Papeete is the capital and gateway to French Polynesia, a tropical paradise of islands, beaches, and turquoise seas. It's a superb base for exploring Tahiti, with clear lagoons for snorkeling, black volcanic beaches, blowholes, and lush green mountains. Visit to relax and soak up the rhythm of Polynesian life.

Raiatea, the "Sacred Island," is a key site for Polynesian origins. Its best-known landmark is the Taputaputea Marae, a large ancient temple complex still intact, with traces of old rituals including a sacrificial stone. The Faaroa River is French Polynesia's only navigable waterway. Mount Temehani is a demanding trek and home to the rare white tiare apetahi flower, found only above 1,300 ft and protected by law.

Raiatea, the "Sacred Island," is a key site for Polynesian origins. Its best-known landmark is the Taputaputea Marae, a large ancient temple complex still intact, with traces of old rituals including a sacrificial stone. The Faaroa River is French Polynesia's only navigable waterway. Mount Temehani is a demanding trek and home to the rare white tiare apetahi flower, found only above 1,300 ft and protected by law.

Set in the jewel-bright lagoon of Taha'a, Motu Taha'a is a dream of white sand, swaying palms and translucent turquoise water. This tiny islet offers a quintessential French Polynesian escape, with superb snorkelling, tranquil beach time and sweeping views across the reef-fringed island scenery.

Fakarava is an oblong Tuamotu atoll, the second largest, 450 km NE of Tahiti and 120 km SE of Rangiroa. Its eastern edge has a 40 km reef-and-motu chain. It is known for drift diving at Garuae Pass near Rotoava and Tamakohua Pass in the south. Tetamanu by the southern pass was the old capital and has the archipelago's first church (1874). Declared a UNESCO biosphere reserve in 2006, it has no overwater bungalows. Bellingshausen "discovered" it in 1820; missionaries arrived later.

Fatu Hiva is the southernmost and most remote island in the Marquesas. Seen by Europeans in 1595 and later visited by Thor Heyerdahl, it has steep cliffs, sharp peaks, and narrow valleys. Its two villages, Omoa and Hana Vave, have about 650 people and lie on the protected west side, linked by a 17 km road. Omoa has a small harbor; Hana Vave has the famous Bay of Virgins. Islanders are known for tapa paintings and wood carvings.

Nuku Hiva, the second-largest island in French Polynesia's Marquesas after Tahiti, is still largely undiscovered by tourism. It offers dramatic mountains, eight harbors, one of the world's highest waterfalls, deep clear waters, lush forests, and archaeological sites like tikis and pae pae. Though French is official, Marquesan/Tahitian is more widely spoken, and younger locals also speak English. Herman Melville's stays here inspired Typee and Omoo.

Remote and beautifully unspoiled, Tahuata offers a glimpse of the wild charm of the Marquesas, where steep volcanic slopes, lush valleys and sheltered bays meet the Pacific. Small villages, local crafts and a strong Polynesian heritage lend the island a warm, authentic feel, while its quiet beaches and rugged scenery make it a memorable stop for nature lovers and those seeking a more off-the-beaten-track escape.

Rangiroa is French Polynesia's largest atoll. Over 400 motu enclose a vast lagoon, giving it the name "wide/long sky" or "immense sky." Avatoru and Tiputa sit by the main passes, where drift diving and snorkeling on incoming tides attract visitors to sharks and manta rays. Income comes mainly from government jobs, ecotourism, and pearl farming. Its calm turquoise lagoon, guesthouses, schools, and award-winning white and rosé wine also draw year-round visitors.

Huahine, between Moorea and Bora Bora, is still off the tourist trail but worth visiting. It has two islands, Huahine Nui and Huahine Iti, linked by a bridge. Main activity is in Fare on the north island; elsewhere life is slow, with bicycle travel and agriculture (vanilla, melons). The island is easy to explore by car via one road with a few forks, or by boat to the motu. Dining is limited, especially on Huahine Iti.

Bora Bora is a dream island: blue seas, white beaches, palm trees and vivid marine life. Famous for romantic sunsets, it offers more than honeymoons-lagoon excursions, underwater scooters, aqua safaris, and island tours, often stopping at Bloody Mary Restaurant & Bar. Its history includes a WWII US supply base ("Operation Bobcat") with ships, equipment, troops and coastal cannons. It was once called Vava'u, suggesting Tongan colonization before French annexation in 1888.

Moorea is a rugged, triangular high island in French Polynesia, often likened to a heart or bat. Its eight peaks rise to 1,207 m. A reef surrounds a narrow lagoon (a RAMSAR wetland) with few motu and sharks and rays. About one-eighth Tahiti's size, it has a relaxed feel, a road around the island, and 18,000 residents, many commuting to Tahiti by ferry. Visitors arrive via Temae airport or ships into north-coast bays, including Cook's Bay.

Papeete is the capital and gateway to French Polynesia, a tropical paradise of islands, beaches, and turquoise seas. It's a superb base for exploring Tahiti, with clear lagoons for snorkeling, black volcanic beaches, blowholes, and lush green mountains. Visit to relax and soak up the rhythm of Polynesian life.

Papeete is the capital and gateway to French Polynesia, a tropical paradise of islands, beaches, and turquoise seas. It's a superb base for exploring Tahiti, with clear lagoons for snorkeling, black volcanic beaches, blowholes, and lush green mountains. Visit to relax and soak up the rhythm of Polynesian life.