Fenua experience
You know, working in a travel agency isn't just about creating and selling dreams. Sometimes, you get to touch them too! It can happen quickly: a discount on an activity, an exclusive invitation to a hotel launch party, or even a plane ticket offered by a local airline... That's exactly how I found myself in Rangiroa, taking the opportunity to treat myself to a well-deserved break.
To the Rhythm of the Sun
Even before setting foot on the island, you realize everything is different: the air, the heat, the intensity of the colors... The turquoise lagoon, which you glimpse from the plane's steps, beckons in the distance. The first thought that crosses my mind is to abandon my carry-on and dive straight into that crystal blue. Well, the reality is we had to grab our luggage first.
The transfer to the guesthouse happens local-style: an old pick-up drops us off at the Avatoru marina (in the Northwest of the atoll), where our boat shuttle awaits. Just enough time to admire a fisherman cleaning his catch while birds circle above him. A quick detour to the local store for a few supplies cements our feeling of being anchored in paradise.
Life on the Motu: The Perfect Escape
Thirty minutes of navigation was exactly the time I needed to feel the sea spray and work on my "wavy" hairstyle. So, wind-swept and slightly splashed, we disembark onto our small, palm-fringed motu (islet). The welcoming committee? A few pigs casually lounging on the white sand... There was no time to waste. We slipped into our swimwear, grabbed the paddles, and off we went in a dugout canoe to explore the surroundings.
The following days flew by, each one more magical than the last. We combined fishing sessions with exploring remote spots, guided by the shuttle captain. We rented bikes, crisscrossing the main island, and took the chance to admire the dolphin ballet at the famous Tiputa Pass. Finally, we'd heard about the "Chez Lili" snack bar, so we stopped by to appreciate its authenticity, enjoying local dishes while watching the island children happily diving off the pier.
Discovering Rangiroa's Blue and Green Lagoons
Discovering the island on your own is great, but with the locals, it’s a whole different story! We opted for the double immersion of the Blue Lagoon and the Green Lagoon, punctuated by a memorable picnic on a motu.
The adventure started at the Avatoru marina. Once the day's explanations were given, our boat sliced through the water towards the first stop, "Bird Island." The journey is striking; not a single coconut tree on the horizon, just the infinite blue of the ocean, even though we were deep inside the Rangiroa lagoon.
Forty-five minutes of sailing later, a small motu finally appears on the horizon. What beauty! Coral sand rises from the depths, a reef emerges with a miniature forest grove, all of it circled by dozens of birds. As soon as we arrived, we were treated to a fascinating cultural immersion. The guides taught us about the local bird species and endemic plants, topped off with personal anecdotes.
The Blue Lagoon: A Grand Arrival
"Last stop, everyone off!" we'd arrived at our second stop: the legendary Blue Lagoon. The arrival is magnificent, starting in the water amidst colorful coral gardens and schools of harmless nurse sharks, before landing on a stunning white sand motu. You better have cleared your SD card! Between the shades of turquoise blue, the nursery of baby blacktip reef sharks, and the immaculate sandbars linking the nearby islets, an Instagram photo break is essential.
Culture, Feast, and Relaxation
Before eating, the guides showed us around one of the neighboring islets. A quick tip: remember to bring suitable sandals for the reef! There, we admired the raw beauty of the fauna and flora before being initiated into the art of weaving hats from coconut palm fronds.
Then, the long-awaited moment arrived: aperitifs, followed by a typical Polynesian feast. Raw fish in coconut milk (poisson cru), grilled fish over a wood fire, taro, coconut bread, and so much more... Once we were full and our taste buds satisfied, we ended the day with a relaxing session on the beach, watching the baby sharks frolic in the water... the perfect spot to digest in front of the vastness.
Final Curtain on the Sunset
We headed back to Avatoru for a final dip. We let ourselves drift with the current, enjoying every moment of marine life observation, while the sky was ablaze with a spectacular sunset. The day ended beautifully with a last small appetizer, enjoyed in the soothing setting of the Green Lagoon.
