Why choose Tikehau for your custom trip to French Polynesia?
Located 340 kilometers north of Tahiti and just 15 kilometers from Rangiroa, Tikehau epitomizes the very essence of customized travel in French Polynesia. This oval atoll in the Tuamotu Archipelago invites you to explore a preserved world where every detail of your stay can be personalized according to your aspirations.
An atoll with exceptionally fish-rich waters
In 1987, Commander Cousteau's team described the waters of Tikehau as the richest in fish in French Polynesia
. This reputation is well-deserved: your trip to Tikehau will allow you to observe an exceptional marine biodiversity in a lagoon 27 kilometers in diameter.
The Tuheiava pass, the only opening of the atoll to the ocean, is one of the most famous diving spots in the South Pacific. During your stay in Tikehau, you can encounter gracefully swimming gray sharks, gliding eagle rays, and peacefully navigating sea turtles. Schools of barracudas and tunas provide a breathtaking spectacle that our Travel Planners systematically integrate into the itineraries of diving enthusiasts.
Your journey in Polynesia will take on a special dimension thanks to the traditional fish parks located on either side of the pass. These ancient facilities, where local fishermen keep their catch before shipping them to the market in Papeete, demonstrate the harmony between man and sea that characterizes this atoll.
World-unique pink sand beaches
Tikehau is distinguished by its pink sand beaches, a rare phenomenon that gives the atoll its nickname of pink sand island
. This particular shade results from the decomposition of marine microorganisms mixed with coral crushed by the waves. Your days can alternate between the classic white sand beaches and these pink stretches that create a striking contrast with the turquoise blue of the lagoon.
The atoll consists of a succession of motus, these coral islets covered with coconut trees and sea almonds, which form a natural necklace around the lagoon. Each motu has its own personality, offering endless possibilities for customization for your custom trip to Tikehau. Our local experts know the secrets of each of these islets and will guide you to those that best meet your expectations.
What to do during your custom stay in Tikehau?
Your personalized trip to Tikehau revolves around authentic experiences that our Travel Planners adapt to your interests. The atoll offers a remarkable range of activities, from underwater exploration to cultural discovery.
Explore the legendary diving spots
The richness of Tikehau's marine life justifies the trip to Polynesia on its own. Three diving centers operate on the atoll, allowing you to tailor your stay according to your level of experience. The Tuheiava pass remains a must-visit, but other sites also deserve your attention:
- The multicolored coral gardens, real open-air natural aquariums;
- The outer drop-offs where pelagic fish roam;
- The coral potatoes of the lagoon, perfect for beginners;
- The Bird Island, accessible by snorkeling to obser... (This translation is truncated due to character limit)