Cruising the South Pacific: Your Dream Destinations
The South Pacific may be one of the best hidden gems for those looking for a slice of paradise. The most visited destination is Fiji, with about one million annual visitors. Compared to the 10 million that visit Hawaii every year, you can truly understand how tranquil many of these islands are! Explore beaches with the only footprints being your own, coral reefs brimming with life and color, and some of the most stunning villas imaginable. For those exploring or cruising the South Pacific, here are some of the region’s highlights.
Fiji
One of the most beloved destinations in the South Pacific, Fiji is also the region’s most populous island with more than 900,000 residents. It consists of more than 300 small islands, with many passenger ferries available to connect travelers. Most vacationers choose to visit the Yasawa Islands or the Mamanuca Islands, which has served as a filming location for hit series Survivor and Love Island USA. You’ll find many picturesque beach resorts perfect for families and honeymooners.
Fiji is known for its mix of Eastern and Western cultures with indigenous influences, blending for a rich experience. Those looking for unique things to do in the South Pacific islands will be thrilled with snorkeling or scuba diving the renowned coral reefs – or eating delicious fresh fruit and seafood. It’s the ideal location for those who want to experience the beauty of the South Pacific alongside a memorable cultural experience.
Bora Bora
Bora Bora is often cited as one of the most beautiful locations on earth, thanks to its famous lagoon with crystal turquoise waters. It features some of the best adults only all inclusive resorts, South Pacific style! Bora Bora is famous for its romantic bungalows nestled right over the lagoon, where vacationers can jump right from their villa into the clear waters below.
Part of French Polynesia, Bora Bora is an hour’s flight from Tahiti. It’s known for its luxury resorts, catering to couples and honeymooners. Most choose to stay beachside, where they can admire the views of the large inactive volcano and the rainforest that meets the beach. The outer reef has some of the best scuba diving in the South Pacific – if not on Earth, full stop – where you’re likely to spot reef sharks, manta rays, moray eels and dolphins.
Samoa
In a sharp contrast to Bora Bora’s fame, you have Samoa. It is one of the most overlooked places for South Pacific vacations. Samoa and American Samoa are an independent island nation and a U.S. territory, respectively, with very different – but equally enticing – experiences. Many South Pacific cruises stop at both, and there are only a handful of beach resorts in both countries.
The beauty is in the tranquility. Samoa offers extensive areas untouched by man, where you’ll find beaches with not a single soul on them. Over half of Samoa is protected by national parks to preserve the tropical rainforest, where visitors go to experience nature and wildlife. In American Samoa, Tutuila is the largest island, with its own trails of rainforest and waterfall hikes. Pair your Samoan adventure with Fiji or choose a cruise with either Samoa as one of its port destinations.
Tahiti
For such a small island, Tahiti is famed globally as a true “paradise”. Considered the center of French Polynesia, it’s known for its dense rainforest and majestic mountains. Tahiti’s beaches are lined with the island’s iconic black sand. It’s an island for adventurers, taking six hours to travel around the island by car. Tahiti is also a haven for surfers, particularly Teahupo’o, where the surfing events took place during the 2024 Summer Olympics.
Tahiti has a large airport and is a good connection to other islands for those looking for winter vacation ideas. The capital of Papeete often hosts many cruise ships – and its French influence is clear, with plenty of charming cafes and lively nightclubs. Its large market full of handicrafts from Tahiti and other neighboring islands is a must-visit.
Explore the South Pacific
With so many remarkable destinations to choose from, visiting, exploring, and cruising the South Pacific is one of the best ways to see it all, and Dream Vacations can help build your once-in-a-lifetime South Pacific getaway. Find your nearest Dream Vacations Travel Advisor to plan a cruise or resort vacation in the beautiful South Pacific.
