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RGI → XMH
Which side of the plane to sit from Rangiroa Airport (Rangiroa) to Manihi Airport (Manihi)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side offers a superior view of the iconic Tiputa Pass during departure from Rangiroa and the best chance to spot the neighboring Ahe Atoll mid-flight before descending into Manihi.
Tiputa Pass
Witness the powerful currents and deep blue water of the primary channel connecting Rangiroa's lagoon to the open Pacific Ocean.
Rangiroa Motu Chain
Observe the thin, precarious string of coral islets that form the northern rim of the world's second-largest atoll.
Ahe Atoll
On clear days, the circular reef of Ahe is visible to the north as the aircraft traverses the open water toward Manihi.
Manihi Reef Arrival
A stunning perspective of the white-sand fringing reefs and the abrupt transition from deep indigo to neon turquoise waters.
Request a seat in front of the wing for an unobstructed view of the coral formations. This route is short and low-altitude, so keep your camera ready from the moment of takeoff. Morning flights provide the best lighting to capture the high-contrast turquoise colors of the lagoon without the harsh afternoon glare.
Rangiroa Inland Sea
Look out over the vast interior lagoon of Rangiroa, which is so large it has its own internal horizon.
Manihi Pearl Farms
Spot the organized grids of black pearl oyster lines floating in the Manihi lagoon, the historic birthplace of Polynesian pearl farming.
Turipaoa Village
See the main settlement of Manihi nestled near the Tairapa Pass, featuring small colorful houses along the narrow strip of land.
Tairapa Pass
The scenic maritime gateway for supply ships and local boats entering the Manihi lagoon from the southern side.
The right side is excellent for seeing the interior of the atolls. If the aircraft approaches Manihi from the south for a Runway 31 landing, you will get an incredible close-up view of the pearl farm structures. Polarized sunglasses are highly recommended to cut through the water's surface reflection and see the reef structures clearly.
Distance: 181 km (112 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 18 min
Departure: RGI (-14.954299926757812, -147.66099548339844)
Arrival: XMH (-14.436800003051758, -146.07000732421875)
Route Type: Domestic
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