Tag: Rangirova

Where in the World Are We?

We are sailing from Fakarava to Rangiroa, French Polynesia/

RANGIROA, FRENCH POLYNESIA
French Polynesia’s Immense Sky and Lagoon Paradise
Rangiroa is French Polynesia’s largest atoll.

More than 400 motu (islets) enclose the lagoon, which is so wide and long that one cannot see the southern row of motu from the two main islets in the north – hence the local name Rangiroa, meaning wide or long sky, sometimes taken as ‘immense sky’.

There are several passes from the ocean into the lagoon, and the two main villages of Avatoru and Tiputa are located next to the passes of the same names.

Drift diving and snorkeling the incoming tides, looking for sharks and manta rays at these passes, is one of Rangiroa’s main tourist draws.

Government jobs, ecotourism, and pearl farming are the main sources of income on the atoll.

The lagoon’s calm turquoise waters, rich marine underwater world, and relaxed atmosphere attract visitors year-round to the many local guesthouses and a few hotels.

Both Avatoru and Tiputa also feature schools for the other Tuamotu Islands, which have no higher education possibilities.

One of Rangiroa’s most unusual attractions is the white and rose wine produced on the islet immediately west of Avatoru – the wine has won several awards.

Tonight’s dinner was in The Atlantide Restaurant