French Polynesia is made up of 118 islands and atolls covering a stretch of ocean roughly the size of the European Union.
The most well known islands are Tahiti and Bora Bora, nevertheless other smaller islands are like a gem to be discovered. Here are a few that you should include in your next visit.

1. Rangiroa


Part of the Society Islands, Rangiroa is called the “infinite lagoon.” It’s one of the largest atolls in the world. A favorite place among divers. You can spot sharks, as well as dolphins, green turtles and eagle rays beyond the reef.

2. Mangareva

At the center of the Gambier Islands, the islands at the end of the world, more than a thousand miles southeast of Tahiti, sits Mangareva. A hub of Catholic missionaries in the 19th century, its village of Rikitea is home to the neo-Gothic 1848 St. Michael’s Cathedral, constructed of fired limestone and inlaid with mother of pearl.

3. Taha’a

Part of the Society Islands, the island of Taha’a is the premier place for Polynesian exports, including perfect black pearls and vanilla beans, grown on lush plantations, favorite of top restaurants around the world.

4. Fatu Hiva


The word tattoo originated in Polynesia, with the best artists coming from Fatu Hiva. Captain James Cook brought the Polynesian art form to the West. You can still see local tribes with head-to-toe tattoos on Fatu Hiva.

5. Moorea

In recent years Moorea has been gaining on Bora Bora as the area’s best honeymoon location. Many argue it rivals Bora Bora for natural splendor. It has low mountains rising above wide meadows of grass and ferns, fields growing coffee, pineapple and sugarcane.

6. Hiva Oa

The Marquesas bring an authentic Polynesian experience to the island experience. This mysterious set of islands remains mostly untouched by modern tourism.
Singer Jacques Brel and painter Paul Gauguin spent their last days on the island of Hiva Oa, famous for its untamed landscapes, as well as archaeological wonders like giant stone tiki dotting the island. There is also a Paul Gauguin Cultural Centre.

7. Manihi

Another large coral atoll, Manihi offers a true castaway vacation, where few tourists venture. Manihi’s salty waters provide the perfect environment for growing pearls. French Polynesia’s first pearl farm was started here in 1968.

8. Fakarava

Fakarava is known for its diverse ecosystem, marked by UNESCO as a Biosphere Reserve to preserve rare species.
With only about 400 people living on the island, its atolls are virtually untouched, making it great for diving. Over-water bungalows are banned to protect the delicate coral in the area. Fakarava offers a genuine exploration of the pearl trade.

9. Tikehau

Tikehau, an oval-shaped island covered in pink sand and surrounded by rich waters, has the best beaches in French Polynesia. Jacques Cousteau’s research group declared it the most fish-abundant atoll in Polynesia, which makes for incredible snorkeling just a few feet into the water.

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