On Makatea, abandoned mines, tunnels, the old harbor and railway remains bring its industrial history to life. The phosphate pits date back to a mining operation that exploited the island’s resources for 60 years. The various remains show just how many traces this history has left on the island.
Industrial History and Religious Heritage
Religious architecture also tells a long story. Between 1840 and 1970, missionaries, with the support of islanders who had recently converted to Christianity, built hundreds of religious structures. These include churches, rectories, monasteries, schools and watchtowers. Most can be visited on Mangareva, Akamaru, Aukena and Taravai. For a specific visit, it is worth checking current visitor access.
On Makatea, another discovery leads to the limestone cliffs: well-maintained routes are suitable for beginners and experienced climbers alike. Local guides are trained to accompany climbers and ensure their safety. So, alongside the visible traces of mining, trails and guided climbing are also among the experiences on Makatea.
Lagoons, Mountains and Finding Your Way Around the Gambier Islands
The islands of the Gambier Archipelago share a lagoon with transparent turquoise water and coral reefs. The sea contrasts with the islands’ lush green mountains. Hikes on the Gambier Islands offer views of the lagoon and surrounding island scenery; on Mangareva, trails lead into the mountains and open up views of the lagoon and the landscape beyond.
Rikitea is the main village on Mangareva. Mangareva also serves as a starting point for boat trips to other islands. This makes it possible to combine getting your bearings with hiking, without assuming a particular excursion or set route.
Snorkeling, Scuba Diving and Boat Trips
On Fakarava, Tumakohu Pass is known as the “Wall of Sharks” because of the gray reef sharks, blacktip reef sharks, whitetip reef sharks, hammerhead sharks and other sharks found there. Numerous fish, including groupers and Napoleon wrasse, are also found there. The name refers to the marine life at the pass.
On Rangiroa, “The Aquarium” is a snorkeling site near Tiputa Pass. The water there is calm, crystal clear and rich in marine life; the site is suitable for snorkelers of all experience levels. On Fakarava, scuba diving is the main tourist activity, followed by snorkeling. You can also visit beaches on the atoll, including Grand Bleu, by scooter or bicycle.
Boat trips on Rangiroa take you to remote motus. There, you can swim and snorkel, as well as enjoy a picnic by the water. This brings together different ways to spend time by the sea: a snorkeling spot near a pass, diving and snorkeling opportunities, and trips to motus.
Getting Around Manihi
You can explore Manihi on foot, by bicycle or by scooter. The atoll’s only road runs along the shore for several miles. The island also offers the chance to learn more about pearl production: most pearl farms welcome visitors. Check with each farm for current visitor access.
Whether you are interested in mountain trails, buildings, marine habitats or traces of industrial history, the experiences described are spread across different islands and offer different perspectives on the Tuamotu and Gambier Islands.
Discover more destinations: Tuamotus Islands, Avatoru, Austral Islands, Tuamotus Islands, ĂŽles Sous-Le-Vent, Windward Islands, ĂŽles Du Vent and Leeward Islands.
Back to the main travel overview: French Polynesia.
