French Polynesia Travel Guide (Polynesia/Oceania)

Introduction to French Polynesia
List of Places to Visit in French Polynesia
- Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places
- Natural Attractions of French Polynesia: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views
Hiking/Biking Routes of French Polynesia
Best Things to Do in French Polynesia: Activities and Tours
Week-Long Itinerary for French Polynesia
Food and Drink Scene of French Polynesia
- Must-Try Dishes
- Local Beverages
Where to Stay in French Polynesia: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
What to Buy in French Polynesia: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
Local Culture and Customs of French Polynesia
Best Time to Visit French Polynesia
Do’s and Don’ts of French Polynesia
- Do:
- Don’t:
Safety and Health
- Safety in French Polynesia
- Health in French Polynesia
Getting to French Polynesia: Transportation Options and Logistics
How to Get Around in French Polynesia
Where to Go Next from French Polynesia: Nearby Destinations and Excursions
Conclusion

Introduction to French Polynesia

Located in Oceania, French Polynesia is an archipelago consisting of more than a hundred islands. Its turquoise waters, coral reefs, lush green forests, and white sandy beaches make it a popular tourist destination. French Polynesia comprises five archipelagos, namely the Society Islands, the Marquesas Islands, the Gambier Islands, the Tuamotu Islands, and the Austral Islands.

List of Places to Visit in French Polynesia

Here are some of the top places to visit in French Polynesia:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

Musée de Tahiti et des Îles in Punaauia
James Norman Hall House in Arue
Temple de Paofai in Papeete
Faarumai Waterfalls
The Cathedrale de Notre Dame in Papeete

Natural Attractions of French Polynesia: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

Magic Mountain in Moorea
Coral Gardens in Bora Bora
Matira Beach in Bora Bora
Mount Otemanu in Bora Bora
Aito Motu Coral Garden in Taha’a

Hiking/Biking Routes of French Polynesia

Hiking and biking are great ways to explore the natural beauty of French Polynesia. Here are some popular trails:

Belvedere Lookout Trail in Moorea
Mount Pahia in Bora Bora
Three Coconut Trees Pass Trail in Taha’a
Mount Tohivea in Raiatea
Tereia Ecological Hiking Trail in Taha’a

Best Things to Do in French Polynesia: Activities and Tours

French Polynesia offers visitors a wide range of activities and tours to choose from. Here are some of the best ones:

Shark and Ray Snorkeling Safari in Bora Bora
Jet ski tours in Moorea
Lagoonarium in Moorea
Glass bottom boat tours in Bora Bora
Sunset sailboat cruise from Papeete

Week-Long Itinerary for French Polynesia

Here is a suggested itinerary for a week-long trip to French Polynesia:

Day	Destination	Activities
Day 1	Tahiti	Arrival, visit city market, local museum, and Le Marché
Day 2	Moorea	Hiking to Belvedere Lookout, Snorkeling at Lagoonarium
Day 3	Huahine	Visit archaeological sites, Jeep safari tour
Day 4	Raiatea and Taha’a	Island tour, hiking to Mount Tohivea, Vanilla plantation visit
Day 5	Bora Bora	Snorkeling at Coral Gardens and Tupitipiti Point, dinner at Bloody Mary’s
Day 6	Bora Bora	Jet ski tour, Parasailing, sunset sailboat cruise
Day 7	Tahiti	Departure

Food and Drink Scene of French Polynesia

French Polynesia’s local cuisine is a blend of traditional Polynesian and French influences. Here are some must-try dishes and local beverages:

Must-Try Dishes

Poisson cru: Raw fish marinated in coconut milk and lime juice
Tahitian prawn curry: Prawns in a creamy coconut curry sauce
Firi Firi: Fried doughnuts made from taro or breadfruit

Local Beverages

Hinano Beer: A local beer brewed in Tahiti since 1955
Mai Tai: A cocktail made with rum, orange curacao, and fruit juices
Vanilla-flavored rum: Locally made rum infused with vanilla

Where to Stay in French Polynesia: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

French Polynesia offers a range of accommodation options, from hotels and resorts to guesthouses and hostels. For a luxurious stay, consider the overwater bungalows in Bora Bora and Moorea. Budget travelers can go for guesthouses and hostels in Tahiti and Moorea.

What to Buy in French Polynesia: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

French Polynesia has a rich cultural heritage that is reflected in its artisanal crafts and products. Here are some souvenirs and local products to bring home:

Tahitian black pearls
Handmade pareos and sarongs
Monoi oil: A coconut oil infused with fragrant tiare flowers
Tifaifai quilts: Colorful hand-quilted bedspreads and tablecloths

Local Culture and Customs of French Polynesia

The local culture of French Polynesia is deeply rooted in its history, traditions, and customs. Here are some things to keep in mind:

Respect the local customs, including dress codes when visiting religious sites.
Remove your shoes before entering someone’s home.
Greetings are important, so take the time to say hello properly.

Best Time to Visit French Polynesia

The best time to visit French Polynesia is during the dry season from May to October. The weather is pleasant, and rainfall is minimal. July and August are the peak tourist months, so expect higher prices and more crowded destinations.

Do’s and Don’ts of French Polynesia

Here are some do’s and don’ts to keep in mind when visiting French Polynesia:

Do:

Try the local cuisine, including poisson cru and Tahitian prawn curry.
Participate in a traditional dance performance or Heiva festival.
Respect the local culture and customs.

Don’t:

Wear revealing clothing in public places.
Touch the coral reefs while snorkeling or diving.
Get too close to the sharks during a shark and ray safari.

Safety and Health

Safety in French Polynesia

French Polynesia is a relatively safe place to visit, but it is always important to take precautions when traveling to a new destination. Here are some safety tips:

Be aware of your surroundings and avoid walking alone after dark.
Swim only in designated areas and beware of strong currents and undertows.
Avoid carrying large amounts of cash or valuable items.

Health in French Polynesia

French Polynesia is a malaria-free destination. However, travelers should take precautions against mosquito bites, especially during the wet season from November to April. It is also recommended that visitors get vaccinated against Hepatitis A and B before traveling to French Polynesia.

Getting to French Polynesia: Transportation Options and Logistics

French Polynesia is accessible via air and sea transport. Here are the airports and bus stations near French Polynesia:

Airports Near French Polynesia

Fa’a’a International Airport in Papeete
Bora Bora Airport
Raiatea Airport

Bus Stations Near French Polynesia

Papeete Ferry Terminal

Other Options

International cruise ships

How to Get Around in French Polynesia

The best way to get around in French Polynesia is by renting a car, scooter, or bike. Taxis and buses are also available, but they can be expensive. Ferries and flights are convenient for traveling between islands.

Where to Go Next from French Polynesia: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

If you’re looking to explore more of Oceania, consider visiting one of these nearby destinations from French Polynesia:

Fiji
Cook Islands
Samoa
Tonga
New Zealand

Conclusion

French Polynesia is a paradise on earth, with its pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, and lush green landscapes. Whether you’re interested in outdoor adventures, cultural experiences or simply relaxation, French Polynesia has something for everyone. So, pack your bags and embark on an unforgettable journey to this island paradise.