reasons to discover Oceania and Pacific Islands?
Their names make them sound like the Garden of Eden. Tahiti, Bora Bora, Vanuatu, Papua New Guinea, the Kimberley in Australia… Oceania and the South Pacific are packed with islands and wild landscapes with traditional cultures. Here is why these destinations are completely unique.
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Essential Oceania and Pacific Islands
A vast region made up of countless islands, from the little dots of Micronesia to huge Australian territories, exploring Oceania and the South Pacific Islands involves the water, fabulous excursions and unforgettable encounters. Here are 10 things you must do.
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Explore Oceania and Pacific Islands
4 reasons to discover Oceania and Pacific Islands?
Their names make them sound like the Garden of Eden. Tahiti, Bora Bora, Vanuatu, Papua New Guinea, the Kimberley in Australia… Oceania and the South Pacific are packed with islands and wild landscapes with traditional cultures. Here is why these destinations are completely unique.
To learn about ancestral cultures
In northern Australia, meeting the locals is quite the experience. Papuans from the Asmat region, Tiwi people from the "islands of smiles", the Yolngu from Elcho Island, the Yirrkala: all are proud to share their customs and traditional dances with visitors. The same goes for the Maoris of New Zealand, the Polynesians and the tribes of Vanikoro and Vanuatu. The warm welcome given to travellers is always an emotional moment.
For unforgettable dives
The turquoise lagoons of Bora Bora, the translucent waters of Tahiti, the Micronesian islands and Kouaré Island in New Caledonia, the open-air aquarium in Rangiroa, considered one of the most beautiful underwater sites on the planet by Jacques Cousteau… Watching tropical fish, multicoloured coral, manta rays and grey reef sharks never gets boring, whether you're scuba diving or freediving.
For the variety of unspoilt scenery
Oceania and the Pacific Islands are destinations that are all about land and water. The myriad of blue shades in the water are offset by a palette of every imaginable green. As well as turquoise lagoons, clear waters, tempestuous waterfalls and deep seas, there are mangroves, beaches edged by coconut trees, rocky peaks, mountains and volcanoes covered with trees, jungles and tropical forests. These nuanced patchworks of scenery and varied landscapes are reliably enchanting.
For the historic sites
Oceania and the Pacific are brimming with important historical sites. Remnants of the Second World War can still be found in Rabaul (Papua New Guinea) and on Guadalcanal (Solomon Islands), where the Battle for Henderson Field took place in 1942. Lovers of wreck diving will find the remains of the entire Japanese army, air force and navy fleet in Chuuk, Micronesia. The Japanese were bombed by the Americans in February 1944 in retaliation for the Pearl Harbour attack.
Essential Oceania and Pacific Islands
A vast region made up of countless islands, from the little dots of Micronesia to huge Australian territories, exploring Oceania and the South Pacific Islands involves the water, fabulous excursions and unforgettable encounters. Here are 10 things you must do.
See the water music women in action - Maewa Island, Vanuatu
Vanuatu is one of those idyllic archipelagos in the South Pacific. White-sand beaches, sparkling waters and wild "blue holes" surrounded by lush vegetation create just the kind of picture-postcard scenery you might imagine. This region has its own unique music tradition. This is performed by the water music women, who sing and hit the water to the beat using precise techniques passed down from mother to daughter. The result is a poetic melody that is harmonious and full of emotion.
Dive off idyllic islands and atolls - Micronesia
With its 607 islands dotted across 3,000 kilometres in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, Micronesia is a real wonderland for divers. It offers a range of underwater playgrounds. The most unusual site is undoubtedly Chuuk Lagoon, with its wrecks from the Japanese fleet sunk by the US army during the Second World War. However, Micronesia's location on the fringes of the Coral Triangle means it has huge biodiversity in its caves and on its walls and other faults. This area contains 76% of known coral species and 56% of known reef fish. Depending where you dive, you may see manta rays, grey reef sharks, silvertip sharks, blacktip reef sharks, whale sharks or thousands of fish.
Visit Hawaii Volcanoes National Park - Big Island, Hawaii
Hawaii has several volcanoes, including two with world records. Kīlauea, one of the most active in the world, and Mauna Loa, the highest on the planet (17 km tall), are part of the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and create spectacular landscapes. A solidified lava lake emitting steam, a lava tunnel formed 500 years ago, boiling water, magma flows pouring into the sea... This intense volcanic activity is making the island grow each year: 200 hectares have been created in the past 30 years!
Watch dolphins and whales - Moorea, French Polynesia
Moorea is a great place to watch dolphins and whales in French Polynesi