Tikehau is an almost circular atoll, with an interior lagoon 26km
across and a pass for small boats through the corla reef.
Like a round swimming pool, the atoll of Tikehau holds an interior lagoon
with the most fish compared to the rest of the atolls in Polynesia. This atoll
is located 300km Northwest of Tahiti and about 12 km from Rangiroa.
Tikehau has a large pass and a series of islets, the largest of which at the
Southwest of the atoll, 900meters wide is inhabited.
The charming village of Tuherahera, swathed in flowers, is situated on the South
end of this large motu which also has two other villages: Tuheiava, an important
center for lagoon fishing and the many fish parks that supply the markets of
Tahiti; and Maiaia on the Northeast that is a traditional copra producer.
The charming village of Tuherahera, swathed in flowers, is situated on the
south end of this large motu which also has two other villages : Tuheiava, a
fishing area with many "fish parks" that supply the markets of Tahiti,
and Maiaia on the other large motu on the northeast that is a traditional copra
producer. This atoll offers the wonderful opportunity to discover the
traditional Tuamotu way of life.
Scuba diving in the Tuheiava Pass is a mustThe beauty and abundance of its
fauna account for the popularity of scuba diving especially in the Tuheiava
pass, where the manta rays' dance alternates with the parade of barracudas,
tunas, multicolored coral fish, and the ubiquitous reef sharks.
One of the most beautiful atolls in Polynesia also is home to many bird
colonies that have sought refuge in the small islands scattered in the lagoon.
Tikehau residents depend primarily on fishing, as it is the leading supplier
for the market of Tahiti. Jacques-Yves Cousteau declared Tikehau the richest
atoll on the face of the earth.