French Polynesia, as its name suggests, offers a fantastic mix of French chic and South Pacific charm. Whether you want to enjoy the fantastic sailing conditions in this haven for 'yachties', scuba dive or gorge on the unique mix of French and Polynesian cuisine, French Polynesia offers it all.
While Tahiti is the most famous island in the group, French Polynesia has so much more to offer visitors. There are the soaring hills of the Asrals and Gambias, the volcanic Society and Maquesas Islands and the coral islands of the Tuamotas. Then there is Rangiroa, the second-biggest atoll in the world, which has a lagoon like a vast inland sea, the configuration of which causes powerful currents that make it a mecca for divers.
Nautical activities, namely shark and ray feeding excursions, are also the main attraction of Bora Bora, a former World War II base located just over 160 miles the north west of the French Polynesian capital, Papeete. Neighbouring Taha'a is also famous for its water sports but also for its vanilla production and pearl farming.
It's not hard to see why Captain Cook, W. Somerset Maughan, Robert Louis Stevenson and Paul Gauguin were all fans of the Polynesian Islands.
