The Islands of Tahiti. The word evokes visions of an island paradise. 118 islands covering more than 2 million square miles of the South Pacific Ocean spread out over five great archipelagos, boast high, rugged mountain peaks, coral reefs, turquoise-blue lagoons, white sand, palm-fringed beaches, and luxuriously intimate resorts ~ each island paradise has something for everyone.
While there are plenty of slim stretches of white, pink and black-sand beaches in French Polynesia, they are just pretty springboards into the real draw: the lagoons. Most high islands are surrounded by fringing reef that creates a protected swimming pool of the most intense hue of aqua imaginable. Coral atolls have this same calibre of lagoon minus the big clunky island in the middle.
Experience warm, laid-back island chic
Sculpted by sky-piercing, moss-green peaks and lined with vivid turquoise lagoons, sultry French Polynesia is a place to take it slow.
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Lagoon Spectacular
While there are plenty of slim stretches of white, pink and black-sand beaches in French Polynesia, they are just pretty springboards into the real draw: the lagoons. Most high islands are surrounded by fringing reef that creates a protected swimming pool of the most intense hue of aqua imaginable. Coral atolls have this same calibre of lagoon minus the big clunky island in the middle. Fish, dolphins, rays, sharks, turtles and more inhabit these clear-water coral gardens that are as excellent for snorkelling as they are for diving and swimming. Surfers ride glassy wave faces at reef passes while kitesurfers and windsurfers fly across the water terrain with the trade winds.
Location
French Polynesia includes 121 islands scattered across more than 1,930,500 square miles (five million square kilometers) in the southern Pacific Ocean between Australia and South America. It is divided into 5 groups of islands. The capital city, Papeete, is on the island of Tahiti, the largest of these islands and the first to experience European conquest. It is the international gateway island. Most visitors holiday in the Society islands of Tahiti, neighbouring Moorea or venture to the famed Bora Bora, Tahaa and Huahine.
