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From swimming with sharks to hiking in a rain forest, here is a sampling of some of the most exciting things to do in French Polynesia.

South Pacific getaways, like Bora Bora, Moorea and Tahiti, are perfect retreats for couples who crave a spectacular tropical honeymoon, along with a generous measure of luxury. Each of these remote, French-influenced islands has richly rain-forested mountains, stunning aquamarine waters and palm-tree-laced beaches, as well as world-class spas, sumptuous waterfront hotels and sophisticated restaurants. But those gorgeous settings are not only great for relaxing—they are also ideal spots for having outdoor adventures. We checked out five heart-pounding South Seas experiences—some on land, others at sea—to help you choose the ones that will guarantee the best honeymoon memories.

A Rain-Forest Safari by Jeep

Think there's nothing thrilling about riding around in a Jeep? You'll change your mind after you've gone on an amazing four-hour rain-forest safari on the island of Moorea. You'll bounce along with a half-dozen other riders in an open-topped Jeep, as it twists and turns up a dewy-green rain-forest trail, riding through vanilla groves and pineapple plantations (with a stop to sample the crop) and passing by stands of acacia trees and thickets of hibiscus flowers. Finally, you reach the trek's literal high point: the Belvedere and Rotui lookouts, where spectacular views—of the island's lagoon, Cook's and Opunohu bays, and the deep-blue Pacific beyond—will blow you away.

Your guide will share his insider knowledge of the island: At the archaeological temple sites, you'll learn the story of the arrival of missionaries on the island, and when you stop to feed the blue-eyed eels (the eerie creatures are an otherworldly sight), you'll learn about the animals' significance in local folklore. By the time you're returned to your hotel, you'll have experienced the island with all five senses—something you'll never forget (689-55-21-10; albert-transport.net).

A Wilderness Hike

Geologically, Moorea is one of French Polynesia's older islands, and time has sculpted its tropical landscape into a series of spectacular mountain peaks and lush valleys. These places are ideal for exploring on foot, and Tahiti Evasion offers full- and half-day treks all over the island, with options like the archaeological sites in the Opunohu Valley, a hike across Three Coconuts Pass (between Belvédère Mountain and the south coast), and trips to the Afreaitu waterfall and Mt. Tohiea.

Each hiking route is ranked—from easy (simply walking on level ground) to extreme (trails that require hikers to use ropes to pull themselves vertically up the walls of a valley). On a mid-level excursion, the thick vegetation and the ever-present possibility of a sudden rain shower in this green terrain will make you feel as if you're hiking in the Amazon—and the gorgeous views, along with the thrill of discovering hidden waterfalls and the island's plants and animals (especially birds), will make you feel like an explorer. Bring a rain jacket, as the weather can be very unpredictable (68-56-48-77; tahitievasion.com).

Snorkeling with Sharks

If you're ready for a real adrenaline rush, consider a swim with Bora Bora's black-tipped sharks. On a Manu Taxi Boat excursion, the two of you will ride on a snorkeling boat—it's just you and your honey for this two-hour private tour—beyond the protective reef that surrounds the island (the coral that separates the aquamarine lagoon from the deep-blue sea) into an area known by local experts for its shark population. There, you'll get to meet the baby sharks, only about a foot long, that eagerly await the arrival of the boat and the treats—small fish and bread—that they know the guide provides. While he feeds these creatures, you'll be out of the boat and in the water, wearing snorkeling gear and taking in the action.

It's surprisingly peaceful to watch these little sharks (adults don't show up) as they feed, along with the dozens of colorful jack, trumpet, trigger and moon fish who follow them looking for a meal. A few hours later you'll be back on land—with an amazing story, and, if you're lucky, great pictures to share with family and friends back home (689-79-11-62).

Swimming with Stingrays

Swimming with stingrays is an amazing experience, and there are few places in the world where humans can interact so closely with these graceful creatures as Bora Bora's lagoon. You can sign up for a private or group excursion. The guide knows exactly where the stingrays congregate in the wild, so after finding the specific spot in the water, he will stop the boat to allow everyone to jump out (the water is only about three feet deep). Then he'll start feeding the stingrays.

Before long, a dozen of these gliding creatures—about two feet long, with silky-soft skin and faces animated like a cartoon's—will appear. They're not shy about getting close to people, and they'll rub gently against your arms and legs, looking for a little snack. Despite recent news stories, stingray attacks are rare, and your guide can tell you exactly how to interact with the animals to avoid frightening them. If you're faint-of-heart, though, you can also opt to stay on the boat and watch the action from there (689-79-11-62).

Taking a Dip with Sea Turtles

It's not often that swimmers can interact with sea turtles, shy creatures that generally steer clear of people. But at the Turtle Sanctuary at Le Meridien Bora Bora, there's a private lagoon where you can actually take a dip with them (as well as dozens of species of tropical fish). Sea turtles are quickly becoming endangered here, due to hunting and run-ins with fishing boats, but these animals have found a safe haven at the hotel. Fishermen, locals and even tourists bring wounded turtles here, where they can recover and grow to full maturity before being released back into the ocean (it's the babies that are hunted and often get caught in the engines of boats; adults have a much better chance of survival).

During daily morning feedings, guests can learn all about the life span, history and potential future of these gentle creatures, who have a prominent position in Polynesian folklore. These turtles remain important inhabitants of French Polynesia, and the Turtle Sanctuary is a great place to interact with them firsthand (Turtle Sanctuary, Le Meridien Bora Bora; lemeridien.com).