Cruises visiting Rangiroa, Tuamotu Islands (French Polynesia)
Points Of Interest
“God’s Aquarium"
Larger than the island of Tahiti, Rangiroa’s turquoise lagoon has been
call “God’s Aquarium” by divers and snorkelers from around the world.
View myriad dazzling tropical fish cavorting in one of the world’s
most beautiful and richest coral reefs on a snorkeling or diving
expedition. Snorkeling and diving excursions are available from
The Gauguin.
Village Exploration
Rangiroa’s permanent residents all reside on two islands on the northern
end of the atoll, and most make their home in the atoll’s two primary
villages, Avatoru and Tiputa. Most shops and activities can be found in
Avatoru, which also hosts the airport and the port for
The Gauguin. Accessible only by boat, Tiputa is the atoll’s
administrative center. Both villages are easily explored on foot or by
bicycle or scooter.
Beaches & Lagoons
Excursions are available to many local natural wonders. Best known is
the Blue Lagoon (Lagon Bleu), a lagoon within the lagoon, located about
an hour’s boat ride from Avatoru. To the north of the Blue Lagoon lies
l’Ile des Oiseaux, a sanctuary for seabirds. Reef Island (L’Ile aux
Recifs) offers swimming in basins formed by fossilized coral formations.
Pink Sand Beach (Les Sables Rose) is a gorgeous and still-undiscovered
beach. And as you cruise Rangiroa’s lagoon, perhaps you’ll see dolphins
jumping at Tiputa Point.
Pearl Farm
One of the largest black pearl cultivators in Polynesia lies in the
middle of the motu of Avatoru and can be accessed by the island’s
only road or via the lagoon. Here, you can witness firsthand how pearls
are cultivated and harvested. Available as a shore excursion from
The Gauguin.
Local Information
Population: 2,500 (2012)
Language: French, Paumotu
Currency: XPF
Scheduled Docking Location: Anchored, tender to Ohutu pier
Shopping: Local vendors are set up on the pier upon the ship’s arrival.
Banks / ATMs: There are two ATMs on Rangiroa, both in Avatoru: Banque de Tahiti, in the village (Mon-Fri 7:30am to 11:30am and 1pm to 4pm) and Banque Socredo, beside the airport terminal (Mon, Wed & Fri 7:30am to 11:30am and 1:30pm to 4pm; Tue & Thu 1:30pm to 4pm). Banque Socredo has two 24-hour ATMs. Cash: best to have local currency (XPF).
Post Office: Tiputa and Avatoru
Internet/Wi-Fi: Snack Lili located on the pier Ohutu, Wi-fi available with a purchase of drink/lunch.
Airport Transportation: The airport is located a few miles from the village of Avatoru and offers direct flights to Papeete and Bora Bora.
Taxis: Manu Taxi Boat, Ohutu Pier
Rental Cars:
Arenahio Location: +689 (40) 96-82-45
Giroux Rangiroa Services:
+689 (40) 96-04-96 / (87) 79-24-79
Ohotu Transport: +689 (87) 77-28-02
Rangi Rent A Car: +689 (40) 96-03-28 / (87) 21-35-08
Port Agent Contact:
Office: +689 (40) 86-51-32
Mobile: +689 (87) 29-25-02
