Tetiaroa: An atoll rich in biodiversity and history

Aerial view of Tetiaroa © P. BacchetReef of Tetiaroa © J. GirardotBeach roc on Tetiaroa © J. GirardotTravel for Tetiaroa © J. GirardotReef of Tetiaroa ©Tim-Mckenna.com View of the Tetiaroa lagoon© J. GirardotBeach of Tetiaroa © J. GirardotBirds of Tetiaroa © J. GirardotBeach trip at Tetiaroa ©Tim-Mckenna.com Tetiaroa ©Tim-Mckenna.com Beach of Tetiaroa © J. GirardotMotu of Tetiaroa © J. GirardotPaddle on the Tetiaroa lagoon ©Tim-Mckenna.comTetiaroa lagoon © L. PesquieKite surf on the Tetiaroa lagoon © J. Girardot
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Tetiaroa © J. Girardot

A unique atoll located in the Leeward Islands, Tetiaroa is about 50 km north of Tahiti (31 mi). The island is spread over a surface area of 6 km2 (3.8 sq. mi), or 1445 acres. This atoll has the distinction of being “closed,” which means it does not have passes that transfer water back and forth between the lagoon and the ocean. This prevents any navigation into the interior with the exception of small shallow draft boats.

Beach of Tetiaroa © J. Girardot
Beach roc on Tetiaroa © J. Girardot
Reef of Tetiaroa © Tim-Mckenna.com

The diversity of coral is also very important (coral reefs, table coral, and branchy coral) as well as marine biodiversity (pearly shells, seawater clams, rays, fish, etc.). The historical aspects of human settlements are also fascinating. For a long time known as Teturoa or Tetuaroa (the high ea), the atoll served as a temporary residence for the arii (great chiefs) of Arue, and it is here that in 1789, three mutineers from the famous Bounty sought refuge.

View of Tetiaroa lagoon © J. Girardot
Paddle on the Tetiaroa © Tim-Mckenna.com
Aerial view of Tetiaroa © P. Bacchet
Ad The Brando hotel
Beach of Tetiaroa © J. Girardot

Tetiaroa is comprised of thirteen sandy motu (islets). Its flora, typical of French Polynesian atolls, includes 158 vegetal species, which gives it a richness that is quite significant, considering the small land surface area. Further, fourteen species of birds have been recorded, nine of which are sea birds and five are land birds. Tetiaroa atoll, notably Tahuna Iti motu, is still called “Bird Island,” and as such is designated an important bird area (IBA).

Beach of Tetiaroa © Tim-Mckenna.com
Travel for Tetiaroa © J. Girardot
Kite surf on Tetiaroa lagoon © J. Girardot

Later, it became the residence of the royal Pomare family before being offered to Dr Johnston Walter Williams (1874-1937) in 1904, Tahiti’s only dentist who was consul to England from 1916 to 1935. The atoll then served as a coconut plantation. In 1965, Marlon Brando acquired it for 99 years, with the lagoon remaining the property of the government’s maritime zone.

Tetiaroa: An atoll rich in biodiversity and history
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A unique atoll located in the Leeward Islands, Tetiaroa is about 50 km north of Tahiti (31 mi).
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