French Polynesia
Marquesas Islands
Unlike the flat coral atolls of the Tuamotus, the Marquesas Islands rise dramatically from the Pacific as untamed volcanic fortresses. This remote French Polynesian archipelago lacks protective reefs, offering instead steep cliffs, deep emerald valleys, and mystical archaeological sites. It’s a rugged, culturally rich place, recognized by UNESCO as being one of the world’s most “vertical” collection of islands.
Our path: Moho Tani > Hiva Oa > Tahuata > Fatu Hiva > Nuka Hiva > Ua Pou
Society Islands
The Society Islands are the political and economic center of French Polynesia. Geographically divided into the Windward Islands (Tahiti and Mo’orea) and the Leeward Islands (Bora Bora, Huahine, and Raiatea), the chain is characterized by rugged, rainforest-covered mountains surrounded by barrier reefs and lagoons. The archipelago was named by Captain James Cook in 1769 in honor of the Royal Society.
Our path: Tahiti Iti > Tahiti Nui > Mo’orea > Tahiti Nui
Tuamotu Archipelago
The “Tuamotus” is the world’s largest group of coral atolls, forming a vast, remote chain of low-lying islands in French Polynesia. They span a huge area (larger than Western Europe) but have a tiny total land area, consisting of just about 80 atolls and reefs. Historically dubbed the “Dangerous Archipelago,” the Tuamotus demand intense navigational precision. Skippers must time their entrance and exit perfectly with slack water.
Our path: Raroia > Makemo > Fakarava > Toau > Rangiroa > Tikehau > Makatea
