Destination French Polynesia is made up of 118 islands and is one of the Pacific’s most popular tourist destinations and is home to breath-taking islands like Tahiti and Bora Bora.With diverse marine life, the region boasts some of the most spectacular diving in the world. Plus, the volcanic peaks and pristine white beaches are straight out of a postcard!From the minute you arrive, you will be left speechless by its natural beauty. As a destination, it’s the epitome of a luxurious island escape.
Tahiti is the largest and most famous of the 118 islands that comprise French Polynesia. It is known for its black sand beaches meeting the clear waters of the South Pacific, and the coral reefs that surround it. The Islands of Tahiti are world-renowned for their white-sand beaches, stunning turquoise lagoons and varied landscapes ranging from coral atolls to volcanic mountain peaks.
Tahitian is mostly spoken by islanders in their homes while French is commonly used in schools and business but once you visit the islands, English is well spoken in restaurants, resorts and other tourist areas.
With its idyllic beaches, postcard¬-worthy sunsets, and incredible turquoise waters filled with abundant marine life, French Polynesia’s Society Islands (most notably Tahiti, Moorea, Bora Bora, Raiatea, and Taha’a) attract the majority of the region’s visitors. Yet there’s all this – and more – to discover in these halcyon isles.
Spanning an area as large as Europe, French Polynesia can be intimidating to the first-¬time visitor. Technically an overseas collectively of France, this globally ¬renowned destination is considered by many to be a slice of heaven on earth.

Culture of French Polynesia

Tahitian culture is a place where the French Polynesian traditions of music, dance and art rose from the wonder of everyday island life. Tahiti’s culture is also where javelin throwing began as the sport of the gods, kings favoured surf riding and men competed in canoe races and stone lifting as a show of pure strength. Although spread across the Pacific, all Polynesians are known for their strong sense of family. With a rich ancestral history, worshipping their forefathers has given the reverence of kin a deep, spiritual meaning.
Polynesian society is very family and community oriented. Polynesian parents strive to pass on to their children values such as obedience and respect to parents and elders, conformity to religious and cultural beliefs and the proper behaviour that is expected of them

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French Polynesia Is Known for Its Stunning Beaches and Resorts.

Attractions in French Polynesia

Days are best spent lazing on palm-lined beaches, snorkelling or diving with rays and sharks in azure lagoons, and hiking to hidden waterfalls. Travelers tend to go island-hopping to experience the laid-back way of life or splurge for the ultimate luxury island holiday.

Matira Beach

Matira Beach is the largest public access beach in Bora Bora making it extremely popular with visitors. The water is crystal-clear and the sand is soft and downy. Matira Beach is also peppered with resorts, shops and eateries, so it’s a convenient place to spend most of a day.

Belvedere Lookout

Belvedere Lookout is known for its scenic views of Opunohu Bay, Rotui Hill and Cook Bay. See panoramic views of Moorea at Belvedere Lookout. With uninterrupted sights of Cook’s Bay, Opunohu Bay, Mt. Totui, and the lush vegetation of Opunohu Valley, the viewpoint offers great photographic opportunities. From sunrise to sunset, the extensive panorama takes in much of the island and its coastline.

Fautaua Waterfall

French Polynesia’s largest island, Tahiti, is home to several waterfalls. Standing at about 443 ft, Fautaua Waterfall in Fautaua Valley is Tahiti’s tallest and most impressive waterfall. Amongst locals, the waterfall is more commonly referred to as Cascade de Fachoda.

Mount Otemanu

Mount Otemanu is an impressive remnant of an ancient volcano which is located on the island of Bora Bora in French Polynesia, at the heart of the South Pacific Ocean. It is the highest point of the island, and rises up to a sharp point at 727 meters (2,385 feet) from the surface of a turquoise blue lagoon.

Point Venus

Point Venus is a peninsula on the north coast of Tahiti, the largest island in the Windward group of French Polynesia. Point Venus is Tahiti’s northernmost extremity and is where Captain James Cook observed the transit of the planet Venus in 1769. Today it is a popular place for picnics on a black-sand beach that also features some shade trees and lawn. The spot is also home to a tall white lighthouse built in 1868, a snack bar and souvenir shops.

Maraa Grotto

This grotto features a lake of black water that creates an optical illusion – the cave appears much smaller than it actually is.The Maraa Caves are a cave surrounded by ferns and lush vegetation, a popular attraction on Tahiti Island tours. A winding path in the park leads to the cave, which you can visit and even swim to Paroa Cave, where the lake is crystal clear.

Bora Bora Lagoonarium

The Bora Bora Lagoonarium is a natural aquarium on a small motu (island), just east of the main island. This aquarium isn’t man-made. Rather, it’s a portion of the actual lagoon). One of the coolest things about this family-owned attraction is that you can actually snorkel on the premises under the supervision of wildlife guides. Beneath the lagoon’s surface, you’ll spy sharks, turtles, rays and many different kinds of ocean fish.

Bora Bora Turtle Centre

This is dedicated to the conservation of these gentle creatures and is located in the Inner Lagoon of Le Meridien Bora Bora resort.Bora Bora is home to several varieties of sea turtle, including the green, hawksbill and loggerhead species. While you may happen across them while you are swimming through the tropical waters, you’re guaranteed a sighting at the Bora Bora Turtle Centre. This is dedicated to the conservation of these gentle creatures and is located in the Inner Lagoon of Le Meridien Bora Bora resort. It cares for injured or endangered turtles and releases them back into the wild when they regain health.

Magic Mountain

Magic Mountain is on the island of Moorea in French Polynesia. Though the mountains on Moorea are not extremely high, they are particularly rugged. Magic Mountain is one of the highest points on the island. It is located along the exterior part of the island, and it offers spectacular 360-degree views of the island and the surrounding clear blue waters of the lagoon and the ocean. On the way up the mountain, visitors will pass villages, scenic valleys, fruit trees, and pineapple plantations. Magic Mountain lets visitors experience the breath-taking scenery an ancient volcanic island.

Aukena Island

Aukena is the 5th largest of the Gambier Islands in French Polynesia. Aukena is located about halfway between Mangareva and Akamaru. This is a private island owned by the Wan family who are the largest pearl producers in French Polynesia. It is possible to land there and the beaches are lovely and good for swimming. There is a pearl farm which you can visit and see the methods used to get the oysters to produce the pearls. Aukena has reminders of the missionary period, including the hexagonal lookout tower still used as a landmark, the former seminary and the lime Kiln. The white-sand beach leading to the tower is one of the prettiest in all of French Polynesia.

Tikki Village Cultural centre

Tiki Village, a recreated traditional Polynesian village with its temple, the Marae. There youwill discover past and present Polynesian culture, in a unique place along the lagoon. Visit the different traditional houses, the Fare, meet the villagers, and let’s try Tahitian handicrafts in our cultural workshops. The Tiki restaurant where you can enjoy Tahitian specialities along the sea, is open from Tuesday to Saturday. You will also enjoy a Mini – Show at 1.00pm. The perfect cultural visit for the whole family.

Where to go in French Polynesia

Tahiti

Tahiti Island is the largest and most populated of the 118 islands and atolls that make up French Polynesia. Most visitors use Tahiti as a base from which to explore the region’s many highlights; all the major destinations can be reached from the international airport in Faa’a.
With its ubiquitous pearl shops, lively roulottes (food trucks), and occasional traffic jams, the capital city of Papeete is the closest thing French Polynesia has to a metropolis. To truly appreciate the island’s many natural wonders, however, be sure to explore its rugged coastline, myriad historical sites, and mountainous interior.
Tahiti also affords visitors their best chance to get a taste of normal everyday Polynesian life by seeking out a beach or market (such as the Marché Papeete) crammed with friendly locals.

Moorea

Only a 30-minute ferry ride from Papeete, the charming island of Moorea is less populated and developed than its famous neighbour. Visitors exploring the mountainous, mostly rural island are more likely to encounter more chickens than humans.
From an elevated perch inland (for which you’ll need a 4×4 vehicle) one can view the two small, nearly symmetrical bays on the north shore where most of the island’s action takes place.

Bora Bora

Perhaps the most lauded honeymoon spot on the planet, Bora Bora benefits from its natural lagoon that’s monitored by the imposing, majestic Mount Otemanu. The clear, warm waters are filled with colorful fish and majestic rays, and most visitors spend as much time here as possible.
A handful of upscale resorts, including the family friendly Four Seasons and opulent St. Regis, are famous for their overwater bungalows. These pricey accommodations offer an exceptional, once-¬in-¬a-¬lifetime splurge perfect for celebs looking for some peace and privacy, as well as mere mortals celebrating a special occasion.

Raiatea and Taha’a

The islands of Raiatea and Taha’a can be seen from Bora Bora, and like their world-¬famous neighbour, both offer astoundingly clear waters and a relaxing break from modern life (in other words, don’t expect perfect internet access).
Prized by yachters and sailors, Raiatea is the larger and more visited of the two. The island is believed to be the site from which organised migrations to Hawaii and other parts of Polynesia were launched many centuries ago.
Smaller, quieter Taha’a is also worth a visit, especially for those interested in its two most famous products: vanilla and pearls.

Tuamotu Islands

While no one will confuse the Society Islands for busier, more developed tropical destinations, certain visitors may seek something a little quieter; those looking to completely disconnect are wise to consider the Tuamotu Islands.
This vast archipelago of coral atolls is headlined by Rangiroa and Tikehau, where pink sand beaches give way to clear waters filled with a kaleidoscope of colorful fish (the famed underwater explorer Jacques Cousteau was a fan).
If you’ve ever fantasized about seeing a shark swim under your bungalow, look no further. Rangiroa, comprised of 240 small islets that form the second¬-largest atoll in the world, ¬is a mecca for divers.
Few visitors leave the Tuamotus without diving, snorkeling, or boating. Just don’t expect anything by way of shopping or nightlife ¬ visitor services are at a minimum in these sparsely ¬populated destinations.

Marquesas Islands

About a three-hour flight from the Society Islands resides the Marquesas Islands; these rugged, quiet islands are renowned within French Polynesia for their rich culture and breath-taking nature.
Some of the Marquesas have remained untouched since the era of European exploration. Fearless visitors traverse steep mountains while keeping an eye out for the wild horses, pigs, and goats that roam inland.
Nuku Hiva, the largest of the Marquesas, lures visitors with its lush valleys, ancient religious sites, and towering waterfalls. The island of Hiva Oa also receives tourism due to its wild landscape, giant stone tiki, and rich history (it’s the final resting place of the performer Jacques Brel and artist Paul Gauguin).

Top Hotels in French Polynesia.

Four Seasons Resort, Bora Bora
Conrad Bora Bora Nui
The St. Regis Bora Bora Resort
Le Taha’aBy Pearl resort
Hilton Moorea Lagoon resort & Spa
Le Bora Bora by Pearl Resorts
Manava Beach resort & Spa Moorea
Hotel Tahiti Nui, Papeete

Best Time to visit to French Polynesia:

Between the months of June to September is considered the best time to visit French Polynesia because the weather is at its driest and the temperatures aren’t too warm. While this is deemed to be the ‘peak’ period, you can still have a fantastic holiday in the islands of French Polynesia regardless of when you travel.