Nature of French Polynesia - national parks and reserves for active recreation

The amazing nature of French Polynesia has glorified the islands as a piece of paradise. The forests, beaches, lagoons and mountains of the country, as well as its amazing fish, birds and animals, attract travelers tired of cities. The wonderful waterfall Faautau in the forest on the island of Tahiti offers you an opportunity to relax and refresh yourself. Tropical butterflies flutter here, but there are many not very pleasant insects too, like the mosquitoes. Under the waterfall is a lagoon with clear water. The tall waterfall of Faarumai in the tropics of Aryu is captivating in its freshness and is good for visiting during the heat. In Afareaitu, there is also an incredibly beautiful waterfall bearing the name of the region, but it should be approached very carefully because of slippery stones.

You can relax by the calm water in Tahiti, in Taravao. There is located the gulf of Veyma. During the heat, locals often bathe here. Huge eels live in the depths. The famous Cape Point Venus is one of the most interesting places on the island, from where James Cook observed the planet Venus. Nearby is located a clean black beach, on which local children fly kites. On the Marquesas Islands, on Fatu Hiva, there is the wonderful Dev Bay with the purest water. Fatu Hiva is one of the most beautiful islands of French Polynesia with endless valleys, steep cliffs and quiet villages.

On a hot day, you can stroll along the fresh Polynesian tropical gardens. Harrison Smith’s botanical garden in Tahiti is full of flowers and vines. The large trees create a pleasant shade, and quite friendly turtles also live here. In Taravo, there are quiet and peaceful Water Gardens with small waterfalls and many water plants. Walking among the greenery and hills of the garden with the name “Park Eden” on Huahine will really give you the feeling of paradise. Nevertheless, it is better and more useful to follow the example of local residents and other tourists, and go round it on a bike. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

There are two wonderful turtle reserves on the islands of French Polynesia: the “Turtle Conservation Center” on Tahaa and the “Turtle Center” on Bora Bora. Both reserves have noble goals: workers do not keep animals in captivity for the pleasure of visitors, but take care of the sick or wounded turtles found and then subsequently release them into the wild. You can chat here with these cute animals, feed them, and learn about their species, life and behavior. In Bora Bora, there is the beach “Leopard Rays Trench” covered with white sand where you can swim among corals. There are also a lot of big harmless stingrays in the water. They are not afraid of people, and can even be touched. Often times also, harmless sharks swim here.

Mountain lovers are advised to visit the island of Moorea, where the Magic Mountain is located, with a wonderful view of the lagoon. The mountain is surrounded by dense rainforest, and the road to the top is winding and steep; therefore, climbing to the summit may seem very difficult to the inexperienced mountain climber. It is better to come here early in the morning, when the sun is not yet so scorching. Also, on the island of Huahine there is a high mountain, Taita, immersed in greenery. Those who do not dare to climb it can enjoy its greatness from below, because the view of the mountain is no less picturesque, than it is from up there.

In Tahiti there is the Maraa grotto, a wonderful place to relax and swim in the cool clear blue water, surrounded by flowers and ferns. Sometimes eels swim here. Cave lovers can make for the cliffs on Rurut. Here, tourists will find about three dozen ancient limestone caves and grottoes above the boundless ocean. Locals know a lot of legends about this place, one of which tells about a monster from a cave abducting children. Several children managed to escape, and later people who came to the caves found wicker baskets there, which the locals liked so much that they themselves learned to weave. In one of the caves called Otar, the Polynesian king hid sacred objects in the 19th century.

In the center of the island of Bora Bora, rises Mount Otemanu, which is in fact a long extinct volcano. The magnificence of the mountain is difficult to describe. What is certain is that it would be difficult to imagine this island without it. You can book a flight over the island by helicopter here to look at its beauty from a different angle. Camping in the tropics will not be complete without visiting the forest. The best choice for this is Mount Pahia, surrounded by large trees. The forest and the green mountain, which was a volcano, perfectly and harmoniously complement each other. It is incredibly easy to breathe here, and it leaves you with the feeling that you do not want to leave this place at all.