Information
Landmark: Motu TivaCity: Rangiroa
Country: French Polynesia
Continent: Australia
Motu Tiva, Rangiroa, French Polynesia, Australia
Overview
Tucked inside the Rangiroa Atoll of the Tuamotu Archipelago, French Polynesia, Motu Tiva is a tiny, untouched islet where white sand brushes against clear turquoise water.Motu Tiva, with its glass-clear waters and untouched shores, invites travelers to slow down, breathe deeply, and blend quiet moments with bursts of adventure in one of the Pacific’s most breathtaking corners.Motu Tiva sits in the calm, turquoise waters of Rangiroa Lagoon, tucked inside the largest atoll in the Tuamotu Archipelago.One of several tiny motus encircling Rangiroa, it’s reachable by boat from the main island or nearby resorts, where you’ll step onto warm white sand, pass under green palms, and watch the water glitter like glass.With its untouched shores and quiet, glassy waters, the island is a dream for nature lovers and anyone craving peace.Motu Tiva offers everything from gentle paddles at sunrise to long walks along its pristine beaches.First.Around Motu Tiva, coral reefs glow with color, sheltering everything from darting clownfish to slow-moving sea turtles.Snorkelers and divers can slip into these lively underwater worlds, gliding past flashes of yellow and blue as fish dart by, with rays sweeping past and, now and then, a lone shark cruising in the distance.In the lagoon’s crystal-clear water around the motu, visibility stretches far, making it perfect for first-timers and seasoned divers alike.The reefs near Motu Tiva remain largely untouched, their coral heads glowing in the sunlit water, making them a dream for divers.You might spot parrotfish, butterflyfish, triggerfish, and a whole cast of other tropical species.At certain times of year, you might spot manta rays gliding past or dolphins cutting through the water nearby.And because Motu Tiva sits tucked away from the crowds, you can stretch out on its warm, quiet sand and enjoy a beach that feels all your own.Clear turquoise water laps at the sandy shore, making it an inviting spot to swim or simply unwind.Many visitors spread blankets for a picnic or stretch out in the sun, listening to the gentle hiss of waves against the beach.Its calm, glassy waters make it the perfect spot to relax, and boat tours of the Rangiroa Lagoon often swing by Motu Tiva for a closer look.You might hop between nearby motus, slip into clear water for snorkeling, or head out to watch dolphins arc through the waves.Some operators also run sunset cruises around the motu, where you can watch the lagoon and distant islands glow gold as the sun dips low.Motu Tiva’s shores and skies shelter a variety of seabirds, so it’s a prime spot for birdwatching.Frigatebirds, terns, and other seabirds wheel overhead or settle into nests along the motu’s sandy edge, while the clear waters around Motu Tiva teem with fish, drawing sport fishers from near and far.Visitors can test their skill by reeling in yellowfin tuna, marlin, or even the flash of a sailfish cutting through the water.For the best experience, head to Motu Tiva in the dry season from May to October, when warm breezes, clear skies, and calm seas set the stage for snorkeling, diving, and lazy afternoons on the sand.From November to April, the wet season rolls in with warm air and the patter of occasional rain, yet it’s often a calmer stretch to visit, with far fewer tourists around.Getting to Motu Tiva is simple-you hop on a boat and glide across the clear, turquoise water.In Rangiroa, plenty of resorts arrange day trips to the motu, whether you join a guided group or hop on a private boat.You can even charter your own vessel, skimming across the turquoise water for a trip that’s entirely your own.Visitors can plan their days however they like, lingering on the motu as the tide laps at the shore.In the heart of the Rangiroa Atoll, Motu Tiva waits like a quiet treasure, perfect for anyone craving a peaceful retreat into nature.With powdery white sand underfoot, bright coral gardens just offshore, and a calm, unhurried vibe, it’s the perfect place for snorkeling, diving, or simply unwinding.Whether you’re here with a tour group or stretched out on your own patch of sand, Motu Tiva leaves you with memories as vivid as the turquoise water at your feet in one of the world’s most breathtaking spots.
