Loading map...

XMH destination photo
RGI destination photo

XMHRGI

Which side of the plane to sit from Manihi Airport (Manihi) to Rangiroa Airport (Rangiroa)?

Our Recommendation
9.2

Right Side of the Plane

The right side offers a superior view of the neighboring Ahe Atoll shortly after takeoff and a stunning perspective of the Tiputa Pass and the northern reef rim during the approach into Rangiroa.

Right Side Highlights
9.2
🏝️

Ahe Atoll

Located just west of Manihi, this beautiful ring-shaped atoll is often passed at low altitude, offering incredible detail of its reef structure.

🐬

Tiputa Pass

One of the world's most famous diving spots; watch for the breaking waves and the deep blue water rushing into the lagoon.

🏘️

Avatoru Village

The main settlement of Rangiroa comes into view during the final descent, showcasing the narrow strip of land residents call home.

🐚

Northern Coral Rim

A continuous chain of white sand beaches and palm-fringed motus stretching toward the horizon.

This is the 'scenic' side for the approach. Ensure you have a window seat away from the wing to capture the iconic aerial shot of Tiputa Pass. Polarization filters on sunglasses or cameras will help cut through the water's reflection to see the coral reefs below.

Left Side Highlights
8.4
🏝️

Manihi Pearl Farms

Visible immediately after takeoff, you can see the distinctive grid patterns of black pearl oyster lines in the turquoise lagoon.

🌊

Rangiroa Inner Lagoon

As the plane banks for landing, the left side provides an expansive view of the massive interior lagoon, which feels like an inland sea.

🌴

Southern Motus

Distant views of the uninhabited islets that dot the southern perimeter of the Rangiroa atoll.

Sit on the left if you want to see the scale of Manihi's lagoon upon departure. Mid-morning flights are ideal as the sun is high enough to illuminate the coral heads (pinnacles) inside the lagoons without creating too much glare.

Top Activities in Rangiroa
Route Information

Distance: 181 km (112 miles)

Approximate Flight Time: 18 min

Departure: XMH (-14.436800003051758, -146.07000732421875)

Arrival: RGI (-14.954299926757812, -147.66099548339844)

Route Type: Domestic

Thank you for booking your travels through our travel partners. The commissions from your bookings keep this site running.