Tetiaroa

Tetiaroa forms a circular ring of twelve small coral islets surrounding a shallow lagoon in the South Pacific. The inner water stretches roughly seven kilometers across, while each individual islet features pale sand and low palms.

Tahitian rulers used the atoll for centuries as a retreat for rest and ceremony. King Pomare IV spent extended stays there regularly during his reign in the 19th century.

The small islands retain multiple archaeological sites from ancient Polynesian settlements, including ceremonial locations and traditional gathering spaces for local inhabitants.

Access is only by small plane from Papeete Airport to a private airstrip on one of the islets. From there, boats take visitors to other areas within the lagoon.

A research center on one of the islets focuses on observing dolphins and other marine mammals in the lagoon. Humpback whales pass by the atoll during their annual migrations through the region.

Location: Arue

Elevation above the sea: 17 m

Part of: Windward Islands

GPS coordinates: -17.00000,-149.55000

Latest update: December 14, 2025 19:42