Leaving Fakarava, we sailed overnight to Rangiroa atoll.  Rangiroa has the largest lagoon in the Tuamotus, and is the second largest lagoon in the world - 78 km long, 24  km wide and 225 km around, with some 240 motus  (islands).

 

On the way we hooked this metre and a quarter (or so) wahoo.  It took 30 minutes to get it to the boat, but unfortunately it got off the hook at the last moment, having taken my gaff out of my hand with a tremendous twisting jump.

 

 

We hung around outside the pass for 2 hours, waiting for dawn.  We entered while the tide was still

going out,  so there were some exciting eddies and standing waves......

 

 

 

.....and a couple of the largest dolphins we have seen helped us through.

 

 

Scuba diving in the pass is very popular, with a constant stream of boats taking divers out.

 

 

 

Viewing the pass from a restaurant terrace.

 

 

The anchorage is pleasant, but if strong winds come from the south, you have to leave as with the

75 km fetch, the waves are the same as being out at sea.

 

 

We hired bicycles and cycled the 12 km down to the next village the other pass at the north west

corner of the island.

 

This is a hao, which is a gap in the reef, too small for boat passages.  Looking into the lagoon...

 

 

....out to sea.

 

 

 

The village at the other end of the island from our anchorage...no shelter from the wind here.

 

 

One of the many small cargo ships which bring everything from groceries to cars from Papeete.

 

 

We took our dinghy across the pass to another village on the next motu.

 

 

 

The shop selling local handicrafts, such as....

 

 

....coral bracelets and cowrie shells

 

 

 

This village is the administrative capital of the Tuamotu Archipelago,  but you wouldn't guess from

walking the streets.

 

 

The cemeteries are beautifully kept with elaborate head stones.

 

 

 

 

 

Our favorited snorkeling spot.  We also snorkeled in the pass, but it did not compare with Fakarava.

 

 

Much as we had enjoyed the Tuamotus, it was time to move on and we left early one morning for Tahiti,

leaving by the other pass.

 

 

 

Someone who missed the entrance to the pass.