Stephanie is a cherished member of the Sampling America writing team, dedicated to crafting captivating narratives that transport readers to thrilling adventures across the country and beyond.
The islands in the South Pacific are some of the most diverse and visually stunning islands in the world. With beaches, rainforests, and volcanoes, any outdoor enthusiast will have a splendid time visiting the jewels of the South Pacific.
Follow along to find the best islands if you’re considering touring the Pacific. You’re sure to find a stunning destination on this list to keep in mind the next time the travel bug strikes.
Cook Islands
The Cook Islands are one strong nation in the South Pacific. However, the islands have had political ties to New Zealand and rely on the nearby country for economic growth.
Made up of more than 15 islands scattered throughout the ocean, they cover exciting ecosystems and landscapes. Coral reefs, lagoons, white sand beaches, and rugged mountains can all be found on these tiny but mighty islands.
Fiji
Already a popular destination, Fiji is an archipelago with more than 300 islands. Throughout the islands, guests can expect to see blue lagoons, palm tree-lined beaches, and coral reefs.
Most visitors begin in the major cities of Viti Levu and Vanua Levu, but after landing via plane, it’s easy to get smaller boats to each of the less crowded islands. Ask around with the locals to find an island that hasn’t been overtaken by tourists yet.
Mamanuca Islands
Although technically a part of Fiji, these 20 islands are contained in the same archipelago and maintain their own unique culture.
These popular islands must be visited at specific times, as several of them become completely covered by water during high tide. If you’re looking for a more remote spot to visit, these islands are well worth the trip.
Solomon Islands
For any history buffs, this tiny nation is a beautiful place to visit. Home to many fortifications during the Second World War, the Solomon Islands are some of the most rugged islands that can be visited.
The biodiversity of the islands is well documented throughout the world and has played host to plenty of explorers and scientists over the years.
New Caledonia
Although technically a French Territory, these stunning islands in the South Pacific have a rich and unique culture.
Ripe with brightly colored coral reefs and palm-lined beaches, these islands are the perfect place to visit for someone who wants to experience a tropical destination with a historically European feel.
Tonga
The Kingdom of Tonga makes up more than 170 distinct islands. The rich blue waters and white sand beaches are indeed a tropical paradise. The rich Polynesian culture is practiced with pride through their cuisine, traditions, and strong connection to language.
When visiting the islands of Tonga, expect little five-star service; the area still needs to be developed.
Due to the difficulty getting equipment and materials to the remote islands, much of what they have on Tonga is reused or recycled in some way, which also makes this island an environmentally friendly place.
Bora Bora
Probably one of the most popular spots on this list, Bora Bora is known as a luxury destination spot for the rich and famous.
However, many of the islands in Bora Bora are still affordable and welcoming to all. The sand-fringed islets are surrounded by stunning coral reefs, making this country one of the best spots to snorkel or scuba dive.
Palau
Part of Micronesia, Palau makes up more than 500 islands, some so small they only have a few trees and a small spot to sit on the sand.
However, the largest islands have some of the most diverse topographic beauty in the South Pacific. The capital island of Babeldaob is home to one of the largest basalt monoliths in the entire ocean.
Lord Howe Island
Lord Howe Island is a tiny piece of land off the coast of Australia in the Tasman Sea. Although similar to the rest of Australia, this small paradise is home to unique subtropical forests, clear waters, and sandy beaches.
This island can be the perfect getaway location if you’re already in Australia and need to decompress next to coral-rich waters in a much less developed place.
Ko Samui
Ko Samui is Thailand’s second-largest island and sits inside the Gulf of Thailand. Full of dense mountainous forest in the center of the island, the beaches are lined with palm trees and coconut groves.
This sunny and tropical paradise is the perfect place to unwind while traveling through Southeast Asia. Although luxury resorts fill the island, you can still find affordable accommodations along with plenty of street food vendors along the beach.
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