Tupai

Tupai is considered to be the world’s most romantic atoll because, when seen from the air, it’s in the shape of a heart. That’s also why it’s sometimes referred to as the heart of the ocean. According to legend, the atoll was dedicated to Pere, the Polynesian goddess of fire and passion. The atoll lies 19 km to the north of Bora Bora in the Society Islands and, with its many endemic species, beautiful white sandy beaches and double lagoon, it’s a veritable paradise for lovers of nature.

Tupai is famed for its double lagoon, crystal clear waters and magnificent white sandy beaches. The atoll is uninhabited. The lagoon, teeming with tropical fish, manta rays and colorful coral is ideal for swimming and free diving. Seen from the air, Tupai has the form of a heart.

The island is covered in coconut palms and the beaches are nesting places for sea turtles. Visitors can often watch the baby turtles hatch and make their way to the sea. Endemic birds, such as the Atoll Fruit Dove and the Polynesian Falcon are easy to spot in the island’s vegetation.

Nobody lives on the atoll, so there’s nowhere to stay.

So take a bottle of champagne, find a place in the shade, and just be happy together in this idyllic setting.

A white sand beach in Tupai © Hino Itaru

Une plage de sable blanc à Tupai © Hino Itaru

A Helicopter Flight over Tupai

Take off in a helicopter to fly to the most romantic island in the world: Tupai, in the Society Islands. Tahiti Nui Helicopters proposes 30 minute flights to this island paradise, from another island paradise, Bora Bora. Once you’ve flown the 6 km that separate the two islands, Tupai emerges from the ocean in the shape of a heart. What more could lovers ask for?

Discover

Flying over the island of Tupai © Hino Itaru

Getting to Tupai

You can get to Tupai by helicopter, seaplane or, of course, by boat. Special permission is required to visit the atoll.
Once you’re there you can easily tour the atoll on foot.
It is also possible to take a sailboat cruise to Tupai, which will enable you to visit some of the neighboring islands as well. And some companies propose a visit to Tupai as part of an itinerary which includes other islands.