Society Islands

French Polynesia

The Society Islands are a volcanic archipelago in French Polynesia comprising the Windward Islands (including Tahiti and Moorea) and the Leeward Islands (including Bora Bora, Raiatea and Huahine), each ringed by fringing or barrier reefs and lagoons.

The Society Islands formed along a hotspot volcanic chain in the South Pacific and are split into the Windward Islands and the Leeward Islands, most encircled by coral reefs and lagoons. Moorea's lagoon, a Ramsar wetland, is rich in coral fish, molluscs, sharks, rays and sea turtles, with humpback whales passing through from July to October. Bora Bora's barrier reef and lagoon are a well-known snorkeling and diving area with guided shark and ray dives.