Cruising French Polynesia is an ideal way to visit these luscious islands. The best Tahiti cruise lines are Windstar and Paul Gauguin. Which is better? We love both, but there are some key differences. (Spoiler alert: Windstar is less expensive, but PG has true balcony cabins.)
South Pacific (Fiji + French Polynesia)
Fiji, Bora Bora, Moorea… They’re some of the most alluring islands in the world!
An archipelago of over 300 islands, Fiji is a treasure trove of white sandy beaches, coral reefs teeming with marine life and lush rainforests.
French Polynesia, with its iconic overwater bungalows in Bora Bora and Moorea, epitomizes luxury. It’s a legendary honeymoon hot spot.
Quick South Pacific travel information
Location: In the geographical region of Oceania in the southern hemisphere
Islands: The top South Pacific islands are Fiji, Tahiti, Moorea, Bora Bora, Cook Islands, New Caledonia and Samoa
Best time to visit the South Pacific islands: The dry season from May through to October
South Pacific islands trip planning: Find helpful flight, hotel booking and other tips in our Resources guide
5 Best things to do in the South Pacific
1) You’re forgiven if all you want to do is chill out – these islands are blessed with some of the most beautiful beaches in the planet
2) Scuba diving to see World War II wrecks in the Solomon Islands
3) Sharing kava with a village chief in Fiji
4) Snorkeling with sharks in Bora Bora’s lagoon
5) Staying in a thatch-roof bungalow built on stilts over the water (can you see fish through the the glass panel in the floor?)
See our South Pacific posts
Tear yourself away from your overwater bungalow. Because there are lots of fabulous things to do in Bora Bora! Like snorkeling with sharks, jeep tours, bicycling, caring for sea turtles and shopping for black pearls.
There’s something deliciously sensual about Bora Bora’s overwater bungalows. The Four Seasons is a splurge. Le Bora Bora is new. The Conrad has cool hammock decks. See the pros and cons for the best resorts.
Where to stay in Fiji? Most visitors prefer Fijian bures. The ultimate? One of the dreamy overwater bungalows in Fiji. These five resorts have fab overwater bures.
Cruising Fiji? It’s about watching firewalkers tread barefoot on red-hot coals. Chugging kava with a village chief. And basking on secluded beaches.
We only had one wonderful night at the Four Seasons Bora Bora. But it fulfilled my bucket list dream of staying with my husband in an overwater bungalow.