Making the most of Rangiroa Tuamotu Islands
Use these notes to shape a realistic day ashore, then confirm any time-sensitive information for the date of your call.
Arriving at the port
As ships moor or anchor here, passengers come ashore by tender, most often at Tiputa Pass and sometimes at Avatoru. Each location has a few shops but little else.
Ra'iroa, meaning "huge sky", takes its name from its extraordinary length. It is the largest atoll in Tahiti and her Islands and one of the world's four largest, with more than 240 motu, or islets, divided by over 100 hoa, the small channels forming its coral ring. Paio motu stands in the centre of the inner lagoon.
The incomparable brightness and colours of the lagoon, ranging from jade green to purple, completely overwhelm visitors discovering this long chain of islets far out in the Pacific Ocean.
Avatoru, the principal village, occupies the atoll's north-west side opposite Fara motu. Legend says the lagoon was breached by twins Moana-tea ("Peaceful Ocean") and Moana-uri ("Wild Ocean"). Main government facilities stand here, including the Mayor's Office, Post Office and Pearl Industry Research Center, together with a mother-of-pearl and pearl-culture Crafts Center and two churches.
Tiputa, the other village, is at the motu's eastern end near the second main reef entrance. Its houses are encircled by bleached coral and enclosed with flowering hedges.
A route surfaced in crushed coral or sealed with tar connects the two villages and their neighbourhoods.
Getting around
Snorkelling and diving are unquestionably the principal attractions. Otherwise, reserve the glass-bottom boat trip.
Given the poor local infrastructure, booking a ship-sponsored excursion is generally the best option.
Some kind of local shuttle operates, although not very regularly.
Excursions are also available to purchase at the port.
The port also has a shuttle to Paul Gauguin Pearl Farm. This free journey offers a view of features along the narrow strip of land that forms one of the two principal population centres of this widely scattered atoll.
Food and shopping
Among Tahiti's popular purchases are black pearls, tiare and coconut soaps, monoi oil, vanilla beans, shell leis, carved wood, woven baskets and hats, and colourful hand-dyed pareu fabric worn by island residents. Visitors favour the public market. Shops usually trade from about 7:30am to 5:30pm, closing at Noon on Saturdays, and take a long lunch break. Outside hotels, shops generally close on Sundays.
Bargaining and haggling over shop or market prices is not customary.
Money
1000 CFP francs equal 8.38 euros.
Staying connected
French and Tahitian are the official languages.
Some WiFi cafés are available.