Blue Lagoon (Rangiroa)

The Blue Lagoon, locally known as Lagon Bleu, is a wide-open natural wonder located on the northwestern edge of the Rangiroa atoll. It is essentially an 'atoll within an atoll,' created by a ring of small motus (islets) that enclose a shallow pool of water separate from the main lagoon. The water inside this basin is famous for its animated, electric blue color and crystal clarity, often reaching only waist height. Visitors typically take a day trip by boat from Avatoru, a journey across the vast inner sea of Rangiroa that takes about an hour. The site is renowned for its shark nursery, where dozens of juvenile blacktip reef sharks swim freely in the shallow turquoise waters, allowing for unique up-close encounters. The surrounding motus are adorned with powdery white sand and coconut palms, providing an excellent setting for traditional Polynesian picnics. Nearby Bird Island is also a highlight, serving as a protected sanctuary for various species of nesting seabirds.

Nearby cities

Faa'a

Faa'a is the most populous commune in French Polynesia, located directly west of the capital Papeete.

Papeete

Papeete is the capital of French Polynesia and the primary economic hub located on the island of Tahiti.

Puna'auia

Puna'auia is a major residential commune on the west coast of Tahiti, known for its university and beaches.

Pirae

Pirae is an urban commune east of Papeete that hosts major medical and administrative facilities.

Mahina

Mahina is a coastal commune in northern Tahiti, famous for the historical Point Venus and black sand beaches.

Paea

Paea is a commune on the west coast of Tahiti, rich in archaeological sites and coral reefs.

Papara

Papara is an extensive commune on the southern coast of Tahiti, known for its agriculture and wide beaches.

Arue

Arue is a commune in northeastern Tahiti that offers a mix of industrial areas and exclusive residential neighborhoods.

Taravao

Taravao is a strategically important town located on the isthmus connecting the two peninsulas of Tahiti.

Toahotu

Toahotu is a commune at the entrance of the Tahiti Iti peninsula, known for its white sand beaches and coconut groves.

Afaahiti

Afaahiti is a commune on the Tahiti Iti peninsula, bordering the important commercial center of Taravao.

Mataiea

Mataiea is a picturesque coastal commune on the southern shore of Tahiti, renowned for its lush botanical gardens and serene beaches.

Mataiea

Mataiea is a village in southern Tahiti known for its lush vegetation and historical links to Paul Gauguin.

Paopao

Paopao is a village located at the base of the majestic Cook's Bay on the island of Moorea.

Papeari

Papeari is a coastal village on Tahiti famous for its natural beauty and the Paul Gauguin Museum.

History & landmarks

🗺️

Pink Sand Beaches (Tikehau)

The pink sand beaches of Tikehau get their color from crushed red coral and shells.

Rangiroa Vineyard

This is one of the world's few coral atoll vineyards.

Tiputa Pass

Tiputa Pass is a natural opening in the Rangiroa atoll connecting the ocean with the lagoon.

Nature

Rangiroa Lagoon Sanctuary

Rangiroa has one of the largest lagoons in the world and is a hotspot for marine biodiversity.

More places

Papeete Town Hall

Papeete Town Hall is a magnificent colonial-style building that resembles the former palace of Queen Pomare.

Vaiare

Vaiare is the primary port of Moorea and the main gateway for travelers arriving by ferry from Tahiti.