Some of the best Christmas moments captured through a lens
French Polynesia is renowned for its reef break waves. At Teahupo'o on Tahiti, conditions are regularly ranked among the best in the world. This site hosts the annual Billabong Pro Tahiti surf competition, which attracts pro surfers from around the world, including the likes of Kelly Slater (pictured).
See also: Nazaré—the most dangerous surfing destination in the world
Tahitian tuna salad is another colorful and wholesome dish. Tuna is a regional staple and prepared across the South Pacific in all sorts of delicious and enticing ways.
The second largest of the Society Islands, Raiatea is the location of the historic Taputapuatea marae, an ancient sacred temple complex comprising paved courtyards and a number of carved tiki. The area is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The first property to cater to international tourists was the fabled Hotel Bora Bora, which opened in 1961. Notable guests have included Bill Gates, Charlize Theron, and Keanu Reeves. The hotel is now closed indefinitely after what was supposed to be a major refurbishment.
This atoll in the Windward group of the Society Islands is famous for being Marlon Brando's tropical retreat. The late actor starred in 'Mutiny on the Bounty' (1962), which was filmed on Tahiti. Brando purchased several islets (motus) here. Today, The Brando is a private resort located on Motu Onetahi.
This Leeward Islands destination is known as the "Vanilla Island" for its abundance of vanilla plant (pictured). Taha'a produces nearly 80% of all of French Polynesia's vanilla.
As you'd expect, fish and seafood feature heavily on restaurant menus. Tahiti's national dish is poisson cru—raw seafood marinated in lemon or lime juice and mixed with coconut milk. It's the South Pacific take on Peruvian ceviche.
Dark brooding basalt rock formations characterize the interior of Nuku Hiva, the largest of the Marquesas Islands. Tekao, the island's highest peak, summits at 4,016 ft (1,224 m) and catches much of the rain that waters the island.
One of the Marquesas Islands, Hiva Oa is recognized for its abundance of tiki—ancient monumental stone statues. The cluster sited near the village of Puama'u is especially impressive.
Located in the western Leeward Islands, Maupiti receives few visitors, which means its ivory-white beaches are all yours. Mind you, there is archaeological evidence of human activity dating back to at least 850 CE.
Mo'orea is one of the Windward Islands—the eastern group of the Society Islands. Lying 11 mi (17 km) northwest of Tahiti, Mo'orea's stunning scenery makes it a popular tourist destination.c
Mangareva, the largest island of the Gambier Islands, is the location of St. Michael's Cathedral, the largest church in the South Pacific. The interior is richly decorated with sparkling mother of pearl.
The celebrated French post-Impressionist artist first visited Tahiti in 1891. Later, after a brief spell back in France, he returned there in 1895. Gauguin finally settled in Atuona, on the island of Hiva Ova, where he died in 1903 and is buried. One of his most famous paintings, Where Do We Come From? What Are We? Where Are We Going?, was created in Tahiti in 1897.
Composed of 118 geographically dispersed islands and atolls stretching over an expanse of more than 1,200 mi (2,000 km) in the South Pacific Ocean, this overseas collectivity of France spans the size of Europe.
A globally renowned destination, French Polynesia is divided into five island groups: the Society Islands archipelago, composed of the Windward Islands and the Leeward Islands; the Tuamotu Archipelago; the Gambier Islands; the Marquesas Islands; and the Austral Islands.
Soaring moss-green peaks and idyllic beaches define these islands, which are lapped by warm sparkling waters filled with abundant marine life. Adding texture to the ocean are numerous atolls—rings of living coral embracing shallow, crystal-clear lagoons.
The Society Islands, believed to have been named by British explorer Captain James Cook during his first voyage in 1769, attract the majority of the region's visitors. The archipelago includes Tahiti, Mo'orea, Bora Bora, Raiatea, and Taha’a—islands that between them feature world-class luxury resorts, compelling cultural sites, and provide adrenaline-fueled watersports options.
French Polynesia is full of surprises: the most photographed isle in the South Pacific, Motu Tapu, is here; wine, (yes, wine) is produced on one of the remote atolls; and the beautiful Tahitian pearl makes up over 50% of French Polynesia's exports.
A vivid undersea world of fish, rays, sharks, and turtles greets those exploring below the blue lagoons that circle the islands. Deeper waters reveal gracious whales and playful dolphins. On land, mysterious stone carved statues stare blankly onwards, their weathered features testament to the many gods in Polynesian mythology worshiped by an ancient indigenous population.
Sultry French Polynesia is a place to relax and soak in a laid-back vibe on some of the most enchanting islands on the planet.
French Polynesia: a must on your paradise travel bucket list
Enjoy an island-hopping excursion to Tahiti, Bora Bora, and beyond
TRAVEL Countries
Imagine scattering clusters of emeralds and sapphires across a vast carpet of turquoise and you begin to get an idea of the visual splendor that is French Polynesia.
Composed of 118 geographically dispersed islands and atolls stretching over an expanse of more than 1,200 mi (2,000 km) in the South Pacific Ocean, this overseas collectivity of France spans the size of Europe.
A globally renowned destination, French Polynesia is divided into five island groups: the Society Islands archipelago, composed of the Windward Islands and the Leeward Islands; the Tuamotu Archipelago; the Gambier Islands; the Marquesas Islands; and the Austral Islands.
Soaring moss-green peaks and idyllic beaches define these islands, which are lapped by warm sparkling waters filled with abundant marine life. Adding texture to the ocean are numerous atolls—rings of living coral embracing shallow, crystal-clear lagoons.
The Society Islands, believed to have been named by British explorer Captain James Cook during his first voyage in 1769, attract the majority of the region's visitors. The archipelago includes Tahiti, Mo'orea, Bora Bora, Raiatea, and Taha’a—islands that between them feature world-class luxury resorts, compelling cultural sites, and provide adrenaline-fueled watersports options.
French Polynesia is full of surprises: the most photographed isle in the South Pacific, Motu Tapu, is here; wine, (yes, wine) is produced on one of the remote atolls; and the beautiful Tahitian pearl makes up over 50% of French Polynesia's exports.
A vivid undersea world of fish, rays, sharks, and turtles greets those exploring below the blue lagoons that circle the islands. Deeper waters reveal gracious whales and playful dolphins. On land, mysterious stone carved statues stare blankly onwards, their weathered features testament to the many gods in Polynesian mythology worshiped by an ancient indigenous population.
Sultry French Polynesia is a place to relax and soak in a laid-back vibe on some of the most enchanting islands on the planet.
Browse through this gallery for an inspiring island-hopping excursion and some great ideas on where to go and what to see.