Blue Lagoon of Rangiroa

On the western side of Rangiroa a ring of small motu encloses its own shallow lagoon inside the main one, with water so clear and so pale over the sand that it reads as almost white at the edges and turquoise further out. Boats run from Avatoru across the main lagoon, which takes an hour and a half and is exposed. Blacktip reef sharks work the shallows and seabirds nest on the motu.

What you actually see

• The lagoon within a lagoon - motu enclosing a shallow pool inside the atoll.
• The water colour - pale turquoise over white sand in very shallow water.
• The reef sharks - blacktips working the shallows around the motu.
• The nesting seabirds - colonies on the enclosed islets.

When to go

May to October is the dry season and calmest for the crossing. Trips are cancelled in wind. The crossing itself is exposed and can be rough.

Honest expectations

The crossing takes an hour and a half each way across open lagoon and is often rough. Trips are cancelled in wind with little notice. There is no shade or facility on the motu.

Nearby

Avatoru is east, and Tiputa pass is beyond it.