If diving and snorkelling is your thing, then Rangiroa is an absolute must. This coral atoll is the world’s second largest with over 200 islets and some of the richest waters in French Polynesia.

Rangiroa means ‘immense sky’ in the local language, and it’s not hard to see why. Unlike many destinations in French Polynesia, there are no mountains and aquamarine water stretches as far as the eye can see. Flat islands and sandbars circle a vast blue lagoon home to manta rays, sharks, turtles and shoals of barracuda.

One of Rangiroa’s most striking features is the Blue Lagoon, a natural pool on the edge of the main reef. This lagoon within a lagoon isn’t very deep and, as with the rest of the atoll, is home to an incredible array of marine life.

While it’s true that Rangiroa is a must for divers, there is still plenty to do for non-divers, from visiting pearl farms to boat trips between the islets where the views are nothing short of spectacular.

What to do

  • Diving - this is one of the world's best dive locations
  • Explore the Blue Lagoon - a lagoon within a lagoon
  • Visit a pearl farm
  • Take a boat trip between the different islets

Accommodation in Rangiroa

Here are some of our travel designers' favourite options