Things to do — Rangiroa

Activities at Rangiroa essentially revolve around diving, the lagoon and a few terrestrial curiosities.

Bottle diving is the flagship activity. Several recognised clubs: TOPdive Rangiroa (PADI 5-star), Six Passengers Rangiroa, The 6 Passengers. Prices: €60-90/bottle dive, packages of 5-10 dives €350-700. Mythical sites: Tiputa Pass (the headline pass, playful dolphins at the surface, grey reef sharks in open water, manta rays, leopard rays, drift dive in current), Avatoru Pass (at the other end of the motu, another grey reef shark and barracuda population), The Mahi Mahi (plane wreck, abundant marine life), The Cave (underwater cathedral), La Faille (underwater canyon). PADI Open Water minimum required for passes, Advanced Open Water recommended for current. Try dive possible for beginners (€80-110).

Snorkelling is excellent in the lagoon. Blue Lagoon excursion (day, €80-120/person, BBQ lunch included): swim with habituated blacktip reef sharks, walk on pink-sand motus. Reef Island excursion (day, €80-120/person): picturesque coral formations, pinnacles, snorkelling. Southern motus excursion (day, €80-120/person): exploration of less frequented motus.

Essential terrestrial visits: Domaine Dominique Auroy (only South Pacific vineyard, visit and tasting €25-35/person, by booking +689 40 96 84 80), Gauguin's Pearl Farm (pearl farm, free visit, possibility to buy black pearls directly from producers), Avatoru village (coral church, shops, snacks, morning market), Tiputa village.

Soft activities: kayak and paddle in the calm lagoon, dolphin watching from Tiputa point (free, ideally morning and late afternoon with tides), sunset on Kia Ora beach.