About Taravai
Taravai is a small island in the Gambier Islands of French Polynesia, part of the wider Mangareva group. It is a compact, hilly island with small settlements and traditional sites that reflect the archipelago’s historic Polynesian culture.
The island contains archaeological remains and stone-built sites associated with pre-contact and early historic settlement in the Gambier Islands. Contemporary life is village-based with small-scale agriculture and fishing.
Taravai sits close to the principal island of Mangareva and is part of the administrative subdivision of the Tuamotu-Gambier territory of French Polynesia. It is reached by local boats from Mangareva.
- Access: Access to the island is normally by boat from the main Gambier island of Mangareva, which has the archipelago’s only airport.
Best Time to Visit Taravai
Taravai is a short boat hop from Mangareva; visit in the dry season for easier boat travel and clearer lagoon waters.
Weather & Climate near Taravai
Subtropical climate with consistently warm temperatures year-round. Temperatures range from 19°C to 28°C. Abundant rainfall (1630 mm/year), wettest in December.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | - | 23° - 28° | 26° | 137 mm | - | - | 4.4 m/s | - | - |
| February | - | 24° - 28° | 26° | 167 mm | - | - | 4.3 m/s | - | - |
| March | - | 24° - 28° | 26° | 141 mm | - | - | 4.0 m/s | - | - |
| April | - | 23° - 27° | 25° | 114 mm | - | - | 4.3 m/s | - | - |
| May | - | 22° - 26° | 24° | 115 mm | - | - | 4.4 m/s | - | - |
| June | - | 20° - 24° | 22° | 142 mm | - | - | 4.6 m/s | - | - |
| July | - | 20° - 24° | 22° | 135 mm | - | - | 4.8 m/s | - | - |
| August | - | 19° - 23° | 21° | 96 mm | - | - | 4.8 m/s | - | - |
| September | - | 19° - 24° | 21° | 105 mm | - | - | 4.6 m/s | - | - |
| October | - | 20° - 24° | 22° | 129 mm | - | - | 4.6 m/s | - | - |
| November | - | 21° - 26° | 23° | 160 mm | - | - | 4.5 m/s | - | - |
| December | - | 22° - 27° | 24° | 189 mm | - | - | 4.2 m/s | - | - |
How to Get to Taravai
Taravai is reached by boat from Mangareva (Rikitea). Public and charter boat services operate irregularly; Mangareva has the nearest air connections via Tahiti. Expect short inter-island crossings and plan for weather delays.
Tips for Visiting Taravai
- Catch the short public boat from Mangareva (Rikitea) rather than hiring a private skiff if schedules suit - it's cheaper and socially preferable.
- Walk the ridge to find the island's small marae and taste the slow pace of Gambier life.
- Bring mosquito repellent in the wet season; freshwater pools breed insects.