In the South Pacific Ocean, French Polynesia is a tropical haven. It consists of 118 islands and atolls, each of which has a special allure and beauty. The Tuamotu Archipelago’s two atolls Fakarava and Tikehau are two of French Polynesia’s most well-liked vacation spots. These two atolls are renowned for their breathtaking natural beauty, top-notch diving, and remote location. To assist you in choosing which one is best for you, we will examine the distinctions between Fakarava and Tikehau in this post.
Location and Size
The Tuamotu Archipelago, home to Fakarava and Tikehau, is renowned for its pristine beaches, clean lagoons, and abundant marine life. In French Polynesia, Fakarava is the second-largest atoll and lies around 450 kilometers northeast of Tahiti. The lagoon is 60 kilometers long and 25 kilometers wide, while the land area is 16.3 square kilometers. In contrast, Tikehau is a smaller atoll that is situated around 340 kilometers northeast of Tahiti. Its lagoon is 27 kilometers long and 19 kilometers wide, while its land area is 26 square kilometers. Despite the fact that both atolls are rather remote, Fakarava is larger and has more infrastructure, such as a hospital, a school, and a number of guesthouses and lodges.
Natural Beauty
Both Fakarava and Tikehau are renowned for their breathtaking natural beauty, which includes immaculate beaches, glistening lagoons, and a variety of marine life. The UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, a protected region near Fakarava, is home to several rare and imperiled species, including the humphead wrasse and the green sea turtle. Some diving locations in the reserve are also among the best in the world, including the Garuae Pass, a drift dive that leads you through schools of sharks and other sizable pelagic species.
Tikehau is renowned for its magnificent lagoon, which is home to over 600 different species of fish and other marine life. A coral reef that surrounds the lagoon acts as a natural defense against the open ocean, keeping the atoll safe. The pink sand beaches of Tikehau, which are found in the southern section of the atoll, are also well-known. The red coral bits that wash ashore give these beaches their pink tint.
Accommodation
Guesthouses, lodges, and resorts are available for travelers to stay in both Fakarava and Tikehau. The major hamlet on the atoll, Rotoava, is home to a number of Fakarava resorts and guesthouses. Private bungalows, dining establishments, and dive shops are just a few of the amenities available at these guesthouses and lodges. The Havaiki Lodge and the Maitai Dream Fakarava are two opulent resorts in Fakarava that provide overwater bungalows and other opulent facilities.
Moreover, Tikehau is home to a number of hotels and guesthouses that provide a variety of facilities like private bungalows, dining options, and dive shops. Visitors searching for an opulent place to stay on the atoll frequently choose between the Hakamanu Lodge and the Tikehau Pearl Beach Resort. Overwater bungalows with breathtaking lagoon views, a restaurant serving fresh seafood, and a spa with a variety of treatments are all available at the Tikehau Pearl Beach Resort.
Diving and Snorkeling
Both Tikehau and Fakarava are renowned for their top-notch diving and snorkeling opportunities. One of the most well-liked dive locations in French Polynesia is Fakarava’s Garuae Pass, which is renowned for its powerful currents, huge schools of sharks, and other pelagic fish. Divers may occasionally see dolphins and whales in the pass, which is home to a number of different species.
The lagoon at Tikehau is renowned for offering fantastic diving and snorkeling opportunities. More than 600 different fish species can be found in the lagoon, including a number of shark, ray, and vibrant reef fish species. One of the best sites on the atoll to reserve a dive or snorkeling excursion is the Tikehau Blue Nui Dive Center, which provides a variety of packages for tourists of various experience levels.
Local Culture
Visitors can learn about the vibrant local cultures in both Fakarava and Tikehau while they are there. Several traditional Polynesian structures may be seen in Rotoava, the principal settlement of Fakarava. They include a stunning pink church and a marae (a traditional Polynesian meeting place). Visitors can also browse the regional markets, which provide locally made crafts, food, and other goods.
Several traditional Polynesian structures may be seen in Tuherahera, the main settlement of Tikehau, including a stunning stone church and numerous maraes. Tourists can also browse the regional markets, which provide locally produced goods and handmade goods. The black pearl farms in Tikehau are also well-known for producing some of the most exquisite pearls in the world. These farms offer tours to visitors who want to learn more about the regional pearl industry and sell pearls for souvenirs.
Conclusion
Your particular preferences and interests will eventually determine whether you choose Fakarava or Tikehau. Both atolls provide breathtaking natural beauty, top-notch diving, and seclusion. Compared to Tikehau, which is smaller and farther away, Fakarava is bigger and has more infrastructure. The UNESCO Biosphere Reserve is located near Fakarava, whereas Tikehau is well-known for its pink sand beaches and black pearl farms. Guesthouses, hotels, and opulent resorts are all available for lodging on both atolls. A vacation to Fakarava or Tikehau is certain to be a once-in-a-lifetime experience, regardless of whether you are a seasoned tourist or a first-time visitor. Book Far and Away Adventure’s latest packages today!
Our Top FAQ's
Fakarava and Tikehau are situated in the Tuamotu Archipelago, part of French Polynesia, in the South Pacific Ocean.
Fakarava is larger with a land area of 16.3 square kilometers, while Tikehau is smaller with a land area of 26 square kilometers.
Fakarava is known for its immaculate beaches, UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, and exceptional diving locations such as the Garuae Pass.
Fakarava’s UNESCO Biosphere Reserve is home to rare species like the humphead wrasse and the green sea turtle.
Tikehau has over 600 different fish species in its lagoon, and its pink sand beaches in the southern section are famous, with a unique pink tint from red coral bits.
Both atolls offer guesthouses, lodges, and opulent resorts with private bungalows, dining options, and dive shops.
Fakarava’s Garuae Pass is renowned for powerful currents and large schools of sharks. Tikehau’s lagoon offers fantastic snorkeling and diving, with the Tikehau Blue Nui Dive Center providing various packages.
Both atolls offer a glimpse into traditional Polynesian structures and local markets. Tikehau is also famous for its black pearl farms, providing souvenirs and insight into the regional pearl industry.