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The Society Islands form the main archipelago of French Polynesia.
They include the largest islands and are home to the vast majority of the population.
They are subdivided into the Eastward Windward islands and the Westward Leeward islands.
The Windward group comprises two major islands, Tahiti and Moorea.
Tahiti is the site of the capital Papeete and the largest island with the only international airport of Faa'a.
Moorea is smaller and quieter, visually spectacular and very popular with visitors.
The Leeward group includes five very high islands:
Huahine is popular for its beloved atmosphere.
The twin islands of Raiatea and Taha'a share a beautiful lagoon
Bora Bora is one of the most beautiful islands on earth.
Remote Maupiti is beautiful, smaller and far less developed for tourism.
The mountainous islands of the Society Archipelago are volcanic in origin and much younger, geologically speaking than the low-lying coral atolls of the Tuamotu.
The barrier reefs supports small islets (motu) and are cut through by channels (passes) originally created by fresh water descending from the mountains where the coral could not grow.
These islands have a larger continental shelf than the atolls and some species are more frequently encountered than in the Tuamotus.
When planning a dive holiday, the ultimate would be to experience diving in both the Society and Tuamotu archipelagos, as you will find the diving to be so very different.
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