18 days in Oceania Itinerary

On the tattered triangle of Mo'orea, green peaks and ridges jut up out of the flat, fertile valleys. Hiking routes take you past tumbling waterfalls and ferny cliffs, to villages painted pastel and gardens filled with hibiscus. Birds of paradise fly from tree to tree, while rays, sharks, and fish of every color flit among the protective coral reefs around the island. Swim in the irresistibly warm, translucent waters of the lagoon, and head to the tiki village at night, where grass-skirted dancers shake their hips to thunderous percussion and fire dancers trace glowing trails against the darkness.

One of the largest atolls in the world, Rangiroa encircles a chilli-shaped lagoon so large, the entire island of Tahiti would fit inside of it. Two islands at the northern end of Rangiroa support the atoll's small permanent population, with a handful of paved roads, churches, resorts, stores, and gourmet restaurants. A string of uninhabited motus (islets) and sandbars form the rest of the lagoon's perimeter, rising no more than 0.9 m (3 ft) above the ocean waves, sometimes topped with swaying coconut palms. While boat trips across the lagoon and sunbathing on the remote white sand beaches are certainly blissful, the real excitement happens beneath the waves, where crystal clear waters and teeming coral reefs create an underwater Eden with some of the best diving spots in the world.

The largest and probably best-known of the French Polynesian islands, Tahiti remains synonymous with turquoise coral lagoons, lush tropical vegetation, and palm-fringed beaches of black, volcanic sand. Tall, green mountains rise out of the blue ocean, lined with deep valleys, foaming waterfalls, and tumbling streams. Settlements skirt the island, including French Polynesia's small but vibrant capital Pape'ete, where colorful architecture, a bustling market, and smiling locals generate a great deal of charm. Top things to do here include exploring the island's rugged interior, as well as experiencing the traditional culture through archeological sites and hip-shaking music and dance.