Rangiroa

Rangiroa is an atoll in the Tuamotu Archipelago of French Polynesia, located in the north-central part of the group. It is one of the largest atolls in the world by lagoon area, enclosing a deep central lagoon of roughly 1,500 square kilometers surrounded by a ring of motus. The main inhabited islets are Avatoru and Tiputa, situated on the eastern rim, with numerous smaller motus around the lagoon.

The atoll contains several channels, including the Tiputa Pass and Avatoru Pass, which connect the lagoon to the open sea and are popular sites for divers and snorkelers, especially for encounters with sharks, rays, and other marine life. The economy is driven by fishing, black pearl farming, and tourism, with many visitors coming for diving in the passes and lagoon cruises.

Rangiroa is administered as part of the commune of Rangiroa within the archipelago’s administrative subdivision of Îles Tuamotu-Gambier, French Polynesia. The resident population is concentrated in Avatoru and Tiputa. Rangiroa Airport provides regular air service to Papeete on Tahiti, along with inter-island connections, supporting tourism and local transportation.

Historically, Rangiroa was settled by Polynesian communities centuries ago and later contacted by European explorers. Today it is known for its natural resources, cultural traditions, and as a premier diving destination in the South Pacific, while facing environmental pressures such as coral bleaching and overfishing.