There is way more to the Islands of Tahiti, than just Tahiti, Moorea, and Bora Bora!
Actually, French Polynesia, which includes Tahiti, Moorea, and Bora Bora has five island groups!
The society Islands, Tuamotu Islands, Marquesas Islands, Austral Islands, and the Gambier Islands.
Society Islands: These are the islands you have probably heard of such as Tahiti, Moorea, and Bora Bora. This islands group also includes Huahine, Raiatea, Taha’a, Maupiti, Tetiaroa, and six other islands. These are your volcanic islands with a fringing reef, protected lagoons, and idyllic overwater bungalows.
Tuamotu Islands: These islands lay north, northeast of the main island of Tahiti. These are mostly atolls. Atolls are islands that have the fringing reef but have long lost the main volcanic island. The famous island for diving Rangiroa is in these atolls.
Marquesas Islands: These tall mountains rising out of the sea are very majestic. There is much history to these islands. The language in the Marquesas islands is actually closer to the language in Hawaii than in Tahiti. These rugged islands are fascinating to visit and well worth the long flight from Tahiti. On the islands of Hiva Oa is the burial site of the artist, Paul Gauguin.
Austral Islands: These remote islands are to the south of the main island of Tahiti. The lagoons are very pretty here. Many of these islands consist of “makatea” or fossilized coral. While not really a beautiful sight, once on the inside of these islands you will find a beautiful Shangri-la! The island of Rurutu is where you come to swim with the baby whales that
Gambier Islands: The Gambier Islands are to the south, southeast of the main island of Tahiti. The main island here is Mangareva. These are back to volcanic islands with the fringing reef for the most part. A few of the islands are atolls with the volcanic island now gone. Interestingly enough, the language here is closer to that of the Marquesas Islands rather than the Tuamotu or Society Islands.
Air Tahiti is the easiest and best way to get around the islands.
The best way to go from Tahiti to Moorea is by ferry. Quick, easy on the pocketbook and you get to meet the locals!
There are small cruise ships (Paul Gauguin) that do from seven to fourteen-day itineraries. The Aranui 5 is half freighter and half cruise ship which goes to the Marquesas Islands and to many of the more remote islands.
These islands are each different. What do you wish to experience? The Islands of Tahiti call you!
