French Polynesia

Coastline

Low-lying coral atolls

Coastlife

Beach chilling, scuba thrilling

Discover dreamy white-sand islands and world-beating diving in the Tuamotus, a chilled-out archipelago north-east of Tahiti which stars startling coral atolls encircling turquoise lagoons.

A jaw-dropping contrast to the peak-toting, high islands of Tahiti, Bora Bora and Moorea, these low-slung necklaces of coral are dotted with palm-peppered motus (mini islets), the former barrier reefs of extinct, sunken volcanos. Passes cutting through to the deep-blue ocean create teeming bottlenecks of sea life moving in and out of the lagoon, and ideal spots for snorkelling, diving or fishing. Don't miss the dazzling current-drift dives at main island Rangiroa's Tiputa and Avatoru passes, famous for shark and dolphin sightings. Laid-back Tikehau boasts the only pink-sand beaches in French Polynesia and twitcher-pleasing birdlife. Mellow Manihi is a must for pearl-farm visits (black pearls are a hot buy throughout the Tuamotus). Dining is a gem here, too, with super-fresh fish and seafood, flavoured with coconut and washed down with unique, atoll-grown wine. Populated by the hardy Paumotu people, these wilder, deserted shores will feel like a real Polynesian adventure, so be sure to add a Tuomotu to your holiday plans.