French Polynesia

For those who love diving, dramatic terrain and striking natural beauty in a tropical setting, the islands of French Polynesia are well worth a visit.

French Polynesia is comprised of approximately 120 islands divided into five archipelagos, all of which differ in terrain and allure. The most strikingly beautiful are the Society Islands, mountainous islands with ancient volcanoes that have eroded into jagged peaks over the years, and surrounded by glorious blue lagoons.

The Tuamotu Archipelago is an enormous chain of low-lying coral atolls, enclosing crystal clear lagoons - a fantastic area for diving and visiting the renowned black pearl farms.

Scott Dunn’s highlights for the French Polynesia:

Tour Bora Bora on Jet-Ski- a fun way to see the main island in the French Polynesia, and get great views of the lagoon and Mount Otemanu.
Enjoy the sunset on Bora Bora whilst sipping a Mai-thai at The Four Seasons Resort bar.
Visit Rurutu, for a chance to spot migrating humpback whales.

The island of Bora Bora is extraordinarily beautiful because of the incredible lagoon that completely surrounds the mountainous centre of the island. The lagoon itself is separated from the ocean by sand-fringed motus’ (small islets) sitting on the outer reef.

As most of its residents earn a living growing cantaloupes and watermelons, and harvesting copra for the Papeete market, Huahine is known as the ‘Island of Fruits’. Renowned for its Bora Bora-like beaches, Mooreaesque bays and basaltic thumbs sticking up atop steep cliffs, Huahine also has ancient ruins and a picturesque main town to explore. As the least developed of the islands, it offers one of

Manihi is a spectacular atoll located in the Tuamotu Archipelago around 312 miles northeast of Tahiti. Its magnificent clear lagoon is well-known amongst avid snorkellers for its beautiful and diverse marine fauna and black pearl farms. There’s only one pass to enter the lagoon, located close to the atoll's southern end, known as Passe de Tairapa. If you’ve dreamed of being stranded on a deserted

Many people have described Moorea as the most beautiful place on earth. Here you’ll find the real South Seas experience; a barefoot existence amidst white sand beaches and beautiful lagoons surrounded by volcanic mountains. And as the shape of Moorea is said to resemble a heart, you could say this is ultimate honeymoon destination!

Taha’a is the ultimate luxury holiday hideaway in the South Pacific. Just a few minutes away from Raiatea's airport by shuttle boat, Taha'a, known as "the Vanilla Island" has retained the seductiveness of old-time Polynesia and boasts glistening white sandy beaches and sparkling azure waters. The island is one enormous fragrant garden, of which vanilla is the ruling scent as Taha'a produces around

Dominated by Mount Orohena at 2236m and Mount Aorai at 2068m, Tahiti is the largest of the Windward group. Papeete, the capital, has in recent years been transformed into a bustling city with an attractive and colourful port set in magnificent scenery. The surrounding area is characterised by its spectacular tropical scenery, banana groves, plantations and flowers.

Tikehau is known for its pink sand beaches and its exceptional underwater fauna. Considered one of the most beautiful atolls in Polynesia, here you can enjoy endless hours of snorkelling in the bright blue lagoon, encounter many different species on the Isle of Birds, and meander around the colourful island village of Tuherahera, full of friendly people and their beautiful gardens.