tiputa

Tiputa is a village on Rangiroa atoll in the Tuamotu Archipelago of French Polynesia. It is situated on the eastern shore of Rangiroa, opposite the Tiputa Pass, a channel that connects the open Pacific Ocean with the atoll’s central lagoon. The pass is a focal point for divers and snorkelers and is noted for abundant pelagic life, including sharks and large fish that frequently attract visitors.

Administratively, Tiputa forms part of the commune of Rangiroa, within the Îles Tuamotu-Gambier administrative subdivision of French Polynesia. The community supports a local economy based on fishing, pearl farming, and growing tourism through scuba diving, snorkeling, and eco-tourism experiences centered on the lagoon and its surrounds.

Tourism is a major influence on the village, with visitors drawn to the nearby pass for underwater encounters and to explore the island’s lagoon-side scenery. Accommodations in the area are typically modest guesthouses and small lodges that serve travelers seeking reef habitats and Polynesian cultural experiences. The broader Rangiroa atoll offers additional dive sites, guest accommodations, and services that complement Tiputa’s coastal village character.

Access to Tiputa is via Rangiroa Airport on the nearby Avatoru Island, with travel between the villages and other atoll locales by local transport and boat services. Tiputa’s coastal setting and proximity to the pass continue to define its identity as a small, maritime community within French Polynesia.