Discover the diverse experiences awaiting you in French Polynesia, from luxury resorts to unique cultural encounters.
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How do you envision yourself on your dream vacation? Relaxing on the deck of an overwater bungalow? Scuba diving alongside dolphins, sharks, and rays? Exploring local history and culture? You can experience all of this and more in French Polynesia.
While many individuals associate French Polynesia with luxury travel and upscale resorts, which indeed form a significant aspect of its allure, these islands offer an exceptional variety of experiences. Therefore, whether you are an adventure enthusiast, an ocean lover, or a cultural aficionado, here are some of the finest locations to explore in French Polynesia.
Bora Bora
The best for a luxury escape
When contemplating French Polynesia, the first location that often comes to mind is Bora Bora. Renowned as the most romantic island, Bora Bora is distinguished for its opulent resorts featuring overwater bungalows, thereby making it one of the premier destinations in French Polynesia for honeymooners.
For an authentic escapade in Bora Bora, prioritize accommodation at one of the resorts situated on a motu surrounding the main island. This choice grants you postcard-worthy views of Bora Bora with Mount Otemanu and the azure lagoon. The Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora provides such pictorial vistas, and if you truly wish to indulge, they also offer overwater bungalows with private pools and spacious decks, enabling you to both swim from your balcony and leap into the lagoon.
Insider tip: Bora Bora’s resorts tend to be quite pricy; nevertheless, if you visit outside the peak season, you are more likely to discover favorable rates.
Mo’orea
The best place to swim with whales
French Polynesia presents a plethora of incredible opportunities for visitors; however, one of the most extraordinary experiences is swimming with humpback whales in Mo’orea. From July to November, humpback whales are prevalent in the waters around this island and can often be observed, sometimes even within the lagoon.
Many local companies in Mo’orea facilitate the opportunity to engage in swimming activities with these majestic creatures. Rest assured, there are strict regulations governing how close boats may approach, and experienced guides accompany each group to ensure safety. It is a breathtaking experience to witness these enormous mammals surfacing in front of you. Furthermore, if fortune favors you, you may even hear their songs.
Insider tip: The optimal time to observe whales in Mo’orea is from August to October, as this period presents the highest likelihood of encountering mothers and their calves.
Huahine
The best island for a road trip
For those considering a car rental to explore an island, Huahine is an excellent choice. It is one of the larger Society Islands yet can be thoroughly explored by car within a day. Visitors will discover a variety of attractions, including archaeological sites, pristine beaches, snorkeling spots, scenic lookouts, and vanilla farms.
Be sure to take a dip at Avea Bay and pause for the views at the Panorama de Tefareii. Among the most distinct stops on your Huahine journey is visiting the sacred blue-eyed eels. These creatures reach approximately 1.8 meters (6 feet) in length and reside in a small river near the village of Faie. Locals have been feeding them for years, resulting in their familiarity with humans; thus, you can feed them too if you wish, and there are no concerns for your safety.
Insider tip: Should you intend to rent a vehicle and drive anywhere in French Polynesia, it is advisable to be proficient in driving a manual transmission, as automatic vehicles are quite scarce.
The Marquesas
The best islands for history and culture
Located a four-hour flight north of Tahiti are the Marquesas, recognized as some of the most remote yet accessible islands globally. Locally referred to as ‘The Land of Men,’ they are celebrated for their traditional Polynesian tattoos and artistry. If you seek an authentically unique souvenir from French Polynesia, this is the ideal location. Artisan markets in the main villages offer a range of products from seed necklaces to carved bone earrings and large wooden manta rays adorned with traditional Polynesian designs.
The landscapes across the Marquesas themselves are visually spectacular. Unlike the Society and Tuamotu islands, the area is devoid of lagoons, with towering cliffs that plunge directly into the ocean, imparting a rugged and untouched ambiance to the islands. Anticipate breathtaking viewpoints, both black and white sand beaches, and dense, lush vegetation.
Notably, the Marquesas comprise two primary islands: Nuku Hiva and Hiva Oa, both of which merit a visit. Nuku Hiva features more dramatic landscapes, while Hiva Oa is distinguished by the highest concentration of tikis in French Polynesia. The most famed and largest tiki, known as Tiki Takaii, is located near Puama’u on the northeast coast. However, you should definitely seek out the tiki souriant or smiling tiki, which is arguably the most distinctive tiki on the islands.
The Tuamotus
The best islands for scuba divers
The Tuamotus comprise a series of islands widely recognized as a remarkable scuba diving destination. For diving, the three primary islands to consider are Tikehau, Fakarava, and Rangiroa, each offering a distinct experience.
The most noteworthy feature of Rangiroa is its dolphin population. At the Tiputa Pass, approximately 30 dolphins reside and play year-round. Among these dolphins, four are particularly sociable, often approaching scuba divers in hopes of receiving a belly rub. Even if you are not fortunate enough to encounter these specific dolphins on your dive, the pod’s presence is usually discernible.
In Fakarava, sharks are the main attraction. Two key passes exist here: the south pass, Tumakohua, and the north pass, Garuae. Both present spectacular dive sites, yet the south pass is particularly renowned for shark sightings. Estimates indicate that between 250 to 700 grey sharks inhabit this area, and they are not lured by bait. The shark wall is a thrilling experience; however, divers should be aware of the potentially strong currents, making it challenging for those with less experience.
Finally, Tikehau has earned the title of the fishiest atoll in the world, as declared by Jacques Cousteau. Upon descending, divers are immediately surrounded by vibrant schools of fish, playful puffers, barracuda, and inquisitive white tip reef sharks. Fortunate divers may even encounter hammerhead and tiger sharks near the island’s sole pass.
Insider tip: It is advisable to arrange your dives in advance due to the limited availability of space and dive operators on the islands.
