French Polynesia comprises over 120 geographically dispersed islands and atolls stretching over more than 2,000 kilometres in the South Pacific Ocean. We visited the major group – The Society Islands – in May 2025. Of the combined population of 270,000 over 200,000 live in the Society Islands. We photographed just three of the Islands – the main island of Tahiti, with the capital Papeete, Mo’orea and Bora Bora. Early Polynesians populated the Society Islands around 300 AD and European encounters began in 1521 with the Portugese explorer Ferdinand Magellan; this was followed by the Spanish, Dutch, British and French. Captain Cook visited on three occasions. By the late 18th century Spanish and British Missionaries had settled permanently and France annexed Tahiti in 1842. In 1946 citizens were granted French citizenship and eventually French Polynesia became a full Overseas Collectivity of France. During World War II Gigi’s father served in the Free French Navy and was based in The Society Islands so we had a personal reason for the visit. The Islands themselves are sculpted by sky piercing, moss-green, volcanic peaks and surrounded with the clearest turquoise lagoons. Beaches alternate between pure-white coral and black volcanic sand. These are isolated places – 7,800 Kms East of Australia and 8,200 Kms West of the US. Don't forget to click on the 'Show All' button to see the whole collection of images..
© Gigi & Robin Williams Photography
