French Polynesia

Known for its spectacular nature. Razorsharp mountaintops, stunning turquoise lagoons, and abundance of beautiful flowers. Also below the water there is a natures paradise to be found in French Polynesia.

Papeete is the capital of Tahiti, the largest island, nicknamed 'the island of love'. It is a visitor's first port of call because of the international airport of Tahiti-Faa'a, which is located here.

Moorea is the sister island, some 17kms north west of Papeete. Here the tranquil waters of Cooks Bay and Opunohu Bay lap at its majestic volcanic peak,s which thrust into the sky.

Bora Bora is 240kms north west of Tahiti in the Society Islands, as is Huahine Island, which comprises two islands joined by a narrow isthmus and enclosed by a protective necklace of coral.

Rangiroa with its 42 mile long turquoise lagoon is the largest atoll in the Tuamotu Archipelago, and Tikehau atoll in the same archipelago is an almost circular atoll with an interior lagoon, 26km across and a safe pass for small boats through the coral reef.

Understanding The Geography

French Polynesia is a French "overseas collective" with the particular designation of "overseas country" in the southern Pacific Ocean. It is made up of several groups of Polynesian islands, the most famous island being Tahiti in the Society Islands group, which is also the most populous island, and the seat of the capital of the territory (Papeete). Although not an integral part of its territory, Clipperton Island is administered from French Polynesia.

The islands of French Polynesia have a total land area of 4,167 square kilometres (1,622 sq. mi) scattered over 2,500,000 square kilometres (965,255 sq. mi) of ocean.

It is made up of several groups of islands, the largest and most populated of which is Tahiti.

Climate Conditions

The hot and humid summer season runs from November to April. The rest of the year is cooler and drier.

The southeast trade winds blow from May to August, varying to easterly from September to December.

The northeast trade winds, from January to April coincide with the hurricane season. Rainfall is greatest in the mountains and along the windward shores of the high islands.