When you think of the legendary islands of the South Pacific, images of eye-popping blue seas, palm palms, pristine beaches, and ideal sunny days are likely to come to mind. This enticing area is home to some of the world's most gorgeous islands, yet each of these tropical gems has something unique to offer.
Luminous aqua lagoons, fish-rich coral reefs, and sparkling beaches with silky-soft sands may be found in Polynesian island chains such as Samoa, the Cook Islands, and French Polynesia.
Fiji, Vanuatu, the Solomon Islands, and New Caledonia are Melanesian island groups that share a similar natural beauty but have their own unique civilizations. Above and below the sea, Palau is a geographical paradise, and cultural and archaeological treasures are a big appeal in places like mysterious Easter Island.
Find your type of paradise with our list of the most visited pacific Island Countries, which includes everything from some of the nicest islands in Fiji to eco-friendly locations in Australia.
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1. Bora Bora
Bora Bora is the beauty queen of the South Pacific, cloaked in green and encircled by an unbelievably brilliant blue lagoon. The verdant summits of Mount Otemanu and Mount Pahia protrude out from the sea, arms spread as if to welcome you into their enticing embrace, as seen from afar.
There are both land and marine adventures to be had here. Cruises to the lagoon and its little islands or motus, which frequently offer the chance to snorkel with sharks and rays, are available, as are hikes up jungly slopes to take in the scenery. Finish it off with delectable French-inspired cuisine and romantic retreats.
Are you searching for a romantic getaway for your honeymoon? The luxurious Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora and the InterContinental Resort & Thalasso Spa both provide over-the-water bungalows directly on the beautiful lagoon.
Moorea, Bora Bora's sister island, is also worth mentioning since it has a gorgeous lagoon, swaths of white sand beach, and tumbling green peaks.
2. Aitutaki, Cook Islands
Aitutaki, which sits on one of the most gorgeous lagoons in the South Pacific, is an underappreciated gem. The Cook Islands are located between French Polynesia and Samoa, and are closely connected to New Zealand.
Aitutaki is the chain's second-most-visited island, approximately a 45-minute flight from Rarotonga, the most popular island and home to the international airport.
The island of Aitutaki loops around one of the Cook Islands' main attractions, the beautiful Aitutaki lagoon, at its most northern point. Uninhabited motus (islets) dot the pristine waters near some of the resorts, while schools of trevally and other tropical fish dart across the shallows. You may take a lunch with you and pretend to be Robinson Crusoe for the day.
Despite a series of luxury resorts, such as Pacific Resort Aitutaki and Aitutaki Lagoon Resort & Spa, dotting its sparkling beaches, the island manages to maintain a calm and traditional vibe, with friendly people and a snoozy pace of life. Best of all, if you stay in relatively basic lodgings, the Cook Islands are among the most affordable Pacific islands to visit.
3. Fiji's Mamanuca Islands
The Mamanucas are one of Fiji's finest islands, with stunning beaches, calm blue waters, and lots of sunlight. Coral reefs glisten in the pristine seas around these 20 tropical gems, and a short boat ride away is the world-famous Cloud Break, a world-class surf break.
This is the spot to visit if you like the landscape in the movies Cast Away and Survivor Fiji, which were both shot on islands in this group. You may also experience the wonderful hospitality of the people, which is well-known throughout Fiji.
Looking for a place to stay? There are several resorts to choose from, including premium choices such as Likuliku Lagoon Resort and Tokoriki Island Resort.
Surfers go to Tavarua Island Resort, while backpackers flock to Beachcomber Island Resort, which is more inexpensive. The majority of these islands are less than an hour's boat ride from Denarau Island Marina on Viti Levu's main island.
The Yasawa Islands, located just north of the Mamanuca Islands, are a close second in terms of beauty.
4. Samoa
Samoa is one of the best-kept mysteries in the South Pacific. It is located in the centre of Polynesia and is unassuming, unblemished, and breathtakingly gorgeous. This enticing archipelago of ten tropical islands is located midway between New Zealand and Hawaii on a South Pacific islands map.
A violent volcanic eruption gave birth to Samoa, resulting in jagged rock islands and toothy peaks. The slopes are cloaked in lush forests, waterfalls cascade down steep cliffs, and coral reefs line the islands' beaches.
The warm welcome of the people, who still adhere to their ancient beliefs and practises, known as "Fa'a Samoa," adds to all of this natural beauty.
The two major islands are Savai'i and Upolu. Most tourists stay in Upolu, where the Robert Louis Stevenson Museum is located in Apia, the capital. Savai'i, on the other hand, has its own peaceful South Seas charm.
Snorkeling and diving on the surrounding coral reefs, game fishing, swimming, and kayaking are all popular water activities in Samoa. Surfing is also excellent, but owing to the dangerous coral reefs, it is better left to more experienced surfers.
On land, you may relax on Lalomanu Beach, walk the jungle paths, go on a 4WD or bicycle sightseeing trip, and shoot some of the most magnificent waterfalls in the South Pacific.
Take a swim in the To Sua trench, which is approximately a 1.5-hour drive from Apia. This 30-meter-deep crater filled with saltwater, surrounded by lovely plants, is featured on postcards and tourism brochures in Samoa.
5. The Solomon Islands
Have you ever wondered how the South Pacific used to be before the advent of mass tourism and opulent high-rise resorts? Make a reservation for a flight to the Solomon Islands. This beautiful arc of over 1,000 islands is a three-hour flight from Brisbane, Australia, and is an eco-dream. tourist's
The Solomon Islands, which lie between Papua New Guinea and Vanuatu, provide a diverse range of activities. On colourful reefs, snorkel among clouds of tropical fish. In Malaita or Tagovave, catch your ideal wave. Catch a big mahi mahi or a gigantic trevally. Dive shipwrecks from World War II. On an eco-tour, kayak through crystal-clear lagoons or sail through croc-infested mangroves.
Do you want to go on a land adventure? The possibilities are equally enticing. You may go through thick forests to thunderous waterfalls and traditional leaf-hut communities, or climb an extinct volcano. If you're interested in history, visit Honiara, the capital, where you may see battle sites and World War II artefacts.
The Solomon Islands are also known for their diverse ecosystems, both on land and at sea. The seas, dappled with coral reefs, are home to an incredible diversity of marine life, and bird-watching is particularly enjoyable, with numerous unique species to cross off your list.
If you're searching for a large chain hotel, this isn't the place to go. Instead, beautiful beachside bungalows, family-run eco retreats, and village stays provide the ideal setting for soaking up the culture and meeting the friendly people.
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