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French Polynesia: Beyond Bora Bora

Published 5th Jun 2018

When it comes to a dream island getaway, Bora Bora often steals the spotlight. Known for its jaw-dropping turquoise lagoons and luxury overwater bungalows, it's no wonder why Bora Bora holidays are the stuff of legends. But what if we told you that the splendour of French Polynesia extends far beyond this iconic destination? While Bora Bora holiday packages offer a mesmerising experience, limiting yourself to just this island could mean missing out on some hidden gems.

French Polynesia, a sprawling archipelago in the South Pacific, offers much more than what's encapsulated in the glossy brochures. From the verdant landscapes of Moorea to the untouched beauty of the Tuamotus, there's a myriad of islands that are equally captivating but perhaps less explored. Opting for a Tahiti holiday package can serve as your gateway to this wider paradise, allowing you to uncover its lesser-known but equally enchanting islands.

For those already besotted by the allure of Tahiti holidays, broadening your horizons could mean discovering new adventures, secluded beaches, and a unique blend of cultures that enrich the Polynesian tapestry.

So before you lock in that Bora Bora itinerary, take a moment to explore what else French Polynesia has to offer. Your perfect island escape might just be an unsung paradise waiting to be discovered.

Bora Bora is possibly one of the most beautiful spots in the world, and it’s easy to see why so many people have this destination on their bucket list. But there is so much more to French Polynesia than just Bora Bora – it is full of mountains to explore, atolls to dive, traditional dishes to taste and an ancient culture to discover.

Home to 118 different islands and atolls, French Polynesia is a diverse landscape with its own unique persona, history and culture. While it is full of post-card worthy views and luxury accommodation, it is a destination that provides much more than just the ideal setting for a romantic getaway, and in this article we are going to discover some of the lesser-travelled but equally-beautiful areas of French Polynesia.

In this blog, we venture beyond Bora Bora to introduce you to other remarkable islands in French Polynesia. We'll highlight must-visit spots, off-the-beaten-path experiences, and tips for making the most of your time in this tropical wonderland.

Huahine:

Huahine is a small duo of islands located a short 40-minute flight or quick boat trip from the main island of Tahiti. It sits amongst the Society Islands archipelago which also includes Tahiti, Bora Bora, Raiatea and Taha’a. Home to about 6,000 locals and surrounded by a fringing coral reef, the two islands are connected by a small bridge that spans the few hundred yards of water that separate the two islands.

Visitors to Huahine fall in love with the scenery, the culture, the food, the people and the history. It is home to the largest concentration of temples in all of French Polynesia, and one of the most popular attractions is a stream that contains freshwater blue-eyed eels that grow up to 1.8m long. Local mythology deems these creatures sacred, and tourists are allowed to feed them mackerel, an experience that is equal parts thrilling and intriguing.

Rangiroa:

Rangiroa is one of the largest atolls in the world and is located in the Tuamotu Archipelago, East of Papeete and the Society Islands. With approximately 2,500 residents spread across two main islands at the Northern end of the atoll and a surrounding lagoon that is so large it has its own horizon, Rangiroa is one of French Polynesia’s most popular diving spots. 

Visitors to this area will spend their days either in or on the water – the islands themselves are quite flat and the vegetation consists mostly of coconut palms and shrubs. The environment below the water however has a completely different landscape, with a very diverse range of marine fauna to discover. Popular diving sites include Les Sables Roses, Avatoru pass, Blue Lagoon and Tiputa pass. For anyone who doesn’t dive, there are 415 motus, islets and sandbars to explore and plenty of great snorkelling spots to discover in the lagoon’s clear blue waters.

Tikehau:

Tikehau is another coral atoll located in the Tuamotu Archipelago in French Polynesia. Tikehau means ‘Peaceful Landing’ in the local dialect and is the perfect holiday destination for anyone who wants a relaxing low-key and remote getaway. Famous for its pink sand beaches as well as being home to the widest variety of fish species in all of French Polynesia, visitors to Tikehau spend their mornings exploring the surrounding coral reef and their afternoons lazing in a hammock between the coconut palms.

Discover French Polynesia

There’s so much more to French Polynesia than meets the eye, and we’ve only covered a small group of some of our most favourite spots. If there’s a specific area that you wish to visit or an experience that you’re chasing, our team of travel experts can create a custom package to suit your exact requirements. Get in touch on 1800 800 722 for more information.

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