4 Days In Rangiroa Itinerary

Day 3: Scuba Diving in Avatoru Pass or exploring

We’ll return to scuba diving on day three of this Rangiroa itinerary, but this time in the Avatoru Pass to spice things up. Alternatively, explore the inhabited section of the atoll on a bicycle or visit a quiet village on the other side of Tiputa Pass.

Scuba diving in Avatoru Pass

Avatoru Pass is the second of two entrances into Rangiroa’s lagoon, named after the largest village in the archipelago. Scuba diving in the Avatoru Pass is less frequent than in Tiputa Pass, but some dive centers head here once or twice weekly, so reserve your spot.

Exploring the main island

Instead of scuba diving today, rent a beach bicycle and explore Rangiroa’s inhabited section between the two lagoon passes. Highlights include visiting Gauguin’s Pearl to learn about black pearl production, watching dolphins at play from the dolphin viewpoint, and exploring Avatoru Village. Check out the Rangiroa Travel Guide for more information and places to visit.

Tiputa Village

Few visitors head across the lagoon pass to Tiputa Village. Until the airport opened in the 1960s, Tiputa Village was a happening place and home to a vital lighthouse that guided ships through the pass and away from the barrier reef. Nowadays, it’s a sleepy village that is worth visiting if you want to get a taste of what life looked and felt like before modernization.

To reach Tiputa Village, hop on a taxi boat from the main quay. Just be sure to snap a photo of the schedule for the return leg. Once on dry land, head to the ancient lighthouse and explore the village. Beyond the village, find a quiet spot along the lagoon or on the reef side and spend a few hours in pure tranquility.

Optional Sunset Dive

After a quick nap, it’s time for our last dive in Rangiroa. Head back to Tiputa Pass just before sunset. This is a great time to encounter dolphins and sharks. Sunset dives are also a great way to “squeeze” more dives if you’re limited in time.

Day 4: Guided Excursion or Snorkeling

On the final day of the Rangiroa itinerary, we’ll join a guided excursion to one of the atoll’s stunning remote beaches or stay close and head on a snorkeling tour.

Guided Excursion

Since you cannot scuba less than 24 hours before your flight, this is a great opportunity to visit the Blue Lagoon or Reef Island, depending on what you did on the first day. Alternatively, you can join an excursion to the Pink Sand Beach, about 90 minutes southeast of the main island. The islands of Fakarava and Tikehau also have pink sand beaches in the remotest parts. In any case, all excursions are full-day tours, so prepare to return between 4-5 pm.

Snorkeling tour

If you don’t want to venture too far, use this day for relaxing by the pool or snorkeling just about anywhere. If you didn’t reach the Aquarium on the return leg from day one’s excursion, hop on a boat and head to the best accessible snorkeling spot in the atoll.

What’s Next?

This sample Rangiroa itinerary can be extended or shortened depending on the number of dives you wish to do. Four full days on the atoll should allow for 4-6 dives, plus seeing all the surrounding highlights. Check out these recommended guides for more information about Rangiroa and French Polynesia.