Polynesia , located at 16,000 km ( 9,950 miles ) from France is divided in 5 archipelagos:
The Society Islands, the largest, is composed of 9 high islands and 5 atolls split into 2 groups: the Windward Islands with Tahiti, Moorea, Maiao, Tetiaroa & Mehetia (read Tahiti/Moorea Guide) and the Leeward Islands with Huahine, Raiatea, Tahaa, Bora Bora, Maupiti, including the uninhabited islets of Tupai, Mopelia, Scilly & Bellingshausen. While Bora Bora remains a favorite destination for thousands of visitors, the "Pearl of the South Seas" was able to encourage tourism in its neighboring islands. Huahine, Raiatea, and Tahaa have become privileged destinations with the rebirth of Polynesian tourism.
The Tuamotu Archipelago, often associated with the Gambier Archipelago, includes the low islands and all the atolls. Rangiroa, Tikehau, Manihi, Fakarava and so many other atolls will delight you by their serenity and amazing scuba dives. The Australes Archipelago accounts 5 inhabited islands Rurutu, Tubuai, Raivavae, Rimatara and Rapa in the south extremity of French Polynesia.
The Marquesas Archipelago is composed of 12 high islands, without lagoon which will seduce you by the power of its landscapes and its inhabitants.
The exchange rate with foreign currencies is variable. The bank will change your money at official rate plus fees. Beware of exchange rates in shops. Credit cards are not accepted everywhere, itâs better to foresee the cash amount youâll need if you go in the islands.
Polynesia has Internet access in almost all islands and the mobile coverage has also expanded. To call using Whatsapp, dial mobile phone numbers starting with 87, 88 and 89 with the prefix +689. The numbers starting with 40 are landlines.
Departure from Papeete to Marquesas Islands, 14 days trip via Tuamotu atolls
Taporo 9 : 40 42 63 93 taporo@mail.pf Marquises Sud via Takapoto
Liaisons Tahiti-Australes / Link to Austral Archipelago
Tuhaa Pae IV 40 41 36 06 admin@snathp.com - 3 Ă 4 voyages/mois - 3 to 4 departures/month viaTubuai, Rurutu, Rimatara, Raivavae and once every 2 months via Rapa
Beauty care as well as body & mind care, the MonoĂŻ is refined first pressed oil obtained by macerating Tiare blossoms in refined coconut oil, extracted from coconuts ( Cocos Nucifera ) trees growing in the coral soil in French Polynesia exclusively. Worldwide cosmetic laboratories appreciate its unique silky and light feel.
FABRICANT DE MONOĂ MONOĂ OIL PRODUCER
LâORIGINAL
« MONOà AVEC LA FLEUR » MADE IN TAHITI DEPUIS 1942
The original « Monoï with the flower » MADE IN TAHITI since 1942
La perle de Tahiti / Tahitian pearls
Horaires boutique / Opening hours
Lun-Ven : 6h30-16h30 & Sam : 7h30-11h30
Mon-Fri: 6:30am-4:30pm & Sat: 7:30-11:30am
+689 40 82 63 40 - www.monoitiki.pf
The colour of Tahitian cultured pearls comes from the "Pinctada Margaritifera" oyster of the Cumingi variety. This specific variety was registered as a trademark in 1989 by CIBJO (The World Jewelry Federation).
In 1976 the Gemological Institute of America issued the official recognition of the "Pearl of Tahiti" natural colour authenticity. Furthermore the adoption of the commercial designation "Tahiti Cultured Pearl", by the International Jewellery Confederation (CIBJO), allowed this jewel to definitely establish its international reputation.
The Tahiti Cultured Pearls are best known for their diversity of size, shape, surface quality and endless shades of natural colours, ranging from pale grey to anthracite black. Nowadays, it is cultivated in the clear lagoons of the Tuamotu-Gambier islands. A pearl reaches maturity in 2 years. Jewelers and Hotel shops offer a large choice of this jewel which shape, luster and orient give its unequal class.
âą Point culminant/Highest point : Mont Otemanu 727 m
âą Ancien nom/Old name : Vavau
The Lagoon of Bora Bora has a reputation, well deserved, as being one of the most beautiful in the world. The infinite shades of blue, from turquoise to sapphire, surrounded by a string of islets waving coconut palms on white sand beaches, are the quintessential tropical dream. In the middle of all that blue transparency, the lush green island raises two majestic peaks: Mount Otemanu and Pahia. Free transportation is provided from the airport to the town of Vaitape, crossing the lagoon via a shuttle boat. At departure, the airport shuttle leaves Vaitape 1h30min before flight times.
Nous vous proposons une large gamme de vins, spiritueux et produits gourmets dâexception Ă Bora Bora. We offer a wide range of exceptional wines, spirits and gourmet products in Bora Bora
Tahiti or Raiatea (between 2-3 million years). The huge lagoon, bordered by a very wide reef has only 1 pass: Te Ava Nui, situated between the motu of Toopua and Tevairoa and across from the main town of Vaitape.
The main island is only 5.5 miles long and 2.5 miles wide but has high summits with verdant vegetation : Mount Otemanu (2385ft) and Mount Pahia (2168ft). The islands ring road, 20km, follows the jagged shoreline with a few spectacular bays and gorgeous beaches, like Tahana and Matira. Unfortunately many of the original archeological vestiges were destroyed by the early protestant missionaries a century ago. This was the fate of Vaiotaha, a marae at the entrance to the valley of Povai. Deep in the valley there remain some beautiful petroglyphs. Towards Anau, near Mt Otemanu, are some remnants of an ancient fortress and some marae, notably Nonohaura. The marae Taaianapa, restored in 1963, as well as Farerua, the largest marae of the island, are both located in the bay of Faanui. To the north, Tauhi Point invites the visitor to enjoy an exceptional viewpoint. The southern side of the island is truly the perfect tourisme center.
arrived in the 9th century after a long trip across the Pacific. These proud sailors settled all along the shoreline. According to legend the islandâs 1st King, Firiamata O
peace to the island after conquering his enemies, just before the arrival of Captain Cook in 1769. Kings Tapoa I and II (who married Aimata, the future Queen Pomare IV in 1822) reigned over Bora during the 19th century. The adopted daughter of King Tapoa II, Terii Maevarua,
Come experience exceptional adventures with our guided minivan tour around the island of Bora Bora. For a private VIP tour or group exploration, you will discover the culture, the ïŹora and fauna of Bora Bora with our experienced team. Enjoy an authentic Polynesian experience ! +689 87 711 909 âą boramagictour@gmail.com âą https://boraboramagictour.com
The lagoon of Bora Bora is three times larger (31 sq miles) than its land mass, dotted with small white sand islands strung around the perimeter. The incomparable play of light and color is a feast for the eyes. The Coral Garden, in the southeast, is an amazing natural underwater park filled with all kinds of fish. Close to Matira Point, manta rays have their domain. Eagle rays and sting rays can also be seen.
Alex Bora Bora Service 87 21 81 84
Bora Bora Cultural Lagoon Tour 87 78 65 86
Bora Bora Fast Boat 87 77 73 10
Bora Bora Fun Activities Vaâa 89 27 79 48
Bora Bora Photo Lagon 87 77 10 96
Bora Bora Water World 89 22 13 76
Bora Eco Sailing 87 78 26 36
Bora Lagoon Trips 89 79 73 67
Diveasy 87 79 22 55
H2O Bora Bora 87 72 90 52
Keawai Excursion 87 78 27 37
Keishi Tours 87 79 26 56
La Plage 87 28 48 66
Lady Pearl 89 40 89 40
Lagoon Limousine 87 24 47 04
Lagoon Service 87 75 69 57
Manu Taxi Boat 87 79 11 62
Maohi Nui Tours 87 79 19 11
Raanui Tours 40 67 61 79 - 87 79 43 14
Reef Discovery 87 76 43 43
Rohivai Tour 87 32 60 46 - 40 67 54 26
Romantic Tour 87 78 27 37
Rosto Service 89 76 13 82
Matira Jet Tours 40 67 62 73 - 87 77 63 63
Moana Adventure Tours 87 78 27 37
Onoku Services 89 73 75 74
Shark Boy of Bora Bora 87 78 27 42
Tanoa Private Tour 87 76 17 98
Tamatoa excursions 89 36 94 55
BEST FUN EXPERIENCE IN BORA BORA
SENSATION DE GLISSE & ADRĂNALINE ... ACCESSIBLE Ă TOUS
soldiers and 178 officers, commanded by Admiral Turner, who was in charge of "Operation Bob Cat".
On February 17, 1942, the armada arrived in Bora Bora. Without knowing who was aboard the ships, the population went to welcome warmly the arrivals whith their outriger canoes. 20 000 tons of materials were landed, on floating pontoons and small boats. Americans found out that everything had to be done. There was not enough drinking water, and no practicable roads for their vehicules and heavy engines. So, they started building roads all around the island and set up water supplies.The military work was coming along.
On June 9, 1942, the first gastank was usable. its size was 23 feet high,52 feet across and was able to contain 150 000 liters of petrol. In july 1942, 20 others same gastank were operational with 10 others where 10 000 barrels of heavy oil could be used, the whole lot covered under the coconut trees, not far from the beach. Also, Americans fixed on the hills 8 canons of 7 inches with anti-aircraft battery of 3 inches (D.C.A).8 seaplanes were in charge of the air cover while buiding the landing-strip. The small islet of Motu Mute is chosen. Construction started on december 16, 1942 and the whole air base was operational by april 15, 1943. The strip is 1,24 mile long and 145 yards large.
âą Point culminant/Highest point : Te Uru Faatiu 385m
âą Ancien nom/Old name : Vaitu
Located 50 km (31 miles) away from Bora Bora, Maupiti is the most remote of the Leeward Islands. Maupiti means "2 Mountains". The inhabitants are warmful & welcoming. Maupiti features very old archeological sites and petroglyphs Do not miss the famous white sand beach of Tereia from where you can walk to Motu Auira and the Mount Pahahere vista point. You might encounter sacred aigrettes, mantas rays and varos (squills) which are delicious. As for the lagoon, it is gorgeous and shelters 5 large motu inspiring serenity.
Superficie/ Surface : 238 km2 Tour de lâĂźle/ Circumference : 98 km
Point culminant/Highest point : Tefatoaiti 1017m
Ancien nom/ Old name : Havaiâi
Raiatea is situated at 193 km from Tahiti. Its capital, Uturoa, is the administration center of the Leewards islands. Second economic pole after Tahiti, Raiatea is divided in 3 municipalities which features an extraordinary variety: romantic motu within a wide and fishy lagoon, mountains inviting you to discover nature at its wildest and most luscious, the unique navigable river of Polynesia, the biggest marae of French Polynesia: Taputapuatea, Classified in the world heritage of the UNESCO in 2017 and many other archeological sites... Nautical base for yachties and cruises, Raiateaâs lagoon extends to Tahaaâs and offers a wide range of lagoon activities : snorkelling on the coral gardens, kayaking, fishing...
The island of Raiatea was considered by the ancient Polynesians as the cradle of their thousand-year old civilization. It was in this island in the Society archipelago that they first chose to settle over a thousand years ago. Its ancient name, Havaiâi Nui, means "Big Springing Water". James Cook anchored there in 1769 after Wallisâ discovery of Tahiti. This was the beginning of a delicate colonization, marked by fratricide wars. At the end of the 18th century, The Chiefs of Bora Bora, Tefaaroa and Mai, successfully conquered Raiatea and Tahaâa. A power struggle followed to gain control of both islands. but it was Tamatoa III, the son of Tatu, who unified Raiatea and Tahaâa some thirty years later. Converted to Christianity, he implemented a code of obedience to the missionaries, which spread to all Leeward Islands, except for Huahine.
At the beginning of XIXth century, the Pomare family, then reigning over Tahiti, tried to establish their power over the other Society Islands. Many attempts to conquer Raiatea and Tahaâa finally lead to the rise to power of Tamatoa IV, heir of the Pomare family and the Royal family of Raiatea. His descendence reigned over Raiatea and Tahaâa until the XXth century. In 1847, France recognized the independence of the Leeward Islands, but 40 years later, the annexation of the archipelago by Governor Lacascade, caused an uprising led by Teraupo. For ten years war ravaged these islands. Finally the French won, with many difficulties, and Raiatea and Tahaâa surrendered.
âą Fin octobre : Hawaiki Nui Vaâa, course internationale de pirogues.
Not to be missed
âą Outrigger canoe, kayak, SUP ride on the lagoon or up the Faaroa river, the only nagivable river in French Polynesia.
âą Scuba diving in fascinating underwater scenery and ship wrecks.
âą Sailing on the huge twin lagoon with Tahaa.
âą Botanical garden at Faaroa PK 15
âą The road across the mountain with the Gabbros, geological sights and the Belvedere site which offers an exceptional view and access to the path of the Macarangas ridge.
âą The market of Uturoa: fresh products and local handcraft.
âąVente directe
âąPĂȘchez votre Perle sur RDV
âą The visit of Marae Taputapuatea, the largest marae in Polynesia, World Heritage by UNESCO since 2017. Spread over 2 125 ha, this political, ceremonial, funeral and religious center is positioned between Te Ava Moâa, a sacred pass, and valleys with ancient marae, agricultural terraces, archaeological remains of houses ... TaputapuÄtea brings an exceptional testimony of 1000 years of mÄâohi civilization. The cultural landscape of TaputapuÄtea, includes 83 marae, very representative of the Polynesian temples, which structured spiritual and social life of the great chieftaincy of the Leeward Islands in the 17th and 18th centuries
âą Guided excursions to explore the mountains
âą Hawaiki Nui Vaâa, the famous international outrigger canoe race at the end of October.
in eight villages along the shore, the inhabitants live in harmony with the trade winds. The village of Patio in the north of the island is home to most administrative services. The accomodations of the island offer their guests a preview of Paradise. The many motu circling the island are among the most gorgeous in Polynesia. The depth of Tahaâaâs lagoon (10 to 30 meters / 30 to 90 feet) allow to sail full circle around the island. Pearl farms have recently been built there, as the lagoon water is ideal for black pearl farming. Along with vanilla, this activity has, in a few years, become a major economic resource of this quiet island.
The road around the island will make you discover beautiful view points along its 42 miles. The villagesâ surroundings are decorated and the large coconut groves well maintained. The road crossing the island from Haamene to Patio passes along a river and a beautiful forest of mape trees. From Vaitoetoe Pass, the view to the neighboring bays is breathtaking.
From the port of Uturoa, shuttles ensure transportation to Tahaâa which has no airport.
Tahaâa is only accessible by water taxi from Raiatea, either directly from the airport or from the Uturoa dock. Some shuttles are regular, others are on reservation. On the island, there is no public transport but you have the possibility to rent a car, a bike or a scooter.
Polynesian vanilla, «Vanilla tahitensis» , grows on a vine. Its flowers must be fecundated (in Polynesia, following the âmarriageâ method of artificial fecundation) to produce a fruit, the vanilla bean. The local variety is renown all over the world for its powerful fragrance and its strong taste. Very rich in oil, its beans are shinier and more scented than other species. Today, the islands of Tahaa and Huahine produce three quarters of the local production.
Authentic and wild, Tahaâa is an island preserved from tourism where calm and harmony reign. The island has many deep bays well sheltered from the trade winds, which are havens for sailing boats. It has no beach but the motu all around the island have splendid beaches and the coral gardens are outstanding.
Tahaa is a small island of 88 km2 that shares a lagoon of 290 km2 with its sister island, Raiatea. Volcanic island, you can see the remains of the ancient volcano rising in the center of the island: Mount Ćhiri (590 m) and Mount Puurauti (550 m). Deep bays cut out the coast of the island: Hurepiti Bay, Ăpu Bay, Haamene Bay (the deepest in French Polynesia) and the bay of FaaĂ hÄ. The coral reef that surrounds the island is dotted with many motu with heavenly white sand beaches. There is no airport on the island of Tahaa, so it is accessed by boat from the island of RaĂŹÄtea or by helicopter. Unlike RaĂŹÄtea and most of the other islands of the archipelago, the coastal road does not go all around the island. Some places on the coast are only accessible by boat.
The sugar cane OtaĂŻti or Otahiti, originaly from New Guinea was introduced in French Polynesia, via Polynesian migrations, long before European colonization. The Polynesians consumed it in their food for its taste and medicinal qualities; qualities so recognized that navigators like Bougainville, Cook and Bligh exported it all over the world, to the West Indies. Its cultivation was developed in Tahiti until the 1970s and since then only a few endemic plants have been found. Since 2005, projects to revive the cultivation of Otahiti sugarcane have given birth to 3 distilleries located in Tahaa, Tahiti and Moorea which produce an agricultural rum that is pure cane juice. In Tahaa, nowadays, 26 hectares of land are devoted to it and the recognition of Tahitian rums has become worldwide. This sector is booming.
Tour de lâĂźle/ Circumference : 60 km (Nui) et 35 km (Iti)
Point culminant/Highest point : Turi 669m
Ancien nom/ Old name : Matairea
With its inimitable laidback lifestyle, Huahine has managed to stay "off the beaten tracks". The nonchalant pace of the small town of Fare gives the impression that time has stopped. Everyone here knows each other, and their friendly greetings are happily extended to the visitors who come to explore their luxurious Garden of Eden. You can observe the silhouette of reclining woman on the ridge line of the mountains from Fare. There is so much to discover: the breathtaking and mysterious mountains, the archeological and sacred sites "Marae"; the quintessential tropical lagoons and beaches... The circling coral belt of "motu", enclosing the lagoon provides good fields for the cultivation of crops like watermelon and cucumbers. Vanilla farms are numerous on the mountain flanks, where tropical fruits abound. For those who enjoy serenity, authenticity, and easy living, Huahine is a must.
Visit to the Pearl Farms : 1000 Fcp. (reimbursed with any purchase). Departure from Faie Marina, Open from 10am to 4pm all week and from 10am to noon on Sunday.
Welcome to our shop run by a couple of passionate craftsmen.
Poe Here , Toomay and their daughter Hiaainoa will be delighted to show you a great collection of their Pareo designed by hand. Leave with a unique souvenir by participating in our Workshop Dyeing on pareo, in an idyllic place by the lagoon
a Gsm: 87 30 40 76 - 87 74 96 09 a fare-ara@mail.pf a www.fare-ara.com Liqueurs & Eaux de vie aux fruits de Huahine
â 87 31 81 35
Ouvert du lundi au vendredi : de 9H Ă 12H et de 14H Ă 16H
Huahine is located 170km (105 miles) northwest of Tahiti. It is composed of two islands enclosed in a single lagoon. A bridge separates Huahine Nui from Huahine Iti at the channel connecting the bays of Maroe and Port Bourayne. It is an old island, born from 3 distinct volcanic eruptions.
The highest point is Mt. Turi (669m/2200ft) on the north island. Mt Tavahiura in Fitii is said to resemble the head of a pregnant woman lying down, which can easily be seen from the beach in Fare (Mt Turi is her knee). The southern island peaks at 462m (1515ft) on the summit of Mt Pohue Rahi. Huahine has eight villages or "districts", four on the big island (Fare, Maeva, Faie, Fitii) and four on the small island (Haapu, Parea, Tefarerii, Maroe). Its people live an essentially rural lifestyle. The coral atolls (motu) ringing the lagoon in Maeva and Tefarerii are planted with cantaloupes and watermelons. The bay of Avea in the south is a wonderful place for those seeking white sand beaches, and a good snorkeling spot is the "coral garden" at the end of the Motu of Maeva...
Vestige of the traditional Polynesian dwelling, the «fare pĆteâe» of Maeva is distinguished by its rounded sides, different from the fare hau pape, with rectangular shapes. Imitation of a huge ramshackle pĆteâe fare once located near the Protestant temple of the village, it was
completely rebuilt by the population of Maeva in 1972, a few hundred meters further west, between the marae Vai-âĆtaha and Rau huru. Today, a museum has been erected in the area of the fare to exhibit the objects collected during the numerous excavations. Among the objects that can be admired are oars, adzes, fish tooth pendants, drumsticks, tattoo combs and many others.
Cf. Tahiti Tourisme
Marae of huahine
Recent archaeological discoveries tell us that the history of human occupation of Huahine dates back at least 1100 years. Huahine Iti was under the authority of Huahine Nui, which was originally divided into ten districts. Fare, the capital of Huahine, is an abbreviation for Fare-nuiatea. Huahine is known for the uniqueness of its village of Maeva, where all the district chiefs lived side by side and worshipped their ancestors on their respective marae. The great marae, Manunu in Huahine Nui and Anini in Huahine Iti served their respective communities. Each marae has an ahu (altar) at 2 levels, high seat for the gods. Dr. K P. Emory, of the Bishop Museum, recorded 54 marae in Huahine in 1925 and since then 10 more were discovered. Most of the marae we see today in Huahine were built either in the 16th century or later. The restorations were directed by Dr. Sinoto, for the tourist development office of French Polynesia.
The pareo, pareu in tahitian, the basic article of clothing for all the Polynesians, is used as skirt, dress, scarf, bath towel and men use it as shorts. This cotton fabric can be handpainted or dyed and dried under the sun, with colorful and decorative patterns. Ideal clothing for tropical temperature.
Huahine was Tahaapapa from the royal Te Paâu Hau Roa family. Tehaapapaâs great-great granddaughter was no other than Pomare IV, the Queen of Tahiti under the French Protectorate. Protestant Missionaries arrived in 1808. Mahine, one of the islandâs Chiefs, encouraged the population to convert to Christianity. The islanders conversion proceeded with resigned tranquility, despite a few uprisings during the revolt of the Mamais prophets. The final annexation of the island by France happened in 1897. Pouvanaa A Oopa, one of Huahineâs heroes, is considered as the father (Metua) of the trend toward Polynesian political autonomy. His actions were newsworthy in the 1950s, after being elected to the French National Assembly in 1949. He dedicated his life to fighting colonial injustice, despite an unjust incarceration.
Tuamotu - Gambier is the widest of the French Polynesian archipelagoes. Makatea and 4 Gambierâs islands are the only high islands. The inhabitants constitute 6% of the Territory population and use a dialect close to Tahitian called Paumotu. Luxurious black pearls come at 98% from pearl farms of this magnificent archipelago. But the first quality of these mythical paradises will remain the purity and wealth of the underwater world.
Rangiroa is the largest atoll of the Tuamotu. The 2 villages, Avatoru and Tiputa are located on 2 separate motu, in the north of the island.They both have a pass at their entrance allowing the inner lagoon to communicate with the ocean, and offering sheltered docks and fishy waters.
The airport, close to Avatoru, relies on a 300 m wide land tongue. Many marae spreading over the 230 km around the island remain a testimony of a rich and troubled past. Rangiroa is very famous for its amazing dives.
Second largest atoll in the world with 240 islets spread over 177 km of ocean, surrounding a deep and impressive lagoon, real inland sea, Rangiroa is world-renowned for its exceptional underwater fauna...a real natural aquarium full of amazing diving spots.
Located on the west side of the atoll, Tiputa Pass is the renowned diving site of Rangiroa. The currents that flow through this pass create an environment conducive to meeting several fascinating marine species such as barracuda schools, rainbow carangs or surgical fish schools, the âParaiâ. At a certain time of the year, hammerhead sharks, with their characteristic shapes, are often seen swimming up the currents nonchalantly. You will also have the chance to see playful and sometimes curious dolphins.
The pass of Avatoru
Located on the east side of the atoll, the Avatoru pass is a must for adrenaline divers. This narrow passage is known for its dynamic currents that attract an incredible variety of tropical fish, sharks and rays. During your dive, you will be able to witness a real aquatic spectacle, with schools of multicolored fish moving among the corals. Grey sharks, âRairaâ, white-tailed sharks, âTapeteâ and stingrays, âFaâiâ are also frequent guests of this pass.
bassin naturel de plaisirs nautiques de 28 km de diamĂštre pour un pourtour de 80 km. Distant de 30 km de Rangiroa, Tikehau possĂšde les plus belles plages de sable blanc et rose des Tuamotu.
With the shape of black pearls, Tikehau is a huge 28km diameter and 80km periphery natural lagoon for aquatic pleasures.
At only 30 km from Rangiroa and 300 km from Tahiti, you can enjoy some of the finest beaches in Tuamotu.
The motu Tuherahera where are the village and airport is about a kilometer wide. The only pass of this atoll allows boats to enter the lagoon through a 12 km long buoyed channel.
Tourism recently developed because of the underwater fauna is the one of most fantastic in the world and the pink sand beach are famous worldwide!
Second largest atoll in Polynesia by its surface, and ex capital of the Tuamotu, Fakaravaâs 2 main villages are Rotoava and Tetamanu, where the first catholic church was built out of coral in 1874. Its reef crown is 60 km long and 25 wide.
Along with 6 of his neibhboring atolls, Fakarava have been named Natural Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO. Indeed, the island is known for its idyllic sites and emerald waters. Fakarava reveals a luxurious fauna and flora, allowing exceptional diving: the beauty of corals, the density of fishes, a strong concentration of grey sharks, the reproduction of groupers in July... There are 2 passes: Garuae (north), the largest pass of French Polynesia (1,6 km) and Tamakohua, also called Tetamanu (in the south). Moreover, there are numerous pearl farms and amazing wild atolls with desert beach with a pink and white sand...
Makatea, is a high atoll of coral origin, surrounded by cliffs from 50 to 80 m high, with a fringing reef. The village is located on the central plateau 80m above sea level. There are many remnants of the exploitation of phosphate deposits (1917 to 1966). Accessible only by boat, this island is full of natural curiosities.
Ahe is situated between Rangiroa and Manihi. Its lagoon, dotted with pearl farms , is about 23 km x 8 km and its 491 residents live around the main village Tenukupara.
Manihi is the cradle of the Polynesian blackpearl. Her lagoon is about 27 km and 8 km wide and is 160 km2. The 650 inhabitants live in Paeua, the main village, separated from its little airport by Tairapa pass. Youâll see breathtaking beaches on motu and vestiges of old marae, and incredible scubadive. Enjoy!
Anaa native island of the Pomare Royal Family, this friendly atoll with no pass, has an intense green lagoon. It shelters some spectacular feo, coral blocks which emerge at more than 3 meters high.
Chef lieu/Main village : Rikitea Superficie/ Surface : 30 km2
Situated at 1700 km east of Tahiti, the Gambier Archipelago, grouped around Mangareva the only one inhabited, is as a summary of Polynesia: 5 high islands and 18 motu in a single lagoon, which multiply beaches of white sand and the secret creeks.
Mangareva (in Polynesian Maâareva) is the main and the most central of the islands of the archipelago of the Gambier Islands. Its administrative center is the village of Rikitea.
It is where the perliculture has been first developed. Gambier pearls are extremely considered and appreciated for their beauty and their perfection.
The Mecca of the catholic evangelization in Polynesia, the archipelago of Gambier conceals numerous churches and cathedrals built in blocks of coral on ancient places of traditional cult, maintained and restored ardently.
Close to the Tropic of Capricorn, Gambier abounds of fruits trees. A protected and authentic archipelago in the intact nature, with numerous uninhabited atolls, bays and full of fishy creeks.
Tubuai is the administrative and economic capital of the archipelago and the biggest island. Its landscapes are luxurious like a tropical Eden. Surrounded by the reef, Tubuaiâs lagoon is breathtaking with its 85 km2 of crystal blue waters and its beautiful white sand beaches all around the island and on the motu.
The Austral archipelago "authentic and preserved"are composed of 5 high islands, some of which are surrounded by magnificient lagoon. Their preservation give them an authenticity and a real quality of life that more and more tourists discover and enjoy, for a moment out of time, staying in guests houses or with the inhabitants. These religious islands have kept their traditional rituals, their popular celebrations and dances as well as their polyphonic singing. Rurutu is also an annual meeting place for whales from July till October.
This island has kept her ancestral traditions and the local handcraft is rich and various.Each year, worldwide passionated spend some time in Rurutu to observe, from the top of the cliffs, humback whales breeding.
A large coral bareer, contellated by thirty motu (white sand islet), surrounds Raivavae. With its outstanding lagoon, sometimes 4 km wide, Raivavae is an inviatation to rest and meditation.
Infirmerie de Amaru 40 944 270
www.guidepolynesie.com
Rimatara is the smallest of the Australes archipelago. She is surrounded by reef and white sand beach. The island is populated with 880 inhabitants.
A visit to the Marquesas is a guaranteed adventure, a fabulous emotional experience. Today, only six of the archipelagoâs twelve islands are inhabited. The Marquesas Archipelago, ocean gate to French Polynesia, is spread over 350 kilometers, from Fatu Hiva to Eiao. Distance has limited exchanges between the islands, and each one kept its own personality, customs and dialect. Even today, inter-island connections are still limited and it is not easy to plan a trip there. By boat or by plane, youâll discover the particular ambiance of each island and find, in the hotels and guest houses, a large choice of activities. Whatever your travel style, you will be surprised by the availability and kindness of your hosts. The Marquesas Islands were declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site on 26 July 2024.
With its 330 square kilometers, Nuku Hiva is the largest island of french polynesia after Tahiti. The airport is located at the Northwestern point of the island. The scenery to get to Taiohae, the islandâs administrative capital, is spectacular and the panoramas are impressive.
HivaâOa is divided into 2 municipalities: Atuona (1934 inhabitants) and Puamau. Atuona is the departure point of the speed boats which go to Fatu Hiva and Tahuata.
Paul Gauguin and Jacques Brel lived there in the last years of their life.
The most populated island, its population amounts to 2213 inhabitants with Hakahau as main village, at the bottom of the eponymic bay, situated on northeast side of the island.
Separated from Hiva Oa by the "Canal du Bordelais", only 4 km wide, Tahuata is the smallest inhabited island in the Marquesas. It include small bays with white sand beach, bathed by a crystal clear water.
Lower and drier than its neighbours. the island consist of vast plateau and dry hills, interrupted by profound fertile valleys, where concentrates the population.
