An ocean of atolls

Tuamotu Islands

An accessible dream

Who hasn’t dreamed of visiting an atoll in the Pacific ocean? Turquoise brushstrokes painted on a sea of deep blue. Pink sandy beaches competing with white sandy beaches. The tranquil beauty matched by the gentle rhythm of life. The Tuamotu Islands - like living in a daydream.

Underwater life and endless beaches

A galaxy of 76 atolls

To fulfill your dreams

A Mecca divers and a host of heavenly beaches, the Tuamotu Islands are a unique experience. A vast and magnificent archipelago, from the dive sites of Rangiroa and the biosphere reserve at Fakarava, to the primeval forest on Ahe and the pito (belly button) at Mataiva. On Manihi, you’ll discover the origins of the Tahitian pearl and on every atoll you’ll find the ‘white gold’ that comes from the fruit of the coconut trees. The passes are a dream for surfers, while seafarers who venture to Apataki will drop anchor in an unspoilt atoll about as far from the madding crowd as you can hope to get.

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A paradise for divers

The Palliser Islands

The essence of the Tuamotu Islands

Ten atolls in the north-west for which the Tuamotu Islands is famous.

Accommodation on Rangiroa - Tahiti Tourisme

Rangiroa, Fakarava, Tikehau, Mataiva, Makatea, Toau, Apataki, Niau, Arutua, Kaukura. These ten atolls form the Palliser Islands and between them they have made Tuamotu Islands famous. Among the atolls in this group, which was named The Palliser Islands by the explorer James Cook, is Makatea, the only ‘raised’ atoll in the group and a favorite spot for climbers.

As for Rangiroa, Fakarava and Tikehau, they are atolls of choice for divers, whereas Mataiva is perfect for families with its many guesthouses and natural swimming pools. The other atolls in the group are the destinations of choice for yachtsmen and women sailing from the Marquesas Islands.

Wall of Sharks Fakarava, Tuamotu Islands

Far off destinations

The lesser-known atolls

Perhaps lesser-known than some of the others, but these atolls also have plenty to offer. Let’s pay them a visit.

Mataiva

Mataiva has a motu called Bird Island, but you don’t have to be an ornithologist to appreciate its beauty. On the way back from Bird Island, take a look at the strange rock that stands in the middle of the lagoon. Here it is known as Pito(belly button).

Manihi

Thise is where pearls were first cultivated. So needless to say, there are several pearl farms in Manihi. But there’s much more to this beautiful atoll than pearls. The quantity and variation of the sea life in Manihi is quite remarkable, such as the groupers that come to reproduce in Tairapa pass between May and June each year.

Aerial View of Ahe - Tahiti Tourisme © Stéphane Mailion Photography

Ahe

About 15 km from Manihi, is the atoll of Ahe. A picture postcard with its primary forest and emerald lagoon, perfect for a Robinso Crusoe!

Niau

Like Fakarava, the atoll of Niau has been classified as a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO. The atoll is slowly opening its doors to the tourist industry, and in 2020 Niau’s first Tahitian Guesthouse began accepting visitors.