French Polynesia - Rangiroa

Although all our stops on our Tahiti vacation were interesting, one of the most interesting was Rangiroa.
Rangiroa (meaning Vast Sky in Tuamotuan)is the largest atoll in the Tuamotus, and one of the largest in the world.

The atoll consists of about 415 motus, islets and sandbars.There are approximately one hundred narrow passages, called hoa, in the fringing reef.



The island around which the reef formed has sunk leaving only the atoll. And each motu has an elevation of no more than 3 feet. Because the atoll is so low and narrow it really did feel like a large wave would wash over the motu.

Our ship sailed through a passage to the left of Tiputa  and anchored in the lagoon.

Rangiroa is known as one of the world's top diving locations and we thoroughly enjoyed snorkeling in an area  called 'The Aquarium', located near the pass the ship sailed through.

Steve and I on the beach.



The fish we saw while snorkeling.

















The Rangiroa airport.



One of the hoa or passes.



Walking along the motu edge.



A view of the Kia Ora Hotel. We stopped for a drink here.



Another beach view.



And the local bar and grill where we also stopped for a drink!



And another hua.



Rangiroa is truly a remarkable place, I'd love to go back some time.