Tikehau

A near-circular atoll in the Tuamotu Archipelago, known for pink sand beaches, a bird islet and a calm lagoon, with dense schools of fish underwater, ideal for diving and slow holidays.

Tikehau is an atoll in the northwestern part of the Tuamotu Archipelago in French Polynesia. It lies about 300 km from Tahiti and about 60 km from Rangiroa, and administratively belongs to the commune of Rangiroa. About 600 people live here, nearly all in the village of Tuherahera in the southwest corner. The atoll is almost circular, about 26 km in diameter. A ring of coconut-palm-covered motu encloses a calm lagoon, and only the Tuanava Pass on the west side connects it to the open ocean. In the 1980s, Cousteau's expedition team surveyed it and called it one of the lagoons with the greatest density of fish in the Tuamotus. The activities are simple. Ride a bicycle around the village, and swim on the pink sand beaches and at the lagoon's edge. Join a full-day lagoon boat trip to visit the bird islet, where you can see terns and boobies, snorkel in the coral gardens, and have a picnic of grilled fish on a motu. Diving enthusiasts head to the pass to see grey reef sharks, manta rays and schools of fish. Getting there: Air Tahiti flies daily from Papeete on Tahiti, taking about 1 hour. You can also combine Tikehau with Rangiroa and Fakarava in a multi-atoll itinerary. Accommodation is mainly family-run guesthouses (pensions), plus a few overwater bungalow resorts. There is no public transport on the island, and most guesthouses offer airport pick-up and bicycles. Plan 3–5 days. April to November is drier, with steady seas and good visibility. December to March is hot and humid with frequent rain and occasional tropical cyclones. Note: prices are high and ATMs are limited, so bring enough cash or check that cards are accepted. Use sunscreen and insect repellent, do not step on living coral, and keep away from nests on the bird islet during breeding season.

Top sights

• Tikehau Lagoon – A nearly circular lagoon about 26 km across, its water shifting from emerald to deep blue and teeming with fish. Full-day boat trips link b…
• Pink Sand Beaches – Pale pink beaches formed from coral debris, stretching along clear, shallow lagoon waters. They are Tikehau's most famous sight.
• Tuheiava Pass – The atoll's only channel to the sea. When the tide rushes in, grey reef sharks, manta rays, barracuda and jacks gather. It is a well-known…
• Bird Island (Motu Puarua) – A seabird sanctuary islet in the lagoon, where sooty terns, brown boobies, and white terns nest in the scrub and can be observed up close.
• Coral Garden – A shallow coral area inside the lagoon, a few meters deep, where parrotfish and butterflyfish gather in schools and manta rays are occasion…
• Tuherahera Village – The atoll’s only village, with colorful wooden houses, a church, and gardens along a ring road. You can see the whole village by bicycle in…
• Île aux Récifs – A small islet on the outer rim of the atoll. Weathered ancient coral reef rocks rise along its shore in unusual shapes, and tide pools amon…

Where to eat

• Snack Ohina – The top-rated family snack spot in the center of Tuherahera village, with big, affordable raw fish salads and grilled f…
• Snack Perarai (Chez Rowena) – A local-style snack bar on the main road at the west end of the village, with huge portions of chow mein and steak and…