French Polynesia

French Polynesia, is an overseas collectivity of France, comprises 118 dispersed islands in the South Pacific, stretching for more than 2,000 miles. Divided into 5 island groups: the Austral, Gambier, Marquesas, Society and Tuamotu archipelagos, they're known for their coral-fringed lagoons and over-the-water bungalows. The islands also encompass white- and black-sand beaches, mountains, rugged backcountry and towering waterfalls.

 

First explored by Europe’s Ferdinand Magellan, in 1521, the Spanish, British, Dutch, and French all vied for possession.  It was declared a French protectorate in 1842. Catholic Missionaries began conversion within months of colonization.

 

French is the official language of French Polynesia

 

The Society Islands archipelago is composed of two separate groups, geographically and administratively: 1) the Windward Islands which include Tahiti, Moorea and Mehetia, and 2) The Leeward Islands that include Bora Bora, Huahine, and Raiatea.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

On this cruise, we visited Nuku Hiva, in The Marquesas Islands; Tahiti and Moorea, in the Society Islands; and Rangiroa in the Tuamotu Islands.