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Manihi is a string of islets found in the North Tuamotu Archipelago about 312 miles northeast of Tahiti or 1 ½ hours by air. It is the site of the first black pearl farm that paved the way for other islands. It is also home to many beautiful Tahitian dive spots.
The atoll is surrounded by an amazing lagoon that is 3 ½ miles wide and 19 miles long. It is this lagoon which is home to French Polynesia's famed black pearls which are taken from undersea pearl farms.
The islet is home to approximately 700 inhabitants and most of the population lives in Turipaoa village alongside the pass. The village is filled with colorful, and Gauguin inspired houses as well as breadfruit trees, hibiscus and bougainvillea. Almost everyone that lives on Manihi is involved in the pearl business and some residents live on the pearl farms which are about an hour's boat ride from the village.
Manihi offers some of the best dive sites mostly due to its moderate size and far from the madding crowd location. It provides sites protected from the wind and moderate currents in the pass making it suitable for both beginner and experienced divers. Divers can visit outstanding spots from the pass to the reef wall and view the colorful, tropical fish inside the lagoon.
Visitors can also take advantage of visiting one of the more than 70 pearl farms that are built on stilts around the edge of the lagoon.
Manihi is an islet that offers breathtaking, pink and white beaches, emerald green waters and hospitality like no other!
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