Rangiroa is a breathtaking archipelago consisted of 78 low islands extends their surface area several hundred kilometers of the eastern Pacific around 200 km north of Tahiti. This is the second largest atoll in the world, the coral rim of an ancient volcano making tremendous  shallow inland sea with more than 240 islets or motu. The motu are separated by at least 100 shallow channels and three passes, two of which are big enough for ships to enter the lagoon. Photo by: suckmyclick AF

The lagoon waters are sparklingly clear and vary in colour form jade-green to purple, a real-surprise for first time visitors. The marine life there is truly astonishing, with over 400 varieties of rainbow-hued fish glinting in the iridescent waters among the brightly  coloured hard and soft corals, and the gently waving sea fans. The lagoon is understandably famous for its snorkelling and scuba diving, while outside the reefs there are amazing numbers sharks, barracuda and tuna along the walls of the drop-offs. Photo by: Pierre Lesage

The main villages in the archipelago are Avatoru and Tiputa, which offer the visitor a unique look at the South Pacific lifestyle, with their coral churches, craft centres, restaurants and tiny sympathetic shops. Tiputa is situated at the eastern end. Its picturesque houses are ringed with bleached coral and flowering hedges, and near by is the bird sanctuary on Motu Paio, well worth a visit. Photo by: Pierre Lesage

The Blue Lagoon at Taeo’o, an hour’s boat ride from the village of Avatoru is a natural pool of aquamarine water on the edge of the reef and probably one of the most idyllic places in the world. This is like a gigantic natural aquarium with wonderful colorful corals and numerous reef sharks. The surrounding motu are home to rare birds, featuring the Vini ultramarine parakeet. Photo by: Aktarus

When to go: June to October. Population: 3,400 (2007). How to get there: Fly to Tahiti or Bora Bora.

Photo by: hogie98105