Ile aux Récifs
Ile aux Récifs
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5.0
633 reviews
Excellent
558
Very good
60
Average
12
Poor
1
Terrible
2
L R
San Diego, CA16 contributions
Mar 2023
Such a disappointment. I booked this several months in advance for two couple for a full day tour to the Reef Island. When we arrived at the dock, Leon told us we didn't have a reservation. I showed him my confirmation and he called his wife. Long story, we did not get on the tour. Bad business practice.
Written 8 April 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lance S
2 contributions
June 2024 • Family
Leon and his crew did a great job on our tour. Been to a lot of different places and the tours all feel the same. These guys were great at making everyone feel comfortable and have a blast. We will be back to visit this team for sure!
Written 8 June 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Debra F
Scottsdale, AZ57 contributions
Feb 2013 • Friends
My wife and I cruised FP in February 2013, and had the great fortune to visit Rangiroa. We were sailing on the Ocean Princess, and because the ship did not offer many shore excursions, we looked for private tours. We found many internet sites about the Blue Lagoon, and the Reef Island Tour. I spent a long time trying to get in touch with a tour company in Rangiroa, but I finally got an answer from Pa'ati Tours. I read some reviews of the tour, and the great price that was being offered. Our trip cost 7500 FPF per person for the entire day. Be patient with the tour company, they may take a while to get back to you. Possibly 2 weeks. Natacha is their contact person, and she is very helpful.
We had about 20 people from the ship going on the trip, and we all met at the dock about 8 AM. We were taken across the lagoon in 2 speed boats that took about an hour. On our trip the water was very calm, but I understand it can be very rough. We were let out on the other side of the atoll and walked about 50 yards to the beach in crystal clear water. You definately want very good water shoes for this trip with thick soles. We had the opportunity to snorkle in a Hoa (area between 2 motus), for about an hour. The coral and fish here were amazing. After this snorkle we walked along the hoa until we came to the reef that seperates the lagoon from the Pacific Ocean. The coral here was once under water, and rises several feet above the water. It is grey/black and very sharp. If you do decide to walk on it to see the Pacific, be very careful! Remember the town/cruise ship is a one hour boat trip away. We were crazy enough to walk out to see the Pacific. The view was breath taking. After this bit of craziness we reasted in shallow pools of blue, crystal clear water. We were taken across the hoa to the next motu for our picnic lunch. The water never was more that waist deep, and the views were undescribable. The water was every shade of blue with white beaches in the background. The clouds were amazing, with the occasional storm on the horizon ( we were there in the rainy season).Our motu picnic consisted first of some amazing coconut bread, then grilled mahi mahi, chicken, rice, poisson cru, and mango juice. After lunch we waded around with the black tipped reef sharks in water that was about 2 feet deep. They are really harmless, so get in with them so you can tell everyone back home you swam with sharks. I would also recommend that you snorkle around the reef were you have lunch. That was some of the best coral/fish we saw all trip. When your time at the motu is done you will reboard the boats and go back across the lagoon to the pass where you might see the dolphins swimming and playing in the waves. The last part of the trip will be at a place called the aquarium. Usually there are a large number of boats there, but the fish and coral are truely amazing. That is why they call it the aquarium. There are no fences or boundries, just a great place for the fish to thrive. Your trip will be done after this spot, but the memories will live on forever. I would highly recommend this trip to anyone. It was our best dayof the entire trip! PS. Take sunscreen , and use it or you will fry!
We had about 20 people from the ship going on the trip, and we all met at the dock about 8 AM. We were taken across the lagoon in 2 speed boats that took about an hour. On our trip the water was very calm, but I understand it can be very rough. We were let out on the other side of the atoll and walked about 50 yards to the beach in crystal clear water. You definately want very good water shoes for this trip with thick soles. We had the opportunity to snorkle in a Hoa (area between 2 motus), for about an hour. The coral and fish here were amazing. After this snorkle we walked along the hoa until we came to the reef that seperates the lagoon from the Pacific Ocean. The coral here was once under water, and rises several feet above the water. It is grey/black and very sharp. If you do decide to walk on it to see the Pacific, be very careful! Remember the town/cruise ship is a one hour boat trip away. We were crazy enough to walk out to see the Pacific. The view was breath taking. After this bit of craziness we reasted in shallow pools of blue, crystal clear water. We were taken across the hoa to the next motu for our picnic lunch. The water never was more that waist deep, and the views were undescribable. The water was every shade of blue with white beaches in the background. The clouds were amazing, with the occasional storm on the horizon ( we were there in the rainy season).Our motu picnic consisted first of some amazing coconut bread, then grilled mahi mahi, chicken, rice, poisson cru, and mango juice. After lunch we waded around with the black tipped reef sharks in water that was about 2 feet deep. They are really harmless, so get in with them so you can tell everyone back home you swam with sharks. I would also recommend that you snorkle around the reef were you have lunch. That was some of the best coral/fish we saw all trip. When your time at the motu is done you will reboard the boats and go back across the lagoon to the pass where you might see the dolphins swimming and playing in the waves. The last part of the trip will be at a place called the aquarium. Usually there are a large number of boats there, but the fish and coral are truely amazing. That is why they call it the aquarium. There are no fences or boundries, just a great place for the fish to thrive. Your trip will be done after this spot, but the memories will live on forever. I would highly recommend this trip to anyone. It was our best dayof the entire trip! PS. Take sunscreen , and use it or you will fry!
Written 8 April 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Deborah D
London, UK18 contributions
Dec 2016 • Solo
They are the only ones offering the reef island's excursion so you are not caught up in the tourists crowd. The island is a natural beauty and remains hardly inhabited (lets keep it this way to preserve the fauna and flora :-)). We went snorkelling, swimming in natural pools and saw the reefs before having a tasty traditional Polynesian lunch. The afternoon is dedicated to hand craft and dolphins watching. Leon and his guides are very friendly and good fun !. I would recommend this excursion, you will definitely have a great day !
Written 17 December 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Gen X Traveler
Olathe, KS382 contributions
Nov 2015 • Couples
Booked Excursion to Reef Island thru Pa'ati Excursions - revaultleon@mail.pf - Natacha for 8500 francs and boy was it worth it.
• We found our excursion guys right away at the Tender Port and boarded the boat for our excursion (waited a total of 5 minutes). There were 7 people in our boat from the cruise ship on this excursion. Once loaded we were off to Reef Island on the southern side of Rangiroa. It took 43 minutes to get to Reef Island, it was a pretty smooth trip, you could see our cruise ship for about 25 minutes and then you could see Reef Island ahead of you for the next 20 minutes. On the way over to Reef Island we meet up with a second excursion group from hotels. Once we got to reef island, we only took stuff you could easily carry for the next 2 hours, like snorkel gear, towel, cameras, water shoes and sunscreen (small backpack).
• Once on the island we then headed a snorkel spot. We had to wade between motus to get to the snorkel spot. The snorkeling was positioned between 2 motus and allowed for drift snorkeling. We would walk up the motu towards the south and then enter the water and drift snorkel back to the lagoon where we started. We did this multiple times and each time was better than the last. We did not take our fins, only mask and snorkel. After drift snorkeling for a while we headed to the back of the island next to the open ocean. There the reef has been pushed at least 6 feet out of the water. Along the elevated reef head was fairly deep water so you could jump off the reef into the water. We spent the next hour exploring the island, before we packed up our gear and started heading to lunch.
• Lunch was located on a different motu, so we had to walk for about 20 minutes to get there. We even had to cross a fairly large body of water between motus. The water ranged from waist deep to shoulder deep for me (some people had to swim). Once we crossed the water, we were at our lunch location. There they had unloaded our bags and were cooking on an outdoor grill, they used coconut husks for firewood. They had several picnic tables with shade. They had fresh cooked coconut bread, beer, soda, water, grilled chicken, grilled fish, rice, and a raw fish salad. After having a nice meal, we spent the next 30 minutes feeding the small black tip reef sharks the left over fish. The sharks would swim all of the way out of the water to get a small piece of fish.
• After the lunch and shark feeding the boat with cruise people had to leave back for port, we waded back out to our boat. It took another 45 minutes to get back to the other side of the lagoon. We were back on our side of the lagoon by 2:30pm, so we had plenty of time to snorkel and look for dolphins. We then headed to the coral gardens which was just south of the Tiputa Pass and small motu. When we hit the water there were large schools of fish (mostly ocean perch). There was a lot of good sized fish, large eels, larger black tip reef sharks and a lot of wonderful coral. We spent the next 45 minutes snorkeling and relaxing by the pass. We then loaded the boat with our 7 guests and headed into the Tiputa Pass. It was amazing the current going thru the pass; we drove to the far side of the pass and drifted thru the pass with several other boats. There was a bunch of dolphins riding the waves and currents in the pass; they would jump from wave to wave in the pass. After drifting thru the pass several times we headed to the tender pier.
Overall the excursion was a blast, the boat crossing to the south side of the atoll was not bad, and the reef island motu was a very unique place and I was very glad we did this excursion.
Thanks guys, see you next time.
• We found our excursion guys right away at the Tender Port and boarded the boat for our excursion (waited a total of 5 minutes). There were 7 people in our boat from the cruise ship on this excursion. Once loaded we were off to Reef Island on the southern side of Rangiroa. It took 43 minutes to get to Reef Island, it was a pretty smooth trip, you could see our cruise ship for about 25 minutes and then you could see Reef Island ahead of you for the next 20 minutes. On the way over to Reef Island we meet up with a second excursion group from hotels. Once we got to reef island, we only took stuff you could easily carry for the next 2 hours, like snorkel gear, towel, cameras, water shoes and sunscreen (small backpack).
• Once on the island we then headed a snorkel spot. We had to wade between motus to get to the snorkel spot. The snorkeling was positioned between 2 motus and allowed for drift snorkeling. We would walk up the motu towards the south and then enter the water and drift snorkel back to the lagoon where we started. We did this multiple times and each time was better than the last. We did not take our fins, only mask and snorkel. After drift snorkeling for a while we headed to the back of the island next to the open ocean. There the reef has been pushed at least 6 feet out of the water. Along the elevated reef head was fairly deep water so you could jump off the reef into the water. We spent the next hour exploring the island, before we packed up our gear and started heading to lunch.
• Lunch was located on a different motu, so we had to walk for about 20 minutes to get there. We even had to cross a fairly large body of water between motus. The water ranged from waist deep to shoulder deep for me (some people had to swim). Once we crossed the water, we were at our lunch location. There they had unloaded our bags and were cooking on an outdoor grill, they used coconut husks for firewood. They had several picnic tables with shade. They had fresh cooked coconut bread, beer, soda, water, grilled chicken, grilled fish, rice, and a raw fish salad. After having a nice meal, we spent the next 30 minutes feeding the small black tip reef sharks the left over fish. The sharks would swim all of the way out of the water to get a small piece of fish.
• After the lunch and shark feeding the boat with cruise people had to leave back for port, we waded back out to our boat. It took another 45 minutes to get back to the other side of the lagoon. We were back on our side of the lagoon by 2:30pm, so we had plenty of time to snorkel and look for dolphins. We then headed to the coral gardens which was just south of the Tiputa Pass and small motu. When we hit the water there were large schools of fish (mostly ocean perch). There was a lot of good sized fish, large eels, larger black tip reef sharks and a lot of wonderful coral. We spent the next 45 minutes snorkeling and relaxing by the pass. We then loaded the boat with our 7 guests and headed into the Tiputa Pass. It was amazing the current going thru the pass; we drove to the far side of the pass and drifted thru the pass with several other boats. There was a bunch of dolphins riding the waves and currents in the pass; they would jump from wave to wave in the pass. After drifting thru the pass several times we headed to the tender pier.
Overall the excursion was a blast, the boat crossing to the south side of the atoll was not bad, and the reef island motu was a very unique place and I was very glad we did this excursion.
Thanks guys, see you next time.
Written 19 November 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
PeggyAnne777
Denver, CO397 contributions
Oct 2015 • Couples
This was one our favorite excursions of our trip to French Polynesia. My boyfriend and I took a Princess Cruise and this was one of our stops. The local people doing the tour were there on time in two boats. Everyone was so friendly! The boat ride to the other side of Rangiroa (Rung-ee-roe-a) was a full hour. Take some sea sick pills if feeling poorly is even a scant possibility. You don't want to feel bad for this! Once we arrived we immediately saw why they take you there, it is so ridiculously beautiful. We all hopped out of the boats (reef shoes are a must) & walked to shore. It wasn't long until the snorkeling began. Neither the fish or coral was great, although it was lovely and fun. From here we walked to some 'old' coral that is no longer below the water. It was really different, stark and a bit alien-ish. Super good for photos. We then swam in this natural 'swimming pool' with it's own 'high dive'. That was fun for all! From here we walked about 400 yards in the water in between two islands! I had my backpack on my head since I got to about chest height in water. This was really fun; like something you would see on TV. After this we had lunch on this deserted motu. The lunch was VERY good. The grilled fish and fresh baked coconut bread were worthy of the best chefs. They had plenty of beer, water & soda available. Our entertainment was watching the 2-3 foot reef sharks circling the waters right in front of our picnic. They knew that some raw tuna was coming their way. After lunch our guides threw a bunch of fish chunks in the water and the wee sharks went crazy. The facilities at the motu were poor, so I did my business in the foliage, like everyone else. Bring your own hand sanitizer if you're into that. The boat ride back was another hour. Once we were back we had one more stop at the 'aquarium'. This was a fish paradise. From here it was back to the dock (there are a few vendors selling goodies here) and tender to ship. Book this tour in advance from home!! Internet/arranging things once you're there is difficult.
Written 7 November 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Pauline H
Venice, FL231 contributions
Feb 2014 • Couples
I can't say enough good things about Leon and his staff. The tour was very interesting, the lunch was outstanding and the palm leaf woven hat and basket was a very nice touch.
The only warning is the speed boat ride is over an hour each way and the water was very rough the day we spent with Leon. We don't have back problems but we're not youngsters and the trip over and back was really to rough for us to enjoy. It took us a day or two to recover from all the bouncing. This isn't the fault of the the tour operator but I'm just want to give everyone fair warning.
The only warning is the speed boat ride is over an hour each way and the water was very rough the day we spent with Leon. We don't have back problems but we're not youngsters and the trip over and back was really to rough for us to enjoy. It took us a day or two to recover from all the bouncing. This isn't the fault of the the tour operator but I'm just want to give everyone fair warning.
Written 1 February 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ana_and_Anton
Aberdeen, UK773 contributions
Sept 2016 • Couples
As many before me have said this place is absolutely marvalous. The bare minimum you need to bring with you is a camera, reef shoes, sun sreen and a hat. Make sure you get your pension/hotel to book for you with Leon’s outfit called Pa’ati Excursions. We also tried Leon’s main competition (Jean Pierre at Tereva Excursions) on our other trip to the Blue Lagon and can hands down say that Leon provides a much better client service and better food. For people that only speak English it is essential to book with Leon. I don't want to put down the competition too much, but Leon and his friendly staff really went the extra mile to make sure that everyone is informed even if they didn't speak French and for everyone to have fun. The lunch he cooks up is one of a kind. Be prepared to drool over freshly prepared coconut bread, lagoon fish, a cold Hinano beer, etc. No matter which excursion you are going with you are guaranteed to get wet on the boat ride unless the lagoon is very calm. The boats are quite fast and therefore spray water onto the passangers as they break against the waves. If you are prone to get sea sick think carefully about the fact that it takes 1 hour to get there and the same to get back. That being said I have a history of seasickness and was fine when sitting away from the engines and keeping focus on the horizon.
Written 11 October 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Bountyvv
Coutances, France16 contributions
Sept 2016 • Friends
We went with Leon excursion. Wonderful organization of the day:
Visit to the Dolphins, on the way to the reef Snorkeling reaching the spot after 1 hour of boat. Time for a walk and another bath close to the reef. Really good lunch with beers, cooked and raw fish chicken rice coco bread desert.... On the way back new stop to see the Dolphins and snorkeling... Thanks Leon!
Visit to the Dolphins, on the way to the reef Snorkeling reaching the spot after 1 hour of boat. Time for a walk and another bath close to the reef. Really good lunch with beers, cooked and raw fish chicken rice coco bread desert.... On the way back new stop to see the Dolphins and snorkeling... Thanks Leon!
Written 18 October 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Louise K
Fort Myers Beach, FL128 contributions
July 2015 • Family
Pa'ati Excursions, run by Leon and Natacha, was everything and more than we anticipated from the reviews we read here in Trip Advisor. The trip was wonderfully organized to create a balance of Eco-touring, relaxation and a taste of Rangiroan culture. Leon is a great guide, captian and teacher. We saw the beautiful lagoons and pools of Ile aux Recifs after a 50 minute speed boat crossing of the Rangiroa lagoon from Tiputa pass. We had a leisurely morning snorkeling and exploring natural pools and black lava reefs that meet the moana. It was like the Garden of Eden! Then, we walked to an adjacent island where a typical and delicious Polynesian lunch awaited us. As if on cue, reef sharks entertained us in the shallow water by our shelter after lunch. The return included dolphin watching and a final snorkel in the "aquarium". A PERFECT DAY! Thank you Leon and Natacha!
Written 16 July 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Bonjour
J'aimerai connaître les coordonnées de Léon pour la sortie l'île aux récifs car nous partons en Polynesie en juillet et nous irons quelques jours à rangiroa.
Cordialement
Veronique
Written 24 April 2019
Je confirme, tout le monde connaît Leon à Rangiroa, demandez à votre logeur de l'appeler, n'oubliez pas appareil photo et masque pas besoin de palmes. Enjoy....
Written 3 November 2019
Bonjour pourrais-je avoir le mail de Léon svp je ne le trouve nulle part. Merci
Written 17 April 2019
Bonjour
Nous sommes à RANGIROA en mai pour quelques jours.
Je souhaiterais faire avec mon mari l’excursion de l’île aux récifs le 06/05/2019 pour deux personnes.
Comment réserver pour pouvoir la faire avec Léon qui est très bien réputé?
Merci d’avance.
Laura
Written 3 April 2019
Effectivement il vaut mieux réserver avec Léon il a 2 bateaux mais C est vite complet...
Written 4 April 2019
Bonjour, nous partons pour Rangiroa fin mai. Nous allons loger à la pension Tevahine Dream. Nous aimerions passer une journée avec Léon sur l'île aux récifs. Quels sont les tarifs, doit-on réserver avant et comment le contacter ? Merci.
Written 28 February 2019
Bonjour de mémoire 100 e par personne.
Un guide super. La plus belle journée de notre long séjour. Important ne pas oublier la GO Pro ou sen équiper.
Le numéro de Léon je ne lai pas mais tt le monde le connaît . Réservez dès votre arrivée.
Bon séjour et regalez-vous!
Written 3 March 2019
What Motu is Ile aux Recifs located on? It is not on Google maps..
Written 13 February 2019
It is a volcanic moth, a series of rock spires. Absolutely gorgeous, they la d on a small motu for snorkeling then you walk to spires surrounding pools. After you walk across another shallow waterway to another small moth for lunch. Unknown if they have names, I can however tell you it was the best day ever!!!!!!
Written 4 March 2019
Hello, we would like to get on a tour visiting the Blue Lagoon tomorrow, is that possible? Contact us at Hotel Kia Ora resort. We are Victor and Marta. Thanks a lot ;)
Written 23 January 2019
How do we get in touch with someone for this tour? Cant find a contact except revaultleon@mail.pf and I get no response
Written 19 January 2019
Hi, I did not contact any tour company myself. I have been helped by the lodge manager where we stayed in Rangiroa. Try your lodge, pension or hotel for the contact or the arrangement of the tour. Good luck!
Written 19 January 2019
How do you contact Pa’ati Tours to book the trip to Ile aux Recifs? They don’t seem to have a website. How long was the tour?
Written 23 December 2018
Buongiorno a breve mi recherò a rangiroa , e sarei interessata a questa escursione ma come posso contattare questo LEON di cui tutti parlate? E quanto costa l escursione ?grazie mille
Written 23 August 2018
Bonjour,
actuellement à BoraBora avec mon mari nous partons demain pour Rangiora.
Nous sommes intéressés pour votre excursion mais n’avons pas de téléphone pour vous contacter nous restons 4 jours et séjournons au maitai.
Pouvons nous avoir vos tarifs et une adresse mail svp?
Merci
Written 21 July 2018
Je n'ai pas le contact mais tu peux demander à ton hôtel de réserver cette activité
Written 21 July 2018
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