Any newcomer feel the same sensation: "The Polynesian paradise really does exist, and I’ve just got there."
Whether it’s the almost perfect shape of its coral ring, the infinite palette of blues of its lagoon, the beauty of its coconut plantations or the small number of its inhabitants, all contribute here to the serenity, piece and quiet which are the hallmarks of a stay that the visitor finds it hard to put an end to...
300 km North-East of Tahiti and a few kilometers from Rangiroa, Tikehau atoll looks like a huge natural pool with long white and pink sandy beaches bordering the lagoon. It is so called "the island of pink sand."
In its waters, colorful fish of all sizes, evolving among hundreds of coral species, offer guests a show like no other. Jacques Cousteau defined the sea surrounding it as one of the richest fishing grounds in the world. Fishing is therefore the main economic activity of the inhabitants. Using mostly small fish pens near the pass, fishermen are experienced in all forms of fishing. Tikehau is one of the largest suppliers of fresh fish for the markets in Tahiti.
Beautiful and remarkably maintained coconut plantations gives Tikehau this peculiar green that strikes you when you arrive by plane.
On his "motu", the spectacle of the myriads of birds deserves equal seeing. One can discover birds like the Long-billed Reed Warbler, the Tuamotu Fruit-Dove, the Tuamotu Kingfisher, the Hupés terns or the red-footed boobies and Lesser Frigatebirds…
The island has a single channel, a way for boats to go through, called Tuheiava, located in the north west and home to the fishing village. The famous fish pens extend on each side of the channel, and there is also a renowned surfing spot at its end.
The village is located on a large "motu" named Tuherahera where the airport is also located. Houses made of wood, plywood and sheet metal roofs are surrounded by wooded and very colorful, generally well maintained gardens.
The population of about 450 inhabitants, has a town hall, post office, two grocery stores, a dock for schooners, a marina, an infirmary and a cyclone shelter.
A road gets around this peaceful village and gives access to white sandy beaches on the lagoon side, where most of the boarding houses are, as well as to large wild beaches on the Pacific Ocean shore between the reef flat and the beautiful "feau" (real natural coral sculptures).
