Rangiroa (Photo:Yann hubert/Shutterstock)
5.0 / 5.0
Cruise Critic Editor Rating

By Cruise Critic Staff

Port of Rangiroa

Located 220 miles northeast of Tahiti, Rangiroa is a stunning atoll, especially when seen from the air. (Check it out on Google Earth.) It's the largest atoll in the Tuamotu Islands and, in fact, one of the largest in the world.

About Rangiroa


This serene atoll with glass-clear water is a diver's dream


The must-visit Blue Lagoon is an hour's boat ride from Avatoru

Bottom Line

Rangiroa is a remote atoll with pink-sand beaches and natural treasures galore

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More than 415 motus (tiny coral islands) surround this atoll, which is really just a thin strip of land encircling an interior lagoon -- a lagoon so vast that the entire island of Tahiti could comfortably fit within it.

With fewer than 3,000 citizens, sleepy Rangiroa is perhaps what you've always imagined as a tropical island hideaway, complete with a pink-sand beach and spectacular blue lagoon.

To enter Rangiroa's interior lagoon, you'll sail through one of two main passes -- named after the two villages on the atoll -- Tiputa Pass and Avatoru Pass. Avatoru is the larger of the two towns and boasts a post office, grocery store, a few banks and ATM's, two churches and several casual restaurants.

Rangiroa is a paradise for divers and snorkelers who will thrill at the sight of sea turtles, bottlenose dolphins, hammerhead sharks, manta rays and stingrays.

Where You're Docked

Ships anchor right inside Rangiroa's interior lagoon, most often at Tiputa Pass. You'll tender to shore.

Good to Know

There's no public transportation on the island, and there are few taxis. More often than not, you'll use the services of a water taxi to get where you want to go. Because of the lack of development, it's best to sign up for ship-sponsored tours or book an excursion with a local activities company.

Currency & Best Way to Get Money

The French Pacific franc is the local currency. A good rule of thumb is that 100 francs equal $1 -- but you'll want to check XE.com for the latest exchange rates. There are two banks in the small village of Avatoru, but their ATM's are only accessible during the banks' limited operating hours. It's best to exchange currency onboard your ship or on one of the larger islands before arriving in Rangiroa.


The official languages are French and Tahitian, but many French Polynesians, especially those in the tourism industry, also know English. When in doubt, refer to an English/French phrase book.


While you can buy unique jewelry throughout French Polynesia, Rangiroa is known for its exquisite black pearls. Visit a farm, and hand-select your pearls to be made into a bracelet or necklace.

Best Cocktail

Don't miss your chance to sip a chilled glass of "Coral White" wine from the only vineyard in French Polynesia, Vin de Tahiti. This may be the only wine you sample that has a hint of mango, pineapple and coral!