Tikehau Atoll

Tikehau has a reputation for being the ideal island escape for the self-proclaimed beach lover. The word Tikehau itself actually means "peaceful landing", so you can imagine just how tranquil this paradise can be.

Tikehau is a small, circular atoll in the Tuamotu region. It's located just over 7 miles from the neighboring island of Rangiroa and is just under a one-hour flight from Tahiti. The tiny atoll is home to only 500 friendly locals who live a peaceful, traditional Polynesian lifestyle fishing and farming copra (coconut).

Tikehau is known as the "Pink Sand Island." Its beaches have a slight pink hint to their shores because the sand is mostly comprised of crushed pink coral and its serene beaches are covered with beautiful coconut groves. Everything here moves at a slower pace. In fact, you may feel as though time is completely standing still. It's the perfect destination to fully embrace a more easygoing way of life.

The highest concentration of fish of any lagoon in the world.

From above, Tikehau resembles a gigantic natural swimming pool. At 16 miles in diameter, its crystal clear lagoon is an immense playground for colorful marine life. In fact, the legendary marine researcher Jacques Cousteau once declared that Tikehau had the highest concentration of fish over any other lagoon in the world. And with visibility up to 150 feet, this island is a haven for divers and snorkelers.

There are a few leisurely activities available to keep you engaged. For starters, Tikehau is the best island for bird watching. There's a small motu in the middle of the lagoon known as "Bird Island" where many sea bird colonies live and build their nests. You can also explore the entire island by bicycle. There's a 6-mile dirt road that encircles the main islet, so it's perfect for a scenic bike ride.
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