Destination: Rangiroa, French Polynesia
Introduction
Rangiroa is the largest atoll in French Polynesia and one of the largest in the world — a massive ring of coral with only a thin necklace of motus separating the vast central lagoon (the size of Tahiti) from the open ocean. It is world-famous among divers for its spectacular passes where immense volumes of water surge through twice a day, creating extraordinary encounters with sharks, dolphins, and pelagic fish. The diving at Tiputa and Avatoru passes is among the best in the Pacific.
GPS Coordinates
15° 7' 59.880"S 147° 39' 0.000"W
15 7 59.880S 147 39 0.000W
Protected Anchorages
The main anchorage is in the lagoon inside Avatoru Pass on the western end of the atoll, in 10–20 m over sand — good holding. Entry through Avatoru Pass requires good timing on the tidal flow — enter on an incoming tide. Tiputa Pass on the eastern side is the diving pass. The lagoon interior offers additional anchorages further east towards the Blue Lagoon, but the distances are large (100 km across). A liveaboard feeling of complete isolation is available in the deeper lagoon.
Customs Protocols for Visiting Yachts
No international customs at Rangiroa. Clear in Papeete. The gendarmerie at Avatoru can stamp logbooks.
Yacht Clubs and Marinas in the Vicinity
- No yacht club or marina
- Basic fuel and provisions at Avatoru village
- Dive operators at both passes are professional and welcoming to visiting sailors
Renowned Attractions
- Tiputa Pass diving — dolphins in the morning, grey reef sharks massing at the pass, and the washing machine current dive
- Blue Lagoon — shallows in the middle of the atoll with turquoise water and a small motu, accessed by boat from Avatoru
- Pink Sands Beach — rare pinkish sand from crushed coral and shells on the outer motus
- Dolphin watching in Tiputa Pass — resident bottlenose dolphins play in the outgoing current daily
- Rangiroa wine — Domaine Dominique Auroy makes wine on the atoll from grapes grown in coral sand
Currency and Exchange Rate
Currency: CFP Franc
Exchange Rate to USD
Nearby Yachting Destinations
Summary
Rangiroa is the crown jewel of Tuamotu diving — an immense atoll with world-class pass diving, the extraordinary Blue Lagoon, and a remote oceanic solitude that is the essence of the low-lying coral island experience.