Society IslandsTupaiThe heart-shaped atollA tiny, heart-shaped coral atoll northwest of Bora Bora, Tupai is one of French Polynesia's most photographed islands. Uninhabited and rarely visited, it is best seen on scenic helicopter or airplane flights, offering breathtaking aerial views of its perfectly shaped lagoon and untouched reefs.
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Tupai: The island of lovers to discover exclusively
Tupai is more than just an island. It’s a secret paradise, a heart-shaped island set in the water, far from everything, in the Society Islands, just north of Bora Bora. This uninhabited atoll of approximately 1,000 hectares is a truly unspoiled gem where nature reigns supreme and man has left no trace of his passing. A wild sanctuary where you can reconnect with what matters most.
Since its purchase from former notary Marcel Lejeune, the island has belonged to the Polynesian government and remains strictly protected. There are no accommodations, no permanent residents - just a few guardians who watch over the island to preserve its fragile ecosystem. No buildings, no pollution - only the raw, unspoiled beauty of Tupai.
A wild beauty, a heart of nature
Seen from the sky, Tupai is nothing less than a perfect heart, set in a turquoise lagoon of a thousand shades. This unique shape has inspired many poets and lovers, hence its nickname: the island of lovers. As you land on its white sand beaches, you enter a preserved paradise, where silence and isolation are your only company.
No crowds, no noise, just the tranquility of nature. The water is shallow, a double lagoon lined with coconut trees and wild beaches. The island is a nesting site for sea turtles, and seabirds find refuge there.
The island of exclusivity
Tupai is only open to people who get special permission. It’s a unique getaway, a luxury for those looking for a timeless experience, far from everything. To get there, you can take the boat for a 45-minute crossing, or choose the helicopter for a stunning view of the lagoon and the atoll.
The Legend of the Heart of the Ocean
Tupai isn’t just a place; it’s also a legend. According to Polynesian traditions, it was dedicated to Pere, the goddess of fire and passion. This heart-shaped island is a place where time seems to stand still and where you can experience exceptional moments, far from the world.
How to experience your “love at first sight” moment in Tupai?
Boat Option - Romantic Getaway with Bora Bora Island Escape
Departure from Bora Bora, 45-minute crossing
Full day with barbecue lunch
Bora Bora Island Escape +689 87 777 310 Website of Bora Bora Island Escape
@Bora Bora Island Escape
Helicopter Option - The view that gives you chills with Tahiti Nui Helicopters
30-minute scenic flight
Tahiti Nui Helicopters +689 87 77 72 56 commercial@tnh.pf website Tahiti Nui Helicopters
Discover the helicopter experience on video
@Tahiti Nui Helicopters
The best time to visit Tupai
The dry season (April to September) is ideal for visiting Tupai. Clear skies, perfect temperatures, and crystal-clear waters make this the perfect time to discover this secret paradise.
Tupai is an eternal memory, a declaration of love to the wild beauty of the world. And, who knows, maybe to someone else too…
Written by Lisa Di Salvia
That is Tupai.