Located in the heart of the Pacific Ocean, French Polynesia is spread over 4 million km²/ 1,544,408 sq mi of sea, a surface area equivalent to that of Europe. The 118 islands that make up French Polynesia cover 4000 km²/1544 sq mi. These islands, each one stunning and unique, are grouped into five archipelagoes with very distinct characteristics.
Map of the islands
Five archipelagoes
THE MARQUESAS
Partly discovered in 1595 by Alvaro Mendana de Neira’s Spanish expedition, this archipelago located to the northeast of Tahiti is famous for the striking authenticity of its green, wild landscapes.
THE AUSTRAL ISLANDS
To the south of Tahiti, the five high islands and the atoll that make up the Austral Islands stretch over 1300km/808mi of ocean across both sides of the Tropic of Capricorn.
TUAMOTU ISLANDS
Bountiful with 77 atolls, the Tuamotu Islands stretch over 13500km²/5200mi² of ocean. Precociously discovered by Magellan who anchored at Puka Puka in 1521, it took several years for this archipelago to spark any real interest for other European navigators.
SOCIETY ISLANDS
Comprised of the Windward and Leeward Islands, the Society Islands are a major Polynesian destination. Strikingly rich with varied landscapes, this archipelago charms thousands of visitors every year.
ARCHIPEL DES GAMBIER
Of all the archipelagoes in French Polynesia, the Gambier Islands are the farthest from Tahiti. Discovered in 1797 by the British captain James Wilson, the archipelago was named in honor of Admiral James Gambier who financed his expedition into the South Pacific.
