Rangiroa: Walking & Snorkeling on Earth’s 2nd Largest Coral Atoll

February 20, 2019

RANGIROA ATOLL, French Polynesia – Stretched my legs on land this afternoon, then snorkeled for almost two hours here at French Polynesia’s biggest atoll (and #2 in the world). Rangiroa’s lagoon is so enormous the entire island of Tahiti could fit inside of it!

Got up at 11:39 a.m. aboard Oceania Marina anchored off Rangiroa, the sixth port of call on our 12-night “Pure Polynesia” cruise. Ate lunch with Mom, then proceeded ashore by tender from our location at Ohotu Anchorage near Tiputa Pass.

Rangiroa (rung-ee-roh-ah) lies in the western Tuamotus, one of five archipelagos that make up the territory of French Polynesia. With 2,567 residents, it’s the most populated atoll of the 77 in the chain. Rangiroa’s lagoon measures 47 miles (75 km) long and 16 miles (25 km) wide. That’s about 750 square miles!

“Rangiroa’s reef is on par with Australia’s Great Barrier Reef in terms of the variety of sea life and dramatic corals,” according to an information sheet provided by Oceania Cruises.

Walked around for 40 minutes (1.5 miles), heading northeast along Tiputa Pass.

Rough Surf Crashing Ashore at Tiputa Pass, Rangiroa Atoll

Next I followed the bend north along the sea before turning inland for the short crossing of the atoll back to the harbor.

Unfortunately the tender pier we used is located six miles east of the main town, Avatoru, so I didn’t get a chance to see it.

I met my 2 p.m. shore excursion, “Snorkel the Aquarium Garden” while Mom went off on the “Discover the World of Pearls” tour. Mom purchased one pearl during her excursion. Pearl farming is a major industry here in French Polynesia.

My excursion wasn’t too exciting (or value for money). Hopped on a small boat and we were driven a mile or two to the “Aquarium Garden.” I could have saved my dollars and just swam out there!

We had 45 minutes to swim around looking at the marine life before returning to the small village of Ohotu. One of the shortest shore excursions I’ve ever been on!

Snorkeling the Aquarium Garden near Tiputa Pass, Rangiroa Atoll

After we were dropped back at the pier, I walked a few dozen yards to a tiny beach and continued snorkeling 57 minutes on my own.

Green Eel & Large School of Yellow-&-Black-Striped Fish Seen While Snorkeling Tiputa Pass

Returned to Oceania Marina by tender. Back in the cabin at 4:35 to shower, then watch from our balcony as we sailed away from Rangiroa about 5:20 p.m. through Tiputa Pass on our way 255 miles to Huahine Island.

Sorted and posted photos; also watched a brilliant orange sunset over the South Pacific Ocean.

Mom and I enjoyed dinner in the Grand Dining Room. I had a wonderful dessert, “Molten Tanzanian Chocolate Cake with Caramel Filling.”

Retreated to our stateroom to continue working on photos, watch today’s snorkeling videos, read the cruise newsletter, and do some blog writing. Bed at 1:50 a.m.

Tomorrow is the final day of our voyage as we visit Huahine Island before returning to Tahiti.