The South Pacific has long captivated travelers with its pristine beaches, crystal-clear lagoons, colorful and exotic wildlife and lush tropical landscapes. If you’re looking for Paradise, it still lives on in French Polynesia, comprised of 118 islands spread over a vast expanse of the in the South Pacific Ocean. You're probably most familiar with Tahiti and Bora Bora, but Rangiroa, Raiatea, and Moorea are equally enchanting. Each of these five islands offers a distinctive slice of South Pacific paradise for you to discover.

Tahiti: The Heart of French Polynesia

As the largest island in French Polynesia, Tahiti serves as a gateway to this island paradise. Its capital, Papeete, offers a rich tapestry of French and Polynesian cultures. You can take in Papeete’s sights including the Presidential Palace, the world’s only pearl museum and a wonderful Sunday market where vendors sell not only produce and fish, but handicrafts including textiles and jewelry. Beyond the city, unforgettable experiences await. From lying on a stunning black sand beach to snorkeling in some of the world’s most beautiful lagoons to witnessing the 985-foot tall Fautaua waterfall, Tahiti truly leaves you spoilt for choice.

Papeete at night allows you to see another side of this vibrant capital. After the sun sets, Papeete comes alive with a festive atmosphere. Food trucks called “roulottes” set up shop around the Vai'ete Square waterfront area, so you can sample a variety of local and international favorites. For a more formal meal, head to Le Grillardin, one of the fine French restaurants where you can indulge in generous portions of foie gras and of course fresh seafood. After dinner, you might want to seek out a Tahitian dance show featuring traditional dances.

Moorea: Natural Beauty Without the Crowds

Just ten nautical miles from Tahiti, Moorea offers stunning natural beauty. Its jagged mountain peaks, including the iconic Shark’s Tooth, make a dramatic first impression, as does the luxuriant vegetation that abounds and a lagoon with multiple bays. The island’s beaches have all the soft white sand and warm turquoise water you could ask for to lounge by, and a plethora of water sports opportunities around the lagoon. Moorea is ideal for outdoor enthusiasts, with excellent hiking trails, including the Three Coconuts Pass trail, plus a treetop adventure park. You won’t want to miss the Belvedere lookout point, offering panoramic views of Cook's and Opunohu Bays. While you’re on Moorea, be sure to get a taste of its famous pineapples. Visiting this island is a sweet experience to remember.

Bora Bora: The Romantic Escape

Bora Bora is synonymous with luxury, romance, and beauty. Its dazzling lagoon, often described as an artist's palette of blues and greens, is dotted with picturesque overwater bungalows. Mount Otemanu, the island's dormant volcano, provides a dramatic backdrop. From picture-perfect beaches to incredible marine life to gorgeous mountains, Bora Bora is the definition of idyllic. Not surprisingly, the best activities in Bora Bora take place in and on the water. You will never forget swimming, snorkeling or diving in the island's crystal-clear waters. When it’s time to shop for something to remember, head to the main town of Vaitape, where you’ll find art galleries with original works by local artists, along with shops selling black pearl jewelry and more.

As night falls, Bora Bora offers unique and romantic experiences. The island is one of the best locations to view the southern hemisphere stars — excellent clarity means you can see unique star alignments, making it a magical experience. In the mood for something livelier? Many resorts host Polynesian nights featuring traditional dance performances and fire shows.

Rangiroa: A Snorkeling Paradise

Rangiroa, one of the world's largest atolls, offers a different experience from its mountainous neighbors. It’s known as the “vast sky”, and you’ll understand why when you see its remarkable — and yes, truly vast – lagoon. Rangiroa is a haven for marine life, making it a top destination for snorkeling. In the famous Tiputa Pass, your underwater sightings can include manta rays, sea turtles, dolphins, many species of sharks and a multitude of colorful tropical fish. In the south of the atoll, you can visit Reef Island, with an unusual landscape that looks almost lunar. On land, you can visit Gaugin’s Pearl Farm to learn about Tahitian black pearls or sample local wines at the Rangiroa Wine Company.

Raiatea: The Sacred Island

While less visited by travelers, Raiatea is a must-see for many because of its cultural significance as the cradle of Polynesian civilization and culture. It is home to the Taputapuatea marae temple complex, a UNESCO World Heritage site. It was once the religious center of Eastern Polynesia, and in Polynesian culture it is believed to be where all human life originated. In addition to being the most sacred island in French Polynesia, Raiatea boasts natural wonders including mountain peaks and cliffs, and the only navigable river in French Polynesia, the Faaroa, which snakes through a forest and passes over beautiful waterfalls. Snorkelers can seek out the large population of the colorful soft-bodied mollusks called Nudibranchs, and marvel at the array of marine life around the island’s reefs, which are dotted with fascinating grottoes and caves. Whether you explore Raiatea’s underwater world, lush interior or archeological sites you will come away richer for the experience.

Experiencing these islands is a traveler’s dream come true, and the best way to see these gems of French Polynesia is on a Seabourn ultra-luxury cruise, where you will be treated to the South Pacific experience of a lifetime.