©Lonely Planet Publications Pty Ltd The Tuamotus Includes ¨ Why Go? Rangiroa ......................145 The Tuamotus? It’s the dream South Seas snapshot: the 77 Tikehau .......................154 atolls – narrow coral rings encircling turquoise lagoons – Mataiva .......................157 that make up this stunning archipelago are flung over an immense stretch of indigo-blue ocean. Fakarava ......................159 Life in the atolls is equal parts harsh and paradisiacal: Ahe ............................. 164 hardly anything grows, so there’s little fruit and vegetables, and the only drinking water is collected from the rain. Yet the silence, starry skies, coral beaches, blue lagoons, idyllic motu (coral islets) and languid pace of life captivate nearly Best Places everyone who makes it here. Most tourists visit Rangiroa, Tikehau and Fakarava, which have the bulk of the tourist to Stay infrastructure, but it’s also possible to explore lesser-known ¨ Ninamu (p156) beauties such as Ahe, Mataiva and Makemo. ¨ Kia Ora Resort & Spa Anyone who loves the water will adore the Tuamotus. The (p151) vast, pristine marine area offers unparalleled opportunities ¨ Ariiheevai (p158) to encounter the menagerie of marine life. For nondivers, fantastic lagoon excursions beckon. ¨ Havaiki Pearl Lodge (p162) ¨ Tevahine Dream (p151) When to Go ¨ The Tuamotus get more sunshine than any other archipelago in French Polynesia. Best Places ¨ The shoulder seasons (April to May and October to to Eat November) are the best times to visit. ¨ Raira Lagon – Beach Raira ¨ From December to March is the period when storms and (p152) rain are more likely. ¨ Mitivai (p152) ¨ Between June and September, the prevailing trade winds ¨ Tikehau Village (p157) produce pleasantly mild weather but rough seas – not ideal ¨ Snack Kori Kori (p164) for boat excursions. ¨ Diving is excellent year-round, but the seas are calmer from October to May. 144 US US US US T T T TUAMO TUAMO TUAMO THE THE THE The Tuamotus Highlights 1 Exploring the legendary 2 Going nose-to-nose of Les Sables Roses (p159) 4 Swimming in the pristine 6 Leaving the world behind Tiputa Pass (p37) and with hundreds of sharks in on Fakarava. emerald waters of lagoon on remote Aratika (p162). seeing surreal coral formations Tumakohua Pass (p39) 3 Walking along the pink- around Mataiva (p157). at Île aux Récifs (p145) on and finding your own slice of and white-sand beaches on 5 Slowing things down Rangiroa heaven on the unspoilt sands Tikehau (p154). on quietly charming Ahe (p164). Manihi Napuka Tikehau 0 400 km Takaroa Di s appo i n Puka Puka 0 250 miles t men t Rangiroa Ahe I s l Mataiva Takapoto and ArutuaApataki s Île aux Récifs Aratika Kaukura Takume Fangatau Makatea Toau Kauehi Fakahina Katiu Raroia Fakarava The Soc Makemo i e t Faaite Tetiaroa y I s l a Tahanea Tatakoto PAPE'ETE n Anaa Mo'orea d Hikueru s Amanu Tahiti Marokau Hao Pukarua Reao Vahitahi Nukutavake D u Hereheretue ke o f G lo uce Tureia SOUTH PACIFIC s ter OCEAN Is lands Moruroa Maria Island Fangataufa Tropic of Capricorn Gambier Archipelago Mangareva.