Tahiti is the cultural centre of French Polynesia. When people picture the “South Sea Islands”, they are thinking about Tahiti. The hula hoop craze originated there as part of a dance. The beaches and lagoons are more beautiful than many and were the inspiration of paintings by Paul Gaugin. The island offers cruises and tours both on land and sea and include whale watching, day and sunset cruises, historical, 4WD, cultural and glass-bottomed boat tours. The beaches and lagoons offer splendid opportunities for swimming, diving and kayaking. The islanders love sport, most of which will be familiar to those from Europe. The national sport is called Va’a, a form of racing outrigger canoes. Food is available to suit every taste. This includes French, Moroccan, Italian, European, Asian, Polynesian, street and others.
Rangiroa is the largest atoll of the Tuamotus and is one of the world's greatest destinations for SCUBA diving. On the island of Rangiroa itself, Avatoru and Tiputa offer a unique look at the South Pacific. There are few roads here and you can enjoy coral churches, craft centers and local shops & restaurants operated by locals. Wine enthusiasts can enjoy wine tasting at the Dominique Auroy Estate which produces three grape varieties and for jewellery lovers you will find black pearl farms dotted around the lagoon.
With only a handful of people living there, Toau is a tapestry of blue. This is a great chance to capture sight of everyday local life on a French Polynesian atoll. Moor up and immerse yourself in a lively yet laid back local scene with ukulele music and dancing. Head out lobstering or learn about the local spearfishing. Snap something delicious to be cooked at lunch and spend long afternoons face down with a mask and flippers as you cruise the crystalline waters. Head to Teahuroa on the southeastern side of the atoll where romantic little white sand beaches entice you in with perfect picnic spots and dazzling sunsets.
The epicentre of pearl culture can be found on the blissful island of Apataki. A French Polynesian gem, this small and unspoiled atoll is the best spot for pearl diving in French Polynesia. Sitting in the northwestern Tuamotu Islands, Apataki is all scenic grace with its rose gold sands, shimmering seas, and colourful fishes swimming in the shallows. It’s this crystal clear visibility and access passes that make it a great diving spot for those wanting to duck down into the coral atoll. Apataki is also the home of rare seabird colonies and boasts a handful of deserted beaches that rarely sees any travellers stop by its shores. For yacht charter guests looking to dive and dream on a perfectly conserved atoll, Apataki is sure to ignite the imagination.
Located among the Society Islands, Huahine caters for tourists with many activities available and is a paradise for snorkeling and scuba diving, 4WD island tours, historic and cultural tours, and a visit to a distillery. Huahine is famous for its sacred eels which guests can feed from a bridge crossing the stream where they live.
One of the world's most romantic islands, Bora Bora is an ideal sailing destination for honeymoons and wedding anniversaries. Surrounded by golden sands and glistening turquoise waters, it is a genuine premium holiday spot. The best activities are water based and these include scuba diving, snorkelling, jetskiing, paddle-boarding, rafting, jet boating, kayaking, shark diving and many more. Dry land excursions include island tours by quad-bike and 4WD. A boat trip to the Lagoonarium is well worth it. Bora Bora has a number of fine dining restaurants as well as others providing a wide range of food including Sushi, French, European, Asian and other cuisines.
In French Polynesia's western Leeward islands, Maupiti is a beautiful coral atoll with a volcanic island at its center. It is the ultimate getaway destination, void of tourist exploitation and development and still holding onto its sense of sublime wildness. While people often bolt for Bora Bora, those seeking a softer, calmer side of French Polynesia can laze on soft, white sands and explore the perfect turquoise waters and coral gardens by kayak, snorkeling, or diving.
Moorea is something truly magical. With its vertical peaks reaching for the sky and its moon white sand beaches, you are sure to find this French Polynesian gem a soft alternative to its sister island of Tahiti. Be sure to visit the Tiki Village with its local feasts and threads of song and dance. With epic diving sites at every turn, you can swim alongside rays, eagles, sharks, and a whole host of other characters. Pick up some beautiful velvet black pearls - the kind that makes this island so famous. With a wealth of beaches to choose from, you can soak up swish vibes at the cool Coco Beach or Opunohu Bay or seek your own slice of hidden paradise at Opunohu Bay. Drop anchor, swim, sip coconut water, and ride bicycles around these truly exotic shores.