Rangiroa's magnificent lagoon to your wishes. Available for 4 and 8 hour charters. Price is per boat with a maximum of 6 passengers.

Available only to guests ot Hotel Kia Ora Resort and Spa.

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$985