French Polynesia offers no great castles, cathedrals, or museums, and no especially impressive ruins left by ancient civilizations. In fact, there is little to see of the works of man. The attractions are the natural world, the anthropological significance (Hawaii and New Zealand were settled by voyagers from here), and the sheer remoteness.

The islands are very beautiful, but not more beautiful than those of Hawaii or the Caribbean, and their infrastructure supports little tourism. On most of them, the shore excursions are few--the islands are small, with not a lot to see or do. In fact, perhaps half the excursions never set foot on land, but instead offer snorkeling or similar water activities.

That said, French Polynesia is certainly unique and well worth visiting. There are perhaps 140 islands, most of them unpopulated--different sources give different numbers. Oceania's "Tahitian Jewels" itinerary--also marketed as "Tahitian Breeze"--selects eight islands to visit that are among the most interesting, beautiful, and varied. For instance, it was fascinating, after visiting high islands of volcanic origin, to come to Rangiroa, which is nothing but a vast necklace of coral reef. Read more