Rangiroa, the largest atoll in French Polynesia and the world's second-largest atoll, looks like a donut tossed across the ocean as you approach for a landing from Papeete, Tahiti. The majority of the hotels are located near the tiny, thatched-roof airport, with Mai Tai Rangiroa and Hotel Kia Ora Resort & Spa being two of the most popular for oceanfront villas and even overwater bungalows.

Scuba divers flock to Rangiroa Diving Center to dive Tiputa Pass, where even snorkelers can interact with the resident dolphins that pass by on the ocean side of the atoll on a regular basis. You can take a day trip with Tereva Tana e Vahine, a family-owned business. After an hour-long boat ride through the lagoon's interior, you'll arrive at Blue Lagoon, a calm and safe haven where baby sharks play and you can eat a seafood lunch on the beach before snorkeling with larger reef sharks and lemon sharks. Are you looking for a unique pearl souvenir? Take a tour of Gaugin's Pearl Farm in Rangiroa, then save money on some black beauties to take home by stopping at Pearly, a small shack across from Mai Tai Rangiroa.

Location: Tuamotu Archipelago, French Polynesia

Tikehau is the next name on the list of the most beautiful islands in French Polynesia. Tikehau is in the Tuamotu Islands, 340 kilometers (210 miles) northeast of Tahiti. When you stay on the beautiful atoll of Tikehau, where Le Tikehau by Pearl Resorts offers a rustic twist on an overwater bungalow stay on its private motu, you are truly off the beaten path in the Tuamotus. You can go snorkeling with Tikehau Diving just a short boat ride from the resort at a location known as a "cleaning station" for mantas, where the winged giants come to have their gills detailed by smaller fish. Take a private boat tour with Tikehau Ocean Tour for a day trip with a local that is a true learning experience about ocean life in the Tuamotus.

After a trip to L'île aux Oiseaux, a fascinating little island in the lagoon full of nesting boobies, frigates, and terns, owner Denis Grosmaire will spear-fish for your lunch. Tikehau is best paired with a trip to Rangiroa, which is only a 20-minute flight away.

Location: Tuamotu Archipelago, French Polynesia

Moorea Island is a popular destination for visitors and is considered one of the most beautiful islands in French Polynesia. This island also sees few tourists, making it a good choice for budget travelers. The island of Moorea is just a half-hour catamaran ferry ride across the channel from bustling Papeete, Tahiti's main city, where you first land in the French Polynesia islands.

Moorea, which is surrounded by beautifully clear water, offers a wide range of water activities, from jet skiing to scuba diving. Whales and dolphins visit the island from mid-July to mid-November, which is why animal experiences are so popular on the island. Moorea's jagged peaks, carpeted in shades of emerald, rise sharply from the shoreline and beckon for adventure as the boat approaches the dock. Follow scenic driving routes through the island's interior, passing through pineapple fields on your way to the incredible lookout at Belvedere, where you can take in the breathtaking views of Mt. Totui, Opunohu Bay, and Cook's Bay. Alternatively, you can also take the coastal route to Tipaniers, a hidden beach in Moorea's northeast corner accessible only by a sandy path.

Location: Society Islands, French Polynesia

Tahiti is one of the most romantic honeymoon destinations in the world, with the laid-back atmosphere and overwater bungalows. When flying into French Polynesia, this famous island is also where you will land. Tahiti, however, is more than just an airport and romance.

Tahiti is also one of the best surfing islands in French Polynesia, with spots for all levels of surfers, from beginners to experts. Snorkeling and diving, culture and festivals, and honeymoons are all popular activities on this island. Tahiti's surfing is so good that it was chosen to host the surfing events of the 2024 Olympics in Paris from mid-July to early August. Teahupoo is located here, and it is considered the most difficult break in the world due to its sheer power and the deadly reef below. If you prefer gentler pastimes, however, you will not be disappointed. Tahiti is also known for its lush jungle scenery and gourmet French Polynesian cuisine, which creates culinary masterpieces using local, fresh ingredients. In addition, you can also take your time road tripping around the island, stopping at tiare (flower) plantations, perfumeries, and other iconic spots along the Mono Road, which circles the island and is named after Tahiti's famed infused coconut oil.

Location: Windward Islands, French Polynesia

Bora Bora, a tiny island off the coast of Polynesia, is one of the world's most popular honeymoon destinations. The name alone conjures up images of swaying palms, tranquil lagoons, and, of course, canoodling couples flocking to the ubiquitous overwater bungalows for romance. And it is no surprise that this tiare-scented island is a favorite among lovers all over the world. It is breathtakingly beautiful, with breathtaking views almost everywhere, and despite the large number of tourists who visit, it feels incredibly private and secluded.

Bora Bora was created by an extinct volcano, and the lagoon surrounding it is a stunningly bright and clear blue. This water is home to a variety of colorful and fearless fish, which is why you should participate in water sports such as swimming, sailing, and diving during your stay. In addition, Bora Bora also has lovely white sand beaches and a lush interior that can be explored on foot, by bike, or scooter.

Location: Society Islands, French Polynesia

Fakarava, the Tuamotu Archipelago's second-largest atoll, reveals itself in layers, making each visit more interesting as you peel back another layer of the atoll. The atoll is roughly rectangular, measuring 60 kilometers (37 miles) long and 21 kilometers wide (13 miles). Fakarava has two passes and a wide and deep lagoon with a surface area of 1,112 square kilometers (429 square miles).

At both sites, as well as most other places around Fakarava, it is common to see huge Napoleon wrasse alongside swarms of sharks. Enoha Pater, a local, can teach you all about the medicinal plants that grow here and lead low-tide walks on the ocean side of the atoll at night, where you will see creatures you wouldn't see snorkeling during the day. You can't go wrong with Havaiki Lodge, which has an onsite black pearl farm and resident nurse sharks that frequent its pier, for a sweet little bungalow right on the beach surrounded by flowering hibiscus and frangipani.

Location: Tuamotu Archipelago, French Polynesia

Huahine is one of the most beautiful islands in French Polynesia for a quiet visit, as it is mostly ignored by tourists. Huahine, one of French Polynesia's Society Islands (along with Tahiti and Moorea), is more remote and requires a 40-minute flight from Papeete to reach.

Huahine is also significantly less expensive than the other islands in the area. However, this is not to say that Huahine lacks natural beauty, outdoor activities, or the laid-back vibe of the other islands. Huahine, in fact, has the same beautiful white sand beaches as the other islands, as well as crystal clear water. It is just that it allows you to take in the scenery without being surrounded by other tourists. Huahine is also known for its ancient Polynesian ruins, which rival those on Easter Island, as well as its lush interior, which is ideal for hiking, biking, and driving. If you only do one thing on land, go to Maeva village to see the Marae of Maeva and The Fare Pte'e Maeva Huahine, two important cultural sites where you can learn about the significance of Polynesian ceremonial activities.

Location: Society Islands, French Polynesia

Raiatea is the next name on the list of the most beautiful islands in French Polynesia that Toplist would like to introduce to you. Raiatea, another Society Island, is a 45-minute flight from Papeete and is popular with yachts because of its deepwater bays and abundance of beautiful and safe anchorages. Visitors without sails can stay in atmospheric pensions such as Opoa Beach Hotel, which has only nine bungalows fronting a beautiful beach on the island's southeast corner. Motu Nao Nao (a 20-minute flight from Raiatea) has only three bungalows on its own 75-acre private island, making it even more secluded.

If you are looking for inland adventures, pick up a paddle and try kayaking along Raiatea's palm-lined and lovely Faaroa River, which is the only navigable river in the French Polynesia islands. And take an 11-mile hike to Mount Temehani for views that extend beyond the beautiful lagoon below to include the islands of Huahine, Bora Bora, Taha'a, and Maupiti.

Location: Society Islands, French Polynesia

Nuka Hiva is the next island on the list of the most beautiful islands in French Polynesia. If you remember the lyrics to "Southern Cross", Crosby, Stills, and Nash mention the Marquesas Islands as well as the "downhill run to Papeete". If you're flying to the Marquesas, it will take you over three hours to get to Nuka Hiva (the chain's largest island) from Papeete. It is not about snorkeling in crystal-clear lagoons — those don't exist in the Marquesas, where the waters are darker and nutrient-rich. Instead, come for rich Polynesian cultural encounters and hikes to thundering waterfalls in lush rainforests.

Get your bearings by staying at Le Nuka Hiva by Pearl Resorts, the island's nicest hotel, with some of the best views from the sprawling infinity pool. Then take a boat with Cannibal Art to the Hakaui Valley, where you can hike to Vaipo Waterfall, one of Polynesia's tallest. The sight of a single cascade plunging down from 1,148 feet is well worth the 1.5-hour round trip hike to get there.

Location: Marquesas Islands, French Polynesia

Maupiti (a 50-minute flight from the capital) is beloved by French families seeking a respite from Papeete on mainland Tahiti. It is known for its utterly relaxed vibe and pristine — and for the time being, overwater bungalow-free — lagoon. Secluded Maupiti lacks the five-star hotels, well-worn trails, and comfortable experiences found on some of French Polynesia's other islands. It does, however, have miles of white sand, crystal-clear water in every shade of blue, and a relaxed lifestyle that is largely unaffected by other tourists.

Maupiti is for you if you prefer to travel to more authentic, local areas. It will allow you to live and eat with local families, as well as experience daily life. With only one road and a few cars on the island, this relaxing, hypnotic vibe is sure to enthrall visitors for years to come. Visitors come to Maupiti to snorkel and scuba dive with manta rays at a cleaning station in the turquoise lagoon near Maupiti's south pass, with Maupiti Diving, and to stroll in the shallow waters along Tereia Beach's china-white sands.

Location: Leeward Islands, French Polynesia