The Tuamotu and Gambier 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.
#lifeatexpedia

Popular cities in The Tuamotu and Gambier Islands

Rangiroa featuring 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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Panoramic of jetty to tropical island, Tikehau atoll, French Polynesia
Tikehau
Known for Secluded, Islands and Snorkelling
Like snorkeling? Get away to tropical Tikehau!
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Adobe
Fakarava
Venture to sights like Marae Tahiri Vairau and Tetamanu Island as you discover Fakarava.
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Fakahina
Fakahina
During your stay in Fakahina, you can discover things to see and do in the local area.
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A beach in a tropical paradise setting in Polynesia Mataiva island Pacific Ocean
Mataiva
Known for Historical
Explore Mataiva: its history and more!
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Ahe
Ahe
During your stay in Ahe, you can discover things to see and do in the local area.
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