Tikehau, The Peaceful one!
Tikehau is an atoll located in the Tuamotu Archipelago of French Polynesia, administratively attached to the municipality of Rangiroa.
Tikehau is 15 kms away from Rangiroa and 340 kms away from Tahiti. It is an oval-shaped atoll, 27 kms long, 19 kms wide and 20 km² of land. These lands consist of a series of “motu” (islets) with extremely fine white and pink sand beaches. Its lagoon covers about 460 km², only accessible by the Tuheiava Pass.
From a geological point of view, the atoll is the coral outgrowth (10 meters) of the summit of the underwater volcanic mountain of the same name, which measures 1,750 meters, from the ocean floor.
During his many expeditions, Commander Jacques Cousteau defined the waters surrounding this island as the most fishy in the world. Indeed, the Tikehau lagoon is home to eagle rays, schools of barracudas and tuna, hammerhead sharks, grey sharks, turtles, dolphins just to name a few – a true paradise for divers.
The atoll is also the home of many bird colonies such as the long-billed Rousserolle, the Tuamotu Ptilope, and the rare Lori nonnette.
In Tikehau, days go by peacefully… Turquoise lagoon of clear waters, coconut trees scattered across paradise islets, warm welcome and quietness will be the watchwords of your stay in this atoll, locals call their island “the home of a quiet world.”
Let yourself be tempted by an exploration or introductory dive for beginners.
What’s on the program? A multitude of sharks such as tiger, grey, sleeper, white tip sharks…, or manta rays and turtles, schools of barracudas and tuna, or even blue dolphins and the most classic eagle rays, grey rays among various tropical fishes….
Rent bikes and visit the atoll and its beautiful main village “Tuherahera”, where most locals live actually, and it is located close to the airport.
You would discover beautiful colorful houses with “uru” trees or bread fruit trees lined up along the road but also flowers in shimmering colors. Ride by the school, the small town hall or get a glimpse of the police station. There is also the post office and the infirmary and you can also shop at the only grocery store of the island.
A most exotic place where genuine quietness and authenticity transpire in the heart of the Tuamotu Archipelago. Ocean side, you will discover the “Hina Bell”, a heavenly place named in memory of a legendary princess. This place made up of “feo” (fossilized coral formations) overlooking clear water running down authentic swimming pools shaped by mother nature herself. On a more religious note, people are free to attend Sunday church.
Discover the lagoon of the atoll. What’s on the program? With a tour guide, stop for a snorkeling session in a coral garden and if you feel like it, try and catch a fish and end the day with the visit of the island of birds. This place, protected from predators, is home to many species: the brown noddi, the red-footed madman, the white tern, the tern or the frigate. At lunch, a local meal will be served on the beach in a friendly atmosphere. Then, give yourself a moment to pause and just laze about on a splendid pink sand beach – a unique experience in a unique setting! What more can you ask for?
Choose one or even several of the activities offered by local professionals. Between a fishing trip, a sunset cruise, a kayak ride or a surfing session, just make your choice!
