Tikehau Tahiti Atoll — Pacific Island Tourist & Holiday Destinations — Tim’s Weird & Wonderful World
Pink Sand Beaches, Tropical Getaway, Diving, A Unique Ring Atoll
Tikehau (which means Peaceful Landing in Tuamotuan) or Porutu-kai is a coral atoll in the Palliser Islands group, a portion of the Tuamotu Archipelago in French Polynesia. It is incorporated in the commune of Rangiroa.
Tikehau Geography
Tikehau is positioned 340 kilometres (210 miles) northeast of Tahiti in the Tuamotu Islands. The most neighbouring atoll, Rangiroa, rests only 12 kilometres (7.5 miles) to the east. Mataiva, the most westerly atoll of the same group, is found 35 kilometres (22 miles) to the west.
The atoll’s oval-shaped lagoon is 27 kilometres (17 miles) long & 19 kilometres (12 miles) wide with a lagoon region of about 461 square kilometres (178 square miles). The atoll is formed up of two major islands & numerous islets.
The northeastern quarter of the atoll is an individual, mostly uninhabited island. The whole atoll is circled by an almost continuous coral reef.
There is a single pass deep & broad enough for navigation in & out of the lagoon: Tuheiava Pass is found on the western shore. The islands & islets are blanketed with coconut palms. The main village is named Tuherahera.
Tikehau History
The first documented European to arrive at Tikehau was the Russian mariner Otto von Kotzebue. He named this atoll Krusenstern Island, after Russian explorer Adam Johann von Krusenstern.
The Wilkes Expedition moved by this atoll on 9 September 1839.
On a stay in 1987, Jacques Cousteau’s research group studied Tikehau’s lagoon & learned that it includes the largest variety of fish species than any other place in French Polynesia.
Today, Tikehau is a tourist destination, famous for its pink sand beaches & its extraordinary underwater fauna.
Tikehau Transportation
Tikehau Airport, positioned on the southern tip of the atoll, was inaugurated in 1977. There are daily flights to & from Tahiti & other atolls of the Tuamotus.
The Pink Sand Island
Tikehau encapsulates the sense of going off the grid. This small, cherished atoll consists of a myriad of tiny white & pink sand islets engulfed in coconut groves & hidden alcoves.
In Tikehau, which really means “peaceful landing,” you will find nothing but complete serenity on her calm & graceful shores.
The Locale
Tikehau is a small, circular atoll near Rangiroa in the Tuamotu Archipelago. The lagoon, formed by a virtually unbroken ring of continuous coral, mirrors an immense natural swimming pool.
At only 16 miles (25 kilometres) across & no more than 100 feet (30 meters) deep, this marine aquarium is swarming with marine life. According to the legendary marine researcher Jacques Cousteau, it has a higher density of fish than any other lagoon in French Polynesia.
Why Tikehau is an ideal destination
As you can guess, diving & snorkelling are the two main attractions in Tikehau. The best diving is located on the western shore around the Tuheiava Pass, the only traversable entry into the lagoon.
You will encounter reef sharks & the rare manta ray. Still, the appeal here is the vast population of colourful fish. Some of the more prevalent species include tuna, snapper, barracuda, lionfish, clownfish & parrotfish.
Tikehau is located only a few kilometres away from Rangiroa in the Tuamotu archipelago. Tinier than its neighbour, Tikehau atoll is a near-perfect ring structure starring postcard-like landscape.
The atoll is famous for its lagoon, described as a vast natural pool enclosed by pink & white sandy beaches.
A 1-hour flight from Tahiti & lying among beautiful “motu” islets & coconut trees, make the most of your stay & discover the unbelievable underwater life of this turquoise lagoon.
Surf enthusiasts will find great waves which will fascinate both beginners & experts. Dive lovers will be captivated by the Tuheiva pass (the island’s unique pass), which showcases a fabulous underwater show of rays, sharks, dolphins, & multicoloured fish.
Once out of the water, be astonished by a beautiful symphony of seabirds. Throughout these pink sand, islets watch colonies of boobies, tropic terns, noddi birds & fregate birds. Here you will learn why the island has been nicknamed “Bird Island”.
Take a walkabout Tuherahera village or relax on the beach. The place will inspire a feeling of heaven.
Things To Do On Tikehau
Kayaking: Some hotels possess kayaks that their clients can use. Please note that they will not rent them to people who aren’t guests even if you offer them money.
Snorkelling in the lagoon is completely safe. There are blacktip reef sharks, but they are very mild & not at all dangerous.
Note: do not expect your guesthouse to have snorkelling equipment. You must bring your own. You can not buy it, & even the dive centres will not lend it to you.
Diving. There are 2 dive hubs on the island. One is just north of the manta rai club, & the other is near to the larger of the two shops.
Note: if you are diving on any of the other islands you can book a multi pass-through “Top Dive” that links with the dive centre on Tikehau to dive here even though there is no top dive centre on the island.
Shopping
There are only two shops on the island. There are no bars or restaurants.
The larger is named Magasin Henriette. It closes at 6 pm on most days.
The choice here is limited, but the subsequent items are available. Chicken, burgers (in the freezer) Ice creams, Packets of cheese 300xpf Eggs, Soft drinks, Wine (starting at 2300xpf per bottle) Flip flops/sandals, Uht milk, cereal (limited selection), Rice, Pasta, Tinned fruit, Jam Cake mixture, Sweets, Tobacco/cigarettes.
Next door (approximately 30 meters north), you can also buy baguettes & doughnuts.
The smaller shop is positioned around 800 metres further North near the same road as the more extensive shop. The choice here is minimal.
People Also Ask
How do I get to Tikehau?
Tikehau is served by Air Tahiti with regular non-stop & one-stop flights from Papeete & frequent flights from Rangiroa.
The non-stop flying time from Papeete is fifty-five minutes & the flying time from Rangiroa is twenty minutes, both allow great ways to get to Tikehau.
Where is Tikehau?
Tikehau is located 340 kilometres (210 miles) northeast of the islands Tahiti in the Tuamotu Islands.
The nearest atoll, Rangiroa, lies just 12 kilometres (7.5 miles) to the east.
How do you get to Pearl Beach Resort Tikehau?
Le Tikehau by Pearl Resorts is situated 1.7 miles from Tikehau Airport, & 15 minutes from Tuherahera Village by vessel.
Motu Puarua (Bird Island) is a forty-minute boat ride away. Tavai Spa offers a variety of traditional Polynesian ‘Taurumi’ facial & body treatments.
Where is Rangiroa French Polynesia?
Rangiroa is an island atoll in the Tuamotu Archipelago & is approximately 220 miles northeast of the island of Tahiti.
Like other destinations in French Polynesia, the easiest way to visit is by straight flight from Papeete to Rangiroa. Daily air service is also given from Bora Bora & Fakarava.
Originally published at https://timswww.com.au on January 2, 2021.
