CHAPTER 2 THE ISLANDS

A Wide Territory

118 islands divided in five archipelagoes

• The Society Islands

• The Tuamotu Atolls

• The Marquesas Islands

• The Austral Islands

• The Gambier Islands

Covering an area as large as EuropeCovering an area as large as western Europe

Getting Around

• Air Tahiti is the only domestic carrier (not to be mistaken with Air Tahiti Nui, the international airline)

• Air passes will offer the best value for island-hopping, several types of passes are available

• Aremiti and Terevau are the 2 fast ferry companies connecting the islands of Tahiti and Moorea (note: Moorea is the only island with passenger catamaran/ferry service)

The Society Islands

Tahiti The Queen of the Pacific

• Tahiti is the largest island and Papeete is capital of French Polynesia, where the Faa’a International Airport is located

• Tahiti Nui is the biggest part of the island and Tahiti Iti the smallest part. Both are connected by an isthmus (it will take you about 2 to 3 hours to drive around Tahiti Nui)

• Tahiti is often considered a transit island but the Queen Island has much more to offer

Taravao ■

Vairao ■

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Pueu ■■

Tautira ■Papeari ■

Mataiea ■Papara ■

■ Paea

■ Punaauia

■Faa’a

■ Arue

■ Papenoo

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Tiarei▲ ▲ Waterfalls

Waterfall ▲

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▲ Waterfall

▲ Relais de la Maroto

▲ Gauguin

Museum/Botanical Gardens

▲ James Norman Hall Home

▲ Public Market▲ Vai’ete Square▲ To’ata Square▲ Pearl Museum

Fern Grotto ▲

▲ Te Pari Cliffs

▲Golf Course

▲ Waterfall

▲ Overlook

Lake Vaihiria

▲ Overlook

Taravao Plateau

▲ Point Venus

★Anchorage of European Exploration Ships

▲ Blow Hole

Mt. Orohena 7334'2241 m

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▲Pro Surfing Tournament Site

▲ Mt. Ronui 4345'1332 m

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CruiseshipPort

Ferry Dock ■ Mahina

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MatavaiBay

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ArahurahuMarae

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Taravao Isthmus

Papenoo Valley

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Airport

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Museum of Tahiti& Her Islands

KEY TO ISLAND MAPS: ● Major Hotels and Resorts ● Guesthouses■ To wns ▲ Points of Interest

Historical Sites

▲ Surfing SitesMonoï Road

Dive Sites

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▲ Tomb of King Pomare V

Mahaena

Afaahiti

Toahotu

Te Pari

1 HOTEL TAHITI NUI 1 TIARE TAHITI NOA NOA 1 HOTEL SARAH NUI 2 TAHITI AIRPORT MOTEL 2 INTERCONTINENTAL TAHITI RESORT & SPA 3 MANAVA SUITE RESORT TAHITI 4 LE MÉRIDIEN TAHITI 5 ROYAL TAHITIEN 6 TAHITI PEARL BEACH RESORT 7 TIKI HOTEL

1 AHITEA LODGE 1 PENSION PUEA 1 FARE D’HÔTES TUTEHAU 1 TEAMO GUEST-HOUSE 2 FARE SUISSE 3 PENSION DAMYR 3 PENSION FIFI 3 FARE HAU 3 HEITIARE INN 4 PENSION DE LA PLAGE 4 TAHITI LODGE 4 TE NAHE TOE TOE - CHEZ ARMELLE

5 FARE MARAE TAATA 5 OTAHA LODGE 5 TAAROA LODGE 5 LE RELAIS FENUA 5 PENSION TE MITI 6 HITI MOANA VILLA 6 HIRIATA FARE D’HÔTES 6 TAHARU’U SURF LODGE 7 VILLA MITIRAPA 8 PENSION REVA TEAHUPOO 8 VANIRA LODGE 8 LA VAGUE BLEUE TAUHANIHANI VILLAGE LODGE 8 PENSION ORLANDA 8 CHAYAN

9 BONJOUIR LODGE PARADISE10 A PUEU VILLAGE11 FARE MAITHE11 CHEZ FLOTAHIA11 PUNATEA VILLAGE11 OMATI LODGE12 FARE AREAREA13 RELAIS DE LA MAROTO14 TAHITI HOLIDAY LODGE15 MOTU MARTIN16 MAEVA LODGE

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Flight time from Tahiti to : Tetiaroa : 15 minMoorea : 15 minHuahine : 40 minRaiatea : 45 minBora Bora : 50 minMaupiti : 55 minRangiroa : 1 hTikehau : 55 minManihi : 1 h 15 minFakarava : 1 h 10 minMangareva : 4 h 25 minNuku Hiva : 3 h 45 minHiva Oa : 3 h 45 minRurutu : 1 h 30 minTubuai : 1 h 40 minRaivavae : 1 h 50 min

Navigation time to Moorea : 40 min

Tahiti Highlights

Museums & History

• Museum of Tahiti and Her Islands (on the West Coast)

• Pearl Museum (in Papeete)

• James Norman Hall House (on the East Coast, the original house of writer James Norman Hall, co-writer of “Mutiny on the Bounty”)

• Point Venus Lighthouse (on the East Coast in Mahina, Point Venus beach)

Tahiti Highlights

Museums & History

Marae Arahurahu (on the West Coast): for reference, a “marae” is a sacred place / archeological site that served religious, ceremonial and social purposes in Polynesian societies. They were also places of sacrifices. Polynesians are very superstitious when it comes to “marae” as they are sites full of past and history. But most of all, they were considered “tapu” or forbidden in the past. They were abandoned with the arrival of christianity in the islands. But many are still accessible for visits.

Tahiti Highlights

Tropical Gardens

• Harrison Smith Botanical Garden (on the West Coast, right by the lagoon, adjacent to the Paul Gauguin Museum)

• Vaipahi Water Gardens (on the West Coast, has a hiking trail that leads towards the top of the mountain for stunning views of Tahiti Iti)

• Paofai Gardens (Papeete’s waterfront)

• The Queen’s Gardens (at the Assembly of French Polynesia in Papeete)

Tahiti Highlights

Nature

• The Faarumai Waterfalls (also known as the “Three Waterfalls” on the East Coast, 3 waterfalls and 3 trails from easy to more advanced)

• The Arahoho Blowhole (on the East Coast)

• Hiking through the beautiful lush valleys and mountains (hikes available for all-level hikers - guided hikes highly recommended)

• Teahupoo’s mythical wave on Tahiti Iti (where the best surfers in the world compete)

Tahiti Highlights

Souvenir shopping

• Vaima Center in Papeete, Tahiti’s version of an open air mall

• Papeete’s public market “Le Marché” for local souvenirs such as shells, pareos, woven bags, hats, vanilla, monoï, and more

Tahiti Highlights

Food

• While in Tahiti, eat like a local and have dinner once at the “roulottes,” Tahiti’s version of food trucks

• Located on the waterfront, you will find a nice array of Tahitian, French, Chinese, Italian cuisine

• Portions are quite large and great to share!

Tahiti Hotels

• Intercontinental Tahiti (West Coast, 10 minutes from the airport)

• Manava Suite Resort (West Coast, 15 minutes from the airport)

• Le Méridien Tahiti (West Coast, 20 minutes from the airport)

• Tahiti Nui (Downtown Papeete, 10 minutes from the airport)

• Tahiti Pearl Resort (East Coast, 20 minutes from the airport)

Tetiaroa Marlon Brando’s Dream

• In the 1960’s, actor Marlon Brando was in Tahiti for the filming of “Mutiny on the Bounty.” He fell in love with the islands and acquired a little haven called Tetiaroa

• Just a 15-minute flight from Tahiti

• The only atoll in the Society island group

• Tetiaroa was the retreat for royalty back in the day

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● The Brando

Distance from Tahiti to Tetiaroa :53 km - 33 mi

Motu Tiaraunu

Motu TauiniMotu Auroa

Motu Hiraanae

Motu Oroatera

Motu Aie

Tahuna RahiTahuna RimatuuMotu Onetahi

Motu Honuea

Motu Reiono

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KEY TO ISLAND MAPS:

● Major Hotels and Resorts Dive Sites

Tetiaroa Highlights

• Tetiaroa is an incredible natural sanctuary for sea life and birds

• It is home to the non-profit organization “Tetiaroa Society,” where scientists from around the world can come and conduct some research

Tetiaroa Accommodation

• The Brando

Moorea The Magical Island

• Tahiti’s sister island, the only island reachable by fast ferry (30-minute crossing)

• Famed for its 2 stunning deep bays, Cook’s and Opunohu

• Gorgeous valleys and mountain peaks

• A world apart yet so close to the capital island Tahiti

• Where the best pineapple in the world is produced

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Waterfall ▲

Waterfall ▲

“Pierced”Mountain ▲

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2949’899 m

Mt. Tohiea 3959'1207 m

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▲ Overlook

Vaiare Pass

Teruaupu Pass

Avarapa Pass

Matauvau Pass

TupapaurauPass

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Irihonu Pass ▲Taotai Pass

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Tiki Village ▲

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Cook’s B

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Opunohu B

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Fruit Juice ▲ Factory

Belvédère Overlook ▲

Opunohu Valley Ferry Wharf

Avaroa Pass

Ta reu Pass

M O O R E A

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● Major Hotels and Resorts ● Guesthouses■ Villages ▲ Points of Interest ★ Historical Sites Dive Sites▲ Surfing Sites ©

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Pihaena

UrufaraVaiare

Teavaro

Varari Titiroa Marae

Haumi

Vaianae

MaateaAtiha

Cruiseship Anchorage (Rotates between Opunohu Bayand Cook’s Bay) • Paul Gauguin

Green Pearl Golf Course, 18 holes

1 SOFITEL MOOREA IA ORA BEACH RESORT 2 MANAVA BEACH RESORT & SPA 3 HÔTEL KAVEKA 4 CLUB BALI HAI MOOREA 5 HILTON MOOREA LAGOON RESORT & SPA 6 INTERCONTINENTAL MOOREA RESORT & SPA 6 HÔTEL FENUA MATA’I’OA 7 HÔTEL LES TIPANIERS 8 HÔTEL HIBISCUS 1 ANAPA BEACH 1 GREEN LODGE 1 MOOREA GOLF LODGE 2 MOTEL ALBERT 3 VILLAGE TEMANOHA 4 PENSION DINA 4 PENSION MOTU ITI 5 FARE NANI 5 MAHEATA 5 VILLAGE FAIMANO 5 FARE JUNETTE 6 FARE HAMARA 6 FARE VAIHERE 6 ROBINSON’S COVE VILLAS 7 PENSION MARIE-LOU

8 TAOAHERE BEACH HOUSE 9 DREAM ISLAND10 FARE ROTUI10 MOOREA FARE MITI10 PENSION TEATAURA11 TAPU LODGE11 TE FARE MIHI11 FARE MANUIA12 FARE EDITH13 LINAREVA BEACH RESORT14 FARE D’HÔTE TEHUARUPE14 FARE TOKOAU14 HAAPITI SURF LODGE14 MARK’S PLACE MOOREA15 TARARIKI VILLAGE

15 FARE ARANA15 FARE VAINUI15 LA MAISON DE LA NATURE DU MOU’A ROA15 PENSION TIFAI15 MOOREA SURF BED AND BREAKFAST16 FARE AUTE17 VAIHAU VILLAGE18 ATUANA LODGE18 FARE TE ORA HAU - ECOLODGE

Flight time from Moorea to : Tahiti : 15 minHuahine : 35 minRaiatea : 45 minBora Bora : 50 min

Navigation time to Tahiti : 40 min

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Distance from Tahiti to Moorea :19 km - 12 mi

Moorea

Moorea Highlights

• Pineapple plantations and the Agricultural School (stop to try the fresh-squeezed pineapple juice and their variety of locally made jams)

• The Belvedere lookout point (for incredible views of the valley and the bays)

• The only Dolphin Center in the islands (offering educational programs and possibilities to swim with these amazing mammals)

Moorea Hotels

• Intercontinental Moorea Resort & Spa

• Sofitel Moorea Ia Ora Beach Resort

• Hilton Moorea Lagoon Resort & Spa

• Manava Beach Resort & Spa

• Hotel Les Tipaniers

Huahine The Garden of Eden

• Referred to as “Little Kauai” by many visitors

• Untouched, authentic, traditional, off the beaten path

• Home to the largest concentration of ancient sacred sites “marae” in French Polynesia

• Like Tahiti, composed of 2 islands, Huahine Nui and Huahine Iti, connected by a bridge

Haapu ■

Maroe Bay

■ Parea

■ Maroe

■ Tefarerii

▲ Blue-eyed eels ■ Faie

■ Fitii

Fare

Maeva■

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▲ Mt. Turi Garden

2194'669 m Overlook ▲

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AvapeihiPass

Avamoa Pass

Bourayne Bay

Avea Bay

Farerea Pass

Ara’ara Pass

Lake Fauna Nui

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Motu Murimahora

Motu Ara’ara

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Cruiseship Anchorage • Paul Gauguin

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CookBay

HaapuBay

MahutiBay

Fare Pote’e

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● Major Hotels and Resorts ● Guesthouses■ Villages ▲ Points of Interest ★ Historical Sites Dive Sites▲ Surfing Sites

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Distance from Tahiti to Huahine :180 km - 112 mi

Huahine

Huahine Highlights

• The “marae” archeological sites and their history

• The ancient fish traps still in use today

• The blue-eyed sacred eels that have become pets for the locals and tourists (just bring canned tuna or sardines to feed them!)

• The small village of Fare, the island’s main village, for its very Polynesian flair

• Drift snorkeling

Huahine Hotels

• Maitai Lapita Village

• Relais Mahana

• Royal Huahine

Raiatea and Taha’a One Lagoon, Two Islands

• Quite an unusual fact, these 2 islands actually share the same lagoon (and a legend tells that they were once one island but got separated by a giant eel)

• Untouched, authentic, off the beaten path, like Huahine

• The airport for the 2 islands is located on Raiatea and there is no airport in Taha’a

• To reach Taha’a, resorts have their own private boats

The Island of Raiatea & Taha’a

Two Islands, One Lagoon

Fetuna

Avera

UTUROA

Faaroa Bay

Faaroa Valley

Nordby

Faaaha

Toahotu Pass

Teavapiti Pass

Iriru Pass

Naonao Pass

Tea Vamoa Pass

Papai Pass

Rautoanui Pass

Tetuatiare Pass

Toamaro Pass

Punaeroa Pass

Haamene

Patio

Tiva

Poutoru

FaaahaBay

Tevaitoa

Mt. Temehani 2598'

Marina

MarinaBotanical Gardens

Overlook

Opoa

TaputapuateaMarae

Complex

Cruiseship Port

Le Taha'a IslandResort & Spa

Relais & Chateaux

Hipu

HurepitiBay

Tehurui

VaiaauBay

FaatemuBay Puohine

T AH A’A

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RFP

Taha’a

Raiatea

Raiatea The Sacred Island

• Played an important role in the migrations that took place in the islands and has remained a strong cultural center for French Polynesia

• Home to one of the largest “marae,” Marae Taputapuatea

• Home to the only navigable river of French Polynesia

• Base for sailing, charter companies

• Represented by the symbolic “Tiare Apetahi” flower growing only there

Raiatea Highlights

• Marae Taputapuatea and the history of the migrations

• The Faaroa River by boat, kayak or stand up paddle

• Hiking to the waterfalls (advanced)

• Visit to vanilla plantations

• Raiatea’s public market in the small town of Uturoa (for stunning locally made jewelry, vanilla, pareos, carvings etc.)

Raiatea Hotels & Sailing Companies

• Hawaiki Nui

• Raiatea Lodge

• Opoa Beach

• Tahiti Yacht Charter

• Dream Yacht Charter

• The Moorings

Taha’a The Vanilla Island

• Closest airport is Raiatea, and Taha’a can be reached by boat (resorts have their own private shuttle boats)

• 80% of the Tahitian vanilla production comes from Taha’a

• The island’s way of life has remained very traditional, locals live from tourism, pearl farming, fishing and vanilla of course

Taha’a Highlights

• Visit to a vanilla plantation

• Visit to a pearl farm

• Sailing tours, half or full day

• Drift snorkeling

• Visit to Raiatea

Taha’a Hotels

• Le Taha’a Island Resort & Spa

• Vahine Island Private Resort

Bora Bora The Pearl of the Pacific

• Bora Bora was a US GI base during World War II

• The airport was built during WWII and is still operating today

• The airport is located on a small “motu” islet and Air Tahiti operates a shuttle boat service to the main land (main village of Vaitape)

• Most resorts located on small islets have their own shuttle boats

Faanui

VAITAPE

Anau

Matira Pt.

Overlook

Overlook

Marine Museum

Mt. Otemanu2384'727 m

Motu Teveiroa

Motu Mute

Teavanui Pass

Motu Tapu

Motu Toopua

Motu Piti Aau

Motu Tofari

Motu Tupaia

B O R A B O R A

Cruiseship Anchorage• Paul Gauguin

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1 HÔTEL MATIRA 2 INTERCONTINENTAL BORA BORA LE MOANA RESORT 3 LE MAITAI POLYNESIA BORA BORA 4 SOFITEL BORA BORA MARARA BEACH RESORT 5 SOFITEL BORA BORA MARARA PRIVATE ISLAND 6 INTERCONTINENTAL BORA BORA RESORT & THALASSO SPA 7 LE MÉRIDIEN BORA BORA 8 THE ST. REGIS BORA BORA RESORT 9 FOUR SEASONS RESORT BORA BORA10 BORA BORA PEARL BEACH RESORT & SPA11 CONRAD BORA BORA NUI RESORT & SPA

1 BORA BORA PENSION NONI 1 LADYBORABORA 2 ROHOTU FARE LODGE 3 CHEZ ROSINA 4 CHEZ NONO 5 PENSION ROBERT ET TINA 6 TEMANUATA BEACH 7 BORA BORA ECO LODGE - ANAU 7 CHEZ HENRIETTE 8 BORA VAITE LODGE

9 BORA BORA FISHING PARADISE LODGE10 PENSION BLUE HEAVEN ISLAND10 BORABUNGALOVE11 BORA BORA ECO LODGE - MOTU11 SUNSET HILL LODGE12 PENSION BORA LAGOONARIUM13 ALICE ET RAPHAËL BORA BORA

Flight time from Bora Bora to :Tahiti : 50 minMoorea : 50 minHuahine : 25 minRaiatea : 20 minMaupiti : 20 minRangiroa : 1 h 15 minTikehau : 1 h 5 minFakarava : 2 h 20 min

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Distance from Tahiti to Bora Bora : 259 km - 161 mi

Bora Bora

Bora Bora Highlights

• Bora Bora’s main asset is its pristine lagoon and most activities and excursions revolve around the sea

• To enjoy by boat, waverunner or from up above by helicopter, parasailing or sky diving

• Hiking to the Valley of the Kings (guided hike)

• 4x4 Safari Tour exploring the interior of the island

Bora Bora Hotels- Main Island

• Maitai Polynesia Bora Bora

• Intercontinental Le Moana

• Sofitel Bora Bora Marara Beach

Bora Bora Hotels- Motus

• Intercontinental Thalasso

• Sofitel Bora Bora Private Island

• St. Regis Bora Bora Resort

• Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora

• Conrad Bora Bora Nui

• Le Méridien Bora Bora

• Bora Bora Pearl Beach Resort & Spa

The Tuamotu Archipelago

• An atoll is a “flat island” (picture across)

• With time, islands sink into the ocean and an atoll is what is left of a high island once it has sunk (after a million years)

• An atoll is composed of mainly coral-base “motu” islets, reefs, encircling an immense lagoon, connected to the ocean by small passes / channels

• There are 78 atolls in the Tuamotu Archipelago, making it the largest group of islands in French Polynesia

The Tuamotu Archipelago A Strand of Pearls

• With their immense lagoons, stretches of virgin islets and palm trees, they typically are your Robinson Crusoe type of islands

• A large number of pearl farms have settled in these lagoons offering a pure protected environment

• Diving is among the best in the world

• Locals still subsist on fishing and pearl farming and tourism (on a smaller scale)

Rangiroa Infinitely Blue

• Rangiroa is the largest atoll in French Polynesia and thesecond largest in the world

• It is so wide that you could fit the whole island of Tahiti in Rangiroa’s lagoon

• The two main villages of Avatoru and Tiputa are where all of the population is concentrated (northern part)

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Motu Otepipi

▲ The Blue Lagoon

The Pink Sands ▲

R A N G I R O A

Motu Fenuaroa

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TiputaPass

Avatoru

TiputaCruiseship Anchorage

Pearl Farm▲

▲Dominique Auroy Estate (winery)

• Paul Gauguin

Motu Vahituri

● Motu Teta

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Flight time from Rangiroa to:Tahiti : 1 hFakarava : 45 minTikehau : 20 min

Distance from Tahiti to Rangiroa: 356 km - 221 mi

Major Hotels and ResortsGuesthousesVillages

Historical SitesDive Sites

KEY TO ISLAND MAPS:

▲ Points of Interest

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Rangiroa Highlights

• Visit a pearl farm

• Scuba diving and drift diving (advanced divers) or drift snorkeling (experienced snorkelers)

• Fishing (lagoon, deep sea, fly fishing)

• Rangiroa vineyards, truly unique, producing the “Coral Wine”

• Enjoy dolphin watching from the shores of the Tiputa Pass

• Biking

• Tour to the fossilized corals

Rangiroa Hotels

• Kia Ora Resort & Spa

• Kia Ora Sauvage

• Maitai Rangiroa

• Motu Teta

Fakarava Unesco Biosphere Classified

• Second largest atoll in the Tuamotu after Rangiroa

• A UNESCO Biosphere protected atoll (overwater bungalows are not allowed) for its pure environment and rare species

• The perfect castaway atoll

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Garuae Pass

Pearl Farm

Tamakohua Pass

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▲ CruiseshipAnchorage • Aranui 5

Rotoava

Coral Garden

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1 RELAIS MARAMA 1 PENSION MATARIVA 2 HAVAIKI LODGE 2 VAHITU DREAMS 2 PENSION VEKEVEKE VILLAGE 3 PENSION PAPARARA 4 TOKERAU VILLAGE 4 VAIAMA VILLAGE 5 RAIMITI 6 MOTU AITO PARADISE 6 TETAMANU VILLAGE & SAUVAGE

Flight time from Fakarava to:Tahiti : 1 h 10 minRangiroa : 45 min

Distance from Tahiti to Fakarava :452 km - 281 mi

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GuesthousesVillages

Historical SitesDive Sites

KEY TO ISLAND MAPS:

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F A K A R A V A

Fakarava Highlights

• Visit pearl farms

• Scuba diving in the North and South passes of the atoll (like Rangiroa, among the best diving especially for advanced divers)

• Enjoy full day picnic tours on pristine virgin islets

• Fishing (lagoon, deep sea, fly fishing)

• Biking between ocean and lagoon

Fakarava Accommodations

• There are no hotels or resorts in Fakarava

• Accommodation is mainly bed and breakfast and pensions

Tikehau A Robinson Crusoe Escape

• Smaller than Rangiroa and Fakarava, Tikehau is known for its sparkling pink sand beaches and bird sanctuaries

• Tikehau, like the other atolls, is pristine, untouched and truly authentic

• The locals’ daily lives revolve around the lagoon and its treasures

Tuherahera■

TuheiavaPass

Bird Island ▲

▲ The Pink Sands

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Flight time from Tikehau to:Tahiti : 55 minRangiroa : 20 min

Distance from Tahiti to Tikehau :307 km - 191 mi

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Major Hotels and ResortsGuesthousesVillages

Historical SitesDive Sites

KEY TO ISLAND MAPS:

▲ Points of Interest

T I K E H A U

Tikehau Highlights

• Enjoy a picnic tour on one of the secluded pink sand “motu” islets

• Explore the Bird Island

• Excellent scuba diving for all levels

• Snorkeling with the giant manta rays

• Fishing (lagoon, deep sea)

Tikehau Hotels

• Tikehau Pearl Beach Resort

• Ninamu Resort

The Marquesas Archipelago Mystical and Mysterious

• Islands as high as the Tuamotu are low, the Marquesas are impressive and dramatic islands

• No reefs, not a beach destination, but stunning cliffs, peaks, bays, valleys and mountains

• Legends say the gods created the Marquesas Islands to be their home, each island representing a part of the house

• Nuku Hiva and Hiva Oa are the main islands

MARQUESAS ARCHIPELAGO

FATU HIVA

UA HUKA

TAHUATA

UA POUHIVA OA

NUKU HIVA

MOTANE

FATU HUKU

HATU ITI

HATUTAA MOTU ONE

EIAO

100 KM - 62 MI

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The Marquesas Islands

• Marquesans have a fierce pride for their islands and a strong sense of identity

• The finest wood, bones and stone carvings can be found in the Marquesas

• “Tapa” also is one of their specialties, made from bark from the trees. Originally used to make clothes, it is now used for paintings, that will then serve as wall decoration

Nuku Hiva The Majestic Island

• Administrative center for the Marquesas Islands

• Inspired writer Herman Melville who wrote “Typee,” recalling his stay there in the 19th century

• Robert Louis Stevenson also traveled to the Marquesas in the 19th century and wrote “South Seas”

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■ Taipivai

■ Hooumi

Hatiheu

Hakaui ■

● Ahuii Waterfall ▲

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Bay of Taiohae

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Petroglyph Sites

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Cruiseship Anchorage •Aranui 5•Paul Gauguin

Mt. Tekao 4,025 ft.1227 m.

Grand Canyon

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Flight time from Nuku Hiva to: Tahiti : 3 h 45 minHiva Oa : 50 min

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Distance from Tahiti to Nuku Hiva :1406 km - 874 mi

Points of Interest

Nuku Hiva Highlights

• Visit the beautiful little village and Bay of Taiohae

• Tour the island by 4WD to the Taipivai Valley and Nuku Hiva’s own canyons

• Visit archeological sacred sites (known as “paepae’ in the Marquesas) in Hatiheu

• Horseback riding

• Hiking through the valleys and to the waterfalls (advanced)

Hiva Oa In the Artists’ Steps

• Second largest island in the Marquesas after Nuku Hiva

• Was previously the capital of the Marquesas before it was replaced by Nuku Hiva

• Final resting place of artist Paul Gauguin and singer Jacques Brel

• Home to the tallest tikis in French Polynesia (located in Puamau)

■ Taaoa

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■ Puamau

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▲ Paul Gauguin Cultural Center

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▲ Paul Gauguin’s Grave

Taaoa Bay Cruiseship Anchorage • Aranui 5•Paul Gauguin

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Flight time from Hiva Oa to: Tahiti : 3 h 50 minNuku Hiva : 50 min

Distance from Tahiti to Hiva Oa :1433 km - 890 mi

Mt. Temetiu 3,903 ft.1276 m.

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Points of Interest

Hiva Oa Highlights

• Visit the “Calvaire Cemetery” for an homage to Paul Gauguin and Jacques Brel

• Explore Paul Gauguin’s world at the Paul Gauguin Museum and his reconstituted “Maison du Jouir”

• Visit the archeological sites of Taaoa and giant tikis in Puamau

• Horseback riding

• Hiking

Nuku Hiva and Hiva Oa Accommodations

• Nuku Hiva Pearl Lodge

• Hiva Oa Pearl Lodge

• A variety of bed and breakfast, pensions available on the 2 islands and other Marquesas islands

• Aranui Cruises is another great way to see a few of these islands (some islands in the Marquesas do not have an airport)

The Austral Archipelago Between Lagoons & Caves

• In the Southern part of French Polynesia, these islands get a slightly different climate with much cooler temperatures during the “Tahitian winter”

• Weaving is at its finest in the Austral archipelago

• Their landscape definitely is a great mix between the Tuamotu and the Marquesas

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Tubuai The Island of Peace

• Dotted with a stunning lagoon, Tubuai has remained untouched and authentic

• The Bounty’s mutineers tried to settle there but the local tribes, at the time, fought fiercely to chase them away. Today, one of the beaches carries the name of “Bloody Beach”

• Tubuai also is a major agricultural center for French Polynesia

Rurutu The Hidden Whales Sanctuary

• Rurutu has become THE place to observe and scuba dive with humpback whales and their calves during their yearly migration, from July until about October

• Like Tubuai, the pristine lagoon and well-preserved, pure environment, offers an ideal shelter for these mammals

• It is, of course, one of the island’s main attractions half of the year

Raivavae The Dream Island

• Raivavae is what a lot of locals will call the most beautiful island of French Polynesia

• For many, it is what Bora Bora used to be, before it became the most popular Tahitian island

• Totally unspoiled, and like Tubuai and Rurutu, off the beaten path

• Over the years, tourism is picking up more and more

Tubuai, Rurutu, Raivavae Accommodation

• Accommodation in the three islands is mainly pensions (family stays)

The Gambier Archipelago The Islands at the End of the World

• Like the Austral islands, the Gambier’s climate slightly differs from the Society Islands

• They are the cradle of catholicism and many constructions from the 18th and 19th century are still in use

• Agriculture also plays a major role in their economy

Mangareva Pearls’ Sanctuary

• Mangareva pretty much has it all: pristine lagoons and beaches, verdant mountains and virgin “motu” islets

• This is where some of the most stunning Tahitian pearls come from, the lagoons there being purer than any other islands

• Pearl farming is one of the main industries and mother of pearls, shells and pearls largely enhance local constructions

The Gambier Islands

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Flight time from Mangareva to Tahiti: 4 h 25 min

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Distance fromTahiti to Mangareva :1652 km - 1027 mi

MANGAREVA

Mangareva Accommodations

• There are no hotels or resorts in Mangareva, however a variety of pensions (family stays) to choose from

• Like the Austral islands,a perfect shelter for sailing boats

And Beyond Those

• There are of course many other islands, as remember, we have 118 altogether. Here are a few more that tourists are discovering

• Maupiti, known as “Mini Bora Bora,” in the Society Islands

• Ahe, in the Tuamotu Archipelago