French Polynesia & South Pacific

The South Pacific region comprimised of 13 member countries Only Cruises Travel features iteneries to the following member countries Cook Islands, Fiji Islands Samoa, Tahiti, Vanuatu Tonga and Tahiti.

French Polynesia, far better known as Tahiti The three archipelagos most sought by visitors are the Society Islands, comprised of Tahiti, Moorea, Bora Bora, Huahine, Raiatea and Taha'a; The Tuamotu Atolls or "Tahiti's Strand of Pearls", include the atolls of Rangiroa, Manihi, Tikehau, and Fakarava; and the Marquesas, or "The Mysterious Islands." The two other archipelagos, the Austral Islands and the Gambier Islands, lie to the south and the southeast, respectively, of the Society Islands. While very few travelers venture to these remote islands, those that do are not disappointed by the pristine environment.

Must do & see South Pacific & French Polynesia Activities

The Society Islands of:

Tahiti – This embarkation port can best be explored by a pre or post cruise experience. See the famous “Le Marche” the open air market on Papeete’s waterfront, or visit the Paul Gauguin or Tahitian Museums while on your Circle Island tour.

Raiatea - Visit a small black pearl station built over the lagoon, experience an unforgettable pearl harvest and see how a black pearl is cultured. Or spend your day in a 4x4 safari vehicle that takes you to the interior of the island to view tropical vegetation that includes bamboo forests, chestnut, mango trees and countless varieties of ginger flowers followed by canoeing over Raiatea's deep blue lagoon waters towards the mouth of the Faaroa River, the only navigable river in Polynesia.

Taha’a - Island discovery, a tour of Taha’a includes vanilla plantation, local fruit testing, flute demonstration, panoramic view point, botanical explanation and historical legends.

Bora Bora – Experience the island by “Le Truck” as the locals do (Le Truck is an open-air vehicle resembling a window-less bus) passing small villages and fields; buy some local hand-painted pareus and from a lookout point, you'll see Mount Otemanu, Bora Bora's highest peak, which stands as a silent sentinel over the "Pearl of the Pacific".

Moorea - SCUBA diving, swim with the Dolphins, off road safaris, para-sailing, Moorea is an adventurer’s dream!

Fiji

Thurston Gardens (Suva) - World's largest collection of Fijian artefacts as well as actual relics from H.M.S. Bounty!

Naihehe Sacred Cave Tour - Explore these sacred caves deep in Sigatoka Valley, and you'll also enjoy the traditional welcome ceremony, entertainment and Fijian luncheon.

Take an eco tour - explore the ruins of a fascinating pre-European war hill fortification, or wander through a colonial town that has changed little in over 150 years and soak up the history that surrounds you. There is much to do and see for those who want to come and experience the real Fiji, it’s beauty, culture and people.

Cook Islands

Visit Highland Paradise in Arorangi which is one of the only origional sacred places that were used as burial grounds, for investitures (appointing chiefs and subchiefs) and as meeting places for a tribe

Tour the Caves - There are a number of caves on Rarotonga. There is one in Matavera

Experience the local dance scene This is your chance to sample the local cuisine and enjoy Cook Islands dancing where there is a difference from the Tahitian & Hawaiian dance forms the dance is spectacular and a must see & try

Entry Requirements - Every visitor to French Polynesia must have:

1. A valid passport.
2. A return airline ticket to their resident country or to at least two more continuing destinations.
3. Sufficient funds to cover their planned stay.

For stays of up to one month, there are no visa requirements for citizens of the U.S., Canada, or Mexico. A foreigner with a residence card for the U.S. is not exempt from the above requirements and should consult the French Consulate based in the U.S. for information.
Citizens of European Union countries do not need a visa for stays of up to three months; citizens of other countries should consult the French Consulate.