The Atimaono Golf Course on Tahiti plays 18 holes and is 6,840 yd. (6,255 meters). It is open from 8am until dusk and there is a full clubhouse and pro-shop. Most hotels on the island can arrange full-day outings which include green fees (at under USD100), clubs, lunch and transport.

The new course on Moorea is the Green Pearl Golf Club, located near the village of Temae. The Jack Nicklaus designed course is French Polynesia's second 18-hole course, joining the Atimoana Golf Course on Tahiti. It's a spectacular 18-hole resort course, which is Polynesia’s first in 35 years. The 6,596 yard, par 70 course has a tunnel under the road which allows access from the mountain to the lagoon side of the resort.

There are numerous companies that will offer guided hiking service on the principal islands. For example, Tahiti has a number of trails, from cross-island routes to those that ascend mountains and other down into Tahiti-Iti. And it is best to avail yourself of these services, especially when traveling into the interior of the mountainous islands. Also, local guides are well versed in the culture and history of the islands and will enhance your understanding of archaeological sites.

One such company is Tahiti Evasion. While based on Moorea, they can arrange 1-day, multi-day or multi-week experiences throughout the islands. Another is Magic Moorea.

Whether it is by 4-wheel drive vehicle or boat, a circle Island tour offers the best way to give you an introduction to each island. These are usually all day programs and include lunch and shopping stops where appropriate.

Tahiti Tourisme offers "La Terre Faati" around Tahiti via Le Truck. The tour leaves from the Cultural Center at 8am and returns at about 5:30pm.

4-wheel drive excursions are particularly popular on Moorea from Albert Tours, Moorea Explorer and Inner Island Safari Tours. For a bit more adventure, you can explore on all terrain vehicles with Mahana ATV Tours.

Most tours on Bora Bora follow the coast line. But there is Tupuna 4-Wheel DrIve Expeditions which offers an adventurous ride through the island's interior.

Huahine is all about history and the most informative way to see the island and its maraes is with Island Eco Tours. Also Huahine Land and Huahine Explorer provide half-day excursions which include Huahine Iti.

Delve into the mountainous interior of Raiatea with Raiatea 4x4 or Jeep Safari Raiatea while Almost Paradise Tours puts the emphasis on history and culture. While the scenery is less dramatic on Taha'a, enjoyable tours can be had from Dave's and Vai Poe Tours.

World-class snorkeling and diving in Tahiti is one of the South Pacific's best-kept secrets. Both divers and snorkellers are amazed by how clear the waters are and how close they can swim to the marine life, such as the gigantic manta rays.

The calm waters of the lagoon are home to a wide variety of fish and plant life. With fish feeds being practiced quite often, the lagoon attracts large schools of red snappers, silver jacks, tuna, triggerfish and reef sharks.

The encompassing reefs that surround many of the islands provide excellent opportunities for divers of all levels. The deeper lagoons offer shark and manta rays feedings, while the abundant tropical fish in the shallower lagoons are a photographers dream.

Although French Polynesia is not as well known a Pacific dive destination as the Great Barrier Reef, Fiji, or Micronesia, it's remote islands, pristine waters and abundant species will yield a surprising experience. The deep lagoons between the islands create a prolific number of sites that include underwater landscapes of sea mounts, caverns, drop-offs and wrecks. You will be able to do day and night tank dives. And for those wanting an extended dive vacation, consider a liveaboard experience on the Agressor or the Aquatiki.

Around all the islands of Tahiti, dramatic views continue below the water. Regular encounters include manta rays whose gigantic wingspan eclipses the passing diver; schools of dolphin dancing along the surf; sharks seemingly at every turn; and, in the Austral Islands, humpback whales thrill the lucky spectators in their annual migratory parade.

For the experienced diver, there are two principal seasons of interest: the manta ray season, from early September through mid-October; the hammerhead shark season - January and February; and the rest of the year, during which an assortment of fish may be seen.

This excursion is one of the most thrilling and popular and can be enjoyed on most of the main islands. After a short trip into the lagoon by powered outrigger canoe or powerboat, you'll float or stand in four to seven feet of clear water behind a secure rope as the docile sharks are hand-fed by an experienced guide.

Even non-swimmers can enjoy this exciting scene from the boat.

Probably the best place to witness this event is in the lagoon of Bora Bora where the practice originated.

There you can snorkel with a guide and watch as he actually feeds a school of sharks. Lunch anyone?

Polynesians by far are the Pacific’s best dancers. And you’ll have ample opportunity to see the enticing swaying of the hips in the dance shows staged by hotels throughout the islands. The major evening entertainment on the outer islands will invariably be a Polynesian feast followed by a cultural dance program.

In addition to the dance shows, Papeete also has a separate nightlife with something for everyone from private discos (open to tourists) to bars frequented by the locals.

All the classified hotels have good restaurants. Chinese, French, Italian and Vietnamese food is served, as well as the Polynesian specialties; Papeete is noted for Chinese and French cuisine. Tahitian food can be found in some hotels. Trucks or lunch wagons parked on the waterfront sell steak, chips, chicken, poisson cru, brochettes and shish kebabs. A full range of alcoholic drinks are available.

Due its size and population, the island of Tahiti offers the widest selection of cuisines in all of French Polynesia.

Most of the international hotels offer "theme" nights on select evenings to include Polynesian shows, buffets or live entertainment.

All around French Polynesia and Moorea you'll come across small restaurants where you'll get great food. Even the large resort restaurants have great dining which is rarity amongst the other South Pacific destinations.

The drama and pageantry of a Tahitian wedding celebration is a highlight for honeymoon couples or those celebrating an anniversary or renewing vows.

Ceremonies are legally nonbinding and can be as simple as a sunset ceremony with a Tahitian priest or as elaborate as a pageant with musicians and dancers.

For many ceremonies, couples are bedecked in bright pareu, flowers, and shells. The groom is brought to the beachside location in a canoe while the bride is carried on a rattan throne. Music and dancers enhance the ceremony while a Tahitian priest performs the rites and gives the couple their new Tahitian names.

French Polynesia is an ideal place for cruising the turquoise lagoons and sea that surround her many islands. If you are an experienced sailor, then you can charter a vessel. Whether you’d prefer a full crew or bare-bones vessel, there are over 25 charter companies to cater to your ideal sailing experience.

Lengthier cruises can be arranged to the Tuamotu and Marquesas Islands.

One of the best places to sail is Raiatea. This island shares a lagoon with Taha'a enabling one to cicumnavigate the entire island while in the confines of a protective reef. Bora Bora, Huahine and Moorea are also havens for yachties.

There are dozens of small motus within the lagoon to enjoy for a half or full day. You can swim, snorkel, or just laze under a coconut palm on your own bit of paradise.

These picnics provide an ideal getaway for honeymooners or just a romantic getway. Resorts can make the arrangements that will include a gourmet luch, snorkel gear and beach umbrella and towels. These picnics can be group outings right in the lagoon and cruises of all sizes, will organize them for passengers.