Rurutu is the northern most island in the Austral archipelago of French Polynesia, and the name of a commune consisting solely of that island.  Geologically, Rurutu was initially formed 12 million years ago by the Macdonald hotspot, a hotspot associated with the Macdonald seamount.  Over the next 10 million years, erosion shrank the island until it was almost an atoll.  Then, just over a million years ago, Rurutu passed over the Arago hotspot, which lifted it roughly 150 meters.  Steep sea cliffs of ancient coral lifted by the event - called makatea - now largely encircle the island.  These are riddled with caves filled with concretions - indeed, Rurutu is largely unique among islands in French Polynesia in that its historic inhabitants were cave-dwelling.

Because it is endowed with a fringing reef, Rurutu has in recent years become known for whale watching: Humpback whales come and reproduce here between July and October within easy sighting distance from the beach. Rurutu is known as the 'Island of Whales' because every year the southern humpback whales migrate to these warm waters to mate or give birth and nurse their young. Due to the incredible underwater visibility, this is a nirvana for avid divers and whale watchers hoping to encounter these large marine mammals.

Although its tiny community still subsists primarily on fishing and basic agriculture, tourism has been a growing industry, especially since François Mitterrand's visit in 1990. Whale watching season sees the bulk of tourists, but the largely untouched native culture, the white sand beaches, and the lush tropical flora draw small numbers of tourists year-round.

Polynesian culture is alive and well in the Austral Islands. The ancient people were highly skilled woodcarvers; and remnants or replicas of their exquisite works of art can be found throughout the islands. The locals have also carefully preserved the art of weaving coconut and pandanus leaves into elaborate hats, bags and mats.

The 6,600 residents enjoy an easygoing lifestyle working as artisans, fishermen or farmers. Their local villages consist of small homes and churches constructed from coral limestone and bordered by fragrant flower gardens. Travelers come here to embrace the simple life and interact with these personable people, but the real appeal is to stay in Rurutu and encounter an inhabitant of another kind. 

Between the months of January and February the climate is okay. It is for example 29°C as maximum temperature in February.

In the month of April the climate is passable, but still OK. In average, on the morning it is 26°C and it rains about 55% of the time in April.

Australia, New Zealand, UK and USA passport holders do not require a visa for a stay as a tourist of up to three months but must hold a passport with three months validity beyond the date of departure from French Polynesia.

Please check your visa requirements with your travel agent or appropriate Embassy, Consular office as the visa regulations may vary from time to time.