At the end of the world, the paradise of islands: this is what a trip to French Polynesia proposes to discover. More than a hundred islands lost in the middle of the Pacific Ocean and spread over a territory as vast as continental Europe. Of an exceptional beauty, the nature seems wild and fragile at the same time. Far from the classic tourist circuits, Tahiti and her islands are an intimate destination and promise a privileged encounter with the Polynesian culture. What to visit and what are the best things to do in French Polynesia: we give you the best tracks to organize your trip.
Five Essential Islands When Traveling in French Polynesia
Each Polynesian island has a particular character. However, most travelers will stay in the Society archipelago during their stay and some will go as far as the Tuamotus. So, we offer you an overview of some of the islands around Tahiti, while wishing you to be able to visit also the more distant archipelagos like the Marquesas or the Gambier.
Huahine, the Authentic Island
Huahine is a hidden jewel where everything leads to wonder. The nature is largely preserved and gives the island its nickname of Authentic. It is an immense virgin land that offers itself to you with discoveries all more surprising than the others. The island can be discovered both on land and from the lagoon during an excursion. The landscapes are splendid and the waters of the lagoon are wonderful. Land of customs and traditions, Huahine promises an incredible immersion in the Polynesian culture.
Bora Bora, the Romantic Island
A trip to French Polynesia should not be without a visit to the romantic island. Nicknamed the Pearl of the Pacific, Bora Bora is of legendary beauty. Its enigmatic relief and the changing colors of its lagoon with its thousand shades of blue make its fame. The island has become the preferred destination for honeymooners in French Polynesia. As a symbol of this romanticism, the hotels’ overwater bungalows are set deep into the lagoon waters to enjoy the most extraordinary panoramas.
Moorea, the Complete Island
Moorea is an incredible summary of the best that French Polynesia has to offer. Its green mountains dominate huge bays and plunge into the blue lagoon. A true natural beauty, the island has many heavenly beaches. Moorea is very easy to get to and is only a short distance from Tahiti. The hotel offer is excellent and the cultural and sports activities are numerous. It is the ideal destination for a complete and unforgettable vacation.
Rangiroa, at the End of the World
The Tuamotu archipelago is mainly composed of atolls that are only a few meters above the ocean level. Nature expresses itself more powerfully than ever. Rangiroa is distinguished by the immensity of its lagoon, a real inland sea rich in a fantastic biodiversity. As a paradise for divers from all over the world, the atoll hides several natural wonders that you can admire during boat trips on the lagoon. Going to Rangiroa is the promise of an extraordinary feeling of the end of the world, where men and women continue to live.
Tahiti, the Queen Island
Gateway to French Polynesia, Tahiti is much more than a climb. The island abounds in sumptuous mountainous landscapes and its countless waterfalls make its reputation both marvelous and enigmatic. Tahiti is also the face of today’s Polynesian society. Its capital Papeete combines modernity and tradition in a festival of colors, music and flavors. During the southern winter, the whole island takes part in huge cultural performances that proudly bear the local heritage.
What to Do During Your Trip to French Polynesia
Enjoy White Sand Beaches
Beaches in French Polynesia are among the most beautiful in the world. Facing the lagoon, you will enjoy a natural setting of exceptional beauty. The colors will never appear so intense. Most of the beaches are covered with fine white sand. Some volcanic islands have magnificent black sand beaches, like Tahiti. The moment is for contemplation but also for swimming because the waters are always warm and very pleasant.
Snorkeling in the Lagoon
Just dive your head underwater to realize that the lagoon is not empty. You will see a rich and diverse aquatic activity. Multicolored fishes, stingrays, sometimes turtles, but above all many black tip sharks will accompany your trip. This fauna is harmless and you will be able to observe it even a few meters from the shore. To fully enjoy the show, a mask, a snorkel and water shoes are enough.
Hiking in Forest or in Mountains
Hiking in French Polynesia is mainly done on the high islands, where mountains dominate. Climbing some of them gives extraordinary panoramas on the lagoon, the motus and the ocean, like in Maupiti or Raiatea. The steep terrain often makes the excursions sporty. Others prefer to walk through the dense forest of Tahiti in search of waterfalls and lakes. These walks are also cultural as you discover the tropical flora and many archaeological sites.
Scuba Diving by Day or Night
Diving in French Polynesia attracts thousands of adventurers and lovers of aquatic discoveries every year. There is no shortage of sites: Anau in Bora Bora, the White Valley in Tahiti, the Tiputa pass in Rangiroa or the shark wall in Fakarava. Meet manta rays, butterfly fish, turtles and many sharks. Some will even discover plane and boat wrecks in Tahiti and Raiatea. Others will visit the seabed at night, during a fantastic sunset dive.
Discover Polynesian Culture
In the Pacific, the Polynesian people are proud to preserve and transmit the legacy of their ancestors. The cultural places in French Polynesia are numerous: disappeared temples, traditional rites and magical legends. Tahiti and her islands also offer dance, music, polynesian tattoos and coconut food. You will appreciate the collective and communicative well-being of one of the most hospitable and welcoming populations. Visit the beaches or the covered market in Papeete, Tahiti to see for yourself.
Five Activities to Do During Your Trip to French Polynesia
Jet Ski Tour in Huahine & Tahiti
On your own or as a couple, hop on your jet-ski and explore Huahine. With your tour guide, admire the lush vegetation of the shores and the motus lost in the lagoon in a playful and sporty way. This adventure is a call to freedom, to the great outdoors and will delight adventurers of all ages. The expedition takes you to the end of the islands to discover untouched and preserved spaces. Book online today!
Swim With Whales in Moorea & Bora Bora
From July to October, the Polynesian waters see the migration of humpback whales. Moorea is where you can best enjoy the show. Your experienced guide will take you aboard a boat to meet these immense marine mammals. Patience and observation are required, until in a moment of grace you can swim alongside them in complete safety. Book this magical experience online!
Excursion to the Blue Lagoon in Rangiroa
Aboard a boat, you will cross the immense lagoon of Rangiroa to a secret and wonderful place. In the main lagoon, there is a second lagoon. Its waters are pure and intense blue and give it the name of Blue Lagoon. Because of its shallow depth, the place is home to a shark nursery. Dozens of small black tip sharks circle around you in an incessant ballet. Book this beautiful and surprising day experience!
E-Bike Tour to Taputapuatea Marae in Raiatea
Raiatea is the original center of Polynesian civilization. It is from these lands that the great migrations of settlement towards Hawaii, Easter Island and New Zealand started. The remains of the marae of Taputapuatea remain from this period. You can visit this important place of Polynesian culture during a tour by electric bicycle. Thanks to this practical and comfortable means of transportation, you will discover with your guide the ancient Polynesian rites in an exceptional natural setting on the edge of the lagoon. Book online today!
Bora Bora lagoon tour
The most beautiful lagoon in the world is yours to discover on an unforgettable boat trip. You’ll see fantastic panoramas unfold before you and take full advantage of the thousand and one colors of Bora Bora. The adventure continues with a snorkeling trip to meet stingrays and black tip sharks. The day ends on a private beach with the sound of the ukulele. You can book this tour online today!
Plan Your Trip to French Polynesia Now
French Polynesia is an ideal destination for a relaxing vacation. Its natural wonders are a feast for the eyes. The activities are numerous and varied and the local culture, strong and proud, will not fail to seduce you. Prepare your trip to the South Pacific Islands now and contact us for personalized advice!
Leave A Comment