French Polynesia Travel Guide: Tahiti, Bora Bora, Moorea And The Atolls

French Polynesia is the Pacific that most people imagine. Jagged green peaks rise from lagoons of impossible blue. Overwater bungalows stand on stilts above coral gardens. Outrigger canoes glide past motu fringed with palms, and the scent of tiare flowers fills the air. Bora Bora and Tahiti have become symbols of paradise, and they live up to their reputation.

Yet the territory is far larger and more varied than its famous postcards. Its islands spread across an area of ocean as large as Western Europe. Beyond the Society Islands lie the low coral atolls of the Tuamotu, where some of the world’s best diving awaits in tidal passes full of sharks. Further north, the rugged Marquesas hold sheer cliffs, ancient stone platforms and a proud culture of carving and tattoo.

Travelling here requires planning and a realistic budget. Flights between islands are the main way to move around, accommodation ranges from family guesthouses to some of the most expensive resorts on earth, and the islands are remote. Visitors who mix resorts with pensions, as the family guesthouses are called, discover a warmer, more authentic side of Polynesian life.

This guide covers entry, flights, seasons, each archipelago and main island, diving and whales, culture, food, transport, accommodation, money, safety and itineraries.

French Polynesia At A Glance

French Polynesia lies in the South Pacific, across five archipelagos: the Society Islands, the Tuamotu, the Marquesas, the Austral Islands and the Gambier. The territory has more than 100 islands and atolls, of which roughly 75 are inhabited. The total land area is small, but the islands are scattered across an enormous expanse of ocean.

The local government provides further information in its territory overview.

Politically, the territory is an overseas collectivity of France with a high degree of autonomy. It has its own president, assembly and government, which manage most local affairs, while France is responsible for defence, justice, security and foreign affairs. French law applies in many areas, and residents are French citizens.

French and Tahitian are the main languages. French is used in government, business and most tourism, while Tahitian and other Polynesian languages are spoken at home and in daily life, especially outside Papeete. English is widely spoken in resorts and tourist businesses but less common in small villages and pensions. A few words of French and Tahitian help enormously.

The currency is the CFP franc, tied to the euro at a fixed rate. Cards are accepted in resorts, shops and restaurants on the main islands, but cash is useful on smaller islands and in pensions. ATMs are available on the main islands but scarce on remote atolls.

Tourism is one of the main industries, alongside black pearl farming, fishing and public services. Visitor numbers are modest compared with many destinations, and most islands feel uncrowded. The famous islands are busier, but even there, quiet beaches and villages are easy to find.

The territory’s time zones differ between archipelagos. Tahiti and the Society Islands share one zone, while the Marquesas are half an hour ahead and the Gambier an hour ahead. Check local times when booking flights and tours across archipelagos.

Entering French Polynesia

Many nationalities can enter for short tourism visits without a visa, including British citizens for stays of up to 90 days. French nationals and other EU citizens have distinct rights. If your nationality requires a visa, obtain one specifically valid for French Polynesia; a normal Schengen visa is not sufficient. Some residence permits or other statuses qualify for exemptions. Use the France-Visas official guidance to check your circumstances.

See France-Visas short-stay rules for overseas territories and UK entry guidance. Check transit authorizations separately for any connecting country.

For British citizen passport holders, UK travel guidance specifies passport validity of at least three months beyond planned departure. Other travellers should confirm their own requirements. Airlines may refuse boarding if documentation is insufficient.

Immigration officers may ask for a return or onward ticket, proof of accommodation and sufficient funds. Keep booking confirmations accessible. Visitors arriving from countries with a risk of yellow fever transmission must show a vaccination certificate.

Biosecurity and customs rules are strict. Fresh fruit, plants, seeds and animal products are restricted to protect the islands’ agriculture and ecosystems. Declare anything you are unsure about. Some islands, particularly in the Marquesas and Australs, have additional controls on moving plants between islands.

If you plan to drive, the UK government advises carrying both your national licence and an international driving permit. Rental companies may also set minimum ages and experience requirements.

Visitors arriving on yachts must clear customs and immigration at official ports of entry and may need to pay a bond or show proof of onward travel. Rules for long stays by sailors differ from those for air arrivals.

Travellers arriving from the United States must meet US transit requirements, even if not leaving the airport.

Getting To French Polynesia

International flights arrive at Faa’a International Airport on Tahiti, just outside Papeete. Direct routes connect Tahiti with Los Angeles, San Francisco, Paris via North America, Tokyo, Auckland and a few other cities, some seasonally. Flights from Europe usually connect in the United States, so check transit requirements for your nationality.

Arrival times are often late at night or very early in the morning. Many visitors spend their first night near Papeete before connecting to other islands, or book early morning domestic flights. Musicians and flower garlands often greet arriving passengers.

Some travellers combine French Polynesia with Easter Island and Chile, since flights have connected Papeete with Easter Island and Santiago. Schedules vary, so check current routes.

Cruise ships and small expedition vessels visit the islands, and several cruises operate year round within French Polynesia, including a famous passenger and cargo ship serving the Marquesas. Sailing yachts cross the Pacific to the Marquesas each year, following the trade winds.

Because long haul flights are limited, plan buffer time for delays, especially when connecting to domestic flights that may be the only one of the day.

Travellers from Asia usually connect through Tokyo or Auckland, while those from Australia connect through Auckland or fly direct on occasional routes. Compare total journey times and layovers, since routings vary widely.

When To Visit French Polynesia

French Polynesia has a tropical climate with two main seasons. The dry season, from about May to October, brings lower humidity, cooler nights and more reliable sunshine. It is the most popular time to visit, particularly in July and August, when European and North American holidays bring crowds and higher prices.

The wet season, from about November to April, is hotter and more humid, with heavy tropical showers, often in the afternoon. The islands are lush and green, and prices can be lower outside the Christmas holidays. Tropical cyclones can affect the islands in this period, though direct hits are uncommon on many islands.

Humpback whales visit the Society Islands and Australs from about July to October to breed and calve. Swimming and snorkelling with whales is possible on regulated tours, particularly around Moorea, Tahiti and Rurutu.

Surfing conditions vary by season. The south coast of Tahiti receives big swells in the southern winter, when the famous reef break at Teahupo’o produces some of the heaviest waves in the world.

The Heiva festival, the territory’s major cultural celebration, takes place in the dry season, with dance competitions, music, sports and traditional events in Papeete and on other islands.

School holidays in France, Australia, New Zealand and North America shape demand. Resorts and flights fill quickly in these periods, and prices rise. Shoulder months, such as May and early November, often combine good weather with better value.

Tahiti And Papeete

Tahiti is the largest island and the gateway to the territory. It has two volcanic cones joined by a narrow isthmus: Tahiti Nui, the larger, and Tahiti Iti, the smaller peninsula to the southeast. Mountains rise steeply from the coast, cut by deep valleys, waterfalls and rivers.

Papeete, the capital, is a busy port town with shops, restaurants, markets and government buildings. The central market, known as the Marche de Papeete, sells fruit, flowers, fish, crafts, pareos and black pearls. In the evening, food trucks known as roulottes gather on the waterfront, serving everything from poisson cru to crepes and Chinese dishes.

Many visitors pass through Tahiti quickly, but the island rewards a few days. A drive around the coast road passes black sand beaches, blowholes, waterfalls and viewpoints. The Museum of Tahiti and the Islands explains the territory’s natural and cultural history. Inland, four wheel drive tours explore the Papenoo Valley and its waterfalls.

Tahiti Iti is wilder, with lush landscapes and roads that end before the peninsula’s tip. Teahupo’o, on its southwest coast, is one of the most famous surf breaks in the world, and boat trips take visitors to watch surfers ride its powerful waves.

Beaches on Tahiti are mostly black sand, with some white sand beaches on the west coast. Lagoon snorkelling is available at several spots. Many visitors use Tahiti as a base for day trips to Moorea.

Tahiti also has good hiking. The Fautaua Valley trail leads to a spectacular waterfall, and guided hikes climb to viewpoints and ridges. Permits or guides may be required for some routes, so check before setting out.

Papeete’s waterfront park, with lawns, walkways and a lagoon, is a pleasant place to stroll in the evening. The Cathedral of Notre Dame and the Paofai church are worth a look, and Chinese temples reflect the island’s diverse community.

Black pearls are sold throughout Papeete. Buy from reputable shops that provide certificates, and learn about size, shape, lustre and surface quality before buying.

Accommodation on Tahiti ranges from resorts near the airport to guesthouses in the hills and surf lodges on Tahiti Iti. Staying near the airport suits short stopovers, while longer stays reward exploring further afield.

Moorea: Tahiti’s Sister Island

Moorea lies a short ferry ride or flight from Tahiti. Its dramatic peaks, deep bays and turquoise lagoon make it one of the most beautiful islands in the Pacific. It is easy to reach, relatively affordable and ideal for a first taste of island life.

Cook’s Bay and Opunohu Bay cut deep into the island’s north coast, framed by jagged mountains. The Belvedere lookout, reached by road, offers views over both bays and Mount Rotui. Hiking trails lead through pineapple plantations and forest to ancient marae, stone ceremonial platforms.

Moorea’s lagoon is excellent for snorkelling, kayaking and paddleboarding. Lagoon tours visit sandbars where rays and blacktip reef sharks glide around swimmers, and motu picnics offer grilled fish and coconuts. Whale watching tours operate in season.

Accommodation ranges from overwater bungalows to family pensions and campsites. Car and scooter rental make it easy to explore the single road around the island.

Frequent ferries connect Moorea with Papeete, making it easy to visit as a day trip, though staying overnight allows time to enjoy the island’s slower pace.

Moorea also has a fruit juice factory and distillery, a lagoonarium and several small galleries. Tiki village shows present traditional dance and food in the evening.

The island’s agricultural school grows pineapples, vanilla and tropical fruit, and roadside stalls sell produce. Visitors can taste fresh pineapple juice and buy local jams and vanilla.

Bora Bora

Bora Bora is the most famous island in French Polynesia. A central volcanic peak, Mount Otemanu, rises above a huge lagoon ringed by motu. Luxury resorts with overwater bungalows line the motu, looking back across the lagoon to the mountain.

The lagoon is the island’s main attraction. Snorkelling tours visit coral gardens, stingrays and blacktip reef sharks. Diving outside the reef offers encounters with lemon sharks and manta rays. Jet skis, paddleboards and outrigger canoes explore the water.

The main island has a road around the coast, villages, restaurants and a few public beaches, including Matira Beach, one of the island’s best. Hiking trails lead to viewpoints, though the summit of Otemanu is not climbable.

Bora Bora is expensive. Resorts charge high rates, and dining is costly. Mid range hotels and pensions on the main island offer cheaper alternatives, with day trips to the lagoon.

The airport lies on a motu, and boats transfer passengers to resorts and the main island.

Visitors on a smaller budget can enjoy Bora Bora through day tours from a pension on the main island or even as a day trip by air from other islands. The lagoon is accessible to everyone, and public beaches are free.

The main island’s villages, such as Vaitape, have shops, a small market and restaurants. Renting a bicycle or scooter to circle the island is a pleasant way to see local life, with the lagoon on one side and the mountain on the other.

Huahine, Raiatea, Taha’a And Maupiti

Huahine and Raiatea are reached by short domestic flights from Tahiti, and ferries connect some of the Leeward Islands. Sailing between them is a classic way to explore.

Maupiti has limited accommodation, mostly family pensions, and no large resorts. Its lagoon is ideal for kayaking, snorkelling with manta rays and relaxing on quiet motu beaches.

Huahine

Huahine is quiet and traditional, with lush landscapes, sacred eels in a village stream and an important archaeological site at Maeva, with restored marae. It offers a slower pace and fewer visitors.

Raiatea

Raiatea is considered the sacred heart of Polynesia. The Taputapuatea marae complex, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, was a religious and political centre for much of eastern Polynesia. Raiatea is also a major sailing base, with charter fleets exploring the Leeward Islands.

Taha’a

Taha’a shares a lagoon with Raiatea and is known as the vanilla island. Plantations grow fragrant vanilla, and pearl farms welcome visitors. Coral gardens between motu are excellent for drift snorkelling.

Maupiti

Maupiti is like a smaller, quieter Bora Bora, with a central peak, a beautiful lagoon and simple pensions. Access is limited, which preserves its charm.

The Tuamotu Atolls

The Tuamotu archipelago consists of dozens of low coral atolls, rings of reef and motu surrounding vast lagoons. They are flat, sunny and remote, and they offer some of the best diving in the world.

Rangiroa is one of the largest atolls in the world. Its Tiputa Pass is famous for dolphins, sharks and drift dives on the incoming tide. The lagoon is so large that the far side is beyond the horizon.

Fakarava is a UNESCO biosphere reserve. Its south pass hosts a wall of grey reef sharks, especially during grouper spawning. Tikehau has pink sand beaches and calm lagoons.

Life on the atolls is simple. Pensions are family run, often with meals included. Black pearl farming is a major activity.

Diving the passes follows the tides. On an incoming tide, clear ocean water flows into the lagoon, bringing sharks, rays and schools of fish close to divers who drift through the pass. Outgoing tides carry lagoon water out and are generally reserved for experienced divers. Local dive centres time each dive carefully and brief divers on conditions.

Non divers enjoy the atolls too. Snorkelling in shallow lagoon areas, visiting pink sand beaches, fishing with locals and simply relaxing under palm trees fill the days. Some atolls have small villages with churches, shops and schools, while others have only a few families.

Access is by domestic flights to atolls with airstrips, or by cargo ships and cruises. Flights may stop at several atolls on a single route. Schedules are limited, so plan carefully and allow flexibility.

Pearl farms welcome visitors on several atolls. Tours explain how oysters are grafted and cared for, and visitors can buy pearls directly from farmers. Prices and quality vary, so learn the basics of grading before buying.

Tikehau, Manihi and Ahe are smaller, quieter atolls with pensions, pearl farms and excellent snorkelling. Each has its own character, and visitors who want solitude can find it easily on these outer atolls.

The Marquesas And Remote Archipelagos

The Marquesas are rugged volcanic islands with sheer cliffs, deep valleys and few beaches. They are among the most remote islands on earth.

Nuku Hiva and Hiva Oa are the main islands. Hiva Oa holds the graves of the painter Paul Gauguin and the singer Jacques Brel. Ancient stone platforms and tiki statues stand in the forests.

The Marquesas are known for carving and tattoo traditions.

The Austral Islands are cooler, with whale watching on Rurutu. The Gambier are known for pearls and historic churches.

The Marquesas feel utterly different from the Society Islands. There are no fringing lagoons around most islands, so the sea crashes directly against cliffs. Valleys are green and deep, with waterfalls, wild horses and fruit trees. Villages are small and welcoming, and life follows traditional rhythms.

Archaeological sites are among the most impressive in Polynesia. Stone platforms called paepae and me’ae, carved tiki figures and petroglyphs are hidden in forests. Local guides lead visitors to sites on foot, horseback or four wheel drive. Some tiki are among the largest in Polynesia.

Ua Pou, with its dramatic basalt spires, and Fatu Hiva, with its famous Bay of Virgins, are among the most spectacular islands. Fatu Hiva is known for tapa cloth, made from beaten bark and decorated with traditional designs.

Getting to the Marquesas takes time. Domestic flights from Tahiti take several hours, and inter island travel within the archipelago is limited. The passenger and cargo ship that serves the islands is a popular way to visit several islands in one trip.

The Austral Islands, south of Tahiti, have a cooler climate and fewer visitors. Rurutu is known for humpback whales, limestone caves and traditional weaving. Tubuai and Raivavae have beautiful lagoons. The Gambier Islands, far to the southeast, are known for black pearls and nineteenth century stone churches built by missionaries.

Marquesan food includes breadfruit dishes, raw fish, goat and fruit. Meals at pensions are often shared with hosts and reflect island produce.

A Short History Of French Polynesia

Polynesian navigators settled the islands many centuries ago, sailing double hulled canoes across vast distances using stars, swells and birds. Raiatea became a religious centre from which voyagers set out to settle Hawaii, New Zealand and Easter Island.

European explorers arrived in the eighteenth century. British, French and Spanish ships visited Tahiti, and accounts of the island shaped European ideas of paradise. Missionaries followed, converting much of the population to Christianity.

France established a protectorate over Tahiti in the nineteenth century and gradually annexed the other archipelagos. The islands became a French colony, then an overseas territory and later an overseas collectivity with growing autonomy.

In the late twentieth century, France conducted nuclear tests on atolls in the Tuamotu. The tests ended in the 1990s, but their legacy on health and the environment remains an important issue. Compensation and recognition continue to be debated.

Today, the territory manages much of its own affairs, and debates about independence and autonomy continue. Polynesian culture has undergone a strong revival, with language, dance, tattoo and voyaging celebrated.

The Chinese community arrived in the nineteenth century to work on cotton plantations and later in commerce. Its influence remains strong in business, food and festivals.

Diving, Snorkelling And Whales

French Polynesia is one of the world’s great diving destinations. The Tuamotu passes offer sharks, dolphins and manta rays. Bora Bora and Moorea have excellent lagoon and reef dives.

Snorkelling is superb in lagoons across the Society Islands.

Whale swimming tours operate in season under regulations.

Specialist diving treatment is concentrated in Tahiti. Remote islands may require evacuation. Choose reputable operators and check emergency oxygen, rescue arrangements and dive insurance before entering the water.

Lagoon snorkelling can be enjoyable for swimmers in suitable conditions. Many resorts have coral gardens near their overwater bungalows, and some public beaches offer good snorkelling close to shore. Choose safe conditions with local guidance, never stand on coral and avoid tours that feed or disturb wildlife.

Manta rays are common around Bora Bora, Maupiti and Rangiroa. Dolphins frequent the Tiputa Pass at Rangiroa. Hammerhead sharks are seen seasonally in some passes. Turtles nest and feed around many islands.

Whale swimming and observation are regulated to protect cetaceans. Choose an operator authorized by the Department of the Environment for the current season. Rules govern approaches, distances, swimmer numbers and boats. Never pursue or touch a whale, and do not enter the water unless directed by the authorized guide. Sighting or swimming is not guaranteed.

The official Tahiti Tourisme whale-watching guidance explains the authorization process and links to the applicable rules.

Divers should carry dive insurance and plan no fly times, especially since many trips involve domestic flights between islands. Dive centres can advise on safe schedules.

Freediving has become popular in the clear lagoons and passes. Several schools offer courses, and conditions suit both beginners and experienced freedivers.

Culture, Tattoo And Etiquette

Polynesian culture is proud and vibrant. Dance, music, tattoo and carving are central.

The word tattoo comes from the Polynesian tatau. Traditional tattooing has been revived and is widely practised.

Marae are sacred sites. Visit respectfully.

Greet people with ia ora na, meaning hello. Mauruuru means thank you.

Dance, known as ori Tahiti, is famous for its fast hip movements, accompanied by drums and chanting. Dance shows at resorts and cultural centres give visitors a glimpse of this art. The Heiva festival presents the finest dance groups in competition.

Tattoo artists in Papeete and on other islands create designs based on traditional motifs, each with meaning linked to family, identity and nature. Visitors interested in a tattoo should take time to discuss the design with the artist and understand its significance.

Christianity arrived in the nineteenth century and remains central to life, particularly in outer islands. Churches are active, and Sunday services with Polynesian hymns are moving. Visitors are welcome if dressed modestly.

The territory’s history includes French nuclear testing in the Tuamotu in the late twentieth century, which remains a sensitive topic. Its legacy affects health, politics and relations with France, and visitors should approach discussions respectfully.

Hospitality is generous. Visitors staying in pensions often share meals with hosts and learn about daily life. Accepting hospitality graciously and showing interest in local customs is appreciated.

Tahitian words are woven into daily French speech. Maeva means welcome, nana means goodbye and fare means house. Learning a few phrases shows respect and delights hosts.

Crafts such as woven hats, pareos, carved wood and shell jewellery are sold at markets. Buying directly from artisans supports families and preserves traditions.

Food And Drink

Poisson cru, raw fish marinated in lime and coconut milk, is the national dish.

Ma’a Tahiti, traditional food cooked in an earth oven, is served on special occasions.

French cuisine is widely available.

Roulottes offer affordable meals.

Seafood is central, from tuna and mahi mahi to reef fish and lobster. Poisson cru appears on almost every menu, and each cook adds their own touch. Chevrettes, freshwater prawns, are a local delicacy.

Ma’a Tahiti is cooked in an underground oven called an ahima’a, with pork, fish, breadfruit, taro, bananas and sweet potatoes wrapped in leaves. Pensions and cultural centres sometimes prepare it for guests, especially on Sundays.

Tropical fruit is abundant, including mangoes, pineapples, papaya, pamplemousse and rambutan. Local vanilla flavours desserts and drinks. Po’e, a fruit pudding with coconut milk, is a traditional dessert.

Chinese influence is strong, reflecting the long established Chinese community. Chao men, a noodle dish, is popular at roulottes. French bakeries sell baguettes and pastries everywhere.

Alcohol is expensive. Local beer and rum are available, and resorts serve cocktails at high prices.

Dining at resorts can be memorable, with beachfront tables, fresh seafood and French influenced cuisine. Many resorts host Polynesian dinner shows with dance and music.

Getting Around French Polynesia

The domestic airline connects the islands. Island passes offer combined routes.

Ferries link Tahiti and Moorea frequently, and cargo ships serve remote islands.

Car and scooter rental is available on larger islands.

Traffic drives on the right.

Air Tahiti, the domestic airline, flies small aircraft between the islands. Island passes combine several flights at a set price, often cheaper than individual tickets. Routes follow set patterns, so plan your island sequence to fit the pass. Baggage allowances are lower than on international flights, especially for divers with extra gear.

Ferries between Papeete and Moorea run many times daily and take under an hour. Ferries also connect the Leeward Islands on some routes, though schedules are less frequent. Cargo ships serve the Tuamotu and Marquesas, carrying passengers on longer journeys.

On larger islands, rental cars, scooters and bicycles are available. Roads circle most high islands, and traffic is light outside Papeete. Some islands have limited public transport, so rentals or taxis are needed.

Boat transfers connect airports with resorts on many islands, especially Bora Bora, where the airport lies on a motu. Resorts usually arrange transfers.

Sailing charters are a wonderful way to explore the Leeward Islands, with bases on Raiatea. Skippered and bareboat options are available.

Flights to atolls and remote islands may be infrequent. Check schedules carefully and book early, particularly in peak season.

Tahiti has a public bus network around Papeete and along the coast, useful for short trips, though services thin out in the evening and on Sundays.

Where To Stay

Accommodation ranges from luxury resorts to family pensions.

Pensions offer authentic experiences and lower prices.

Book early for peak season.

Overwater bungalows are the signature experience, with glass floor panels, direct lagoon access and views of peaks and sunsets. They are expensive but unforgettable, and many couples splurge on a few nights.

Pensions de famille, family guesthouses, offer simple rooms or bungalows, often with meals included. They are cheaper than resorts and provide a window into local life. Hosts share knowledge of their island and arrange activities.

Mid range hotels and self catering apartments exist on the main islands. Campsites are available on a few islands for budget travellers.

Mixing accommodation types helps balance cost and experience. Many visitors spend a few nights at a resort and the rest in pensions.

Location on an island matters. Rooms facing sunset suit evening lovers, while lagoon side bungalows offer snorkelling from the deck. Mountain views are a highlight on high islands such as Moorea and Bora Bora.

Booking directly with pensions often secures better rates and allows hosts to arrange transfers and meals in advance.

Responsible Travel And Lagoon Conservation

The islands’ lagoons and reefs are fragile. Coral bleaching, pollution, development and overfishing put them under pressure. Local organisations work on reef restoration, turtle protection and shark conservation. French Polynesia has banned shark fishing, making its waters a shark sanctuary.

Use sun-protective clothing and sunscreen consistent with local rules; avoid touching coral and never stand on reefs. No sunscreen label guarantees absence of environmental harm. Do not feed fish, sharks or rays, even if tours encourage it.

Choose operators that follow environmental rules and support local communities. Staying in pensions spreads tourism income to families.

Reduce plastic use and take rubbish with you, since waste management is difficult on small islands.

Coral restoration projects on Moorea and Bora Bora invite visitors to adopt or plant coral fragments. These projects raise awareness and support reef recovery.

Money And Budgeting Principles

The CFP franc is tied to the euro. Cards work in larger places, but carry cash.

French Polynesia is expensive.

Pensions, roulottes and supermarkets reduce costs.

Check current prices directly with providers and allow for seasonal variations, transfers and taxes.

Accommodation is the biggest expense, followed by domestic flights and activities. Resort meals are costly, so eating at local restaurants and roulottes saves money.

Supermarkets on larger islands stock French and imported goods. Self catering is possible in apartments and some pensions.

Tipping is not traditional, though it is appreciated in resorts for exceptional service.

ATMs are limited on atolls and small islands. Withdraw cash in Papeete or on larger islands before travelling.

Taxes on accommodation are added to room rates. Check the total price when booking to avoid surprises.

Activities such as lagoon tours, dives and whale swims are priced per person and add up quickly. Budget for a few highlights rather than trying everything.

Safety, Health And Official Advice

Crime is low, but avoid isolated areas after dark.

Dengue and other mosquito borne diseases occur. Use repellent.

Healthcare is concentrated in Papeete, and services are limited elsewhere. Arrange insurance covering medical treatment, inter-island evacuation and planned water activities.

Check your own government’s travel advice.

Consult the UK travel advice for French Polynesia and your own government.

Petty theft occurs, particularly in Papeete and on beaches. Keep valuables in hotel safes and avoid isolated areas at night.

Sun exposure is intense. Use reef safe sunscreen, wear hats and drink plenty of water. Stonefish and sharp coral pose risks, so wear reef shoes.

Strong currents occur in passes and outside reefs. Swim only in safe areas and follow local advice.

Tsunami and cyclone warnings are issued when needed. Follow local instructions.

Pharmacies are available on larger islands. Bring prescription medication and a basic first aid kit, especially when visiting remote atolls with limited services.

Stray dogs roam on some islands. Most are harmless, but avoid approaching unfamiliar dogs, especially at night.

Families, Honeymooners And Other Travellers

Honeymooners are the classic visitors, drawn by overwater bungalows, private dinners and romantic lagoons. Many resorts offer honeymoon packages.

Families find the islands safe and welcoming. Lagoons are calm, and children enjoy snorkelling, boat trips and cultural shows. Pensions often welcome children warmly.

Solo travellers can use pensions, campsites and group tours to meet others. Divers often travel solo and join dive groups.

Travellers with limited mobility may find boat transfers and uneven paths challenging, though many resorts offer accessible rooms.

Older travellers appreciate the relaxed pace, comfortable resorts and easy lagoon activities, though long flights require preparation.

French Polynesia Itineraries

Allow at least ten days.

Honeymooners often combine Moorea and Bora Bora, with a few nights in overwater bungalows and time exploring lagoons.

Divers should focus on the Tuamotu, spending several nights each on Rangiroa and Fakarava, with a few days in the Society Islands.

Culture lovers can visit Raiatea for Taputapuatea, Huahine for Maeva and the Marquesas for archaeology and carving.

Adventurous travellers can add the Australs or Gambier for remote islands few visitors see.

Ten Days

Tahiti, Moorea and Bora Bora.

Two Weeks

Add Huahine or Rangiroa.

Three Weeks

Add Fakarava and the Marquesas.

Planning Checklist For French Polynesia

Use this checklist before travel.

For regional planning see our Oceania guide, Australia guide, Cook Islands guide and Chile guide.

• Check visa rules.
• Book international and domestic flights.
• Reserve accommodation.
• Bring an international driving permit.
• Buy travel insurance.

Frequently Asked Questions