Regionen · Kapitel 4
By the HolidayGenie editorial team ·
Beyond the Society Islands: the atolls of the Tuamotu and the rugged volcanic world of the Marquesas — for adventurers, divers, and culture enthusiasts.
Rangiroa & Fakarava (Tuamotu)
The Tuamotu are a chain of 77 atolls — ring-shaped coral islands with an inner lagoon and narrow strips of land outside. A paradise for divers.
- Rangiroa — one of the largest atolls in the world (inner lagoon about 75 km × 25 km). The Tiputa Pass and Avatoru Pass channels are world-class diving spots with dolphins, sharks, mantas, tuna, and barracudas
- Fakarava — UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, one of the top diving spots in the world, famous for the "Wall of Sharks" in the South Pass (hundreds of gray sharks)
- Tikehau — Jacques Cousteau called the lagoon "the richest in fish in the world". Pink sand beaches
- Ahe, Manihi — pearl farming islands
Getting there: via Air Tahiti from Papeete. Flight duration depending on the atoll 1-2 hours.
Marquesas
The Marquesas (Te Henua Enata — "Land of Men") are the wildest and most remote islands of French Polynesia. Dramatic volcanic landscape, almost no coral reefs (hence no lagoons), high waves, steep cliffs.
- Hiva Oa — resting place of Paul Gauguin and the Belgian singer Jacques Brel; Gauguin Museum
- Nuku Hiva — largest island of the group, spectacular mountain and valley landscape, traditional Tiki statues
- Ua Pou — famous for the "Pou" (tall basaltic spires)
- Tattoo art — the Marquesas are considered the birthplace of the Polynesian tattoo tradition
- Traditional dances and Haka-like rituals
Getting there: Air Tahiti (3.5-hour flight Papeete – Hiva Oa), or by the cruise-cargo ship Aranui 5 (serves all main Marquesas islands on a 12-day round trip).
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