January 18-20
As the Odyssey began its way back towards Australia, we visited the second-largest atoll in the world, Rangiroa.
This giant atoll has a relatively small land mass enclosing an enormous lagoon. So large that there are several smaller lagoons inside the main one. So big that the island of Tahiti could fit inside.
With a population of around 3,000, it is more populated than several of the islands we visited. Tourism is huge here, with tours to snorkel two of the passages, the aquarium, a green lagoon and a blue lagoon, a pearl farm, a pink sand beach, and even a winery.
Due to its size, it takes time to get from one site to another by water taxi or tour boat.
The Odyssey anchored near the North passage, and the aquarium was a short 15-minute boat ride to go snorkeling. We did need to tender to shore and catch local boats.
I tried out drift snorkeling in the Southern Passage, a 15-minute boat ride away. The current was strong, and the drift sailed by at high speeds. I would have liked to have gone slower or do it multiple times, but once was all we got. This was the most fish I’d get to see on this day.
From the passage, we took another 40-minute boat ride to the Blue Lagoon. The Blue Lagoon is gorgeous and shallow. These conditions make it perfect as a shark nursery, and many baby black-tipped sharks could be seen swimming around.
There was some coral here, but with all of the people walking and kicking up sand, the visibility wasn’t great.
They also have a bird native to the area that can only be found on 5 atolls, the vini or Lori. It is an endangered bird and can be found by walking around the lagoon and listening for its call.
This is also where we had our lunch and a show.
On the main strip of land where most of the locals live, there is a small town with a church and stores. There is an airport and many hotels/resorts, and restaurants
Prices are high, but people can snorkel for free from the pier.
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