Tikehau

This oval shaped atoll in the Tuamotus is about a dozen kilometers from Rangiroa. Tikehau beckons you to a sunny escape from civilization with its deserted white sand beaches. It consists of a series of islets with a large pass. To the south end, on the largest motu is the charming village of Tuherahera. Another village is Tuheiava, an important center for lagoon fishing and the many fish parks that supply the markets of Tahiti. To the northeast, on another large motu you will find the village of Maiaia, which is known as a large copra producer. The beauty and abundance of lagoon life accounts for the popularity of scuba diving, especially in the Tuheiava pass, where the manta rays dance alternates with the parades of schools of barracuda and tuna fish, not to mention the gray and the white tipped sharks. This beautiful atoll is also home to many bird colonies that have sought refuge here. A small motu named Isle of Birds is well known for its red-footed gannets and brown noddies.