FRENCH POLYNESIA – A LITTLE BIT OF TROPICAL HEAVEN ON EARTH
TROPICAL PARADISE
French Polynesia covers a large area of the Pacific Ocean, embracing a few large populous islands and a number of much smaller islands and atolls, many uninhabited – 121 in total, stretching across over 4,000 sq. kms. Most are the remnants of ancient volcanic activity, some towering dramatically and majestically up to more than 2,000m above the water, others low lying sand bars surrounded by reefs. The waters here are mostly a translucent blue, the hills are covered in verdant tropical vegetation and the surrounding beaches variously range from pure white to jet black sands. The maximum temperature rarely exceeds 31°c whilst even in the cool of the evening it hardly ever drops below 20°c It’s a place unlike any other, at the same time mesmerising and intriguing. Come here to explore and make memories.
TAHITI – TOWERING TREASURE OF THE TROPICS
The largest island in French Polynesia, both in terms of land mass, population and sheer vertical presence with the central mountain rising to 2,241m, Tahiti has fascinated visitors since the days of artist Paul Gaugin who painted it so expressively. Shaped like a figure of 8, the heavily forested centre is virtually uninhabited, the population of some 200,000 souls inhabiting the beautiful coastline. It is home to the major international airport in the area and jumping off point for cruises and connections to explore the entire area.
MOOREA – THE ‘YELLOW LIZARD’
The Polynesians call this enchanting volcanic remnant Mo’ore’a which means ‘yellow lizard’ – quite why is lost in the mists of time. Only 11 miles from Tahiti it is much quieter with a population of only around 16,000. Being only 52 sq. miles in extent it’s smaller too but has some wonderful beaches and, in general, is a place of much natural beauty. The old volcanic peak, rising to 1,207m,. is surrounded by tropical forests on all sides and there are some spectacular waterfalls. Quite a large part of the population is related to families on Tahiti
BORA BORA
A mini-archipelago in its own right, Bora Bora is a small volcanic island surrounded by smaller islets known locally as ‘motus’, and coral reefs, which form a stunning lagoon. Its native name ‘pora pora’ means either ‘first born’ or ‘created by the Gods’. Certainly it’s a heavenly sort of place that has become a major tourist destination famous for its beachside hotels with room that often build out on stilts into and over the sea. Today the entire 12 sq. miles of the mountain and fringing waters has essentially become one big resort – but what a resort.
SOCIETY ISLANDS
Taken together the entire archipelago of the Society Islands encompasses 13 islands split into two groups. The Windward Islands includes Tahiti and Moorea, whilst the Leeward Islands Bora Bora. The subsidiary islands are less visited and mostly only accessible by boat. Scattered across 610 sq. miles of sea they are all relatively close together. If you want to explore more than the ‘Big Three’ we recommend you consider the 7 night cruise we offer which includes visits to Huahine, Raiatea, and Taha’a – having flown all this way it would be a shame to miss them.
TUAMOTU ISLANDS
Lying to the north of Tahiti, the Tuamotu archipelago is made up of 75 atolls (known locally as ‘Motus’). The largest chain of such islands in the world, this stretch of gorgeous ocean is the epitome of coral reefs and sleepy lagoons. It’s rather off the beaten track and only 16,000 people live here in total – they’re extremely friendly and love having visitors. It’s an area best explored by boat and the 3 day extension of our 7 day cruise is almost make-believe in quality, especially when we inside the reefs visiting Tetiaroa, Tikehau and Rangiroa.
