Imagine standing on a beach so white it looks like powdered sugar and with water so clear you can spot fish swimming 30 feet below. Now imagine this isn’t one beach at all — it’s an entire region brimming with hundreds of islands, each providing a radically different experience. Welcome to Oceania, a vast group of islands that make up an enormous chunk of the Pacific Ocean, everywhere from Hawaii in the north down to New Zealand and from Easter Island across to Palau.
Oceania is not just one location — it’s thousands of islands divided into three large sections: Melanesia, Micronesia and Polynesia. Some have active volcanoes that produce black sand beaches, while others are coral atolls barely above sea level. You’ll discover islands with lush rain forests, some with towering cliffs and others so remote they seem like they belong on another planet.
In 2025, these islands are more accessible than ever due to better flight connections and infrastructure that has been updated to ensure the continent’s many wonders can be explored by travelers. Whether you’re an underwater snorkeling or diving fiend looking to swim with manta rays, a culture vulture keen to experience ancient traditions or someone who simply wants to relax on the world’s loveliest beaches, Oceania boasts an island for you.
This guide will help you navigate eight of Oceania’s most beautiful islands. All have unique experiences to offer, from underwater caves and traditional fire dancing to world-class surfing and hikes through prehistoric forests. So let’s delve into these Pacific paradise destinations that should be on every traveller’s bucket list for 2025.
Why Oceania is the Next Hot Spot for Travellers
We get it: Oceania is far. This area is about 3.3 million square miles in the Pacific Ocean in size — just about as large as the entire United States! Covering this vast area, are more than 25,000 islands although only some 2,000 of these are inhabited.
The islands of Oceania have some overlaps in character: Many have tropical or subtropical climates, beautiful marine life and cultures rooted in thousands of years of ocean navigation and island living. But at the same time each island group has its own identity, languages and traditions.
Why 2025 is Significant for Oceania Travel:
- Many islands have invested in significant infrastructure upgrades, building new airports and resorts
- Enhanced sustainable tourism is a step toward greater conservation of natural resources
- Simpler, cheaper travel with additional direct flight paths from major cities
- Post pandemic recovery comes a new interest to most of the region’s tourism businesses
- A number of islands will be celebrating cultural festivals and playing host to sporting events in 2025
Bora Bora, French Polynesia: The Love Paradise
Bora Bora is often referred to as the most romantic island in the world, and when you see it, you can’t help but agree. This tiny island in French Polynesia sits within a lagoon that is so many shades of blue — from light turquoise to deep sapphire. Mount Otemanu, an extinct volcano, rises from the middle of the island and serves as the dramatic backdrop for Bora Bora’s famous overwater bungalows.
What Makes Bora Bora Special:
The Bora Bora lagoon is shielded by a coral reef which makes the warm blue waters of the lagoon calm and clear, an ideal spot for swimming or snorkeling. The water is so pristine that you can easily see the bottom, even if you are floating high above on 30- or 40-foot waters. Many resorts have constructed their signature overwater bungalows here, where thanks to glass floors you can watch tropical fish swim below your room.
The island itself is tiny — just 12 square miles — which means you can drive around the main island in an hour. For a tiny place, Bora Bora has a lot to offer. Not to mention, you can go on boat tours to feed stingrays and sharks (don’t worry, they’re friendly!), or scuba dive some coral gardens and chill on white sandy beaches.
Best Activities in Bora Bora:
Lagoon tours: Almost every visitor takes at least one lagoon tour, in which guides lead you to the best snorkeling and let you swim with rays and reef sharks.
Mount Otemanu hiking: Adventurous travelers who choose to do so can hike these volcanically-formed peaks for stunning views.
Matira Beach: One of the better public beaches on the island, nice sand and clear water.
Coral Gardens: A natural reserve that makes for good snorkeling and viewing of hundreds of species of tropical fish.
Practical Information:
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Best Time to Visit | May to October (dry season) |
| Average Temperature | 75-85°F year-round |
| Main Airport | Bora Bora Airport (BOB) |
| Currency | CFP Franc |
| Language | French, Tahitian, English spoken widely |
Travel Tips for 2025:
Book your overwater bungalow at least six months in advance, the most desirable properties sell out early. Budget-minded travelers can avoid the luxury resorts and stay on the main island, but you’ll still be able to access the lagoon and beaches at a fraction of the price. A lot of hotels do provide free shuttle to their private island or beach.
Fiji: 333 Islands, That Loving Feeling
Fiji is not one island at all — it’s a country comprising 333 islands, but just over 100 of them are inhabited. Such variety allows for wholly distinct experiences, depending on which island you choose. Some islands are home to luxury resorts and golf courses; others are tiny village communities where you can experience traditional Fijian culture.
The Two Main Islands:
Nadi on Viti Levu, Fiji’s main island, is the gateway for most international flights. From here you can visit the capital city, Suva, explore traditional villages or make transfers on smaller planes and boats to outer islands. The second largest, Vanua Levu is less developed and provides a more authentic laid-back experience.
Why Fiji Stands Out:
Have you experienced a Fijian welcome? You’ll frequently be greeted with a “Bula!” (hello) when you get to a resort or visit the village and been invited to a Kava Ceremony, you drink the traditional beverage called kava which is made from the root of the plant. That welcoming culture that makes Fiji feel less like a tourist stop and more like visiting friendly family.
The diving and snorkeling in Fiji is second to none. The country is nicknamed as the “Soft Coral Capital of the World,” due to hundreds of kilometers of multicolor soft corals around countless islands. Unlike hard corals that feel like rock, soft corals move with the current and exist in psychedelic colors — pink, purple, yellow and orange.
Must-Do Experiences in Fiji:
Spend time in a traditional village: Lots of villages will host you for a cultural experience where you can watch meke (traditional dance), learn Fijian cooking or participate in ceremonies.
Snorkel or dive the Great Astrolabe Reef: One of the longest barrier reefs globally.
Island hopping: Travel between islands by ferry or small plane to soak up a variety of atmospheres.
Experience true Fijian food: Sample kokoda (Fijian ceviche), lovo (food cooked in an underground oven) and fresh tropical fruits.
Best Islands for Different Travelers:
- Couples and honeymooners: Tokoriki Island, Turtle Island
- Families: Plantation Island, Castaway Island
- Travelers on a budget: Beachcomber Island, Mana Island
- Divers: Taveuni, Kadavu
- Surfers: Tavarua, Namotu
Moorea: Bora Bora’s Less Touristy Sister Island, And Easier To Reach
A 30-minute ferry ride away from Tahiti is Moorea, an island with many of the same draws as Bora Bora but without the crowds and high prices. Moorea is heart-shaped, with two dramatic bays — Cook’s Bay and Opunohu Bay — carving deep into the island like strokes of a penknife between towering mountainous peaks.
What Makes Moorea Different:
Where Bora Bora draws newlyweds and luxe travelers, Moorea feels more laid-back and accessible. You’ll find family-run guesthouses to luxury resorts, and there are plenty of things to do at reasonable prices. Adventure travel is the island’s preference — they want hikers, divers and spelunkers as much people lounging on its many beaches.
You’ll have particularly spectacular views of the mountains of Moorea. Moorea’s peaks and ridges are more numerous than Bora Bora (which only has a single peak) and produce stunning silhouettes against the sky. The mountains are swathed in dense tropical growth, and containing waterfalls in the valleys.
Top Things to Do in Moorea:
Belvedere Lookout: Another great pick is Belvedere Lookout, which has breathtaking views over both bays and the inland mountains.
Moorea Dolphin Center: Swim with dolphins in the wild, not captivity.
Tiki Village Cultural Centre: Demonstrations, performances and traditional crafts help connect you with Polynesian culture.
ATV or 4×4: Drive around the mountainous interior and see pineapple plantations.
Stingray & Shark Feeding: Like the Bora Bora feeding shows but generally less crowded.
Why Choose Moorea in 2025:
A number of new hiking trails have been created and marked, simplifying the process of navigating safely through the interiors of the island. New restaurants have also opened, serving everything from classic Polynesian fare to French dishes. Even as tourism development has flourished, the place has struck its balance between development and natural beauty, leaving it a good bet for people who want comfort but don’t want to feel mired in a theme park.
Rarotonga Cook Islands: The Circle of Heaven
Rarotonga is the biggest and most populous of the Cook Islands, a 15-island archipelago scattered over nearly a million square miles of ocean. This small volcanic island is almost perfectly round, with a circumference of just 20 miles around its coastal road. You can quite literally drive around the whole island in less than an hour.
The Unique Character of Rarotonga:
Rarotonga’s draw is its mix of majestic mountain crags and accessible beaches. Making up what is essentially the centre of the island, for it has jungle-clad hills all round, this flat coastal plain offers a clear passage around the circumference of the island to beaches and lagoons.
Cook Islands culture is strongly Polynesian in nature, being closely related to that of Hawaii, New Zealand and other Pacific islands. (They are self-governing, but in free association with New Zealand; their currency is the New Zealand dollar, and their citizens may travel freely to New Zealand.)
Best Activities and Attractions:
Cross-island trek: Quite demanding, this hike crosses the mountainous interior with steep ridges to climb and streams to be crossed.
Muri Beach: Top beach spot on the island’s lagoon shore with calm waters ideal for kayaking and paddle-boarding.
Island night markets: These take place weekly and consist of food stalls, live music and local crafts.
Snorkel spots: There are plenty of coral heads in the lagoon around the island where fish love to congregate!
Highland Paradise Cultural Centre: Discover Cook Islands culture, native dance and tropical gardens.
Rarotonga by the Numbers:
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Island (circumference) | 20 miles |
| Distance from highest point to coast | 0.9 miles |
| Height of Te Manga | 2,139 feet |
| Population | About 10,000 |
| Time | GMT -10 |
| Capital | Avarua |
What’s New in 2025:
Rarotonga has been in the process of expanding its offering for cycling, meaning you can now explore the island on two wheels more easily than ever. New bike paths have gone in, and several rental shops have gotten electric bikes — which made it relatively easy to circle the island even in the tropical heat. The island has also broadened its eco-tourism options, including new guided nature walks and conservation programs guests can partake in.
Vanuatu: The Adventure Island Chain
Vanuatu is an 83-island archipelago shaped like a Y in between Fiji and Australia. This country also happens to have something that you can’t find anywhere else in Oceania: active volcanoes that you can visit and peer into. On Tanna island, Mount Yasur offers one of the best views of an active volcano in the world (with several explosions every hour!)
Why Vanuatu is Special:
Despite increasing tourism, Vanuatu has been able to retain much of its traditional culture. On countless islands, you can visit traditional villages that are still inhabited by people who observe ancient customs, construct traditional dwellings and conduct ceremonies handed down to them for generations. The country is also renowned for its ‘kastom’ (from the English word: ‘custom’), which maintains an active and traditional way of life.
It is incredible how different the diversity between islands are. Some islands contain black sand beaches that are formed from lava mountains, and others have white coral sand. Some are flat coral atolls; others have towering mountains. This diversity allows you to have a full range of experiences, just by hopping from one island to another.
Must-See Attractions in Vanuatu:
Mount Yasur volcano: Stand on the edge of an active volcano and be wowed by erupting showers of magma lighting up the night sky.
SS President Coolidge: One of the world’s greatest wreck dives reachable by land.
Blue Holes: Pristine freshwater swimming holes in the jungle.
Land diving on Pentecost Island: Bungee jumping was inspired by this local tradition where men jump off wooden towers tied to vines around their ankles.
Port Vila markets: The capital’s markets where everything from tropical fruits to hand-woven baskets may be bought.
Cultural Experiences:
Vanuatu has more than 100 languages spoken in the country and it’s one of the countries with most languages per capita. It is a diversity that reflects the powerful identity of each particular island. Many of the villages are open to visitors for cultural demonstrations, where you’ll be treated to traditional dance, learn about plants used for local medicine and food, and gain insight into life before modernity.
Practical Considerations:
Vanuatu’s currency is the Vanuatu vatu, and although bigger hotels and tour operators take credit cards, many of the smaller businesses and villages are strictly cash enterprises. English and French are both official, but so is Bislama, which is something of a regional lingua franca.
New Caledonia: The French-Pacific Island Paradise
New Caledonia is a 750-mile-long speck east of Australia that is still part of France, providing it with a rich, volatile blend of Melanesian and French cultures. Grande Terre, the largest island of New Caledonia, is enclosed by the second largest coral reef in the world; it is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
The Unique Blend of Cultures:
Strolling around Noumea, the capital city, is like visiting a small French town somewhere in the tropics. Offerings are similar if you’re lucky enough to stumble across a traditional bakery – fresh croissants, coffee at a cafe and French cuisine in local restaurants (in addition to traditional Melanesian dishes). The native Kanak remain a strong and cohesive society, but their culture is very much based around the tribal areas, particularly in the far North of New Caledonia.
What Makes New Caledonia Different:
The island of Grande Terre is remarkably long and narrow, 250 miles in length but only about 30 miles at its widest point. A mountain chain runs through the middle of the island, producing two distinct east and west coasts with dissimilar weather patterns as well as scenery. The west coast is drier and has more beaches, while the east is wetter and greener.
Top Experiences:
Amedee Island Lighthouse: Boat ride to a small island with historical lighthouse and coral around for snorkeling.
Lifou Island: An island of dramatic cliffs, sea caves and traditional villages.
Heart of Voh: Mangrove from above forming a natural heart shape.
Tjibaou Cultural Centre: Discover Kanak culture in this impressive architectural complex created by Renzo Piano.
Diving and snorkeling: The barrier reef is home to amazing marine life.
Food Culture:
New Caledonia has a wonderfully diverse food scene. You can start your day with French pastries, lunch at a Vietnamese restaurant (there is a significant Vietnamese community in town), and have dinner at a beachside restaurant serving fresh seafood with the influence of French preparations. Try bougna, a traditional Kanak dish in which meat and vegetables are wrapped in banana leaves and cooked underground.
Samoa: The Pulsing Heart of Polynesia
Samoa has two main islands—Upolu and Savai’i—along with five small uninhabited islands. This country is important in Polynesian history and culture, and Samoans have worked to preserve that traditional way of life while still being welcoming to outsiders.
Traditional Culture Remains Strong:
In Samoa, the old-fashioned ways of the island aren’t just set-pieces for tourists — they represent the real life. And fa’a Samoa (The Samoan way) still governs daily village life in villages throughout the islands. Many Samoans dwell in open-sided fales, play traditional roles in village hierarchies and observe customs that date back centuries.
Sunday in Samoa is especially intriguing for visitors. The nation is very Christian, and Sundays belong to church and family. Most shops shut down and villages get very quiet. If the day you spend there is a Sunday, beautiful church singing will emanate throughout the entire day, and outside you should be dressed modestly.
Natural Wonders:
To Sua Ocean Trench: A beautiful swimming hole formed by a collapsed lava tube, with a ladder leading down to emerald water.
Lalomanu Beach: This beach is regarded as one of the most beautiful in the South Pacific.
Alofaaga Blowholes: Ocean geysers hurling water as high as the eye can see.
Falealupo Rainforest Canopy Walkway: Ancient forest canopy stroll.
Swim with sea turtles: Numerous beaches on both islands are turtle nesting grounds.
Staying in Beach Fales:
It’s really one of the best ways to see this country; you just stay in a beach fale. These are the classic open-sided buildings right on the beach, containing nothing more than a mattress, mosquito net and the sound of waves. They’re no frills, but honest and reasonably priced. Most are operated by local families, who also feed the passengers.
What to Know About Samoa:
| Aspect | Information |
|---|---|
| Two main islands | Upolu (more developed), Savai’i (more traditional) |
| Capital | Apia (on Upolu) |
| Currency | Samoan tala |
| Driving | Left side of the road |
| Dress code | Conservative; shoulders and knees should be covered |
Palau: The Underwater Paradise
Palau is in Micronesia, some 500 miles east of the Philippines. It’s one of the world’s top dive sites, and while it may be most famous as a diving destination, Palau is great above water too with some of the most gorgeous islands and beaches anywhere.
The Rock Islands:
The most distinctive feature of Palau is the Rock Islands, an archipelago consisting of more than 250 mushroom-shaped forested islets. These limestone islands shoot up out of the turquoise lagoon like giant green mushrooms, making one of the most photographed landscapes in all Oceania. Among other things, you can kayak between the islands, explore hidden lagoons and find deserted beaches.
Jellyfish Lake:
First and foremost on what you will do is Jellyfish Lake, it’s where you can swim and snorkel with millions of golden jellyfish. These jellyfish have been stripped of their sting after thousands of years of evolution in this isolated lake, so it is safe to swim among them. As you glide through the water, thousands of pale jellyfish pulse gently around you — it’s otherworldly.
World-Class Diving:
Divers flock to Palau for a few reasons: because of the amazing visibility (100 feet is common), variety of marine life — including sharks, rays and sea turtles — and gorgeous underwater landscapes that feature walls, caves and channels. The Blue Corner dive spot is consistently ranked among the best dives in the world.
Conservation Leadership:
Palau has been a global leader in ocean conservation. In 2015, the country established one of the world’s largest marine sanctuaries, barring commercial fishing from 80% of its waters. The country also imposes a required environmental fee on visitors that finances its conservation.
Beyond Diving:
Kayaking the Rock Islands: Multi-day adventures with camping on desert and tree-strewn beaches.
German Channel: It’s a favorite snorkeling and diving spot, where manta rays are cleaned of parasites by small fish.
Ngardmau Waterfall: The region’s highest waterfall is a jungle trek through the national forests.
War remnants: Tour World War II locations, such as downed planes and tanks.
Traditional villages: Explore Palauan culture and visit traditional meeting houses.
Planning Your Oceania Island Adventure
Now that you know those eight amazing islands, how about actually planning a trip to Oceania. It can seem daunting because of the distances that must be covered, and the fact that a lot of the countries have islands not generally recognized as tourist destinations — but it is eminently doable with some planning.
When to Visit:
The majority of Oceania’s islands experience wet and dry seasons. Typically that’s between May and October, the coolest (although still warm) time of year. More rain and humidity is brought in the wet season from November to April, but so are fewer tourists and lower prices. The temperature is consistent averaging 75-85°F all year long.
How to Get There:
Major Airports:
- French Polynesia: Faa’a International (Tahiti)
- Fiji: Nadi International Airport
- New Zealand: Auckland International Airport (for onward connections to much of Oceania)
- Vanuatu: Port Vila Airport
- Cook Islands: Rarotonga International Airport
Smaller planes or boats are required to reach outer islands from these hubs.
Budget Considerations:
| Budget Level | Daily Cost | What It Includes |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | $50-100 | Beach fales, hostels, local food, bus transportation |
| Mid-Range | $150-300 | Standard hotels, some restaurant meals, guided tours |
| Luxury | $500+ | Overwater bungalows, resort dining, private tours |
Keep in mind that some islands can be more expensive than others (especially French Polynesia, versus, say Samoa or Fiji).
How Long to Stay:
If you are going to just one island, a week is usually enough time to visit the major sites and also relax. If you have the time, spend at least 3 to 4 days on each island (and factor in travel days). Two weeks would be nice to visit 2-3 islands, while having time to get more of a feel for each.
Oceania Islands: Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best island for a first-time visitor to Oceania?
Fiji is often the destination of choice for novices. It’s got good infrastructure, English is widely spoken, it’s relatively inexpensive and it offers a decent mix of beaches, culture and activities. The flight connections are also better than on many other islands.
Are there special vaccinations I need to get to visit these islands?
There are usually no specific vaccines you should have, but you should be up to date on routine vaccinations. You might need proof of yellow fever vaccination from or through prone areas. Be sure to confirm the current requirements with your doctor and the embassy of your destination country.
Where is the cheapest place to island hop in Oceania?
Costs vary significantly. Flying between islands in French Polynesia is very expensive ($200-400 per flight), whereas taking ferries in Fiji is ultra-cheap ($50-100). In order to keep backtracking and useless flight times, plan your route wisely.
Can I spend US dollars on these islands?
Some islands will take US dollars (especially in tourist areas), but it’s best to use the local currency. Many locations in French Polynesia will take CFP francs, while Fiji uses Fijian dollars, and Samoa uses Samoan tala. Credit cards are accepted at hotels and some larger restaurants but keep cash on hand for small businesses and villages.
Can you drink tap water on these islands?
This varies by island. While in Fiji, New Caledonia and Cook Islands the water is generally safe to drink. Elsewhere, stick to bottled water. When travelling to villages or the countryside, be attentive in drinking bottled water or purified and treated water.
What’s the internet connectivity like?
The vast majority of resorts and hotels supply WiFi, which can tend to be slow relative to what you’re accustomed to at home. Some remote islands and budget options may have slow or no internet connection. Think of this as an opportunity to really unplug!
Are these islands good for families with small children?
Absolutely! Fiji and Samoa are especially family-friendly, with gentle beaches, plenty of activities and welcoming cultures. It can be expensive for families here in French Polynesia, but the snorkeling and water sports are incredible. Most resorts have kids’ clubs and family-friendly activities.
What to pack for Oceania island travel?
Must-pack items: reef-safe sunscreen, swimsuits, light clothing, sandals and water shoes, insect repellent, a waterproof bag for electronics, snorkel gear (if you have your own), and modest clothing when exploring villages. A light raincoat is handy in the dry season too.
Getting the Best Experience of Your Island Paradise
Tripping across the islands of Oceania is about more than a beach holiday—it’s a chance to experience other cultures, witness extraordinary natural phenomena, and unplug from hectic modern life. Each of these eight islands on the list has its own thing going for it, whether that’s swimming in a lake full of jellyfish in Palau, watching an active volcano erupt in Vanuatu or learning traditional dances in Samoa.
Slowing down is the key to a great Oceania experience. These islands are on “island time,” and things happen when they happen, not necessarily as scheduled. Embrace this pace. Take more time to chat with locals, extend meals and don’t try to cram in too many activities into each day.
Also, they are small island communities that you have to keep in mind. As an important source of revenue, your tourism dollars make the difference to local economies—support locally-owned hotels, guesthouses and restaurants, eat in family owned restaurants and buy handicrafts directly from artisans. Most islands battle climate change and overtourism, so practice responsible tourism: Don’t touch coral, use reef-safe sunscreen, respect cultural sites and follow all conservation rules.
Finally, remember that each island in Oceania has its own personality and draw. This list of eight is only a taste of what the region provides. Whether you stop by one island or get to all eight, you can expect experiences that will make memories of a lifetime. Everything about Oceania — from its transparent waters to its inviting locals and unique cultures, breathtaking landscapes — will put a spell on you and have you planning your return trip before this one’s even done.
The islands of Oceania are calling — all you have to do is respond. Begin planning your Pacific paradise adventure for 2025 now, and prepare to see for yourself why these faraway atolls are widely regarded as among the most beautiful places on the planet.
