Tuamotu islands

Deep lagoons, colorful seashells, tropical fantastic weather, sugar powdery beaches, a clear sea, stunning abundance of underwater life, marine parks, farms producing black pearls, quiet and peaceful life in the small villages, diving, tours by a canoe, different outdoor adventures - all these words best characterize the wonderful Tuamotu islands of French Polynesia. This fantasy-land is the remains of former volcanoes, which have been gradually destroyed by rain, wind and began more and more immersed into the ocean forming a wonderful coral ring, which surrounds the magnificent turquoise lagoon of unprecedented beauty.

Tuamotu Archipelago Islands are located about 200 miles north-east from the island of Tahiti in the Pacific Ocean, being one part of French Polynesia. Tuamotu is a reflection of the greatest collection of coral reefs in the world, which comprises 78 atolls.

Tuamotu waters are many divers' dream. The underwater scenery that you'll encounter when scuba diving is guaranteed to be one of the best and most exciting among the landscapes that you have ever seen. On high-speed motor boats or canoe tourists can reach the ravishing lagoons, where the day passes by searching colorful seashells and chopping trees. Fishing in Tuamotu is another favorite pastime of tourists.

The ideal tropical weather of Tuamotu islands lets tourists visit the islands any time of the year. The beauty of the islands is even more decorated by the coconut palms, banana trees, shrubs and other trees.

The best and most famous atolls of Tuamotu are Rangiroa, Manihi, Tikehau and Fakarava.

The atoll of Rangiora is the second largest one in the world. Rangiora is known as one of the best places for diving and snorkeling, which is so interesting due to the rich underwater flora and fauna. There are a few high quality resorts, small guesthouses on this island for tourists to stay at. Rangiora also has several farms on the growth of pearls, which are also worth visiting. Manihi is one of the smallest islands, that tourist visit. Manihi Island is a real cradle of black pearls, having the first pearls growing plantations of French Polynesia. Manihi's lagoon is a real paradise for snorkelers. Tourists looking for small peaceful and comfortable piece of land standing out with its beauty should make their selection the atoll of Manihi without hesitating. The atoll of Tikehau will entice those tourists, who would like to have a rest on its fantastically beautiful beaches of coral sand having some pinkish hue, next to the overgrown coconut groves, study the rich underwater kingdom of the island, and watch several species of birds building their nests without leaving the shore, straight from the boat.

Fakarava deals with almost pristine corals in the Central Pacific, thus having the status of Biosphere Reservation by UNESCO. The island's huge lagoon stands out for its fantastic underwater world and a great population of stingrays, sharks, hammerheads, tiger sharks, etc. Interesting touristic sights are the farm, raising "Rory" ("sea cocumber", which is very much valued by Asian gourmets), and the old village Tetamanu, which has one of the oldest Catholic church of Tuamotu.

On the islands of Tuamotu there are hotels of international level, small hotels, hostels, houses or rooms that provide the most basic amenities and care about tourists' complete rest here. The archipelago is developing rapidly, gradually becoming a remote touristic center and calling lots of tourists from different sides of the world to admire its beauty and have an incredible rest here.