Welcome to the Rangiroa cruise port guide. If Avatoru, Rangiroa is on your cruise itinerary you have to count yourself lucky. It is a true unique experience to visit this incredible wonder of nature.

Rangiroa is one of the largest atolls in the world. It consists of about 240 tiny islands that create a total length of 180 km which encircle a lagoon. You truly appreciate this geological wonder when you see it on a satellite picture, because you basically only see a white circle in the water.

Most islands are only 300 to 400 meters wide and there is no road that connects them. The lagoon covers 1500 km2 and is only about 35 meter deep. It is an immense body of water where sea water floats into via one of the 100 passages in between the islands. It creates a strong swells and gives the opportunity for underwater life to flourish. This is why Rangiroa is considered one of the best diving spots in the world.

In total about 2500 people live on the islands of Rangiroa. These people mainly live divided over the 3 towns that exist on the islands. So when a cruise ship is in town you will most likely easily double the population there.

Your cruise ship will sail into the lagoon and drop anchor here. Sailing into it is a true spectacular sight as your ship will have to navigate itself through the narrow Tiputa passage where the sea and lagoon water always make challenging currents. Aside from this there is also a chance to see dolphins who are often challenged to swim in front or aside the ship as you enter or exit the lagoon. These are bottlenose dolphins. Make sure to keep an eye out for them during arrival and departure.

Read our Rangirao cruise port guide underneath to see al there is to see and do in this port of call.