Tikehau

The Pink Sand Island

Tikehau encapsulates the meaning of going off the grid. This small, cherished atoll consists of countless tiny white and pink sand islets engulfed in coconut groves and hidden alcoves. In Tikehau, which actually means "peaceful landing," you will find nothing but absolute serenity on her calm and graceful shores.

The Locale

Tikehau is a small, circular atoll neighboring Rangiroa in the Tuamotu Archipelago. The lagoon, formed by an almost unbroken ring of continuous coral, resembles an immense natural swimming pool. At only 16 miles (25 kilometers) across and no more than 100 feet (30 meters) deep, this underwater aquarium is teeming with marine life. According to the legendary marine researcher Jacques Cousteau, it has a higher concentration of fish than any other lagoon in French Polynesia.

The Allure

As you can imagine, diving and snorkeling are the two main attractions in Tikehau. The best diving is found on the western shore around the Tuheiava Pass, the only navigable entry into the lagoon. You will encounter reef sharks and the occasional manta ray, but the appeal here is the enormous population of colorful fish. Some of the more common species include tuna, snapper, barracuda, lionfish, clownfish and parrotfish.

Final Impression

Tikehau is like something you would see on a postcard. The scenery here is especially spectacular, both above and below the water. Whether you plan to spend your days in complete isolation or prefer the interaction with friendly locals and vibrant marine life, Tikehau is your personal playground.

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Featured Tikehau Vacations

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Carefree Tikehau

Featuring the Tikehau Pearl Beach Resort

Discover the utmost seclusion in Tikehau. This package includes roundtrip international air from Los Angeles, all transfers and inter-island air, five nights in an Overwater Bungalow at the Tikehau Pearl Beach Resort, one night at Le Tahiti, daily breakfast for two, an excursion to Bird Island with snorkeling, a private lunch on an islet, pre-departure resort access with dinner in Papeete at Te Moana, and more.

FROM

$3,550

6 Nights

Lagoons and Pink Sands

Featuring Le Bora Bora and Le Tikehau by Pearl Resorts

Immerse yourself in the vibrant colors of French Polynesia's islands with this 7-night vacation package to Bora Bora and Tikehau. Package includes international airfare, inter-island air, daily breakfast, one night at the Tahiti Pearl Beach Resort, three nights in a garden villa with pool at Le Bora Bora Resort, three nights in an overwater villa at the Le Tikehau Resort, excursions, and more.

FROM

$4,850

7 Nights

Accommodations

Aside from a few pensions and guesthouses, there are two resort accommodations in this remote locale: The Le Tikehau Resort & Spa. Located at the southeast end, it offers a selection of beach and overwater bungalows. It also serves as a great hub for any and all leisurely activities including kayaking, snorkeling and biking. It even has its own dive center, making it easy to arrange your daily excursions. Alternatively, the seven bungalow Ninamu Resort is the ultimate paradise for the water sports enthusiast. On the eastern side of Tikehau, a large vacation home is available for rental. Tikehau Fafarua Lodge is ideal for families and larger groups traveling together with three airy and well-ventilated bedrooms and a private island to enjoy as you wish. Surrounded by lush coconut groves and white coral beaches, experience the luxury of exploring Tikehau's unspoiled natural beauty at your leisure.

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Tikehau Accommodations

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Le Tikehau, by Pearl Resorts

Le Tikehau, by Pearl Resorts, is located on a secluded, pink beach fringed with palm trees at the southeast end of the atoll. Located ten minutes by boat from the airport and the main village of Tuherahera, this hotel serves as the ideal home base for any and all leisurely activities, including kayaking, snorkeling, and diving. It even has its own on-site activities center, making arranging your daily excursions easy.

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Ninamu Resort

The Ninamu Resort is hidden away on a private island in the southwest corner of Tikehau, just five minutes by boat from the airport. Surrounded by pink sand beaches, abundant marine life, impeccable waves and prevailing trade winds, this secluded retreat is the ultimate paradise for every type of water sports enthusiast. It caters to divers, surfers, fishermen, stand up paddlers and kite boarders.

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Tikehau Fafarua Lodge

Tikehau Fafarua Lodge is a vacation home on a pristine private island motu on the eastern side of Tikehau. Located thirty minutes by boat from the airport, this large house fulfills any private island vacation fantasy. Surrounded by lush coconut groves and white coral beaches, you will enjoy the luxury of exploring Tikehau's unspoiled natural beauty at your leisure with exclusive use of this idyllic motu.

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Relais Royal Tikehau

Relais Royal Tikehau is a quaint family-owned B&B-style lodge located on a private motu that is just a 5-minute boat ride away from the airport. This intimate Tikehau retreat features only nine bungalows and provides an immersive Polynesian experience for all guests. Surrounded by a small channel and a white and pink sand beach looking out to the lagoon, the views at every turn are absolutely stunning.

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Recreation

The underwater population greatly exceeds the number of inhabitants on land. Thus, fishing is the primary source of food and income for the nearly 500 local residents in Tikehau. You can visit one of the family-owned fish farms where they trap different species of fish in a maze of underwater fencing. Much of their catch is then shipped to Papeete and sold at the local markets.

The islanders are grouped in the main village of Tuherahera at the southern side, leaving the remainder of the atoll virtually untouched. In fact, the northeastern quarter is mostly uninhabited. There is a small dirt road that encircles the main islet around the village, perfect for a scenic bike ride. Naturally adorned with colorful flowers such as hibiscus and bougainvillea, Tuherahera is one of the most attractive villages in the Tuamotu Atolls.

Tikehau also has some of the best beaches and secluded islets in the region. On the eastern side of the atoll, there is a long, curving beach covered in pink sand. You can easily wade in the water and snorkel from one islet to the next. You can also take a boat into the middle of the lagoon and visit Motu Puarua at the northeastern end. This small islet, known as Bird Island, is a natural aviary for numerous colonies of nesting sea birds.

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Tikehau Activities

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Handline Lagoon Fishing

Try local fishing in one of the world’s most fish-rich lagoons! After a few minutes by boat, the captain will drop anchor near a cluster of coral, which is generally a favorable habitat for fishing. Equipped only with nylon lines, hooks, and hermit crabs, experience traditional Tuamotu fishing. Here are the fish you may have the chance to catch: needlefish, marbled grouper, paddletail snapper, and surgeonfish.

FROM

$44

Manta Snorkeling

Meet the majestic manta rays. Dive into adventure and experience snorkeling with the majestic manta rays. Located at Tikehau’s former pearl farm, just 5 minutes by boat from the hotel, this site has become a cleaning station for these fascinating creatures. A minimum of two persons is required to operate the tour.

FROM

$85

Bird Island Excursion

Journey by motor boat across the lagoon to "Bird Island". Here you can discover a wild island that is home to many species of birds: several varieties of boobies, the brown noddy, frigates and the elegant fairy tern to name a few. You can also enjoy a bit of snorkeling to see the amazing undersea flora and fauna that live in these clear, colorful waters. A minimum four persons are required to operate the tour.

FROM

$90

Sunset Cruise with Champagne

Admire the stunning sunset in Tikehau. Sail leisurely in the lagoon while enjoying smoked fish toasts and taking in the colors of the setting sun. A unique and romantic experience!

FROM

$99

Lagoon Tour

Discover the Atoll of Tikehau. Embark on a boat adventure to explore the wild motus (islets) in a true Robinson Crusoe spirit. First, enjoy a boat ride along the motus of the atoll before visiting Bird Island, a natural refuge home to 8 bird species. After this immersion in nature, you will be invited to savor a local lunch on a still very wild motu. This unique experience allows you to reconnect with nature, combining exploration, relaxation, and local flavors. A minimum of four persons is required to operate the tour.

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$125

Snorkeling Tour

Dive into Tikehau’s Pristine Waters. Join our snorkeling excursion and explore the paradise-like waters. During this half-day, discover the different snorkeling sites in Tikehau: the old pearl farm with manta rays, the unique Tuheiava pass, and the coral garden. A minimum of three persons is required to operate the tour.

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$135

Lagoon Tour and Snorkeling

Explore Tikehau’s land & sea combo. Start with an unforgettable snorkeling experience at the manta ray spot, where you can swim alongside these majestic marine creatures. Then, visit bird island, a peaceful haven for numerous bird species. Enjoy a relaxing picnic at the fishermen’s village, where local cuisine provides an authentic experience. Finally, dive back into the crystal-clear lagoon waters for snorkeling at the pass, an ideal place to admire the rich marine life. A minimum of six persons is required to operate the tour.

FROM

$160

Double Dive

Explore the depths of Tikehau atoll. Dive into the heart of Tikehau`s lagoon and discover an exceptional underwater world. There is something for everyone, whether you are a certified diving enthusiast or a beginner, the seabed of Tikehau holds fabulous treasures for divers.

FROM

$190