Mangareva

15,4 km² • Approx. 1 300 residents • 441 m (Mount Duff)

This is the lagoon where French Polynesian pearl farming began in the early 1960s, before spreading throughout the Tuamotu Archipelago. Mother-of-pearl oyster lines can still be seen suspended underwater, visible while snorkelling. Beyond that, life revolves around a few simple things: one village, Turipaoa, a single pass to the south, twenty-seven kilometres of motu, and very few visitors

Access

3h45 flight from Tahiti and 45-min boat transfer from Motu Togegie

Good to know

The only archipelago in the country on UTC−9 time, one hour behind the rest of French Polynesia

Ideal for

Black pearls, cultural heritage, experienced travelers, cruising

Not to be missed 

• Saint Michael’s Cathedral in Rikitea, built from coral and mother-of-pearl
• Mount Duff
• The islands of Taravai, Aukena and Akamaru
• The lagoon’s pearl farms
• The remains of Father Laval’s missionary legacy
• The beaches of Motu Totegegie

Images credits
1, 3, 4, 7 – ©TAHITI TOURISME/Frédéric Cristol
2, 5, 6 – ©TAHITI TOURISME/Grégoire Le Bacon