Discover the 5 archipelagos that make up French Polynesia.
Welcome to French Polynesia, a tropical paradise lost in the seas of the South Pacific, surrounded by the Indian Ocean, Australia and New Zealand. The 125 islands that make up this territory delimit the sea of French Polynesia. Polynesian blue waters are famous for their beauty and are among the most beautiful scuba diving destinations, with spectacular marine organisms, colorful coral reefs and schools of fish.
French Polynesia consists of five different archipelagos with unique islands that are unique and diverse. In this article, we will take you to discover the five archipelagos of French Polynesia — the Tuamotu, the Gambier, the Austral Islands, the Leeward Islands and New Caledonia.
The Tuamotus – the archipelago of coral atolls
The Tuamotus undoubtedly represents the largest archipelago in the Pacific seas. It consists of about 76 islands, with a few exceptions, all of which are coral atolls. The Tuamotu islands, called coral plateaus because of their shape and origin, are located about 1000 km east of Tahiti, but none are larger than 8 km².
The Passe des Tuamotu islands offers an endless variety of activities. Divers will be able to appreciate the underwater wonders and vacationers will seek to reconnect with nature. Some of the most common activities include diving, hiking and horseback riding, fishing, water sports, snorkeling, sea kayaking or diving with humpback whales. The Tuamotu Islands also offer visitors the opportunity to explore Polynesian heritage and its many cultural attractions.
The Gambiers – the hidden archipelago
Located approximately 500 km east of the Tuamotu Islands is the Gambier Island Arc. This small archipelago is probably the least known of French Polynesia. It has only 5 islands (Mangareva, Aukena, Temoe, Taravai and Akamaru). Notably volcanic islands, the Gambiers are known for their hiking trails, canoe rides and scuba diving.
People who visit The Gambier can enjoy the otherworldly scenes and spectacular landscapes that the most beautiful Polynesian islands have to offer. The beaches are lined with intense sunsets and turquoise palm trees. The surrounding coral reefs are a haven for tropical fish as well as giant turtles, and provide opportunities for spotting marine life.
During their stay in The Gambier, visitors can also discover its many cultural sites, including the historical site of Bounty Bay in the heart of the main island of Mangareva, or the Mangarevan imperial family and its must-see historical monuments.
The Australs – Polynesian authenticity
The Australs are an archipelago located about 500 km east-south-east of the Tuamotus, and about 400 km northwest of the Gambier. With only 5 islands, the Austral archipelago represents one of the least visited destinations in French Polynesia and in particular the islands of Rimatara, Rurutu, Tubuai, Raivavae and Maria.
The untouched beaches of the Australs are considered one of the most beautiful in French Polynesia. The main islands offer an endless variety of activities including a rich variety of scuba diving, hiking, water sports, sea kayaking and fishing. Diving can even be done from the coast inland, as some lakes are full of fish.
A visit to the Australs also allows you to enjoy Polynesian authenticity and connect with a rich and incredibly friendly and welcoming culture. French Polynesia is filled with wide open spaces and offers vacationers the opportunity to explore a mild climate and its many varieties of plants, birds and landscapes.
The Leeward Islands – the paradise islands of Tahiti
The Leeward Islands are known for their magnificent surf spots and diving sites, but also for their relaxed lifestyle. They mainly consist of the islands of Bora-Bora, Huahine, Maupiti, Raiatea and Tahaa.
The beauty of the Leeward Islands is like that of the magnificent islands seen in the movies. Bora-Bora is an exotic Polynesian paradise, with lush interiors and mussels. While visiting Huahine, you can walk around hills and lakes to see the ancient remains and habitat of land crabs, which are rare animals.
Vacationers visiting the Leeward Islands in Tahiti will receive excellent service and genuine hospitality. The local products are the very popular Polynesian beer Hinano, fruit juice, iced tea as well as the Music Hitiaa Ora, a tempting recipe of fish or pork served on aromatic herbs.
New Caledonia – the islands at the end of the world
New Caledonia is a collection of islands located approximately 1000 kilometers northeast of the Leeward Islands and is the largest island in the Pacific near French Polynesia. There are approximately 18 islands, of which the 3 largest are Marquesas, Saint-Matthew and Ouvéa.
New Caledonia is known for its clear waters, colorful lagoons, white sand beaches and open canoeing and kayaking trails. The islands also offer many opportunities for discovery on land and under water. Divers can explore other colorful worlds, and adventurers can indulge in activities such as fishing, sailing, and camping.
The islands of New Caledonia are also known for their cultural sites, such as the museum of Nouméa, one of the most famous in French Polynesia, or the sanctuary of Lifou, whose works have been highlighted by villages pre-Europeans.
Conclusion
Thanks to this article, you now know exactly what to look for to discover French Polynesia and its 5 archipelagos. From one lush island to another, each archipelago offers visitors unique landscapes, different cultures, interesting towns and abundant beaches.
Whether you are looking for the calm of the Gambiers, the cultural sites of the Australs, the diving of the Tuamotus, the underwater sites of the Leeward Islands or the isolated islands of New Caledonia: you will find yours in French Polynesia. So get on board and set off to discover the most beautiful Polynesian islands!