The islands of the South Pacific are known for their scuba diving spots, their unique wildlife, and their cultural heritage.
Another popular place for scuba diving is the Cook Islands. The atolls and lagoons around the islands of Aitutaki and Rarotonga are home to hundreds of species of fish and seventy-three types of live coral. Some of the region's best diving, however, is said to be off the islands of Palau where there are four times as many species of coral as the Caribbean and more than 1500 species of fish. Favorite spots in Palau include the Blue Corner, where divers are surrounded by schools of sharks, the Ngemelis Wall, where divers explore its thousand-foot vertical drop, and the inland Jellyfish Lake, where millions of tiny stingerless jellyfish float and follow the sun. Many South Pacific islands have instructors who offer diving classes and dive shops which coordinate everything from short trips to multi-day excursions.
For travelers who enjoy exploring above water, the islands offer many different activities. Since Papua New Guinea covers such a vast area, air safaris are a great way to see that country. The guided trips often include nature walks, village tours and native food. In many islands, it is quite easy to charter a boat for a short trip or for a longer, multi-day tour or even longer. Some operators in Tonga offer island exploration trips lasting up to two months.
Many visitors to the South Pacific take advantage to the spectacular fishing opportunities. With sailfish, wahoo, marlin and yellowfin tuna in abundance, anglers in the South Pacific enjoy marvelous fishing year-round. In the late spring, the Palau Sport Fishing Association holds their Annual Fishing Derby and awards prizes for the largest game fish. Tonga and the Cook Islands both provide not only deep sea fishing but also chances for lagoon fishing. Well-stocked charter boats are available on many islands.
The islands of the South Pacific provide travelers with the opportunity to observe wildlife they may not have the chance to see at home. Between July and September, visitors often see mating humpback whales close to shore in both Vanuatu and New Caledonia. Birdwatching is also a popular activity on many islands with some of the best sightings occurring in Tonga. Tonga is home to more than seventy types of birds, including the Tongan Whistler and the endangered Polynesian Megapode, both found only in this country. Several nations have also designated certain areas as wildlife refuges and are actively working to preserve their native animals. The Funafuti Conservation Area in Tuvalu is an excellent setting for both wildlife watching and scuba diving.
Many different cultures can be found throughout the South Pacific. Some islands offer visitors the chance to experience those native cultures. Mountain treks in Papua New Guinea usually include a traditional dance called a sing-sing and an overnight stay in a local village. A number of small villages in the Solomon Islands continue the ancient practice of shark worship. Visitors can observe these rituals which include summoning the sharks close to shore and then riding around the lagoon on the backs of those sharks. In Fiji, the remote villages of the Nausori Highlands still retain many of their traditional ways, including the construction of homes using natural materials.
Just about every country in the South Pacific has a museum dedicated to the culture and history of the nation and its people. In New Caledonia, the Nouméa Museum is dedicated to the archaeology and ethnology of the South Pacific region. Some museums have interesting artifacts on display. On display in the Fiji Museum are ceremonial forks which were used by Fijians to eat human flesh. In French Polynesia, the Paul Gauguin Museum presents a retrospective on the artist's life and works. Some islands also have cultural centers and local markets where traditional arts and crafts are sold.
The islands of the South Pacific are as different as they are numerous. Some islands, such as Tuvalu, are nearly flat while others, such as Papua New Guinea, have mountains. Many islands, such as Vanuatu, have a great deal of commercial development, while others, such as the Solomon Islands, still have a number of uninhabited islands. Visitors to the South Pacific are almost certain to find what they are looking for, regardless of what it is they seek.
