Rangiroa was easily our favorite of all the islands we visited in French Polynesia. The people were the friendliest, the food and lodging was the cheapest, and the water was the closest.
We had originally planned to go diving here, but due to an unfortunate run-in with food poisoning/allergies we had to play it easy - which didn’t end up being so bad.
We spent the day in Rangiroa swimming with sharks and sting rays only meters from our bedroom, kayaking out and realizing how strong the currents are, and generally marveling at how beautiful the setting was. We also went on a free tour of one of the local pearl farms (pretty interesting overall).
Elevation (m)
Travel Planning: Rangiroa, French Polynesia
SCUBA
Raise Manta
- website
- Tiputa dive center Tel.: +689 72 31 45
- Avatoru dive center Tel.: +689 96 84 80
Sleep
Rangiroa Lodge
- website
- 7,500/night for two w/ private bath
- 5,500/night for two w/ shared bath
- Tel.: +689 27 85 90
- Owned by Loic et Lea
Turiroa Village
- Olga.
- Dorms are 2,500/person for 3 person dorms.
- Bungalows are 10,000 for 3 people.
- Free kayaks.
- +689 96 04 27
Flying from Fakarava to Rangiroa
| Time | Location |
|---|---|
| 4:09PM | Hostel owner is driving us to the airport. |
| 4:15PM | At the airport. |
| 4:27PM | Checked in. |
| 4:44PM | Boarded. |
| 4:52PM | Take off! |
| 5:32PM | Landed! |
| 5:49PM | On our way to the hotel. |
| 5:59PM | Arrived! |
| Totals | Totals |
|---|---|
| Total air time | 0:40 |
| Total flight legs | 1 |
Rangiroa Lodge
Where we stayed.
- 278 590
- Manarii manariih@outlook.fr
Oyster Farm Tour
Takes 5 years before oyster are ready
3 before big enough 2 years for pearl to form
Two parts to a pearl
Second part Graft is what gives the pearl color Sacrificed from another oyster. It’s the colorful part that grows around the center
Pretty much everything eats them
Attempt to make a second pearl from the same oyster Bigger nucleus. Doesn’t need graft Sometimes three generations Bigger and bigger each time
After jarvesting Every pearl goes to central place to be certified Always verify the papers for pearls bought
Each operator does 450 oysters a day on average Two years study to be a technician. Only school in the world
100km rope 2 million oysters
First shade round 1-2% Second shade not completely round semi-round Semi-boroque pearl all weird shapes Boroque first was round second is lopsided Fifth kind has rings around the sides
Four grades A best to D A is nearly flawless, less than 10% flaw only flaw is the setting b 20-30 C 30-60 D 60-100 and they do engravings Shiniest has a +
Flying from Rangiroa to Fakarava
| Time | Location |
|---|---|
| 1:18PM | Getting a ride to the airport. |
| 1:27PM | Stopping at the pearl farm. |
| 1:46PM | To the airport. |
| 1:53PM | At the airport. |
| 1:59PM | Checked in. |
| 2:38PM | Boarded. |
| 2:45PM | Take off! |
| 3:24PM | Landed! |
| 3:58PM | At the hostel. |
| Totals | Totals |
|---|---|
| Total air time | 0:40 |
| Total flight legs | 1 |
L 16.8 J 15
