Rangiroa

Introducing Rangiroa

Rangiroa (rung-ee-roh-ah) is the second-biggest atoll in the world, but is a wonderfully languorous, remote place to explore; a far cry from the glamour and pace of Bora Bora and Mo'orea in the Society Islands.

Diving attracts the majority of visitors to Rangiroa but there's plenty to do for everyone. From wine tasting at one of the world's most unusual wineries to exploring the sites of the vast lagoon to simply just lying on the beach, Rangi, as it is affectionately known by the locals, has justly earned its reputation as the tourist centre of the Tuamotus.

A series of large swells have menaced the atoll's lagoon over the last several years and many of the white-sand beaches have been reduced to gravel-sand beaches. Even so, the stark whiteness of bleached coral against turquoise lagoon creates a bright, almost Grecian cocktail for the eyes. Life in the lagoon has sprung back from much of the damage and it's as blue and inviting as ever.

Rangiroa (from Rairoa, literally 'long sky') is home to nearly 20% of the total population of the Tuamotus.

Last updated: Mar 2, 2009