Rurutu

Rurutu is an island in the Austral Islands of French Polynesia noted for its raised coral cliffs, caves and traditional villages. It is one of the southern group of islands in French Polynesia and has a distinctly elevated limestone coastline resulting from uplifted reef structures.

The island is visited for sea-based wildlife experiences, especially seasonal encounters with humpback whales, and for exploration of coastal caves, cultural villages and rural landscapes. Boat trips and guided whale-watching excursions are common during the migration season.

Geologically the island is a raised coral island rather than a high volcanic peak, which gives it steep coastal cliffs and fossil terraces. Administratively it is part of the Austral Islands and its communities retain strong Polynesian cultural traditions.

Rurutu sits in the southern Pacific within the Austral archipelago; its main settlements and landing points are on the sheltered coastal bays and it lies well south of Tahiti within French Polynesia’s island groups.

• Whale season: Best-known season for whale watching runs roughly July through October when southern humpback whales migrate through the waters around the island.

What to See #

• Moerai: Moerai - the island's main village and administrative centre, where most services, guesthouses and boat access points are located.
• Coastline: Coastal cliffs and raised-reef formations - prominent limestones and sea cliffs that characterize the island coastline and host caves and fossiliferous terraces.