Gambier Islands in French Polynesia - How to Organize Your Vacation

In the southeastern part of French Polynesia there is an archipelago with amazing and most inaccessible islands of the Pacific Ocean. Gambier ( Îles Gambier ) belong to the Tuamotu archipelago, but the local culture and language have more in common with the Marquesas Islands. In addition, unlike other islands-atolls of the Tuamotu, most of the land of Gambier is of volcanic origin. Traveling to Gambier is a unique experience even for the most adventurous tourists. Those who dare will be rewarded with incredible landscapes with green hills, turquoise lagoons, secluded coastlines and authentic Polynesian villages. Tahitian pearls are grown in the local lagoons, and green plantations adorn the fertile valleys.

General information

• Number of islands: 14
• Main Island: Mangareva
• Archipelago area: 31 km²
• Administrative center: Rikitea .
• Population: about 1300 people

Henning Axt, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

History of the islands

The archipelago owes its name to the British captain John Wilson, who named these places in honor of Lord James Gambier . It is believed that the most remote islands of Polynesia were populated about a thousand years ago by people from Southeast Asia. At the same time , the first contacts of the islanders with European sailors took place in the 18th century. Since the first half of the 19th century, a real boom of Catholic missionaries began on the Gambier Islands , as evidenced today by religious buildings in the European style. The economy also developed rapidly, thanks to the cultivation of pearls and copra. Today, local residents, as before, are engaged in fishing and agriculture. Due to the mixture of Polynesian traditions and European influences, a unique culture has formed on Gambier .

Nature of Gambier

Gambier wilderness deserves more outside attention than it currently receives due to its remoteness. However, it is a wonderful tropical oasis where you can escape from mass tourism. The archipelago offers stunning natural landscapes and great biodiversity. The tropical climate here encourages the growth of rich, green-hued flora, and the coral reefs are home to a variety of marine life. Crystal lagoons and white sandy beaches are stunning in their pristine state.

FRED, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Things to do in Gambier

Scuba diving, boating between the islands, hiking and cycling, excursions to pearl farms are the main entertainment here. The center of all travel in the archipelago is Mangareva . This is an island with a tourist infrastructure, and in general, today, the only inhabited island of Gambier . On it, as well as on several of the largest islands of Akamaru , Auken and Taravai , churches and other buildings from the colonial period are well preserved. In the main town of Rikitea, you will be impressed by the Cathedral of Saint-Michel with pearl interiors, built from coral blocks in 1848.

Top activities in the Gambier Islands :

• Snorkeling and diving in the most amazing and remote places of the Tahiti islands.
• Boat trips and kayaking in the beautiful and vast Mangareva Lagoon .
• Get to know the process of cultivating legendary Tahitian pearls on floating farms in Rikitea .
• Trekking to Duff Peak and exploring 19th century European architectural heritage.
• Bicycle rides.
• Picnics on secluded coastlines.

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Mangareva Island

The main island of the most authentic archipelago of French Polynesia is nicknamed the "hidden pearl" of Polynesia. It is really difficult to find even on a modern map. Mangareva is the only gateway to the wild landscapes of the Gambier . The island is located in the heart of the Pacific Ocean, almost 1,500 kilometers east of Tahiti. Mangareva is becoming increasingly popular due to its authenticity. It is an oasis in the ocean, where you can forget about the rhythm of modern civilization and reconnect with nature.

What not to miss on the island :

• White sand beach of Tai-o-Raa .
• Saint-Michel Cathedral is the main religious monument of all French Polynesia.
• Local culture, Polynesian dance and song shows.
• The village of Rikitea and its missionary heritage.
• A boat trip to the coast of Taravai Island .
  
  

How to get to the Gambier Islands

The archipelago can be reached from Tahiti on a regular Air flight Tahiti offers scheduled flights twice a week. The aircraft stays at motu is a 40-minute boat ride from the main village of Rikitea . The flight takes 3 hours and 40 minutes. Getting to Gambier by boat is not easy. A passenger and cargo ship runs to the archipelago once a month, but the journey is long and grueling.

FRED at fr.wikipedia, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Where to stay in Mangareva

There are no luxury hotels in Gambier inclusive , but there are several cozy accommodation options in the style of Small Family Hotel

• Bianca and Benoit V Rikitea . Not far from the main attractions of the town and with a view of the azure coast. A cozy guesthouse with standard rooms and bungalows. Good conditions and comfortable accommodation for two guests or a large family.
• Pension Chez Jojo . Cozy bungalows near Rikitea and in the village itself. Great deals when booking half board.
• Pension Maro'i . Comfortable accommodation on the shores of the beautiful Gatavake Bay , surrounded by tropical forest.

Bianca & Benoit in Mangareva