VIDEO OF THE WEEK: DIVE INTO PARADISE

RANGIROA'S TOP TEN "TO DO" LIST

Planning to visit Rangiroa and wondering what to do there? Here is my top 10:

- Take a day trip to the Blue Lagoon;

- Shoot the pass either snorkeling or diving;

- Explore some of the world's best diving sites;

- Discover the Pink sand;

- Become a modern Robinson Crusoe at the Kia Ora Sauvage;

- Look for Huri, a celebrity on the island (his entire body is tattooed);

- Don't miss the dolphins frolicking in the pass;

- Visit the vineyard and enjoy some "coral white" wine, the only wine made in Tahiti;

- Go fly-fishing.

I hope you enjoy Rangiroa as much as I did. Please share your preferred activities with us!

RANGIROA: ENDLESS SHADES OF BLUE FOR HOLIDAYS IN PARADISE

The atoll of Rangiroa, in the Tuamotu, is the second largest atoll in the world. The atoll, a string of coral encircling a lagoon of amazing shades of blue, is also known as Rairoa, meaning "Endless sky" in the Tuamotu. It is home to 240 small motu (islets) forming a 100-mile ring around an infinite lagoon. 

 @ clesenne, Creative Commons

As you approach Rangiroa by air, you can only be amazed by the different shades of blue that will welcome you, the blues of the lagoon, the blues of the ocean, the blues of the sky... There are 3 main colours in the paradise: white, for the white sand and coral beaches, green for the coconut trees and tiare bushes that grow everywhere and blue for the water and the sky.

 @ Philippe Bacchet / Tahiti Tourisme

Life in Ragiroa is serene, time seems to stop on the island as you will want to just sit down and listen to the sound of the waves crashing on the reef. You are surrounded by the sea, the motu are not very wide and on either side, you can see the ocean and the lagoon. The contrast is amazing, on the one side, the dark ocean, almost wild and mysterious, on the other side the lagoon, calm and inviting, with dreamy shades of blue.

@ D. Hazama / Tahiti Tourisme

No surprise Rangiroa is one of the world's greatest dive destinations and home to hundreds of marine species including various fish, eagle rays, sharks and dolphins. An incredible underwater fauna, 6 different dive centers to choose from, whatever your level diving in Rangiroa is a must.

We arrived in Rangiroa on a Thursday morning and could not wait to discover the treasures that were waiting for us underwater. As soon as we were settled, we booked one of the most popular activities on the island: Drift snorkeling in the Tiputa pass. This excursion lasts about 2 hours and is best done when the current is flowing into the lagoon. This is not your typical snorkeling in the lagoon, your guide will take you where the wild ocean (Moana-uri) meets the peaceful lagoon (moana-tea) at the end of the pass. Don your mask and fins before jumping in the water where you will let the force of the water carry you while you enjoy the underwater scenery. 

The boat will be waiting for you at the other end of the pass to take you to the lagoonarium, a natural aquarium where you will meet hundreds of fish and home of some of the biggest eels I have been given to see. Truly a great way to start a holiday!

Once you finish your snorkeling, make sure you go back into the pass as you would not want to miss the dolphins playing in the waves. It is truly an exhilarating moment and watching them jump in the waves is magical. If you are not a fan of boats and waves you can always watch the show from the shore on the point overlooking the pass.

Tahiti & her islands' underwater world

@Ty Sawyer / Tahiti Tourisme

 

Tahiti & her islands' turquoise lagoons beckon to you with some of the world's most awesome underwater adventures. Whether you dream of swimming with dolphins, feeding sharks, petting sting rays or just snorkel in amazing coral gardens, we have it all.

@Philippe Bacchet / Tahiti Tourisme

For scuba aficionados, the island of Rangiroa, is among the world's best diving spots. The underwater fauna is simply breathtaking. Finding yourself in Tiputa pass surrounded by hundreds of sharks, whether  silver tip, black tip, white tip, hammerhead, lemon or nurse is a  thrilling experience you will never forget. Add to the sharks eagle rays, a multitude of fish, the occasional whale and dolphins and you have the recipe for a diver's paradise! Relax, no need to be a diving expert, whatever your level, the experience will still be magical.

@Greg Le Bacon / Tahiti Tourisme

Swimming with sharks not your thing? Why not enjoy swimming and petting sting rays in Bora Bora? The majestic animals can also be very cuddly and don't forget to kiss them goodbye before you leave!

@Greg Le Bacon / Tahiti Tourisme

@B. David / Tahiti Tourisme

For those looking for more traditional encounters, snorkeling is a preferred nautical activity in Tahiti & her islands and you will be truly amazed by the colors surrounding you. You can find a great variety of coral gardens in the islands and I guarantee you will not tire exploring the lagoon.

@ National Geographic

For those who like huge animals, september is a great season for whale observation and obviously, the island most famous for whales is Rurutu.

@Jordi Chias / Tahiti Tourisme

@ Charles Hood

Also a magical experience: encounters with turtles and dolphins.

@Greg Le Bacon / Tahiti Tourisme

and of course you could always see a mermaid or two!