French Polynesia is an overseas territory of France. It is comprised 118 dispersed islands in the South Pacific, stretching for more than 2,000km.
Divided into the Austral, Gambier, Marquesas, Society and Tuamotu archipelagos, these islands are known for their coral-fringed lagoons and over-the-water bungalows. The islands also encompass white and black sand beaches, mountains, rugged backcountry and towering waterfalls.
Hiva Oa is the largest and most fertile of the southern Marquesas Islands and second only to Nuku Hiva in size. It does not have the fringes of coral reef along the coastline, making it an accessible island to explore the few shelters anchorages and sand beaches by boat. The terrain is extremely rugged, too volatile for roads. There are steep cliffs abruptly rising from the ocean to a rugged interior spine of volcanic mountains, ridges, and deep, isolated valleys.
Raiatea, is the second largest of the Society Islands, after Tahiti, in French Polynesia. The island is widely regarded as the ‘centre’ of the Eastern Islands. Rangiroa is one of the largest atolls in the world yet offers paved roads, a few stores, resorts, plentiful internet and gourmet restaurants, there’s really everything here you need.
Contact us to learn more about cruising in French Polynesia or view charter yachts currently available in this region.
Destination Highlights
- Visit the diving mecca of Rangiroa and explore world-renowned dive sites blessed with prolific marine life.
- Cruise over to Tahaa for scenic walking paths and colorful reefs for snorkeling
- Visit the island of Maupiti, a small coral atoll considered to be Bora Bora little sister. Maupiti has shimmering lagoons, large coral gardens, and excellent bird watching.
- A trip to Bora Bora, the most famous island in French Polynesia, is a must for those seeking a more relaxing and luxurious experience with its many excellent restaurants, bars and spas.
- Rent a jeep and experience the spellbinding terrain of Huahine Island. Referred to as the Garden of Eden, here you will find an immense tropical jungle thriving with coconut plantations, vanilla orchids, banana groves, breadfruit trees and watermelon fields.
