Rangiroa Atoll

Rangiroa is the second-largest atoll in the world, only Kwajalein in Micronesia is bigger. Rangiroa is in the Tuamotu Archipelago. It measures 75 km by 25 km (46 miles by 15 miles) and it is the densest populated island in the archipelago.

Rangiroa's lagoon is a huge inland sea, surrounded by a narrow chain of sandy motus (small islands). The lagoon is a popular place for scuba divers, who come there from all over the world. The configuration of the lagoon causes powerful currents with the rise and fall of the tide. Many divers 'ride' those currents to explore large areas in a short period of time. The lagoon boasts an incredible diversity of marine life. Parts of the lagoon are used for pearl farming, which is important to the local economy.

There are several hotels and restaurants on Rangiroa. The atoll is 340 km northeast of Papeete. The main towns on Rangiroa are Avatoru and Tiputa.