French Polynesia is a collection of islands in the South Pacific Ocean that are renowned for their magnificent scenery and opulent resorts. The Society Islands, the Tuamotu Archipelago, the Gambier Islands, the Marquesas Islands, and the Austral Islands are the five primary island groups that make up the territory. Visitors can enjoy the distinctive attractions and experiences that each of these island groupings has to offer.
The Islands of The Society
Of all the island groups in French Polynesia, the Society Islands receive the most tourists, and it’s not hard to understand why. Tahiti, Moorea, and Bora Bora are some of the major islands in this collection. These islands are renowned for their stunning coastlines, pristine oceans, and opulent hotels.
The largest of the Society Islands is Tahiti, also referred to as the “Island of Love.” Tahiti offers tourists the chance to experience traditional Polynesian culture, explore the island’s lush rainforests, and go to historic maraes (temples). A number of cultural institutions, including the Paul Gauguin Museum and the Museum of Tahiti and Her Islands, are also located on the island. The island’s several waterfalls, including Faarumai Waterfall and Papenoo Waterfall, which offer stunning vistas and fantastic hiking opportunities, may also be enjoyed by visitors.
Moorea is renowned for its magnificent coral reefs, pristine waters, and beaches. Numerous hiking routes on the island can be explored by visitors, and they provide beautiful views of both the island and its surrounds. Additionally, the island is home to a number of picturesque lookouts, including Belvedere Lookout and Tiki Lookout, which provide sweeping panoramas of the island and its surrounds. Visitors can also go on a boat excursion to see the island’s famous Moorea Lagoon, where they can get up close and personal with its coral reefs and marine life.
The Society Islands’ most well-known island, Bora Bora, is renowned for its opulent resorts and overwater bungalows. Visitors can either unwind on the island’s pristine sandy beaches or swim and dive in the stunning coral reefs. The island is also home to a number of renowned spas, including the InterContinental Bora Bora Resort & Thalasso Spa and the Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora, where guests may indulge in a selection of rejuvenation and relaxation treatments.
The Tuamotu Islands
The 78 coral atolls that make up the Tuamotu Archipelago are renowned for their stunning beaches, clean waters, and top-notch diving and snorkeling. This group’s principal islands are Rangiroa, Tikehau, and Fakarava.
Rangiroa is renowned for its top-notch snorkeling and diving thanks to its abundant marine life and lovely coral reefs. Additionally, tourists can visit the historic maraes and learn about the island’s traditional Polynesian culture. Additionally, the island is home to a number of diving and snorkeling companies, including Rangiroa Plongee and Top Dive Rangiroa, that provide a range of diving and snorkeling tours for tourists of all experience levels. The island is also home to a number of pearl farms, including Rangiroa Pearl Beach and Pearl Lodge Rangiroa, where tourists can find out more about the island’s pearl farming industry and buy locally produced pearls.
Beautiful beaches, pristine oceans, and top-notch diving and snorkeling are all hallmarks of Tikehau. Additionally, tourists can visit the historic maraes and learn about the island’s traditional Polynesian culture. There are also a number of diving and snorkeling businesses on the island, including Tikehau Dive and Tikehau Pearl Beach, which provide a range of diving and snorkeling tours for tourists of various experience levels. Several pearl farms can be found on the island, including Tikehau Pearl Lodge and Tikehau Pearl Beach, where tourists may find out more about the pearl farming sector on the island and buy pearls that were cultivated there.
Beautiful beaches, pristine oceans, and top-notch diving and snorkeling are all highlights of Fakarava. Additionally, tourists can visit the historic maraes and learn about the island’s traditional Polynesian culture. Numerous diving and snorkeling companies, including Fakarava Dive and Fakarava Plongee, are also based on the island and provide a range of diving and snorkeling tours for tourists of all experience levels. The island is also a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, and visitors can snorkel or dive there to see a number of rare and endangered species, including the Fakarava Polynesian ground dove and the Fakarava gigantic manta ray.
The Gambier Islands
The Gambier Islands, which lie in French Polynesia’s extreme south, are renowned for their stunning beaches, clean waters, and top-notch diving and snorkeling. This group’s principal islands are Mangareva, Akamaru, and Taravai.
Beautiful beaches, pristine waters, and top-notch diving and snorkeling are all hallmarks of Mangareva. Additionally, tourists can visit the historic maraes and learn about the island’s traditional Polynesian culture. The island is also home to a number of historical locations, including the Te Fenua Enata Museum and the Mangareva Archaeological Center, which provide information on the island’s past and culture. Visitors can also go on a boat excursion to see the Mangareva Lagoon on the island, which is home to a number of rare and endangered marine species.
Beautiful beaches, pristine oceans, and top-notch diving and snorkeling are all hallmarks of Akamaru. Additionally, tourists can visit the historic maraes and learn about the island’s traditional Polynesian culture. A number of hiking paths, including the Akamaru Trail and the Akamaru Lookout Trail, can be found on the island and provide stunning views of both the island and its surrounds. A boat tour of the island’s Akamaru Lagoon, which is home to numerous rare and endangered marine species, is also available to visitors.
Beautiful beaches, pristine waters, and top-notch diving and snorkeling are all hallmarks of Taravai. Additionally, tourists can visit the historic maraes and learn about the island’s traditional Polynesian culture. The Taravai Trail and the Taravai Lookout Trail, for example, both offer stunning views of the island and its surrounds. The island is also home to numerous more hiking paths. Visitors can also go on a boat tour to see the Taravai Lagoon on the island, which is home to a number of rare and endangered marine species.
The Marquesas Islands
French Polynesia’s extreme north is home to the Marquesas Islands, which are renowned for both their unusual and rocky scenery as well as their rich cultural legacy. This group’s principal islands are Nuku Hiva, Ua Pou, and Hiva Oa.
Towering cliffs and gushing waterfalls are a few of Nuku Hiva’s breathtaking natural features. Ancient marae on the island can be explored by visitors who also want to learn about traditional Polynesian culture and customs. There are a number of hiking paths on the island, including the Taaoa Valley Trail and the Tohua Koueva Trail, which provide stunning vistas and the ability to explore the island’s distinctive topography. Also accessible by boat, the island’s Nuku Hiva Lagoon is home to numerous rare and endangered marine species.
Ua Pou is renowned for both its traditional Polynesian culture and its stunning surroundings. Ancient marae can be explored, and visitors can see customary dances and ceremonies. A number of hiking paths, including the Ua Pou Trail and the Ua Pou Lookout Trail, are also located on the island and provide beautiful views of the island and its surrounds. Visitors can also take a boat tour to discover the Ua Pou Lagoon on the island, which is home to numerous rare and endangered marine species. The renowned Ua Pou Sculptures on the island are another attraction for tourists. These historic stone statues are exclusive to the Marquesas Islands.
Hiva Oa is renowned for its stunning shorelines, immaculate waters, and top-notch diving and snorkeling. Additionally, tourists can visit the historic maraes and learn about the island’s traditional Polynesian culture. Hiva Oa Trail and Hiva Oa Lookout Trail, two of the island’s several hiking paths, both provide stunning views of the island and its surrounds. A boat tour of the island’s Hiva Oa Lagoon, which is home to numerous rare and endangered marine species, is also available to visitors. The island is also home to a number of historical locations, including the Paul Gauguin Museum and the Hiva Oa Archaeological Center, which provide insight into the island’s past and customs.
The Austral Islands
French Polynesia’s far south contains the Austral Islands, which are renowned for their secluded and untainted beauty. This group’s principal islands are Raivavae, Rurutu, and Tubuai.
Beautiful beaches, pristine waters, and top-notch diving and snorkeling are what make Raivavae famous. Additionally, tourists can visit the historic maraes and learn about the island’s traditional Polynesian culture. A number of hiking paths, including the Raivavae Trail and the Raivavae Lookout Trail, are also located on the island and provide beautiful views of the island and its surrounds. A boat tour of the island’s Raivavae Lagoon, which is home to numerous rare and endangered marine species, is also available to visitors.
Towering cliffs and gushing waterfalls are only a couple of the unusual landscape features that make Rurutu famous. Ancient marae on the island can be explored by visitors who also want to learn about traditional Polynesian culture and customs. A number of hiking paths, including the Rurutu Trail and the Rurutu Lookout Trail, are also present on the island and provide stunning views of both the island and its surrounds. Also accessible by boat, the island’s Rurutu Lagoon is home to numerous rare and endangered marine species.
Tubuai is renowned for its traditional Polynesian culture, remoteness, and natural beauty. Ancient marae can be explored, and visitors can see customary dances and ceremonies. A number of hiking paths, including the Tubuai Trail and the Tubuai Lookout Trail, are also located on the island and provide beautiful views of the area around the island. A boat tour of the island’s Tubuai Lagoon, which is home to numerous rare and endangered aquatic species, is also available to visitors. The island is also home to a number of historical locations, including the Te Fenua Enata Museum and the Tubuai Archaeological Center, which provide insight into the island’s past and customs.
In summary, French Polynesia provides tourists with a wide range of experiences, from five-star hotels and stunning beaches in the Society Islands to world-class diving and snorkeling in the Tuamotu Archipelago and the untamed beauty of the Austral Islands. French Polynesia is the ideal location for tourists of all interests because each of the island groups has its own own sights and experiences to offer. French Polynesia offers something for everyone, whether you’re searching for a romantic holiday, an action-packed trip, or a chance to experience traditional Polynesian culture. French Polynesia is definitely a paradise on earth with its breathtaking scenery, clean oceans, and rich cultural legacy. Therefore, French Polynesia is the ideal destination if you’re seeking for a getaway that combines luxury, adventure, and culture.
Our Top FAQ's
The main island groups in French Polynesia are the Society Islands, the Tuamotu Archipelago, the Gambier Islands, the Marquesas Islands, and the Austral Islands.
Bora Bora, located in the Society Islands, is the most famous island in French Polynesia. It is known for its luxury resorts and overwater bungalows.
Visitors to the Tuamotu Archipelago can enjoy world-class diving and snorkeling, explore traditional Polynesian culture and visit ancient maraes, and visit pearl farms.
The Marquesas Islands are known for their unique and rugged landscapes, as well as their rich cultural heritage. Visitors can explore ancient maraes, witness traditional dances and ceremonies, and hike to stunning viewpoints. The island is also home to the unique Ua Pou Sculptures, ancient stone statues that can only be found in the Marquesas Islands.