Page 241 - French Polynesia

Tikehau

T ikehau is famous for its hospitality. The beaches that circle the of Tikehau is a remote coral atoll whose flat surface never rises
lagoon are extraordinary. The scenery is right out of a post- more than a few inches above sea level. Like Rangiroa, its larger
card. The fauna, on land as well as underwater, is unique. The late and more crowded neighbour, Tikehau has only one pass into the
French ocean explorer Jacques Cousteau described this lagoon ocean, Tuheiva, and five out of the six local dive sites are clustered
during one of his expeditions as being the best stocked with fish of around it and vibrant hard coral formations. A rising tide provides
any place on this planet. That very appropriate description makes a fast drift dive through Tuheiva Pass as it brings with it all manner
Tikehau the ideal place to go diving for experienced divers as well of life including manta rays and hammerheads.
as beginners. Tikehau fauna is similar to Rangiroa. The main islet