Manihi
The first pearl farm set up in 1968, paving the way for the other Tuamotu islands, made of Manihi one of the principal centre for black pearl in the South Pacific. Many big names in this business have chose to set in the exceptional lagoon of the island. Travellers would be able to visit from family farms to larger industrial farms.
The Taiarapa pass is certainly one of tourists’ favourite attraction : simlpy let yourself get sucked into the lagoon by the current and observe the exceptionally high quality of its flora and fauna and the world renown of its seabed. Le tombant (the Drop-off), on the ocean side of Taiarapa, is a dizzy wall toppling toward the abyss where you could see grey sharks, napoleons, jackfish… Inside the lagoon, the Circus would offer you the opportunity to see coral fish and eagle rays.
As a change from diving, visitors can discover the ancient marae sites which are still visible at the north and south ends of the atoll.
Highlights
- Exceptional seabeds that attract international divers
- Many species, including the marbled loach
- Pearls farms
Activities and Sightseeing
- The colorful village of Turipaoa
- Visit to pearl farms
- Ancient marae in Tokivera and Farekuara in the north and Kamoka in the South
- Circle island tour
Archipelago : TUAMOTU ISLANDS
Surface : 74 sq.mi. (lagoon)
Location : 311 miles northeast of Tahiti
Population : + 1,271
Capital city : Paeua