Travel in French Polynesia

Exquisite lagoons, ancient culture, and the magic of the South Seas

French Polynesia is the South Pacific at its most iconic — a scattering of 118 islands and atolls spread across five vast archipelagos, each offering its own rhythm, flavor, and enchantment. From the honeymoon-perfect overwater bungalows of Bora Bora, to the rugged cliffs of the Marquesas, to the pristine diving spots of the Tuamotu Atolls, this overseas collectivity of France is a paradise for explorers, romantics, and culture lovers alike.

With a mix of French sophistication and deep Polynesian tradition, these islands combine breathtaking nature with rich cultural heritage. French Polynesia isn’t just about turquoise lagoons — it’s about sacred mountains, tattoo rituals, voyaging canoes, and the quiet power of a sunset shared with locals on a reef’s edge.

How to Get to French Polynesia

The main international gateway is Faa’a International Airport (PPT) on the island of Tahiti, near the capital city Papeete.

  • Direct international flights arrive from Los Angeles, San Francisco, Seattle, Tokyo, Auckland, Honolulu, and Paris (via stopovers).
  • Air Tahiti operates domestic flights to over 40 islands, making island-hopping straightforward.
  • Ferries and catamarans serve nearby islands such as Moorea, accessible within 30–40 minutes from Tahiti by fast boat.

Most travelers start on Tahiti or Moorea, then continue to Bora Bora, the Tuamotus, or beyond, depending on interests and time.

What to See in French Polynesia

The islands are divided into five main groups:

  • The Society Islands, including Tahiti, Moorea, Bora Bora, Huahine, and Raiatea, are the most visited. Tahiti is the economic and cultural hub, Moorea is laid-back and lush, and Bora Bora offers stunning luxury in a legendary lagoon setting. Huahine and Raiatea are quieter but rich in archaeological sites and local life.
  • The Tuamotu Archipelago is a string of coral atolls, including Rangiroa, Fakarava, and Tikehau, famous for diving, pearl farming, and remote, low-impact tourism.
  • The Marquesas Islands, to the far northeast, are bold and dramatic — towering green cliffs, ancient tiki statues, and wild horses roaming valleys. These islands offer the most intense cultural immersion and are rarely visited compared to the others.
  • The Austral Islands and Gambier Islands are even more remote and traditional, ideal for travelers seeking authenticity and untouched beauty.

Each archipelago has its own language, style of dance and tattoo, and ecological profile — meaning no two visits are ever the same.

What to Do in French Polynesia

While the scenery often steals the show, there’s much more than lounging on the beach.

Snorkeling and scuba diving are exceptional. Fakarava and Rangiroa are UNESCO Biosphere Reserves, offering some of the world’s best drift dives. Bora Bora and Moorea provide gentle lagoons ideal for beginners, with frequent encounters with rays, reef sharks, and vibrant fish.

On land, explore archaeological sites (marae) that speak to the region’s ancient spiritual traditions. Hike into lush volcanic interiors — Moorea’s Belvedere Lookout and Tahiti’s Fautaua Valley are standouts. Local culture is alive in open-air markets, music, traditional dance (ʻori Tahiti), and colorful festivals like Heiva i Tahiti in July.

French Polynesia is also one of the few places in the world where traditional Polynesian tattoos are still widely practiced and deeply meaningful. Visitors can get inked by local masters — many of whom trace their craft back generations.

When to Visit French Polynesia

  • Dry season (May to October) is the most popular time, with cooler temperatures, sunny skies, and less humidity.
  • Wet season (November to April) sees more rain and humidity but also lush landscapes, warmer seas, and fewer tourists.

Festivals and cultural events tend to take place in the dry season, especially July.

Travel Tips for French Polynesia

  • Currency: CFP Franc (XPF), tied to the Euro.
  • Language: French is official; Tahitian and other Polynesian languages are widely spoken.
  • Connectivity: Wi-Fi is available in most tourist areas, but may be slow or limited on outer islands.
  • Transport: Flights are essential for most inter-island travel; ferry service is best for Tahiti–Moorea. Rental cars are useful on larger islands.
  • Food & costs: Local dishes like poisson cru, taro, and breadfruit are delicious and fresh, but imported items can be expensive. Budget travelers will find pensions and guesthouses offer better value and more local character.

French Polynesia is a place where time slows, senses awaken, and connections deepen — to land, sea, culture, and self. Whether you’re floating in Bora Bora’s electric blue lagoon, learning the legends of the Marquesas, or stargazing on a silent atoll, this collection of islands leaves a lasting imprint on all who visit. It’s not just a destination — it’s a feeling.

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