Manihi is a relatively large elongated atoll. Its oval-shaped lagoon measures about 10 km (6 mi.) across and 20 km (12 mi.) long, and is ringed by innumerable islets. The lagoon is well-known among snorkelers for its beautiful and diverse marine fauna, including, among other species, the manta ray. There is only one pass to enter the lagoon, located close to the atoll's southern end. It is known as Passe de Tairapa.
Manihi Atoll is today home to a great number of pearl farms, and is the original home of the highly prized Polynesian black pearls. There is now a five star resort on Manihi, called the Pearl Beach Manihi resort, which has overwater bungalows in the lagoon
History: Manihi is the least developed of the four main Tuamotu islands and at 520 km (325 mi) from Tahiti, the farthest away. It was first inhabited around AD 600 and the remains of an ancient coral marae (ancient temple), the Kamoka, are located on the southern edge, between two of the only three pensions on the island. Dutch explorers Jacob le Maire and Willem Schouten sighted the island in 1615. Today Manihi is a major center of black pearl production with about 60 farms dotting the lagoon whose emerald waters are said to provide the perfect temperature, density, and salinity for pearl cultivation. The first farm in French Polynesia was established here in 1968. Divers come to Manihi to explore the Tairapa Pass, where they drift dive with gray sharks, turtles, and huge fish; another favorite spot is a coral garden called The Circus. No content available
"Great beaches and people! The locals would offer to pick us up if we were walking, and always offered that we could call them if we had any problems. Wild horses on the roads were cool to see. Signs are lacking in many areas, so ask for directions. You'll need a rental car to get around if you want to see the entire island. Esperanza has the best restaurants (on the Malecon). Must go to the bio bay! Amazing!"
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