A journey across remote islands, vanilla-scented breezes, and coral gardens beneath crystal waters

When you think of French Polynesia, chances are your mind immediately conjures palm trees, turquoise lagoons, and miles of unspoiled white-sand beaches. This stunning South Pacific archipelago spans over 1,545 sq miles and is made up of 118 islands, with Tahiti standing out as the largest and most populated.

Its capital, Papeete, is a vibrant gateway where tourists and locals cross paths in bustling markets filled with tropical fruit and fragrant flowers. It’s also the starting point for most travelers, as it’s home to the region’s only international airport.

The journey begins: From Raiatea to Taha’a

While Papeete marks the official arrival, the true adventure begins with a short domestic flight via Air Tahiti to the island of Raiatea, where a catamaran awaits to begin your navigation across these remote waters.

Raiatea—meaning “faraway paradise” and “sky of soft light” in the local language—is considered the cultural heart of Polynesia. Legend has it that ancient Polynesians set sail from its shores to populate Hawaii to the north and New Zealand to the south.

This island is home to most of the yacht charter bases and nautical services in the region. Among its standout landscapes is Motu Mahaea, a sun-drenched islet perfect for stand-up paddleboarding, kayaking, and snorkeling.

Explore the vanilla plantations

A must-do on land: hop in a 4×4 and head deep into the lush green interior of Taha’a, also known as the “Vanilla Island.” This is your chance to visit one of the many family-run vanilla farms, where you’ll learn directly from the growers how the plant is cultivated, harvested, and transformed into extract, oils, soaps, and candles.

Discover Motu Tau Tau, home to the coral garden

Back on board, your catamaran will sail along the coast of Taha’a, passing a collection of dreamy motus (islets) that shelter vibrant coral reefs. These underwater gardens are teeming with colorful fish and marine life. Just grab your snorkel mask and fins, let the gentle current guide you, and drift through these magical coral forests.

Visit the black pearl farms

No visit to Taha’a would be complete without a stop at one of its black pearl farms. Their hues range from greenish-gray to the most spectacular iridescent blacks. Here, you can witness the entire cultivation process firsthand—and if you’re lucky, you might even get to assist in one of the steps. Most farms also feature on-site boutiques where you can purchase pearls or handmade jewelry.

Island-hopping to Bora Bora

The next leg of your journey takes you to Bora Bora, often called the “Pearl of the Pacific.” Though only 11.1 sq miles in size, the island is home to the region’s most luxurious hotels and resorts. Back in the 1980s, the legendary Bora Bora Hotel was the first to build the now-iconic overwater bungalows, suspended above crystalline lagoons—the quintessential Polynesian postcard.

We recommend disembarking from your catamaran to fully enjoy the comfort and elevated service of the island’s top resorts. Brands like InterContinental and Four Seasons have set up in Bora Bora, offering every imaginable amenity to experience this island paradise in total luxury.

Swim with rays and sharks

The warm lagoon waters of Bora Bora are home to countless marine species, most notably manta rays, blacktip reef sharks, and lemon sharks. One of the most thrilling activities is to swim alongside them in their natural habitat.

For families, a great option is to head to the shallow sandbanks where dozens of stingrays and baby sharks gather to be gently hand-fed—many of them even seem comfortable enough to let you touch them softly.

For the more adventurous, there’s the option to snorkel or scuba dive beyond the reef into the open ocean, where you can reach a shark point reserved for the truly bold. Here, you’ll swim among hundreds of blacktip sharks and may even spot the majestic lemon shark resting on the sandy seabed below.

Consider French Polynesia for your next unforgettable escape!