Tikehau is an almost circular atoll, with an interior 26 km. (16 miles) across and a pass for small boats through the coral reef.
When Jacques Cousteau's research group made a study of the polynesian atolls in 1987, they declared the lagoon of Tikehau to contain the most fish. Fish parks earn an income for many of the atoll's 312 inhabitants, who regularly ship parrot fish and other choice lagoon fish to Tahiti.
The lagoon is naturally the center of attraction in Tikehau, and optional boat excursions visit the fish parks, with a picnic on a motu islet. Line or spear fishing, motor boat rentals, and diving in the pass are also available. Land tours point out the highlights of the village and environs.