Society Islands

The Society Islands are an archipelago in French Polynesia in the central South Pacific, made up of volcanic high islands and surrounding coral lagoons; major islands include Tahiti, Moorea, Raiatea and Bora Bora. The group is the most populated and visited part of French Polynesia and contains the territory’s capital and main transport hub.

Key attractions are island lagoons, barrier reefs, volcanic interiors and sheltered bays; specific island highlights include Tahiti as the largest island and administrative centre, Moorea with steep volcanic ridges and nearshore snorkeling sites, and Bora Bora with its iconic lagoon and central volcanic remnant peaks. Mont Otemanu on Bora Bora reaches about 727 metres and is a prominent landmark in the lagoon.

Ecologically the islands combine reef systems, fringing coral lagoons and inner volcanic terrain, supporting tourism activities such as diving, sailing and cultural visits.

Geographically the group lies in the central South Pacific Ocean; Tahiti hosts the main international airport at Faa’a, from which boat and air connections link the other islands of the Society archipelago.

• Composition: The archipelago is in French Polynesia in the South Pacific and contains Tahiti, Moorea, Bora Bora, Raiatea and other islands that form the core tourism destinations.
• Transport hub: International flights arrive at Faa'a International Airport on Tahiti, which serves as the main transport hub for inter-island travel throughout the group.

What to See #

• Tahiti: Tahiti is the largest island of the group and hosts Papeete, the territory's main port and international gateway at Faa'a International Airport.
• Bora Bora: Bora Bora is a smaller volcanic island surrounded by a wide lagoon and barrier reef, with the central remnant volcanic peak Mont Otemanu rising to about 727 metres.
• Moorea: Moorea lies close to Tahiti across a narrow strait and is noted for steep volcanic ridges and a sheltered lagoon popular for snorkeling and diving.