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French Polynesia Travel Guide: Islands of Wonder & Wild Beauty

Intro to French Polynesia Travel Guide

Floating in the heart of the South Pacific, French Polynesia is a spellbinding collection of 118 islands — each with its own magic. From the emerald peaks of Moorea to the turquoise lagoons of Bora Bora and the black-sand shores of Tahiti, this overseas collectivity of France combines postcard-perfect scenery with deep-rooted Polynesian culture and French sophistication.

Start planning your journey with our complete French Polynesia Travel Guide — discover when to go, how much it costs to travel, the best islands to visit, unforgettable French Polynesia tours, and must-know tips for seamless island-hopping.

Looking for immersive French Polynesia tours? Explore sacred mountains, dive with manta rays, and cruise radiant atolls with expert guides on our French Polynesia Tours page.

Islands to Explore in French Polynesia

💡Quick Facts:
Destination: French Polynesia
Continent: Oceania
Country: France (Overseas Collectivity)
Capital: Papeete (Tahiti)
Area: ~4,167 km² (spread across 118 islands and atolls)
Population: ~280,000
Density: ~67 people/km²
Regions/Subregions: Society Islands, Tuamotu Archipelago, Gambier Islands, Marquesas Islands, Austral Islands
Official Language: French
Regional Languages: Tahitian, Marquesan, Paumotu, Austral languages, English (tourist areas)
Currency: CFP Franc (XPF)
Time Zone: UTC -10 (Tahiti time)
Airports: Faa’a International Airport (PPT, Tahiti), Bora Bora (BOB), Moorea (MOZ), Nuku Hiva (NHV)
Climate: Tropical maritime – hot, humid, distinct wet/dry seasons
Known For: Overwater bungalows, coral reefs, black pearl farming, Polynesian culture, surfing, Gauguin legacy.

🛂Arrival Info:
Entry requirements follow French overseas territories rules.
Most EU, US, Canadian, Australian, and Japanese travelers visa-free for up to 90 days.
Longer stays require French visa application.
Official entry info.

🏥Health Info:
Recommended vaccines: Hepatitis A & B, typhoid, routine immunizations.
No malaria risk; dengue, chikungunya, and Zika present.
Healthcare best on Tahiti; limited facilities on outer islands.
Travel insurance with medical evacuation highly advised.
🚑 Check travel insurance options for travel emergencies, delays, and medical needs abroad — Get coverage here
💉 Stay Informed with Official Updates: WHO – International Travel & Health | CDC – Travel health updates

🚨Travel Advisory:
Politically stable as part of France.
Crime is low, but petty theft can occur in Papeete.
Cyclone risk November–April.
France Diplomatie advisories.
🌍Track Real-Time Official Updates: US Travel Advisory | UK Foreign Travel Advice | Government of Canada | NZ SafeTravel

🥳Holidays:
Heiva Festival (July) – traditional dance, sports, and crafts across Tahiti.
Bastille Day (14 July) – parades and celebrations in Papeete.
Missionary Day (5 March) – local religious holiday.
Public holidays follow both French national and Polynesian observances.

💰Visitor Info:
Currency: CFP Franc (XPF), tied to Euro.
ATMs and cards widely accepted on main islands; cash needed for small atolls.
Tipping not customary but appreciated for good service.
Average daily budget: €80–100 (budget), €200–500 (luxury resort).

🛫Airports:
Faa’a International Airport (PPT) – hub for Air Tahiti Nui, Air France, French Bee, and local flights.
Inter-island flights via Air Tahiti connect most islands.
Domestic airports: Bora Bora, Moorea, Rangiroa, Marquesas.
🧳 Delayed or canceled flight? Check if you’re eligible for compensation

🚍Transport:
Inter-island travel: domestic flights, ferries (Moorea ferry 30 min from Tahiti), cruise ships.
On-island: rental cars, scooters, bicycles, and “Le Truck” buses.
Driving: right-hand side; EU/US licenses accepted.
Taxis limited, pre-booking required.
🚗 Book reliable airport transfers and in-city rides in advance. Reserve your ride here

🛰️Connectivity:
SIM cards from Vini and Vodafone available.
4G coverage on Tahiti, Moorea, Bora Bora; limited in outer islands.
Wi-Fi common in hotels, less so in guesthouses.
🛜 Stay connected abroad with affordable eSIM data packs. Get your eSIM here

📜Laws & Etiquette:
French law applies, with local autonomy in culture and land rights.
Modest attire expected in villages and churches.
Flower garlands are traditional greetings.
Respect local customs, especially in rural islands.

👮Emergency Info:
Emergency: 112 (EU standard, connects locally).
Hospitals in Tahiti (best care), clinics on main islands.
French consular services in Papeete.
🏛️ Use embassy locator tools: Embassies Worldwide

🌞Weather:
Dry season: May–October, best for travel, mild humidity.
Wet season: November–April, hot, heavy rains, cyclone season.
Average temperatures: 24–30°C year-round.
🌦️ Stay prepared—check the weather forecast for your destination — Weather Forecast

French Polynesia by Region – Where to Go

French Polynesia is spread across five island groups — each offering distinct experiences for every type of traveler.

Society Islands – The Iconic Heart

Home to Tahiti, Moorea, and Bora Bora, the Society Islands are the cultural and tourism core. Tahiti offers bustling markets and surf, Moorea captivates with jagged peaks and coral gardens, while Bora Bora stuns with its turquoise lagoon and overwater bungalows.

Tuamotu Archipelago – Diver’s Paradise

This string of coral atolls, including Rangiroa, Tikehau, and Fakarava, is famed for its world-class scuba diving, pink sand beaches, and lagoon resorts. It’s remote, relaxed, and reef-rich.

Marquesas Islands – Untamed & Majestic

Wild, mountainous, and deeply cultural, islands like Nuku Hiva and Hiva Oa offer ancient tiki statues, sacred valleys, and powerful spiritual energy. Artists and adventurers are drawn to this rugged frontier.

Austral Islands – Off-the-Grid Escape

Little visited and isolated, this group includes Rurutu and Tubuai, where whale-watching, untouched beaches, and authentic Polynesian life await.

Gambier Islands – Sacred & Remote

Far in the southeast, the Gambier Islands are steeped in Catholic history and surrounded by crystalline lagoons. Think solitude, pearl farming, and serene island rhythms.

Top Places to Visit in French Polynesia

Cultural & Scenic Icons

Tahiti: Papeete’s markets, waterfalls, surf beaches, and black-sand shores
Moorea: Hike Magic Mountain, kayak Cook’s Bay, snorkel coral gardens
Bora Bora: Romantic overwater bungalows, Mount Otemanu, lagoon cruises

Nature & Adventure

Fakarava: UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, incredible wall dives
Rangiroa: Dive the Tiputa Pass with dolphins, drift snorkeling
Nuku Hiva: Waterfalls, archaeological sites, horse trekking in jungle valleys

Hidden Gems

Tikehau: Pink sand beaches and vibrant coral gardens
Hiva Oa: Final resting place of artist Paul Gauguin, powerful mana sites
Rurutu: Best whale watching (July–October), cool caves, and cliffs

How to Choose Where to Go in French Polynesia

For a first visit, pair Tahiti + Moorea + Bora Bora — easy logistics and iconic beauty.
Divers and lagoon lovers should prioritize the Tuamotus like Fakarava and Rangiroa.
Cultural travelers and trekkers will be drawn to the Marquesas.
Seeking solitude? Head to Rurutu or the remote Gambier Islands.

Plan by theme:

Romance: Bora Bora, Tikehau
Adventure: Nuku Hiva, Moorea
Culture & Heritage: Hiva Oa, Raiatea
Diving: Fakarava, Rangiroa

How to Get Around French Polynesia

Island-hopping is essential — and surprisingly efficient:

Domestic Flights: Air Tahiti is the main operator. Multi-island passes offer value.
Ferries: Regular service between Tahiti and Moorea (~30 min).
Cruises: Explore multiple archipelagos in style with small luxury ships.
Boats & Yachts: Ideal for atoll hopping in Tuamotus or sailing in Society Islands.
Taxis & Car Rentals: Available in Tahiti, Moorea, Bora Bora; limited elsewhere.
Bikes & Scooters: Great for smaller islands with one main road.

Travel Budget & Costs in French Polynesia

The cost to travel in French Polynesia varies by island and style:

Budget travelers: $90–$150/day (pensions, street food, inter-island ferries)
Mid-range: $200–$400/day (resorts, island flights, tours)
Luxury: $500–$1,000+/day (overwater villas, private excursions, fine dining)

Sample prices:

Ferry Tahiti–Moorea: ~$15 round trip
Domestic flight (one-way): ~$100–$300
Local meal: $10–$20
Overwater bungalow: $700+/night
Snorkel/dive tour: $80–$200

Best Time to Visit French Polynesia

Best time to visit French Polynesia: May to October (dry season)

May–October: Cooler, drier, and ideal for diving, surfing, and weddings
November–April: Hotter, wetter, with occasional storms — but fewer crowds

Events:

Heiva i Tahiti (July): Traditional dance, sports, and music
Whale watching (July–October): Rurutu is best for humpback sightings
Hawaiki Nui Va’a (October): Major outrigger canoe race across islands

Must-See Experiences in French Polynesia

Snorkel Bora Bora’s coral garden and drift past technicolor fish
Attend a Heiva performance for traditional dance and drumming
Take a motu picnic tour — swim, snorkel, and dine on coconut bread
Scuba dive Fakarava’s shark wall during full moon season
Visit Marae Taputapuātea in Raiatea, a sacred UNESCO World Heritage Site
Hike Moorea’s Belvedere Lookout with views of twin bays
Explore ancient tiki sites on Nuku Hiva and Hiva Oa
Cruise through Rangiroa’s Blue Lagoon — a lagoon within a lagoon

Book immersive French Polynesia tours and experience unforgettable things to do in French Polynesia — from sacred temple rituals and highland treks to floating markets and lakeside food adventures.

Best Travel Itineraries in French Polynesia

7-Day Classic Escape

Day 1–2: Tahiti – explore Papeete, waterfalls
Day 3–4: Moorea – hikes, beaches, snorkeling
Day 5–7: Bora Bora – lagoon tours, overwater stay

10-Day Culture & Nature Combo

Add: Raiatea for sacred history, Tikehau for pink sands and peaceful snorkeling

2-Weeks Island-Hopper

Tahiti → Moorea → Fakarava (dive) → Hiva Oa (culture) → Rangiroa (blue lagoon)

Local Cuisine & Culinary Experiences

Taste the island soul with French-Polynesian flavors that range from ocean-fresh to woodfire-roasted:

Poisson cru: Raw tuna in coconut milk and lime — the national dish
Fafaru: Fermented fish — for bold eaters only!
Chevrettes: River shrimp in vanilla sauce
Roast pork or chicken: Cooked in underground stone oven (ahima’a)
Breadfruit, taro, and coconut-based sides
Tropical desserts: Banana po’e, mango tartes, pineapple jam

Don’t miss Les Roulottes — open-air food trucks in Papeete’s waterfront for affordable, local favorites.

Travel Safety & Cultural Etiquette in French Polynesia

Safety: Very safe; petty theft is rare but still use basic precautions
Health: No vaccines required; avoid mosquito bites in wet season
Cultural Respect: Dress modestly outside the beach, remove shoes when entering homes
Language: French and Tahitian spoken; English in tourist areas
Religion: Mostly Christian — respect Sunday closures
Eco Responsibility: Don’t touch coral, feed fish, or remove shells