Photogallery of pictures taken during journeys and expeditions to French Polynesia - Rangiroa Island.
Rangiroa is the largest atoll in the Tuamotus, and one of the largest in the world. The nearest atoll is Tikehau, located only 12 km to the West. It is about 355 km Northeast of Tahiti.
The atoll consists of about 415 motus, islets and sandbars comprising a total land area of about 170 km². There are approximately one hundred narrow passages, called hoa, in the fringing reef. The atoll has a flattened elliptic shape, with 80 km in length and a width ranging from 5 to 32 km wide. The width of land reaches 300 to 500 meters wide and its circumference totals up to 200 km. The lagoon has a maximum depth of 35 m and its surface is 1446 km². It is so large that it has its own horizon. On account of its shallow depth, the currents that come in and out through the passes and with the winds can sometimes create interior storms.
Only two islands, located on the northern end of the atoll, are permanently inhabited. As of 2007, the total population on the atoll of Rangiroa was 2,473 inhabitants.
Rangiroa is a major underwater diving destination because of its lagoon's clear blue water and exceptionally diverse marine fauna.
If you have any questions to joureys/expeditions to Rangiroa Island or any comment to a photogallery use the information form attached below.
