French Polynesia Rangiroa Pensions – Where To Stay Guide

The easy thing to do is deciding what to do when going to Rangiroa in French Polynesia (diving of course) but when trying to where to stay, things get a little bit complicated as there’s no real catalogue of all of the pensions on this motu. This guide will help make your search easier by showing you the Rangiroa pensions you should choose from.

What is a pension?

The term “pension” is one that’ll come up quite a bit especially as you move away from the popular islands of Tahiti and Bora Bora (although this is one of the great ways to go to Bora Bora on a budget).

What is a pension? These are quaint and authentic guesthouses or home stays you’ll find all around the country. In modern day travel, they’re essentially an Airbnb. They range in quality and luxury but what is consistent is friendly hospitality and low costs.

In the Tuamotu islands especially where there aren’t any chained hotels and minimal resorts, what’s remaining is a network of family-owned bed & breakfast stays which are known as pensions.

Pensions are Tahiti’s secret to affordable accommodations

The reason why you’ll learn to love Rangiroa pensions is because they give visitors a truer sense of what life is like on these islands. They may not be 5-star luxury but you’ll be treated to great hospitality, fabulous food, comfortable places to relax, and some of the best sunrises and sunsets.

I recently spoke contributed a story to Magnificent World that talks about my experiences in Rangiroa so make sure you head there too!

Best Rangiroa Pensions

Okay, now that we have the basics out of the way, what are your options when it comes to where to stay in Rangiroa? Here are more or less all the pensions in Rangiroa to choose from. I have it sorted from the most basic to the upper end.

Is this a complete list of all pensions in Rangiroa? Well no, there are a couple more that I didn’t include and that’s because they either have terrible websites or didn’t have any English content.

With this list of 13 properties, you’ll have more than enough choices.

1. Chez Sand

This is the classic French Polynesia beachfront pension that is affordable, high on hospitality, and no frills.

The family that hosts you will immediately make you feel from home, starting from the pick up to the stay itself.

Chez Sand has three units – one is standard double room, the other is a family studio with 3 full beds, and they also have a full 3 bedroom house.

The pension has a kitchen for you to use (private if family studio and shared if double room) and each of the units have a beautiful terrace, garden access, beach access, and private bathroom with shower.

Wifi is strong throughout, mosquito net is included for the beds, and fans for the heat. As a bonus bikes are provided which will allow you to explore the Avatoru motu with ease.

They also have a prime location being close to 3 restaurants nearby and its proximity to the airport, supermarket, snack bars.

The house is very well equipped. Terrace facing the sea, kitchen, bike, comfortable bed… in short we did not miss anything. We had a great stay in Rangiroa. Thanks again Sandrine!

Previous guest

2. Fare Manahere Lodge

Overlooking the Avatoru channel, this is a newly renovated property with beautiful views, epic sunsets, and generous hospitality.

Vanina and Carl are lovely hosts and will help where they can. Previous guests have mentioned that they are willing to drive you to where you want to go on the island such as for dinner.

The pension is located on the far end of the motu which means it is a bit out of the way and at of a dirt road. That said, you’re only 15 minutes walk from the village of Avatoru so you’re not far from restaurants and markets. The advantage of being further away is that it’s quiet here.

Daily breakfast served on the terrace facing the pass is one of the highlights of the stay.

The bungalows are modestly sized and outfitted with mosquito nets and an open-air bathroom. There are two types of units available – one is a double room for up to 2 and another is bungalow for up to 4.

One thing to be aware of is that there is no swimming access from the property.

3. Va’a i te Moana

A relatively new property on Avatoru with 3 individual bungalows and a dormitory room.

Facing the ocean side of Rangiroa, you’ll have free use of bicycles to explore the island and there are stand up paddleboards available as well.

The hosts are incredibly friendly and guests speak highly of their breakfast with their coffee, pancakes, yogurt, coconut bread, and more.

Location wise, this is very close to Tiputa Pass to watch the dolphins and many restaurants and markets within walking distance.

Bungalows are outfitted with mosquito nets, fans, and wooden deck.

4. Aotera Guest House

Located on the more remote motu of Aotera, this is probably one of the most secluded pensions in Rangiroa.

There are numerous bungalows along the beach and while basic, each offers extraordinary access to the white sand beach.

Each bungalow has its own wooden terrace and private bathroom.

Aotera is a 30-45 minute boat ride away from which puts it far from Avatoru town and is not convenient for most dive shops for pick up. That said, it’s a true slice of remote paradise.

There isn’t much information about meals but we imagine lunches and dinners can be purchased.

5. Le Coconut Lodge

This property is closer to a resort but this is a family guest house with stunning luxurious bungalows with private bathroom and terrace.

Located on the lagoon side of Rangiroa and a short walk or bike to the Tiputa Pass, you’ll also have the benefit of access to the property’s own beach.

Breakfast is included every day with fresh bread, jam, fruits, and yogurts. Meals can be purchased at the property or you can go to nearby restaurants.

Note that the listing claims there is air condition in the room but there isn’t.

6. Vahaui Paradis

Another Rangiroa pension close to Tiputa Pass is Vahaui Paradis.

This property offers the class type of bungalows with balcony. Rooms come outfitted with toaster, coffee machine, and refrigerator which is rare. Some rooms also have an oven and a bbq. Each bungalow also has their own prviate bathroom with shower and hair dryer.

The hosts try to make your stay have a more of a resort feel by offering local art and crafts classes each morning.

Facing the reef and ocean side means the water is a bit rougher for swimming but it’s do-able. Otherwise, walk south to the lagoon side to go for a swim.

Bike rentals are pretty key as well here as you’ll be able to ride around the motu whether it’s to pick up supplies, head to a restaurant, or watch the dolphins at Tiputa Pass.

7. Pension Turiroa ” Chez Olga”

This is mostly a hostel type of pension in Rangiroa with their affordable dormitory option but they also have bungalows.

The dorm features a 4-bed mixed set up with access to shared bathrooms and kitchen.

Overall, the rooms are modernly designed and quite clean and spacious.

There is plenty of lounge space at this pension and has the advantage of beach access, free transfers, and access to bikes and kayaks.

8. Chez Taia et Vero

This is where we stayed in our 2 week Tahiti itinerary. Ultimately, the reason why I chose this Rangiroa pension was because of its affordability for a private bungalow.

What we didn’t have a good understanding of were the pros and cons of living on Tiputa, the neighbouring motu to Avatoru. In many ways it was great because it was a much more local and authentic experience but at the same time it also meant living with only one restaurant and not having the fanciest of accommodations.

If you stay here, you’ll find that Taia and Vero are great hosts, offering pick up from the Tiputa pier and helping organize the taxi transfers.

Between the two, Taia can speak English so he’ll be able to help with organizing tours and enjoys dropping by every night to say hello and chat.

The bungalow itself is pretty basic but has everything you need including mosquito net and fan. There’s also a bench on the porch that’s great for reading. The unit also has its own laundry machine.

The kitchen is communal between the two bungalow units and is well-stocked. The fridge is important because you’ll be stocking up on supplies to make breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

There are a number of bicycles available on a first-come-first-serve basis and are critical to get into the main town of Tiputa. It takes 15 minutes and is quite enjoyable.

From a beach perspective, the pension isn’t a beachfront property but you’re seconds away from the coral beach on the lagoon side. I’ll be honest, this isn’t somewhere you’d go swimming but you can take their kayak to paddle. You can also use their snorkels but there’s only 1 or 2 sizes to choose from.

9. Le Fare Bleu Rangiroa

Another Rangiroa pension on the Tiputa motu is this one and is practically a next door neighbour.

They run very similarly to Chez Taia et Vero as a self-serve stay. However, instead of two separate bungalow units, this is one house with two suites that share bathrooms, kitchen, and lounge areas.

There are a number of bicycles available on a first-come-first-serve basis and are critical to get into the main town of Tiputa. It takes 15 minutes and is quite enjoyable.

With the available bikes, you’ll be able to ride into town to pick up supplies at the two markets and meals at the snack bar.

The good news is that all dive shops are willing to pick up customers from the Tiputa port.

10. Pension Rangiroa Plage

Located near the Avatoru village and the Avatoru Pass, this is a Rangiroa pension that offers a mix of dormitory and bungalow options.

The location is great due to its proximity with restaurants and markets which is important since no meals are available here.

The rooms are clean and so are the shared kitchen and bathroom facilities.

The property offers bikes, kayaks, hammocks, and snorkelling equipment.

Camping is also offered at Pension Rangiroa Plage for only 2,000 XPF per person per night.

The rooms were cool at night with the fan, no mosquito netting needed (but Def bug spray for outside!), use of bikes and kayaks, plenty of space to sit by the water, clean shower and toilets, the restaurant has great food, and most of all the ladies were all soooo nice and helpful! Plus you can watch the black tip sharks swimming by all day right at the shore!

Previous guest

11. Poe Guesthouse

Kind hosts, free transfers, great breakfasts, and awesome location. Poe Guesthouse is a family-run pension in Rangiroa that’s well-rated.

The bungalows are basic but offer everything that you need for your stay since you’ll most likely be diving most of your time here. There is a ceiling fan here but not a floor fan.

Steps away (100m) is the private beach for the property on the lagoon side. Being on this part of Avatoru also means that you’re not far from Tiputa Pass and all the major dive shops.

12. Miki Miki Lodge

With a spacious deck, private beach, excellent hospitality, and large bungalows, pamper yourself with this Rangiroa pension option.

It shouldn’t be a surprise now that the hospitality of the hosts is regarded as one of the most memorable for those that have stayed here. Their included breakfasts are fabulous and dinners (for a fee) are top-notch as well.

The bungalows are designed to give you that resort feel without paying those kind of prices. The interior almost gives me the same vibes as the Seychelles Northolme.

Guests have free use of bicycles, kayaks, stand up paddleboards, and a mini golf course and there’s free wifi of course.

Another nice touch are the hammock huts near the water.

13. Pension Tamatuamai

Last but not least is this gem that most might overlook because it is only listed on Agoda and Airbnb.

This is a modern and comfortable stay on the ocean side of Avatoru. Each of the bungalows feature a deck with picnic bench, private lounge area, and your own kitchen.

Location wise, it’s very close to Tiputa Pass and the many restaurants and shops in the area.

You also get access to a washing machine which is unique for pensions in Rangiroa.

The place is all you need if you visit Rangiroa with the plan to take excursions. The kitchen turned out useful as there are not many dining options around. The best aspect was the hospitality. The hosts were offering to bring us to the store by car, they lent us the bikes and generally helped us in the organization of the activities. One of the best example of Polynesian hospitality we had during our trip.

Previous guest

Map of Rangiroa pensions

Use this map to get a sense for where the pensions are located.

Tips for staying in pensions

While pensions really aren’t that much different from staying at a bed & breakfast or hotel but here are a couple of tips that are worth noting as you plan your trip to Rangiroa.

Tourist tax and island tax – Unlike the Fakarava pensions, it seems like explicit taxes aren’t applied to the stays but you’ll find that especially on Booking.com, some include “taxes and fees” while others add on an arbitrary amount.

Shared bathrooms vs. private bathrooms – Some pensions in Fakarava have communal bathrooms depending on the property or the bungalow so make sure to read carefully.

Wifi is mostly free but don’t expect fast speeds – Except for one, wifi is available on all properties but speed and coverage of the property varies quite a bit. I’ve tried to note those that have poor performance but overall I’d say go in with the expectation that you might not get great speeds. As a result, it makes sense to get Tahiti Wifi.

Cellular service – It’s honestly pretty spotty, especially while we stayed on the Tiputa motu. My recommendations for SIM cards and data hotspots can be found in the Tahiti travel guide.

Language – This is not specific to Rangiroa in talking to other travellers, we learned that some pensions do prefer French-speaking guests. In most cases this is because they don’t speak English and does present some challenges. Come in with an open mind, be patient, and have Google Translate ready.

Diving – We did all of our diving with 6 Passengers in Rangiroa. They picked us up from the Tiputa dock every day to bring us over to the dive shop. From here, you’ll be given you briefings and depart for your dives. Almost all of your diving will be at Tiputa Pass but if you’re interested in Avatoru Pass, make sure to ask.

Mosquitos – This may have been the time of year we were there (February) but they were definitely around (although not as bad as in Fakarva). We used a ton of mosquito repellent and also had to be very diligent with making sure our mosquito net was fully sealed around the bed.

Beach towels – Not all pensions provide this so it’s better to play it safe and bring your own.

Staying charged – You’ll find that the bungalows aren’t outfitted with many outlets so it’s recommended to bring a power bar, and adapter (French Polynesia uses European round outlets). Be sure to pack a flight-approved power bank as well to make sure you’re topped up during the day.

Cash – There are ATMs available on the Avatoru and Tiputa motus. While it’s not clear from booking, you’ll notice that all of these properties do not require a credit card to book. This is because you’re expected to pay in-person when you arrive. In Chez Taia et Vero‘s case, I received a message after booking asking us to send a deposit via bank transfer but I refused deferring to the high bank transfer charges from Canada. This is when they said they were willing to take payment on arrival. For Rangiroa pensions, I would always assume that everything is cash-only so make sure you plan ahead and withdraw these amounts early (on Tahiti preferably) so you’re not scrambling when you arrive.

Lunch and Dinner – All pensions on this list are either half board or do not include any meals. To plan out your day, either ask your pension host to prepare lunch for you (for a fee) or buy your own supplies to make your own meals.

Bicycles – Free bike rentals are almost mandatory for your time in Rangiroa. The exception would be if you’re staying near the Avatoru port and Snack Chez Lili. My recommendation is to find a pension with free bike rentals.

Snorkel Gear – Don’t assume that your pension will have snorkel, mask, and fin available as you have to remember that these aren’t resorts. Excursions will obviously have them but if you’re looking to snorkel around your pension, you’ll likely have to pack your own.

Water shoes – As with the rest of the Tuomatu Atoll, the beaches are filled with coral and are quite rocky. Good footwear is essential to stay protected and safe. Water shoes are okay but what you really need are the Newport H2’s.

Airport transfers – While it seems like in Rangiroa, transfers are mostly included, don’t assume this to be the case. If you’re staying on Tiputa, you will definitely have to pay for the taxi transfer from the airport to Avatoru Port, followed by a boat ride.

Frequently asked questions