Island Tour: Scuba Diving in Tikehau (Tuamotu Islands)

TIKEHAU SCUBA DIVING

It was in the lagoon of Tikehau that Jacques Cousteau said he had encountered more fish than in any other part of the South Pacific. The pass in Tikehau is a 30-minute boat ride from all the hotels and worth every minute. Here you will see all types of large and small fish; jack fish, sea-pike, barracudas, napoleons as well as gray sharks and manta rays. July through December is the best time to encounter manta rays although it was April when I enjoyed their graceful dance.

WHAT TO EXPECT IN TIKEHAU

For many people, Tikehau conjures up images of Robinson Crusoe. This is truly the place to go if you want to escape. The atoll of Tikehau has been blessed with beautiful pink and white sand beaches and the air is filled with the fragrance of flowers and fruit trees. The word Tikehau actually means "peaceful landing" and that is exactly what you will feel when you arrive in this sleepy paradise. There are only 400 inhabitants and each one is friendlier than the next. Try to strike up a conversation with a local and you will get a true sense of Polynesian hospitality.

In Tikehau, life revolves around the lagoon. All you need do is step outside your door to enjoy incredible snorkeling. If you want to explore the lagoon, I recommend a picnic on one of the beautiful pink sand motus (islets) or a trip to the Island of Birds.

Most all of the hotels and pensions have bicycles and kayaks available for you use. Both offer the perfect way to explore this sleepy atoll. Stop at the local market (magasin) around 3:00pm and grab a fresh baguette of French bread as it comes out of the oven for less than 40 cents. Add to that a bottle of local Hinano beer and you're all set to watch the sunset.

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ACCOMMODATIONS

For a complete list of accommodations, visit the Tikehau Accommodations page here.