SHORE EXCURSIONS IN RANGIROA

R a n g i r o a, T u a m o t u s (10 & 11 days cruises) Rangiroa, also called Ra’iroa gets its name “huge sky” from its great length. It is the largest atoll of Tahiti and her islands and one of the four largest in the world, with more than 240 motu separated by more than 100 hoa, small channels that make up its ring of coral and in the center of the inside lagoon is the Paio motu. The incomparable brilliance and colors of the lagoon from jade-green to purple, completely overwhelm the visitor who discovers this long ribbon of islets way out in the middle of the Pacific ocean. On the northwest of the atoll is Avatoru, the main village opposite the Fara motu whose lagoon is said according to the legend to have been breached by the 2 twins Moana-tea (peaceful ocean) and Moana-uri (wild ocean). The main government buildings are to be found here, including the Mayor’s office, the Post Office, the Pearl Industry research Center together with a mother of pearl and pearl culture Crafts Center and 2 churches.

The other village of Tiputa, located at the eastern end of the motu, near to the second main Reef entry point, has houses ringed with bleached coral and fenced with flowering hedges. A road surfaced with crushed coral or tar seal links the 2 villages and their neighbourhoods.

1. Discover the World of Pearls

Transfer by “Le Truck”; Min 15, max 30, duration 1h30, euros 15.

Transfer by “Le Truck” along the main road of Rangiroa, past the airport, before arriving at the Black Pearl Farm. Most pearl farms are small in size and the number of workers at this farm is typical of farms in the region. On arrival at the farm, the staff will give you a 20 minute lecture on pearl farming and how black pearls are produced. Learn how oysters are selected, grown and then grafted for production. Grafting is the key element, as this requires a skilled craftsman to perform precise surgery on each oyster and introduce the mantel and the nucleus to the pocket inside. It is the mantel that will coat the nucleus and form the black pearl. Following the lecture, you can look at the work sheds where oysters are sorted and cleaned and then you can watch a grafter at work. The real highlight of the tour is a rare opportunity to view and purchase a selection of unset black pearls. Your guide will tell you how pearls are graded for quality. Shape and lustre are very important. You will see the round, baroque and semi-baroque pearls that range in grade from C to A+. Prices are fixed. (cash, Visa or Mastercard only are accepted.)

This tour is for people who are interested in learning about pearl farming and those who wish to purchase unset black pearls. Itinerary and stops may be reduced or changed depending on weather conditions. The Black Pearl Farm is closed on Sundays. The Tuamotu are remote islands, our guides are knowledgeable but not certified, and their English may be limited.