Rangiroa is the largest atoll in the Tuamotu Archipelago; Ahe, Mataiva, Makatea and Manihi each offer a different focus.
Atolls, landscape and season
Ahe has a forest. Mataiva offers two named landmarks: the rock in the lagoon is known as Pito, meaning “navel,” and the island is also home to a motu called Bird Island. If you are looking for a particular landscape feature, you can specifically include Ahe’s forest and Mataiva’s named rock and motu sites in your selection.
Makatea is the only raised atoll in the Palliser Islands. The Palliser Islands were named by the explorer James Cook; the other atolls in this group are destinations for sailors coming from the Marquesas Islands. The Palliser Islands thus bring together a geological feature, a historical naming connection and a sailing region.
Every year between May and June, groupers come to Manihi to spawn in the Tairapa Pass. Unlike permanent landscape features, this is a recurring natural event that takes place during a precisely specified period, which you can take into account when planning your trip.
Getting there and choosing your destination
The Tuamotu Islands are accessible by air from Tahiti; several atolls have airstrips. When planning your trip, check the connection to the specific atoll you are considering as a place to stay. This lets you combine your choice of island with your travel arrangements, rather than basing your decision solely on the general characteristics of the island group.
A broader look at the destination The Tuamotu And Gambier Islands
On Makatea, the phosphate pits are remnants of phosphate mining, which exploited the island’s resources for 60 years. The visible remains include abandoned mines, tunnels, the old harbour and railway remains. This industrial history offers a distinct way to explore Makatea alongside its geological feature.
Between 1840 and 1970, missionaries, with the support of islanders who had recently converted to Christianity, built hundreds of religious structures, including churches, presbyteries, monasteries, schools and watchtowers. Most can be visited on Mangareva, Akamaru, Aukena and Taravai. Check current visiting arrangements before you go.
Activities are also tied to specific places: on Makatea, well-established routes run along the limestone cliffs and are suitable for both beginners and experienced climbers. Local guides are trained to accompany climbers and ensure their safety. On Manihi, most pearl farms welcome visitors, who can learn how pearls are produced there. Arrange your visit with the relevant farm. Hiking trails on Mangareva lead into the mountains and offer views of the lagoon and the landscape beyond it.
Explore more destinations: Tuherahera, ĂŽles Sous-Le-Vent, The Tuamotu And Gambier Islands, Windward Islands, ĂŽles Du Vent, Leeward Islands, Austral Islands
For the broader travel overview: French Polynesia.
