Explore French Polynesia
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French Polynesia stands as one of the world's most captivating tropical destinations, a collection of island paradises spread across 2,000 kilometers of the South Pacific Ocean. This French overseas collectivity consists of 118 islands and atolls organized into five archipelagos: the Society Islands, Tuamotu Archipelago, Gambier Islands, Marquesas Islands, and Austral Islands. Each island group showcases its own distinct character, from the soaring volcanic peaks of Tahiti and Moorea to the pristine atolls of Rangiroa and Fakarava, offering travelers an unparalleled diversity of natural wonders.
Beyond its postcard-perfect landscapes of turquoise lagoons, white-sand beaches, and lush mountains, French Polynesia is rich in Polynesian culture that dates back thousands of years. The warm-hearted locals, known for their hospitality and vibrant traditions, continue to celebrate their heritage through dance, music, and art. While luxury resorts with iconic overwater bungalows have made islands like Bora Bora famous worldwide, adventurous travelers can also discover untouched coral reefs for world-class diving, remote islands where traditional life continues unchanged, and endless opportunities for water sports in some of the planet's most pristine marine environments.
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Society Islands, French Polynesia
- Mount Otemanu
- Matira Beach
- Lagoonarium Coral Garden
Often called the 'Pearl of the Pacific,' Bora Bora is the quintessential tropical paradise surrounded by a turquoise lagoon and protective reef. The island is dominated by the remnants of an extinct volcano that has evolved into two peaks, Mount Pahia and Mount Otemanu, rising dramatically from the island's center. Bora Bora's luxury resorts feature the iconic overwater bungalows that have become synonymous with French Polynesian tourism, offering unparalleled privacy and direct access to the crystal-clear waters teeming with colorful marine life.
Society Islands, French Polynesia
- Belvedere Lookout
- Opunohu Bay
- Tiki Village Cultural Center
Just a 30-minute ferry ride from Tahiti, Moorea offers a more accessible yet equally stunning alternative to Bora Bora. The heart-shaped island is characterized by dramatic landscapes with jagged volcanic peaks, lush valleys, and two magnificent bays on its northern shore. Moorea provides a perfect balance of luxury and authenticity, with high-end resorts alongside traditional villages where visitors can experience genuine Polynesian culture. The island's lagoon is ideal for snorkeling, paddleboarding, and whale watching (July to November), while its verdant interior invites exploration via hiking trails and 4x4 safari tours.
Tuamotu Archipelago, French Polynesia
- Blue Lagoon
- Tiputa Pass
- Avatoru Village
As one of the world's largest atolls, Rangiroa forms a massive natural aquarium that attracts diving enthusiasts from around the globe. Unlike the mountainous Society Islands, Rangiroa is a coral atoll consisting of a ring of more than 240 tiny motu (islets) encircling a vast lagoon so large that the entire island of Tahiti could fit inside it. The atoll's two navigable passes, Tiputa and Avatoru, create exceptional diving conditions where visitors can encounter dolphins, sharks, manta rays, and countless tropical fish. Beyond diving, Rangiroa is known for its pearl farms and vineyards producing unique coral-terroir wines.
Society Islands, French Polynesia
- Maeva Ancient Marae
- Lake Fauna Nui
- Faie's Blue-Eyed Eels
Often overlooked in favor of its more famous neighbors, Huahine remains one of French Polynesia's best-kept secrets and is beloved by travelers seeking authentic experiences. Actually comprising two islands connected by a bridge, Huahine is known as the 'Garden Island' for its lush forests and abundant vanilla plantations. The island harbors some of French Polynesia's best-preserved archaeological sites, including ancient marae (temples) dating back over 1,000 years. With fewer tourists and a strong commitment to preserving traditional ways of life, Huahine offers visitors a glimpse into the genuine Polynesian lifestyle alongside beautiful beaches and excellent snorkeling opportunities.
Marquesas Islands, French Polynesia
- Hakaui Valley and Vaipo Waterfall
- Taipivai Valley
- Archaeological sites at Hatiheu
The largest island in the remote Marquesas archipelago, Nuku Hiva presents a dramatically different landscape from the lagoon-encircled islands of southern French Polynesia. With its rugged coastline, towering sea cliffs, and lush valleys, Nuku Hiva captivated Herman Melville, who based his first novel 'Typee' on his experiences here. The island's isolation has preserved its distinct cultural identity, with locals still practicing traditional wood and stone carving, tattoo art, and dance forms unique to the Marquesas. Visitors can explore ancient ceremonial sites, hike to spectacular waterfalls, or ride Marquesan horses through pristine valleys virtually unchanged for centuries.
Guidelines for Cultural Awareness
- Learn basic Tahitian phrases like 'Ia ora na' (hello) and 'Mauruuru' (thank you) – locals greatly appreciate visitors who make an effort to respect their language.
- When visiting villages or non-tourist areas, dress modestly – shoulders and knees should be covered as a sign of respect, especially when visiting marae (ancient sacred sites).
- If invited to a traditional Polynesian meal, understand that it's customary to remove your shoes before entering someone's home, and it's polite to bring a small gift like fruit or flowers.
- Ask permission before photographing locals, especially during cultural ceremonies or at traditional markets – while many Polynesians are friendly toward tourists, they value their privacy and cultural dignity.
- Respect the 'tapu' (sacred prohibitions) that may still exist around certain sites – follow local guidance about where you can walk or what you can touch, particularly at archaeological or religious locations.
Suggestions for Evening Activities
- Experience a traditional Polynesian dance show at the InterContinental Tahiti Resort, where fire dancers and musicians perform the rhythmic 'ori Tahiti' against the backdrop of sunset over Moorea.
- Join a stargazing tour on Tetiaroa atoll, where minimal light pollution reveals the Southern Hemisphere's spectacular constellations while guides share ancient Polynesian celestial navigation techniques.
- Visit Bloody Mary's Bar on Bora Bora, a legendary thatched-roof establishment frequented by celebrities where you can enjoy tropical cocktails with your feet in the sand.
- Attend an evening market in Papeete (particularly on Thursday-Sunday nights) where food trucks called 'roulottes' serve fresh seafood, Chinese-Tahitian fusion dishes, and crepes in a festive atmosphere with occasional live music.
- Take a sunset cruise around Moorea's Opunohu Bay, where many operators offer small-group excursions with champagne and canapés as the sky transforms through brilliant shades of orange and purple.
Customer Feedback
Sophie Dubois
Our overwater bungalow at the St. Regis Bora Bora exceeded all expectations. Waking up to Mount Otemanu views each morning was surreal, and the staff arranged a private motu picnic that became the highlight of our honeymoon. The snorkeling right off our deck was incredible - we saw rays, reef sharks, and countless tropical fish without even leaving our accommodation!
Journeyed from Lyon, France
Akira Tanaka
Rangiroa's diving experiences were world-class. The drift dive through Tiputa Pass was like flying through an underwater highway of marine life - we saw dolphins, Napoleon wrasse, and three species of sharks. The accommodations on the atoll are more basic than Bora Bora, but the authenticity and phenomenal marine encounters more than compensated.
Journeyed from Tokyo, Japan
Elena Kowalski
Huahine felt like discovering the authentic Polynesia. We stayed in a small family pension where our host took us fishing and taught us to prepare traditional poisson cru. The archaeological tour of the marae sites with a local guide provided fascinating insights into ancient Polynesian culture. This island offers the perfect balance of cultural immersion and natural beauty.
Journeyed from Chicago, USA
Marco Bernardi
Tahiti itself was somewhat disappointing after the hype. Papeete is congested and lacks the paradise feel of the outer islands. The black sand beaches were interesting but not as spectacular as Moorea or Bora Bora. However, the Fautaua Valley hike was breathtaking and the food trucks (roulottes) at Place Vaiete offered excellent, affordable meals with a lively atmosphere.
Journeyed from Milan, Italy
Olivia Chen
Our four-day sailing charter through the Society Islands was the adventure of a lifetime. Moorea's Opunohu Bay was breathtaking, but the highlight was anchoring at the tiny motu Tautau near Taha'a, where we had an entire islet to ourselves. Swimming with manta rays at a secret spot our captain knew was magical. Worth every penny for these exclusive experiences away from the resort crowds.
Journeyed from Melbourne, Australia