A lost world of tropical islands.

A lost world of tropical islands.

In French Polynesia, set sail for the Tuamotu Archipelago. The world’s largest chain of coral atolls stretches into the South Pacific, covering an area the size of Western Europe. The Apataki atoll guards a 30km-long mirror-calm lagoon. Expect prime diving on one side with plenty of sharks and rays.

The opposite coastline boasts a steady breeze for kitesurfs and windsurfs, against a backdrop of endless blue. Rangiroa’s lagoon, spanning 1500 square kilometres, is a scuba diving mecca. Hundreds of marine species – including manta rays, green turtles and humphead wrasses – cruise into the shallows for lunch.