In two days, we will be visiting French Polynesia for the first time and we have the good fortune of spending three days here making calls to the islands of Raiatea, Moorea, and Tahiti. Raiatea is part of a smaller group of islands called the Leeward Islands, while Moorea and Tahiti belong to the Windward Islands group. They all belong to a group of islands called Society Islands, which are a part of French Polynesia. Clear as mud, right?

Actually, French Polynesia is a scatter of 118 islands spread across the South Pacific, ranging from the volcanic peaks of Tahiti and Moorea to low coral atolls like Rangiroa. The archipelago lies in the South Pacific Ocean, roughly halfway between South America and Australia/New Zealand. It spans an enormous area of ocean — larger than Europe — but most of the land is tiny volcanic peaks and coral atolls scattered across the sea.

The islands were settled by Polynesian navigators over a thousand years ago, who developed sophisticated seafaring, agriculture, and social systems. In the 18th century, European explorers such as Samuel Wallis and James Cook arrived, followed by missionaries and traders. France formally annexed the islands in 1880, reshaping local governance, religion, and economy.

Today, French Polynesia has a population of about 280,000 people, with nearly 70% living on Tahiti. It is an overseas territory of France with significant political autonomy. The territory elects its own president and legislative assembly, which manage areas like education, healthcare, infrastructure, and tourism, while France retains control over defense, justice, and currency. French is the official language, but Tahitian and other Polynesian languages remain central to cultural life. The islands blend ancient traditions with colonial history, reflecting a past that continues to influence daily life.

Today is day 4 of 5 sea days.

Tomorrow: Sea Day