When to go and how to get to Tikehau? It is important to think about your itinerary and make flight reservations well in advance. Find your hotel in Tikehau and reach the atoll by air.
When to Go to Tikehau?
The atoll of Tikehau belongs to the Tuamotu Archipelago. Most of the islands are what we call low islands. Without mountains, their relief is just above sea level. The clouds cannot therefore cling to the tops of the hills. Driven by the winds, they only fly over the land. Consequently, if the temperatures in the Tuamotus are as hot as in the Society Islands, the rainfall is much lower.
In the absence of torrential rains, the whole year seems to be suitable for a stay on Tikehau. Nevertheless, there is bound to be more rainfall during the wet season. And when it rains, the whole vacation program falls apart. Therefore, we do not recommend the months of December to March. For greater comfort, choose the southern winter period to go to Tikehau. Ideally, you should travel between August and October.
How to Reach Tikehau and the Tuamotus
Step 1: Reach Tahiti
Coming from North America or Europe, there is no direct international connection to Tikehau atoll. You will have to transit through the international airport on the island of Tahiti. For this, go to the international flight booking platforms: with Air France and Air Tahiti Nui from Europe, with United Airlines from North America. Depending on your arrival time, you may have to spend a night in Papeete before taking a domestic flight to Tikehau.
This stopover in Tahiti will be the ideal time to stock up on supplies in the many shops in Papeete. Indeed, the atoll of Tikehau is quite isolated and sometimes suffers from supply problems. Don’t forget to buy sunscreen, mosquito repellent, sunglasses and headgear if you didn’t have any yet. Also, don’t hesitate to buy some extras, especially for food and some drinks not available on the atoll. Knowing that diving in Tikehau is a must-do activity, you can also buy a mask and a snorkel in your size for an optimal comfort once you are there.
Depending on your international flight schedule, you may need to make a second overnight stop in Tahiti. Book a hotel close to the Faa’a airport to avoid traffic jams in Papeete.
Step 2: Plan an Itinerary in Polynesia
Tikehau Atoll has its own airport. Thanks to the local airline Air Tahiti, flights from the island of Tahiti are almost daily. Moreover, the flight time does not exceed one hour. Prices are quite high. You can expect to pay around $370 per person for a round trip flight from Tahiti to Tikehau.
Your visit to the atoll will most likely be just one step in a larger itinerary in French Polynesia. Air Tahiti has offers for international travelers. These are the multi-island passes. These allow you to visit several islands according to pre-established formulas and itineraries that cannot be modified after departure.
Two Air Tahiti Passes include Tikehau in a multi-island package:
- Lagoon Pass (about $510) including Moorea, Rangiroa and Fakarava
- Pass Bora-Tuamotu (about $650) including Moorea, Huahine, Raiatea, Maupiti, Rangiroa and Fakarava
Which package to choose to go to Tikehau? For scuba divers, the Lagoon Pass is a must. For a first experience of French Polynesia, the Bora-Tuamotu Pass gives a wider vision of the Polynesian diversity. In both cases, the Air Tahiti Passes are first and foremost a saving of time and money compared to the classic regular flights.
Step 3: Upon Arrival in Tikehau
Tikehau airport is located in the immediate vicinity of the main village of Tuherahera. Depending on the location of your accommodation, your hosts will pick you up by car or by boat. It is therefore important to inform your hotel of your arrival time. Traditionally, you will be greeted with a wreath of flowers.
Usually, the transfer from the airport to your accommodation is part of an all-inclusive package. However, some establishments consider it an extra service and charge a lot for it. Find out more to avoid unpleasant surprises.
In Tikehau, the distances to be covered on land are reduced: only the lagoon counts. Therefore, we recommend that you choose an accommodation where your hosts provide kayaks and bicycles. You will then have more freedom to discover the atoll, the village and its inhabitants.
Time to Visit Tikehau Atoll
Activities in Tikehau are numerous enough to enjoy staying on the atoll. Of course, scuba diving is on the program. But the motus on the lagoon hide many secrets. Contact us to organize your next trip to the South Pacific Islands.
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