Cruz Bay is the welcoming gateway to St. John in the U.S. Virgin Islands, where vibrant Caribbean life meets rich island history. Stepping off the ferry from nearby St. Thomas, visitors find themselves in a lively waterfront town filled with cafés, bars and boutiques that lead toward sandy streets and shimmering views of the bay. This small town is also home to the Cruz Bay Visitor Center, a helpful place to start planning outings into Virgin Islands National Park and to learn about the island.
Capital of Martinique, a French overseas territory, Fort-de-France is a veritable island paradise replete with striking colonial architecture, exotic flora and fauna, verdant nature parks, and sparkling beaches. Highlights of this vibrant island capital include the colorful Jardin de Balata, the cascading Fontaine Didier waterfall, and the expansive Schoelcher Library.
One of the Caribbean's most lively islands, Guadeloupe will charm you with its impressive dormant volcano, stunning tropical forests, and French ambience. Actually composed of two islands, Grand Terre and Basse Terre, Guadeloupe has the honor of hosting one of France's seven Parcs National. Don't miss a chance to try Guadeloupe's famous Creole cuisine.
St. Catherine's Monastery, nestled at the foot of Mount Sinai in Egypt, is a beacon of historical and spiritual significance. Founded in the 6th century by Emperor Justinian, this ancient monastery is one of the world's oldest continuously operating Christian monasteries and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Sharing a common lagoon with Raiatean and accessible only by boat, Taha'a produces about 80% of all vanilla in French Polynesia. Taha'a is the only island in the Society Islands that can be completely circled by boat inside the protected lagoon. With its many deep bays and small deserted motus on the reef, Taha'a is an ideal island to escape the 20th century. Here you can explore the reef and discover the beauty of its multicolored lagoon, enjoy a picnic on a deserted
motu or go hiking in the mountains and through the vanilla plantations and learn the mystery of these "orchids". With only a handful of guest houses and small hotels, Taha'a is slowly awakening to tourism and yet it still maintains an authentic flavor of Polynesia.
Other Popular Destinations in French Polynesia
Mo'orea
Warm sands, cerulean waves, and stunning tropical views await you in Moorea, an island in French Polynesia. Unwind in an overwater bungalow, snorkel with tropical fish, or shop for pearls as you explore the remote beauty of this island destination.
Bora Bora
Bora Bora, often referred to as the "Jewel of the South Seas," is the epitome of tropical luxury. Nestled in the Society Islands of French Polynesia, this idyllic island is famed for its stunning turquoise lagoon, ringed by a barrier reef and dotted with overwater bungalows.