Tikehau & Rangiroa

 
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On Tikehau, it’s been said that the number of fish in the lagoon outnumber people a billion to one. From the air, Rangiroa’s 240 motu resemble a dainty necklace resting on the water, encircling a breathtaking lagoon.

Tikehau & Rangiroa Hotels

More About Tikehau & Rangiroa

Overview

Made up of 76 low-lying islands and atolls, the Tuamotu chain is one of the little-known corners of French Polynesia. Rangiroa, 186 miles northeast of Tahiti, is one of the largest atolls in the region. The island's name, which means "extended sky," sums up the vastness of the 50-mile-long lagoon. Approximately 240 motu, or small coral islands, sit atop the reef. The lagoon's clear, fish-filled waters offer a paradise for swimmers and divers. Rangiroa's reputation as one of the world's best shark-viewing destinations has made it a must-dive location. Another destination in the Tuamotu chain worth exploring are Tikehau, a nearly perfect oval of islets ringed by pink-sand beaches.

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Before You Go

Airport Check-In: It is recommended that you reconfirm your flight information and check in for your flights at the airline’s website 24 hours prior to your scheduled departure. Please bring all your final documents with you. It is important to arrive at the airport at least 90 minutes prior to departure for all domestic flights, and three hours prior to departure for international flights. For domestic flights within Tahiti, you are required to check in one hour prior to departure.

Required Documents: U.S. citizens must travel with a valid passport and a ticket for return or onward travel. There may be additional requirements for international travel, such as inoculations or visas, and some countries require that passports be valid for six months or longer beyond your stay in the country. Entry requirements for non-U.S. citizens might be different, and visitors are encouraged to verify the documentation/visa requirements with the nearest consulate or embassy. Rules are subject to change at any time, without notice. For the most current information, please visit the website of the U.S. Department of State at www.travel.state.gov.

Newlywed Information: Tickets and other travel documents must exactly match your current passport and other identification. If not, you could be denied boarding and no refund will be forthcoming. For requirements and information regarding marriages performed in a foreign country, please visit the consulate of the particular country.

Honeymoon Packages: Some hotels require a marriage certificate or license for you to receive the honeymoon package. Please bring this information with you if you are traveling on a honeymoon package.

Luggage: Baggage allowances and fees vary by airline. For airline baggage fees and policies please visit https://www.costcotravel.com/Info/Airline-Baggage. If baggage fees do apply, this cost will be additional and must be paid directly to the airline.

Airport Departure Tax: There is no departure tax to pay when leaving Tahiti.

Duty Free/Customs: When returning to the U.S., the duty-free allowance may vary by country. Please visit http://www.cbp.gov/travel/us-citizens for information regarding U.S. Customs and more.

Travel Health Information: For the most current worldwide health information, consult your family physician or the official website for the Center for Disease Control at www.cdc.gov/travel or by phone at 1-800-232-4636. You’ll find information on recent outbreaks, required vaccinations, insect protection, illness and injury abroad, and more.

General Safety Tips: By taking a few simple security precautions before and during your vacation you can help ensure that you, your traveling companions, and your valuables are as safe and secure as possible.
  • To make it easier to replace your passport if it’s lost or stolen, in addition to your passport, take a photocopy of your passport information page (keeping it separate from your actual passport).
  • Carry only a limited amount of cash, just enough for gratuities and incidental purchases. Major credit cards are widely accepted and can be replaced if lost or stolen.
  • Always lock your hotel room door (including patio and balcony door on any level of the building) and use the peephole before opening the door.
  • Store your valuables (such as cash, credit cards and airline tickets) in the hotel’s in-room safe or front desk safety deposit box.
  • If you must carry valuables on your person, do so in a pouch or money belt concealed under your clothing. Purses and backpacks can be easy targets for thieves.
  • For complete and current safety and security information, including travelers’ tips, public announcements, travel advisories, and more, please visit the website of the U.S. Department of State at www.travel.state.gov.

Climate:
Average Fahrenheit Temperature:
May through September: 83° to 85°
October through April: 84° to 87°

Tropical Storm Season from November to May

Water Safety: Tap water is safe to drink.

Local Currency: French Pacific Francs

Currency Information: For exchange and cash advances in CFP, banks can be found at Faa’a International Airport, in downtown Papeete and throughout the islands. Hotels also will exchange U.S. dollars for CFP. On the primary tourist islands, major credit cards are accepted in most hotels, restaurants and boutiques.

ATM Availability: ATMs are becoming common throughout the islands, and are available at Faa’a International Airport and major banks. However, foreign cards may not be recognized.

Electricity: The voltage is 110 or 220 volts (60AC) depending on the islands and the type of accommodation. A universal adapter/converter is recommended.

Time Zone: Tahiti - French Polynesia Standard Time

Telephone Information: Direct dialing for local and international telephone calls is available from most hotels and from most public phone booths. Most hotels charge a fee for making phone calls. Please check prior to making any calls.

Local Language: French | Tahitian

Do Not Forget: Visitors are reminded to bring sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, reef walking shoes, swimwear, insect repellent and after-bite medicine, personal prescriptions, a camera, film/memory card, an extra camera battery and a disposable underwater camera. During the rainy season, lightweight rainwear is advised.

Planner

The wet season in French Polynesia is November to April—three quarters of the annual rainfall (70 inches at Papeete) falls during this period. This is considered the off-season and holidaymakers can expect temperatures of 80 to 86º F. The cooler, drier season—and peak tourist season—runs from May to October. You can look for temperatures ranging from 75 to 82º F.

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Top Experiences

  • Tikehau : Watch the sunset at Hina Bell, a fossilized natural formation on the west side of the island.

  • Tikehau : Take a guided excursion of the lagoon.

  • Rangiroa : Visit Tiputa village to experience what life is like on an atoll.

  • Rangiroa : Visit the Blue Lagoon, a lagoon within the lagoon. Snorkeling and other activities are available.

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Transfers

Region: Tikehau
Transfer Company: Marama Tours
Telephone: 689-50-74-74

Address:
BP 6266
98702 Faa'a Center
Papeete, Tahiti
French Polynesia, 98702
Emergency Telephone: 50-74-74 (24 hours)
Instructions: Transfers in Tahiti are provided by Costco Travel’s ground operator, Marama Tours, which is based in Papeete, Tahiti. For assistance in Tahiti, please call Marama Tours.