No part of the Pacific has been more romanticised than the Society Islands of French Polynesia.
From the earliest European arrivals, it seems these islands and their people captured the imagination.
By some accounts, at least, the seductive lifestyle, the bountiful fruit, friendly people and, not least, the beautiful women played their part in the fateful decision of Fletcher Christian and his rebellious followers to mutiny on the Bounty.

Tahiti is the largest of the Society Islands and the administrative centre of French Polynesia, which comprises 118 islands spread across five far-flung groups.
The area covers some two million square miles of ocean about midway between the United States and New Zealand.

The five groups are the Society Islands, the Marquesas, the Tuamotu Archipelago, the Gambier Archipelago and the Austral Islands.

Tahiti
Often called "The Queen of the Pacific," Tahiti is the largest of the islands.
Home to mountain waterfalls, beautiful beaches and the capital city of Papeete, its effect on visitors is magical. Though Tahiti is best known for its tropical lore, deep blue waters and laid-back philosophy, the island offers just as much in the way of inland activity

Golf enthusiasts will surely want to take in a game at the Oliver Breaud International Golf Course, which is Tahiti's only golfing green.
Located at Atimaono in the Papara district, this 6944-yard, par 72 course features two man-made lakes and sprawling fairways. Formerly a cotton plantation, the course was recently renovated and now includes a new clubhouse, driving range, pool, restaurant, pro shop and tennis courts.

Divers of all stripes will appreciate Tahiti's many diving sites, which give visitors the opportunity to glimpse sunken planes, wrecks, exotic fish and sharks.
Some sites even offer night diving. The waters outside the barrier reef are home to a eye-popping assortment of fish - marlins, mahimahi, yellowfin tuna and others. Some vessels cater to deep-sea anglers.

Moorea
Often likened to James Michener's mythical island of Bali Hai, Moorea is marked by volcanic peaks reflected in the tranquil waters of its two signature bays.
With its densely-vegetated peaks, deep valleys, transculent lagoons and historic sites, Moorea is an especially good place to enjoy land activities such as hiking and horseback riding.

Lace up your walking shoes and explore Moorea's tropical, mountainous terrain.
Guided hikes provide visitors with an aerobically-sound way of discovering the island. Tour the rainforest at Le Col des Trois Cocotiers (Pass of the Three Coconut Trees), Vaiare, Paopao, Afareaitu Waterfall and majestic Mount Rotui.

Many of Moorea's natural wonders can be enjoyed on horseback. Ride through the magnificent Teavaro Valley, or take a guided excursion along the island's white sand beaches.

Enveloped by a lagoon and rimmed by the expansive blue sea, Moorea is an aquatic paradise. All the more reason for you to explore the many water activities available on the island.
The opalescent lagoons surrounding Moorea are perfect for jet-skiing, scuba diving, snorkeling, swimming, water skiing and windsurfing. Visitors can hand-feed fish from a glass-bottom boat, or ride an outrigger canoe or catamaran.

Moorea Lagoon Beach, Temae Beach & Village Faimano
These three beaches offer exquisite vistas, plenty of swaying palms, gentle surf and prime swimming and snorkeling. Need we say more?

Some of the finest diving in the world can be found at Moorea all year round.
The abundant flora and fauna include reef sharks, moray eels, huge Napoleon wrasses and triggerfish. And with more than 20 dive sites from which to choose, divers of any experience level can find a perfect spot.
Because of the lack of strong currents, the waters off Moorea are superb for both experienced and beginning snorkelers. The most popular underwater activities here are fish and shark feeding.

Bora Bora
Bora Bora's main island sits like a jewel in the center of its legendary multi-colored lagoon, which is surrounded by off-shore islets inside a protective necklace of coral.
Unlike some larger islands, which require several days to tour, Bora Bora can be traversed well within a day.
This makes the island a good choice for such land activities as biking, hiking and horseback riding.
A bicycle is ideal for shopping or sightseeing around Bora Bora. It's well worth the renting a bike for your own personal round-the-island jaunt.
Hikers in Bora Bora can choose between simple scenic routes, or more challenging guided climbs up the peaks of Mt. Pahia.
On the trek from Nunue to Anau hikers can see the Television Transmission Tower, catch a panoramic view of Motu Pitiaau islet, and glimpse neighboring Raiatea and Tahaa. Hikers who opt to climb Mt. Pahia will be rewarded for their stamina with a sprawling, peak-top view of the island. Bring good shoes, a day's supply of water and a conquering attitude.

Ride fine New Zealand-bred horses along the white sand islets of Bora Bora. Some ranches on the island offer moonlight rides on request

Bora Bora's translucent lagoon and beaches are so calm and pristine, they have been compared to well-maintained pools.
Such conditions make for a superb water sport environment. Bora Bora's irridescent waters are alive with tropical fish and undersea plant life, and its easily-accessed lagoon is ideal for novice scuba divers and snorkelers.

Bora Bora's lagoon is home to the large manta ray, which makes this area popular among divers. Indeed, many of the island's most popular diving sites are named after the creatures, including Manta Bay, Manta's Reef, Manta Ray Channel and Manta Ray Pit.
Mantas aren't the only sealife on Bora Bora. Divers can also see Moray eels, turtles, barracudas and grey sharks.

The best sportsfishing in Bora Bora can be enjoyed just outside the island's reef. Here, fishers can hook blue marlin, mahimahi, sailfish, wahoo and yellowfish.

Huahine
Comprised of two islands joined by a small bridge, Huahine boasts watermelon and cantaloupe gardens on its offshore islets, and bustling Chinese shops along its waterfront.
There's something about Huahine's wide-open terrain and rugged hills that lures lovers and artists alike. Indeed, some have compared the island to an outdoor museum, citing Huahine's fascinating combination of archeological sites and geological splendor.

The palm-shaded, white-sand beaches of Huahine will leave you breathless. Take a dip in the pristine waters at Anini Beach, stroll along the strand at Fare Town Beach, or enjoy snorkeling at Motu Papiti or Sofitel Beach.

With its remarkable underwater sites, Huahine is considered to be the most beautiful and most authentic of the Leeward Islands. Don your scuba gear and enter a sub-sea world of eels, rays, tunas, jack-fishes and neon-colored tropical fish.
Huahine is still fairly unknown as a dive destination, so the waters are not overrun by humans. Sealife life is abundant and includes larger fish, in addition to standard reef fish.

Raiatea -Tahaa
Only two miles apart and surrounded by the same barrier reef are Raiatea - the second largest Tahitian island, once the center of Polynesian culture - and tranquil Tahaa, often called the "Vanilla Island," for the delightful scent of its plantations.
The locals in Raiatea/Tahaa don't take their natural surroundings for granted. These islands are meant to be explored up-close and personal, so rent a bike, or roam the islands' serpentine trails
In Raiatea and Tahaa, the locals encourage visitors to go off the deep end - literally. Fringed with irridescent rivers and lagoons, the region is perfect for swimming, snorkeling, sailing and fishing.

Though Raiatea is bereft of beaches on the main island, a number of superb beaches dot the outlying reefs, sail to white-sand paradises like Motu Nao Nao, Opeha Point, Motu TauTau and Motu Tehutu.
Take a dive into the deep blue waters of Raiatea/Tahaa and marvel at the islands' undersea wrecks, fish and plant life.
The islands have a plethora of interesting dive sites, including Avera Pass, Coral Garden and Coral Caves. Lagoon dive sites are numerous here, and many are within a 10- to 20-minute range by boat from port.
Home to a wide variety of reef fish and plant life, the area offers excellent snorkeling. Since fish-feeding is practiced, the lagoon attracts schools of eels, perches, triggerfish, red snappers, silver jacks, tunas and red runners, not to mention an assortment of sharks.

Rangiroa
Travelers searching for the perfect secluded getaway need look no farther than Rangiroa, cycle around the island, snorkel the magnificent lagoon, or just relax in a luxurious resort.
Rangiroa boasts such an abundance of white sand, the atoll can be described as one big beach.

That said, Rangiroa does have its share of officially-designated beach areas.
Blue Lagoon Motu is perhaps the most popular of the beaches here. Tiputa Point has a wonderful vista point that doubles as a picnic area, while L'ile Aux Recifs is noted for its fossilized coral formations.

Manihi
Peaceful, quiet Manihi boasts several black pearl farms and a crystal clear lagoon more than three miles wide and 19 miles long.

Tikehau
Without being seen one could not possibly imagine the beauty this untouched island holds.
Approximately 300 km from Tahiti, Tikehau has a sense of true beauty. If you are looking for a secluded spot to relax and find yourself this is your destination.

Fakarava
This beautiful island is approximately an hour and a half from Papeete, and it is the second largest atoll in Polynesia.
It has beautiful lagoons, along with a unique nature reserve. Fakarava also has pearl farms and absolutely beautiful waters that are perfect for diving and snorkeling. There are many exotic fish and the underwater surroundings are a sight to remember.

The Marquesas
From the fantastic skyline of Ua Pou to the desert-like plateau of Ua Huka, the islands of the Marquesas archipelago are far from the beaten track, with a beauty matched only by their serenity.
For an adventure you're sure to cherish for a lifetime, try exploring the waters around the Marquesas.
Diving in the Marquesas can prove quite rewarding. The waters are packed with undersea life, and the fish are generally not frightened of humans. Moreover, visitors don't have to dive as deep as they would off other islands -- the aquatic animals of the Marquesas swim relatively close to the surface.

The Austral islands
Hundreds of miles to the southwest of Tahiti lie the Austral islands.
From the limestone grottoes of Rurutu to the near isloation of far off Rapa, these islands offer an exotic paradise for the most adventurous explorers.

Mangareva
With its gently rolling hills and Mediterranean climate, Mangareva, the largest isle in the Gambier archipelago, well deserves its title as a "Garden of Eden."
Located on the outlying islets that fringe Mangareva's lagoon, Akamaru and Tortegegie beaches offer excellent swimming and snorkeling.