Located some 300 kms to the northwest of Tahiti, Tikehau is also called the
"Robinson's Island". This oval shaped atoll has a large pass and a series of
islets (motu), the largest of which at the south west of the atoll is
inhabited.
The charming village of Tuherahera, swathed
in flowers, is located on the south end of this large motu which also has two
other villages. Tuheiava is an important center for lagoon fishing and the many
fish parks that supply the markets of Tahiti thanks to frequent connections by
plane. The village of Maiaia is traditionaly producing
copra.
The beauty and abundance of its fauna account for the popularity of
scuba diving especially in the Tuheiava pass,
where the manta rays' dance alternates with the parades of shoals of barracuda,
and tuna fish, not to mention the gray and the white-tipped sharks.
Tikehau is definitely one of the most beautiful and secluded atolls in
Polynesia; it is also home to many bird colonies that have
sought refuge in the islets, including the aptly named Isle of
Birds, well known for its red-footed gannets and brown noddies.
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