Rangiroa

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