The Tuamotu and Gambier Islands Travel Guide

French Polynesia

The blue blue water of the South Pacific in the middle of the Rangiroa atoll, Tuamotu Islands, French Polynesia.
The blue blue water of the South Pacific in the middle of the Rangiroa atoll, Tuamotu Islands, French Polynesia.
The cruise ship M/S Paul Gauguin is one of few cruise lines to visit Rangiroa, a remote atoll in the Tuamotu Islands of French Polynesia. The atoll is a huge "O", formed by the edge of a narrow volcanic ring that just breaks the surface of the ocean. This image shows the where the ship just passed through a narrow opening in the ring toward an anchorage in the middle of the "O". The inside of the O is so big that you can barely see the surrounding atoll on all sides of you when you're in the middle.
The reef off this small sandbar "island" in the middle of the huge lagoon of the Rangiroa Atoll is a great place for scuba diving. And that's just what we did, off the marina on the aft of the cruise ship M/S Paul Gauguin. The clouds camp up and smited our ship with a torrential downpour that caused our captain to leave the Tuamotus early, after a surprise typoon-like storm hit the ship the day before in Fakarava. #blue #SouthPacific #adventure
Fantastic excursion at Ile aux Recifs where natural beaches meet the Ocean.

Popular cities in The Tuamotu and Gambier Islands

Rangiroa showing general coastal views
Rangiroa
Known for Snorkelling, Tours and Islands
Visit the Tuamotu archipelago to explore one of the world’s largest atolls and experience spectacular dives, shop for black pearls, taste local wine and relax.

Reasons to visit

  • Blue Lagoon
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Fakarava
Fakarava
Head to sights like Tetamanu Island and Tuamotu Archipelago as you discover Fakarava.
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Tikehau
Tikehau
Known for Secluded, Snorkelling and Scuba diving
Like snorkelling? Get away to secluded Tikehau!
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Mangareva
Mangareva
Known for Historical
Escape to Mangareva! Enjoy its history.
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Anaa
Anaa
Known for Marinas
Anaa awaits: its marina and more!
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Mataiva
Mataiva
Known for Historical
Explore Mataiva: its history and more!
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