When it comes to exotic travel, there are few destinations in the world that rival the South Pacific Islands. With sparkling crystal blue waters, white sandy beaches, and exotic local cultures, the South Pacific Islands have long been a destination for adventurers, honeymooners, weddings, cruises and just regular “get away from it all” vacations in the sun. Whether you choose to explore wild exotic jungles, go scuba diving near the coral reef, enjoy a romantic honeymoon with your loved one in a private beachside villa, or just lounge around in one of the thousands of world class South Pacific resorts, the South Pacific Islands are a fantastic destination whether you’re looking for fun, relaxation, culture, romance, adventure, or a little bit of everything.

South Pacific Island Group

The South Pacific Islands are often grouped into three areas: Melanesia, Micronesia, and Polynesia. Melanesia – or “black islands” – includes Papua New Guinea, parts of Indonesia, New Caledonia, Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, Torrest Strait Islands and Fiji amongst other famous South Pacific locales. Micronesia – or “small islands” – includes the Mariana Islands, Guam, Wake Island, Palau, Kiribati, the Federated States of Micronesia, and the Marshall Islands. The last group is Polynesia which means “many islands”. Polynesia is also the largest South Pacific Island group, stretching from the Hawaiian Islands in the North down to New Zealand in the South. Other notable islands in Polynesia include the Midway Islands, Rotuma, Samoa, Tonga, the Cook Islands, Tuvalu, Tokelau, French Polynesia, and Easter Island

Popular South Pacific Vacation Destinations

Below, we’ll briefly touch on some of the most popular South Pacific vacation destinations, highlighting their strong points. The South Pacific Island region is home to dozens of famous tourist destinations. However, keep in mind that this is not an all inclusive travel guide or list. The South Pacific has thousands of islands to explore, so if you’re looking for something a little more off the beaten path, there’s sure to be a destination to suit your tastes.

Tahiti Vacation

Tahiti is the most famous of the French Polynesian islands, which are known together for being the most popular honeymoon destination in the world. Tahiti has long been synonymous with gorgeous sandy beaches (both black and white), palm trees, and tropical blue waters as far as the eye can see. Tahiti is home to many word class beachside resorts, offering everything from affordable accommodations to extravagant private villas and suites. In addition to its gorgeous natural beauty and world class hospitality industry, Tahiti boasts excellent exotic local cuisine sure to delight the palette.

Bora Bora

Bora Bora is probably the second most well known destination in French Polynesia, and undoubtedly one of the most beautiful islands in the world. Bora Bora offers a more quiet, serene experience than the larger island of Tahiti – making it a highly sought after honeymoon destination With lush green tropical slopes, gorgeous sandy white beaches and private resorts, villas and palm trees dotting the surroundings of a beautiful blue lagoon, Bora Bora is undoubtedly one of the premier jewels of the South Pacific Islands.

Easter Island Travel

Easter Island is perhaps most famous for its giant Moai statues, but there is a lot to do on this small, isolated South Pacific Island. Unlike the French Polynesian islands, Easter Island isn’t a romantic tropical paradise (although it is romantic in its own way), but rather the largest body of archaeological sites in the South Pacific. Easter Island carries its own rugged beauty and is worth a visit for any traveler intrigued by prehistoric history. Easter Island – like most of the South Pacific Islands – also boats two white sand beaches where tourists can do a bit of surfing, snorkeling, or just enjoy the isolated beauty of Easter Island.

Cook Island Vacations

The Cook Islands are another popular South Pacific Islands vacation destination. Travellers from around the world head to the Cook Islands to enjoy their beautiful beaches, clear blue waters, and local culture. The Cook Islands boast a little bit of everything – from the bustle and excitement of the major islands of Rarotonga and Aitutaki, to the peaceful isolated beauty of the other smaller islands. Wherever you look, colorful attractions and spectacular natural beauty can be found around every corner. From dancing, culture and food, to hiking and exploration of the local fauna and flora, to swimming in sparkling tropical lagoons at sunset, to watersports, to lazy afternoons on the beach – the Cook Islands offer a little bit of everything for the South Pacific traveler.

Fiji Travel

Perhaps the most common way to enjoy Fiji is under a palm tree with a drink in hand and gorgeous tropical landscapes as a backdrop. If your goal is to relax and enjoy some of the most spectacular natural landscapes in the world, Fiji is a must visit. In addition to its natural beauty, Fiji also boasts world class diving, plenty of exciting watersports, as well as a friendly local culture and delicious cuisine.

South Pacific Cruises and South Pacific Vacation Packages

Those interested in seeing the South Pacific Islands don’t have to settle for a single destination. There are a large number of South Pacific cruises and vacation packages that will allow you to tour many of the most popular South Pacific Islands. South Pacific cruises don’t always allow you to spend as much time as you might like in each destination, but it’s a comfortable and luxurious way to explore the South Pacific region.

If you want to spend more time exploring individual areas of the South Pacific Islands, there are plenty of South Pacific Vacation packages available that will allow you to tour the South Pacific Islands at a reasonable price. Look online or contact your local travel agent to see what South Pacific vacation packages suit your needs and budget.