Tubuai islands

Looking for more and more "unknown", farther and farther isolated lands to explore the world of islands and have an exceptional rest? I am sure that very little percentage of people know about the "secret" group of islands Tubuai. Tubuai islands together makes an ideal piece of land located to the south from the Society Islands in the Pacific Ocean. The second name of the islands is Austral Islands, being the administrative capital of it and a part of French Polynesia.

Tubuai Islands consist of seven main islands - Rimatara, Rurutu, Tubuai, Raivavae (Vavitu) and Rapa, the uninhabited atoll Ile-Maria and the rocky islets Marotiri. Tubuai or as the locals call it "The island of complete peace and clarity" is a real tranquil wonder in the world. It is one of the best resorts of Tubuai Islands group, being the center of it. It has always been alluring tourists with its tempting, fascinating beaches, warm, crystal clear water, mysterious underwater world, tropical excellent weather and exotic coconut palms. Tubuai is considered to be one of the best places in French Polynesia for a quiet and leisurely enjoy, admiring the beauty of nature. The extensive amount of water lagoon protects Tubuai from powerful ocean waves. The Islanders are extremely proud of their homeland and very friendly. Here you can ride in a canoe, catch a fish or lobster, visit the old coffee plantations or abandoned coffee factory. But the best kind of adventure is considered to be a tour by bicycle or horseback tour around the perimeter of the island, visiting more than three hundred species of sites, the craters of ancient volcanoes, the Center for geological wonders, crafts workshops, as well as the picturesque villages of Mataura, which is the most significant settlement in the entire archipelago, Taahuayya and Mahu.

Rurutu is another superb resort of Tubuai. Rurutu is a true magical island where you can see the best Polynesian tradition in reality. Handicrafts made by Rurutu people are considered to be the best in the country, so you can buy a special gift for your friends here. Among them you will find all kinds of baskets, wood carvings, stone carvings, and, of course, the famous local hats, manufactured according to centuries-old traditions, with full respect for ancient technology. But the main attraction of the island is the high cliffs on the edge of the shore, from which a magnificent panorama of the seasonal migrations of humpback whales opens in spring and fall. The herds of whales are just 30-50 meters from the shore, so the most audacious tourists can even swim amongst them, which will always remain bright in your memory.

Raivavae or Vavitu Island attracts tourists with an amazing lagoon and the coral reef surrounding the island semicircle, forming the southern and eastern sides of a number of "spendthrifts" - Mano, Vaiamanu, Hama, etc. The landscape of the island is really grandiose, but life here is very quiet and pastoral. Thus many tourists will chose this very island when coming to Tubuai, as they will have the chance of pure relaxation in peace and quiet, which is so necessary in our modern life filled with daily hustle and bustle.

The islands of Rimatara and Rapa are no less exceptional with their beauty and as a great touristic resort.

Such kind of "hidden" travel destinations, as Tubuai Islands are a perfect escape from the everyday life, when our minds and bodies need a tranquil rest in the wings of nature, in the presence of the water, the sun, the sky, us and nobody and nothing else!