When most people think of Tahiti, they visualize warm breezes, friendly inhabitants, and azure waves lapping at pristine powdery shores. In other words, they picture the quintessential tropical island paradise.
Tahiti is all this and more--much more than most people imagine. For one thing, Tahiti itself is actually two islands, Tahiti Nui and smaller Tahiti Iti. But what many people do not realize is that the tropical paradise does not end there. Tahiti is part of a group of 118 islands known as French Polynesia, strewn across more than 1.5 million square miles of ocean. Though many of the other 116 islands are not as well known as Tahiti, they too offer a stellar array of vacation possibilities. Some of the more popular destinations within the French Polynesian group include:
Tahiti
Home of the region's biggest international airport, Tahiti is most visitors' first taste of French Polynesia, and it generally proves beguiling. Even before landing you'll be struck by the beauty of 7337-foot Mount Orohena jutting out of the lush jungle, surrounded by aquamarine waters. Tahiti offers the best shopping, museums, and nightlife in all of this part of the South Pacific, and in Papeete offers the closest thing to a city for hundreds of miles. A major attraction in this capital town is le Marché, or public market (although English is widely spoken, French and Tahitian are the official languages of French Polynesia). Outdoor activities include any water sport under the sun, including diving, surfing, jet skiing, parasailing, and more. On dry land, average temperatures of 79 degrees Fahrenheit add to the pleasures of hiking, horseback riding, and four-wheeling.
Moorea
Of course, not everyone appreciates the development that has taken place on Tahiti. For those hoping for a more peaceful getaway, Moorea might be just the place. Only a short ferry ride from Papeete, Moorea is a world away. The island doesn't even have an urban center, just clusters of small settlements. Activities are mostly limited to outdoor pursuits such as hiking, water sports, and relaxation. You won't have to settle for spartan accommodations if you don't want to, however. The island offers several luxury hotels and good restaurants. One must-see sight: the Tiki Theatre Village. Here you can see what life was like in past centuries as villagers demonstrate the ancient arts of tapa making, tattooing, even black-pearl harvesting. As an added bonus, if you arrange it ahead of time, you can get married or renew your vows in a traditional (though not legally binding) island ceremony. Whatever you choose, you'll surely see why the island is known as "The Magical Island."
Bora Bora
Not be outdone by Moorea, Bora Bora calls itself "The Romantic Island," and it just might be the most beautiful island in the world. Although it too offers luxury accommodations, (and the good chance of a celebrity sighting) the real star of the show here is the landscape. Soaring jagged peaks encircle a lagoon whose waters define crystal-clear. Coral reefs and tame sharks are just a few of the attractions divers will discover here. Outside the reef, the fishing is excellent. If you don't want to venture into the open ocean, you can swim with rays and turtles in the protected lagoon. Or take a jeep tour of the rugged, unspoiled jungle interior of the island. Whether you take to the land or sea, the lush beauty of Bora Bora is sure to live up to your wildest romantic daydreams.
Of course, there's much more to French Polynesia. The more adventurous may explore the more remote islands of the French Polynesian group, such as the diving paradise of Rangiroa, Eden-esque Huahine, traditional Tahaa, and others. These islands don't always offer the range of luxury accommodations you'll find on more developed Tahiti, but most visitors find that the adventure of discovering this exotic part of the South Pacific more than makes up for not getting a mint on their pillow.•
