Tuamotu Atolls (Rangiroa, Fakarava)
An endless aquarium beneath the waves 🐠
The Tuamotu Atolls are a string of flat coral rings scattered across the ocean, completely different from the high mountains of the Society or Marquesas islands. Here, the highest point is often just a palm tree. This region is all about the water. For families, the Tuamotus offer some of the clearest water on the planet, resembling a swimming pool that extends to the horizon.
Rangiroa is the largest atoll and a top destination for water-loving families. The most famous excursion is the "Blue Lagoon," a smaller lagoon formed inside the main lagoon. It is a shallow, sandy playground where baby blacktip reef sharks often swim around your ankles—a thrilling but safe experience for children. Another unique spot is the Tiputa Pass. While diving the pass is for experts, families can sit on the shore near the pass entrance at sunset and watch wild dolphins jumping and playing in the waves, a daily spectacle that requires no boat ticket.
Fakarava, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, offers an even more pristine environment. The atmosphere is sleepy and slow. The southern pass (Tumakohua) is renowned for its wall of sharks, but the shallow waters near the beach are perfect for kids to snorkel over colorful clams and coral heads. Fakarava also features stunning pink sand beaches formed from crushed coral, which make for exceptional photos and sandcastle building.
Tikehau is another family-friendly atoll in this group, known for having the highest concentration of fish. The lagoon is shallow and calm, and many guesthouses are located on their own private islets, giving kids the freedom to roam safely.
Practical considerations are important here. Because these are coral atolls, there is very little shade and the white sand reflects intense UV rays; high-SPF sunscreen, rash guards, and hats are non-negotiable. There are fewer medical facilities than in Tahiti, and amenities are basic. Activities are almost exclusively water-based, so children should be comfortable in the ocean. Fresh vegetables can be scarce, as little grows on the coral soil, but fresh fish is abundant.
Click a region to explore
Activities & Best Times
Beach resorts, marine activities: diving, snorkelling, kite surfing, wind surfing, sailing
A global pinnacle for diving and lagoon exploration, featuring the world-class Fakarava UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and massive lagoons with 30m+ visibility. Peak months offer the driest weather and calmest seas, while the wet season (Nov-Mar) brings heavy tropical downpours and higher humidity that can impact water clarity.
Hiking, wildlife, outdoor exploration, ecotourism
Offers unique encounters with 'walls of sharks' and pristine coral ecosystems far removed from mass tourism. The dry season (Jun-Sep) is ideal for boat-based expeditions to remote motus, whereas the wet season's high rainfall and storm potential make wilderness exploration more challenging.
Sport tourism, fitness activities, active recreation
Renowned for world-class drift diving through passes and consistent trade winds ideal for kite-surfing and sailing. Conditions are most reliable from June to September; the summer monsoon season (Nov-Mar) introduces unstable winds and rougher lagoon conditions.
Learning experiences, scientific sites, historical education
The UNESCO Biosphere status of Fakarava provides significant scientific interest regarding marine conservation and coral reef health. Accessibility to research sites and guided eco-tours is best during the stable weather of the dry season, with heavy rains often disrupting educational excursions from November to March.
Spa retreats, wellness centers, peaceful getaways
The Tuamotu atolls have extremely limited accommodation and virtually no dedicated spa or wellness infrastructure. While the remoteness and tranquility are appealing, 'very_good' for relaxation/wellness requires more developed facilities by international standards. A handful of high-end lodges does not place this on par with Bali, Maldives, or even the Leeward Islands for wellness tourism.
Events, celebrations, seasonal attractions
The annual Heiva festival in July showcases authentic Polynesian dance, music, and traditional sports in a more intimate, less commercial setting than Tahiti. Outside of this mid-year window, there are few organized cultural events of international significance.
Attractions (24 total)
Beach / Coastal Recreation Area
Blue Lagoon (Lagon Bleu)
Avatoru
A breathtaking natural pool within the main lagoon featuring calm, shallow turquoise waters and white sand islets perfect for family swimming.
Visit website →Pink Sands (Les Sables Roses)
Rotoava
Remote and stunning sandbars with a natural pink hue created by crushed coral, offering a serene environment for swimming in crystal-clear water.
Visit website →Reef Island (Île aux Récifs)
Avatoru
A unique coastal landscape featuring jagged fossilized coral formations that create natural pools and channels perfect for wading and exploration.
Visit website →Garuae Pass
Rotoava
The largest pass in French Polynesia, providing an incredible natural spectacle of marine life and vibrant turquoise waters connecting the lagoon to the ocean.
Visit website →Tiputa Pass
Tiputa
A world-famous waterway where families can watch wild dolphins leaping in the waves from the shore or enjoy guided boat excursions.
Visit website →Natural Feature / Scenic Site
Blue Lagoon (Le Lagon Bleu)
Avatoru
A breathtaking 'lagoon within a lagoon' featuring shallow turquoise waters and white sand motus, perfect for family swimming and snorkeling.
Tumakohua Pass (South Pass)
Tetamanu
A serene and narrow channel known for its incredibly clear water, pink sand beaches nearby, and a historic village setting.
Pink Sand Beaches (Les Sables Roses)
Tuherahera
Stunning stretches of natural pink-hued sand created by crushed shells, offering a fairytale-like landscape for beachgoers.
National Park / Nature Reserve
Fakarava UNESCO Biosphere Reserve
Rotoava
A world-renowned sanctuary protected by UNESCO, famous for its pristine lagoon, pink sand beaches, and an incredible density of sharks and marine life.
Visit website →Tiputa Pass Marine Site
Tiputa
An iconic marine corridor where families can watch wild bottlenose dolphins jump in the waves from the shore or explore one of the world's most vibrant coral reefs.
Farm Park / Petting Zoo / Rural Experience
Vin de Tahiti (Domaine Dominique Auroy)
Avatoru
Discover the unique process of growing grapes in coral soil at the world's only atoll vineyard, offering fascinating tours and tastings.
Visit website →Gauguin's Pearl
Avatoru
An educational rural experience where families can learn about the Tahitian black pearl industry through grafting demonstrations and farm tours.
Visit website →Historic Town / Village / Cultural Area
Avatoru Village
Rangiroa
The primary administrative village of Rangiroa, featuring local artisan shops, pearl boutiques, and a picturesque waterfront setting.
Phare de Topaka
Fakarava
An unusual 15-meter tall pyramid-shaped lighthouse built of coral stone in the early 20th century, serving as a historic landmark.
Tiputa Village
Rangiroa
A peaceful traditional village accessible only by taxi boat, offering visitors an authentic look at local life and beautifully maintained floral gardens.
Tuherahera Village
Tikehau
A charming and colorful village known for its flowery paths, relaxed Polynesian atmosphere, and friendly local community on the atoll of Tikehau.
Eglise de Tetamanu
Fakarava
The oldest Catholic church in the Tuamotu Archipelago, built entirely from coral in 1874 at the edge of the south pass.
Landmark / Monument / Iconic Urban Attraction
Bird Island (Île aux Oiseaux)
Tuheiava
A protected islet within the Tikehau lagoon where families can observe thousands of rare tropical birds nesting in a pristine, untouched natural environment.
Visit website →Pink Sand Beach (Les Sables Roses)
Tetamanu
A remote and iconic natural wonder where the sand appears distinctly pink, providing a magical and serene landscape for families to explore and swim.
Tetamanu Church (Eglise de Tetamanu)
Tetamanu
Constructed in 1874 from coral stone, this historic landmark is one of the oldest churches in Polynesia and sits at the edge of a beautiful turquoise lagoon.
Hiking & Cycling Routes
Fakarava North Motu Cycling Route
Rotoava
16km easy flat route, 3 hours duration, 5m elevation gain. This route follows the only paved road on the northern atoll from the village of Rotoava toward the Garuae Pass. The path passes through dense coconut groves, pearl farms, and small local churches. Bike rental: Fakarava Yacht Services (fakaravayachtservices.com) or Pension Havaiki.
Visit website →Rangiroa Atoll Cycling Route (Avatoru to Tiputa Pass)
Avatoru
10km easy cycling route, approximately 2 hours duration, 5m elevation gain. This flat, paved path connects the two main villages of Avatoru and Tiputa, offering panoramic views of the lagoon on one side and the open ocean on the other. It is the primary way for visitors to explore the atoll's main motu. Bike rental: Hotel Kia Ora Resort (le-kia-ora.com) or local pensions.
Visit website →Tikehau Village Cycling Loop
Tuherahera
7km easy flat loop, 1 hour duration, 2m elevation gain. This scenic loop circles the main village motu of Tuherahera. The route is famous for its proximity to pink sand beaches and its relaxed atmosphere through the floral-lined streets of the village. Bike rental: Tikehau Pearl Beach Resort (tikehaupearlbeachresort.com) or local guesthouses.
Visit website →Castle / Palace / Historic Site
Old Church of Tetamanu
Fakarava
Families can explore the oldest Catholic church in the Tuamotus, a 19th-century landmark built entirely from hand-carved coral blocks in a remote village.
