Places to visit

Rangiroa is not an island, but an atoll — a necklace of coral encircling a crystal clear lagoon. It is the second largest atoll in the world — so large, in fact, that if you stand on one side you cannot see the other.

Rangiroa is a land of picture-postcard beauty, and its modest size and small town ambiance makes sightseeing easy, simple and fun.

Avatoru & Tiputa

The majority of Rangiroa’s residents live in these two villages. Located on the western end of a string of connected islands, Avatoru is where you’ll find most of the island’s businesses, hotels, shops and banks. Rangiroa’s airport is also located here.

Tiputa is a 45-minute boatride from Avatoru. Though both communities boast a similar number of government agencies, Tiputa is the main administrative community, with an infirmary, post office and town hall.

There are a number of small islets within Rangiroa’s lagoon that are important bird sanctuaries. The most popular of these islands is Paio, which is easily accessed by boat.