The Tuamotus, the largest of the Polynesian archipelago’s, are located northeast of Tahiti and include 76 islands and atolls spread out over more than 7500 square miles. Four of these islands - Rangiroa, Manihi, Tikehau, Fakarava - offer a host of exciting activities, including world-class scuba diving, horseback riding, shark feeding and deep-sea fishing.
Rangiroa, a one-hour flight from Tahiti, is part of the Tuamotu Archipelago and is the world’s second largest atoll. From the air it appears that a large pearl necklace was gently placed on the water. Known as "The Island of the Long Sky," this ring of low land creates a seemingly endless lagoon of deep turquoise and lapis blue. Because there’s no island runoff, the visibility in the lagoon is over 150 feet and a constant 80 degrees.
The famous Tiputa Pass, which provides an opening to the ocean, is rich with sea life. It’s known as one of the world’s greatest shark dives, and those who "shoot the pass" find themselves in the deep blue with literally hundreds of gray, black-tip, white-tip, lemon and nurse sharks. Non-divers can try some world-class snorkeling and see schools of dolphins that gather in the pass. For the true adventurer, a two-hour boat ride across the lagoon leads to the Kia Ora Sauvage, a luxurious way to "rough it." There’s no electricity at this remote property, but it offers spectacular scenery and complete solitude.
Manihi, also in the Tuamotu Archipelago, is a small atoll with only 769 residents. Called "The Black Pearl Paradise," this atoll was the site of the first pearl farm that helped pave the way for the other Tuamotu islands. The blacklipped oysters, found only in Tahiti and Her Islands, are cultivated for their prized black pearls. Visitors can enjoy the plentiful lagoon activities while exploring the many black pearl farms for which the island is known.
Located about 10 miles from Rangiroa is the secluded island of Tikehau. This oval-shaped atoll is an important supplier of fresh fish and copra for the island of Tahiti. Tikehau boasts exotic pink sand beaches and an abundance of sea life that makes it a must for visiting scuba divers. In Tuheiava pass, diving enthusiasts can closely observe manta rays, barracuda, tuna, sea turtles, and gray and white-tipped sharks. This diverse island is also home to a number of bird colonies that have sought refuge on the aptly named "Isle of Birds." This protected motu is well-known for its red-footed gannets and brown noddies.
Fakarava is the second largest atoll in Tahiti and Her Islands, after Rangiroa. This protected atoll, along with its six neighboring islands, makes up a Unesco classified nature reserve. The delicate ecosystem on Fakarava supports some especially rare flora and fauna, including the hunting kingfisher, the Tuamotu palm, and sea life such as squills and sea cicadas. Fakarava also contains one of the first Catholic churches constructed in Tahiti and Her Islands. Located in the ancient village of Tetamanu, this aged structure is built primarily of coral and dates back to 1874.
The Marquesas: The Mysterious Islands
The Marquesas islands are located about 930 miles northeast of Tahiti. The six inhabited islands and six unpopulated islands offer some of the most dramatic scenery and true Polynesian experiences to be found. These islands have no lagoons, but offer dense jungles with 1,100-foot-high waterfalls and sheer cliffs. There are only five flights a week from Tahiti - about a 3 1/2 hour journey - and some visitors opt to arrive via the Aranui, a working cargo/copra ship that accommodates 100 passengers. The Marquesas is where Herman Melville jumped ship, Paul Gauguin came to paint and retire and numerous authors attempted to convey the riches of this rugged paradise. The most populated islands of Nuku Hiva and Hiva Oa offer lodging in small hotels and pensions.
For additional information, you can contact:
Tahiti Tourisme,
300 Continental Blvd., Ste. 160,
El Segundo, Calif. 90245
Tel: 800-365-4949 (U.S.)
Fax: 310-414-8490
Web site: www.Tahiti-Tourisme.com
Email: info@tahiti-tourisme.com
