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The Pacific

Paradise found: exploring the Blue Lagoon in Rangiroa (Tuamotus)

It took us two full days of traveling to get to Rangiroa, and it was all worth it: this string of coral is one of the more low key destinations of French Polynesia and part of the Tuamotus (about 355 km northeast of Tahiti). It’s also one of the most beautiful places in the world I’ve ever been to. Don’t expect much: it has few resorts, some restaurants and shops, and nothing much else. But the lagoon has a luminous jade-green color and the beauty of the place is just beyond imagination. 

It was already late and dark when we arrived in Rangiroa. I had been awake for two days straight (traveling from Brussels to Paris, to Los Angeles, Papeete and straight on to Rangiroa), and when I finally went to bed I felt like falling into a deep coma instead of just sleeping. And guess what: only two hours later I woke up, full of energy and ready to tackle the world. It was your  typical jet-lag.

Our little bungalow in the Kia Ora Resort & Spa had a small private pool, so instead of getting nervous about not being able to sleep I spent the night swimming and laying on my back in the water, gazing at the stars and enjoying the silence. Best jet-lag I ever had. 🙂

Of-course, when morning came the lack of sleep set in and that midnight Zen-feeling was soon gone. I was speedy and nervous and no way ready for the excursion we had planned: a full day snorkeling and exploring the Blue Lagoon. There were talks of swimming with sharks, but I was so sleepy even the thought of meeting Jaws couldn’t excite (or scare) me.

But as it usually occurs: good things happen when you least expect them. This day at the Blue Lagoon turned out be pure perfection, it was maybe even one of the best days I ever had during all my travels. And here’s why:

The Blue Lagoon is postcard that came to life

When we reached The Blue Lagoon by boat, I wasn’t prepared for its beauty. The Blue Lagoon is actually a lagoon within a lagoon, filled with eight white sanded motu (small islands) blessed with coconut trees, colorful coral and lots of sea life. The water had the most impressive shades of blue. 

Our very own little paradise 

We didn’t do a lot on this trip: snorkeling, walking from one motu to another, meeting a few locals that were hanging around and just enjoying the scenery. Sometimes that’s all you need. It was our very now little paradise.

Even the sharks were friendly

I went swimming with sharks and still have all my arm and legs. True, these were small black tip reef sharks, absolutely nothing like Jaws, these sharks were not even remotely interested in having me for lunch. After the swim with these beautiful creatures, the crew told me that most of these sharks aren’t dangerous. say what?

BBQ with a view and Rocco

Talk about lunch: the boat’s crew prepared a lovely BBQ pick-nick with fresh fruit, grilled fish and lots of coconuts. After the lunch they played some music; I first thought I was listening to some typical Tahitian songs, but then they gave a great tropical version of Marina by Rocco Granata, a Belgian musician from the sixties and today again very popular because of the movie that has been made of his life. I knew he was famous, but I’ve never could have imagined hearing his music on a motu in the Blue Lagoon.

So, what do you think? Paradise or not?

This full day excursion can easily be booked through the hotel. Snorkel mask and fins are provided. Just be sure to bring some reef shoes with you.

How to get there? Air Tahiti flies into Rangiroa from Bora Bora, Tahiti and other French Polynesian islands. The airport is located at the main motu Avaturo. You don’t need a car to explore Rangiroa, just a bike (and someone with a boat).

  1. Cathleen Neagli says:

    I have a quick question. I will be traveling to Rangiroa on a cruise in May, can I book this excursion even if I am not staying at the hotel? What time does it leave and return, I would have to be sure if fit into the ship schedule…….it LOOKS AMAZING!

    1. Hi Cathleen, the excursion starts at 9AM at the hotel, around 4 PM you’re back at the hotel. Yes, you can book the excursion even of you’re not staying at the hotel. But maybe the excursion is on the program of your cruise. Good luck, and enjoy your holoday! 🙂

  2. Beautiful photos! And it sounds like an amazing trip to take. How about listening to a tropical version of Marina by Rocco Granata?! I bet you got swept off from your feet.

  3. Traveling can be tiresome, especially when jetlag is involved. But double worth when you can post these kind of pics! I see you’re Dutch – maybe move and live in an area with this kind of weather:):)

  4. That looks amazing! In theory I’d love to snorkel with sharks but not sure how that would play out in real life. But hey you came back with all limbs! hehe, looks beautiful and a lot of fun!

  5. I love the fact that you dealt with jet lag by swimming and floating around in the pool. That sounds just heavenly. Actually, everything looks like it was pretty heavenly.

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