The Pearl Farm
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Port
Avatoru, Rangiroa, French Polynesia
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Activity Level
Moderate Activity
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Excursion Type
All
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Wheelchair Accessible
No
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Starting At (prices in USD)
$30
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Minimum Age
Information Not Currently Available
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Duration
Approximately 1½ Hours
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Meals Included
Meals not included
Transfer by bus along the main road of Rangiroa, passing the airport just before turning into the Black Pearl Farm. Most pearl farms are small in size, and the number of staff here is quite typical of the farms in this region.
Upon your arrival at the farm, the staff will provide a 20-minute introduction to pearl farming and explain how black pearls are produced. Learn about the chronology and evolution of the industry, how oysters are selected, grown and then grafted for production. Grafting is the key element, as this requires a skilled craftsman to perform precise surgery on each oyster.
The real highlight of the excursion is the opportunity to view a selection of unset black pearls that are also available for purchase. Here, your guide will be able to show you the criteria by which the pearls are graded for quality. You will see the round, baroque and semi-baroque pearls that range in grade from C to A+. This tour is ideal for those who have an interest in learning about pearl cultivation or for those who are shopping for black pearls.
Please note:
The prices are fixed. Cash, Visa or MasterCard are accepted. The Tuamotus are very remote islands. Your guide will do his/her best to speak English, but please keep in mind that the limited tourism infrastructure here is part of the charm, and bear with any language difficulties he/she may encounter. The vehicle does not have storage space wheelchairs or walkers; these must remain on the pier at ship's security.