Located in the South Pacific Ocean, midway between South America and Australia and A French overseas dependency, French Polynesia comprises of five groups of islands.
What is it?: French Polynesia is a stunning collection of islands in the South Pacific, renowned for its turquoise lagoons, overwater bungalows, and vibrant marine life. Comprising over 100 islands, including famous destinations like Tahiti, Bora Bora, and Moorea, French Polynesia offers an idyllic blend of luxury, natural beauty, and Polynesian culture, making it a dream destination for relaxation, adventure, and cultural exploration.
Affordability: French Polynesia is considered an expensive destination, especially in terms of luxury resorts, high-end dining, and activities like private boat tours and diving. However, more affordable options are available, particularly on islands like Tahiti and Moorea, where budget accommodations and local eateries can provide a more economical experience. Overall, it is a destination where you can tailor your experience to fit your budget.
Safety: French Polynesia is generally very safe for tourists, with low crime rates and a welcoming local population. The islands’ small size and relaxed atmosphere contribute to a sense of security. Visitors can feel comfortable exploring the beaches, hiking trails, and local towns, though as with any destination, it’s always advisable to take basic precautions, particularly in more isolated areas.
Popularity: French Polynesia is a highly sought-after destination, particularly for honeymooners, luxury travelers, and those seeking a once-in-a-lifetime vacation experience. The islands are known for their luxury resorts and pristine beauty, but they also attract nature lovers and adventure seekers looking to explore their stunning lagoons, coral reefs, and volcanic landscapes.
Tourist Infrastructure: French Polynesia offers excellent infrastructure for tourists, particularly on major islands like Tahiti, Moorea, and Bora Bora. The islands feature a wide range of accommodations, from luxury resorts to budget hotels, as well as plenty of activities, including water sports, boat tours, and cultural experiences. Public transportation is available on larger islands, but renting a car or bike is recommended for exploring more remote areas.
Weather: French Polynesia has a tropical climate, with warm temperatures year-round. The best time to visit is during the dry season from May to October, when the weather is sunny, and outdoor activities like diving, hiking, and exploring the islands’ natural beauty are at their best. The wet season, from November to April, brings higher humidity and a greater chance of tropical storms, but it remains a year-round destination.
Best Time to Go: May–October for the best weather, perfect for exploring the islands, lounging on beaches, and enjoying water-based activities. The wet season (November–April) offers lower prices and fewer tourists, but there’s a higher chance of rain and storms.
Known For: Tahiti, Bora Bora, Moorea, overwater bungalows, turquoise lagoons, coral reefs, Polynesian culture, luxury resorts, hiking, and diving.
Top Destinations: Tahiti • Bora Bora • Moorea • Taha’a • Rangiroa • Huahine • Maupiti
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Nature Buffs: French Polynesia is a paradise for nature lovers, with stunning lagoons, coral reefs, and lush, mountainous islands like Moorea and Tahiti. Visitors can enjoy snorkeling, diving, hiking through rainforests, or exploring the underwater world with its vibrant marine life and diverse ecosystems.
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History Buffs: While French Polynesia is more known for its natural beauty, its Polynesian history and culture are rich and vibrant. The islands feature historical sites such as ancient marae (sacred temples), colonial architecture in Pape’ete (Tahiti’s capital), and museums showcasing the region’s cultural heritage.
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Beach Bunnies: French Polynesia is famous for its picture-perfect beaches, including those on Bora Bora, Moorea, and Tahiti, offering soft white sands, crystal-clear waters, and incredible opportunities for swimming, snorkeling, and sunbathing. The islands’ pristine beaches are among the most beautiful in the world.
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Digital Nomads: While French Polynesia offers reliable internet in major cities like Pape’ete and Moorea, its remote location can pose challenges for long-term remote work. There are fewer coworking spaces, and the cost of living is relatively high. However, for short stays and those looking for a peaceful work environment, the islands offer an idyllic escape.
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Families: French Polynesia is an excellent destination for families, offering a range of activities such as snorkeling, boat trips, cultural experiences, and hiking. Islands like Moorea offer calm waters perfect for children, while the rich Polynesian culture provides educational and fun experiences for families of all ages.
French Polynesia is a collection of over 100 islands scattered across the South Pacific, known for turquoise lagoons, overwater bungalows, and lush volcanic peaks. Tahiti, the gateway, blends Polynesian culture with French influence, while Bora Bora is the image of island luxury, with clear waters and iconic Mount Otemanu. Moorea offers stunning hikes and quiet bays just a short ferry ride from Tahiti. The Tuamotus are a diver’s dream, with coral atolls and marine life, while the Marquesas feel remote and wild, rich in tradition and dramatic landscapes.
Most travelers land on Tahiti, the main island, but the real draw is beyond: Moorea is just a short ferry ride away with lush peaks and quiet beaches, while Bora Bora offers high-end resorts, blue lagoons, and coral gardens that look unreal. Then there’s Rangiroa, Tikehau, and the Tuamotus, less visited, but incredible for diving and snorkeling. And the Marquesas Islands? Remote, rugged, and dripping with cultural history. Whether you’re into lounging, diving, hiking, or just slowing down, there’s a piece of French Polynesia for you.
The island groups are the Austral Islands, Bass Islands, Gambier Islands, Marquesas Islands, Society Islands (including the largest island Tahiti) and the Tuamotu Archipelago.
The islands of Tahiti, Bora Bora, Clipperton and Rapa, are popular for thir beaches, coral reefs and Polynesian culture. The Tahiti Lagoonarium in Pape’ete that is a combination of fish park and aquarium displays the myriad variety of underwater life with 1000 different species of fish and other marine creatures. Tahiti and French Polynesia have historically been viewed by the West as an idyllic tropical paradise and are depicted in the works of the painter Paul Gauguin and the writer R.L. Stevenson.
French Polynesia is expensive, especially if you’re heading to luxury destinations like Bora Bora. Overwater bungalows, fine dining, and private tours add up fast. But it’s not all five-star, budget travelers can stay in pensions (family-run guesthouses), eat from snack stands, and use ferries instead of flights when possible. Meals feature fresh tuna, poisson cru (raw fish in coconut milk), breadfruit, and French staples like baguettes and cheese. Food is fresh, tasty, and island-adapted. Alcohol is costly, and imported goods in general are pricey due to the remote location.
Getting around can be complex. Between islands, you’ll need domestic flights or cargo-passenger ferries. On the main islands, you can use rental cars, bikes, or taxis, but there’s limited public transport. French and Tahitian are the main languages, though English is spoken in tourist areas. French Polynesia is very safe, clean, and well set up for travelers, especially those coming from France or New Zealand. Healthcare, roads, and tourism services are modern on the main islands but more basic in remote areas.
- Capital: Papeete
- Population: ~305,000 (Density: ~77 people per km², ~200 per mi²)
- Area: 4,167 km² (1,609 mi²)
- Official Language: French
- Common Languages: Tahitian, other Polynesian languages, English (in tourism)
- Currency: CFP Franc (XPF)
- Time Zone: UTC-10 (Gambier Islands UTC-9, Marquesas UTC-9:30)
- Electricity: Plug Type C, E (220V, 60Hz)
- Emergency Contacts: Police 17, Ambulance 15, Fire 18 (112 for all services from mobile)
- Drives On: Right
- Religions: Christianity ~95% (Protestant, Catholic), Other ~5%
- Government: Overseas Country of France (broad autonomy)
- Map Links: Google Maps | Apple Maps
- Coordinates (for GPS): -17.6797, -149.4068
Why Go to French Polynesia?
- Bora Bora’s Lagoon & Overwater Bungalows: Sleep above clear blue water, snorkel with rays and sharks, or just float in a dreamlike lagoon.
- Moorea’s Peaks & Bays: Hike to viewpoints, swim with stingrays, or explore by bike, it’s beautiful, more affordable than Bora Bora, and easy to reach.
- Tikehau & Rangiroa Diving: Dive remote atolls full of sharks, dolphins, and coral reefs with barely anyone else around.
- Traditional Culture in the Marquesas: Visit islands like Hiva Oa for tattooing traditions, tiki statues, and the final resting place of Paul Gauguin.
- Poisson Cru, Fresh Bread, and Island Flavors: Eat like a local, raw fish in coconut milk, French cheese, baguettes, and tropical fruit.
- Island Hopping Adventures: Sail or fly between islands and see how different each one is, some lush, some flat, some volcanic, some sandy.
- Romance, Retreat, and Real Peace: Whether it’s a honeymoon or a solo reset, French Polynesia offers calm, beauty, and time to just be.
Who Might Not Enjoy French Polynesia?
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Budget Travelers: French Polynesia, especially islands like Bora Bora and Moorea, is one of the most expensive destinations in the Pacific. Flights, food, lodging, and inter-island transport come at a premium, with limited budget alternatives.
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Backpackers or Independent Travelers: While a few guesthouses and pensions exist, the region heavily favors luxury tourism and honeymooners. Public transport is sparse, and island-hopping without a tour or flight pass can be difficult and costly.
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Visitors Hoping for Fast-Paced Travel: Life moves slowly in French Polynesia. Delays, relaxed scheduling, and limited service hours are common. Travelers expecting efficiency or instant access to everything may get frustrated.
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Travelers Looking for Nightlife or High-Energy Scenes: The islands are quiet in the evenings. There are occasional live shows or hotel bars, but nightlife is minimal, especially outside of Papeete.
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Vegetarians or Vegans: Traditional cuisine features a lot of seafood, pork, and starches. While resorts cater to international diets, vegetarian and vegan options are limited in more rural or local areas.
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Tourists Seeking Deep, Accessible Cultural Immersion: While Polynesian culture is present, especially through dance and crafts, it often feels curated for tourists. Deeper cultural engagement requires time, language skills, or visits to less-touristed islands.
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People Wanting Urban Comforts or Shopping: Outside of Papeete on Tahiti, shopping and entertainment options are extremely limited. The smaller islands have few services beyond basic groceries and beachside cafés.
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Travelers Who Get Island Fever Easily: The scenery is stunning but repetitive, turquoise lagoons, beaches, and lush interiors. Those needing varied terrain, city life, or new activities daily may find it monotonous after a while.
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Those Needing Strong Internet or Medical Access: Wi-Fi can be slow and expensive, especially on outer islands. Medical services are basic outside Tahiti, and evacuation may be required for serious conditions.
What’s Cool
Iconic overwater bungalows and luxury stays, crystal-clear lagoons and coral reefs, stunning volcanic peaks and lush rainforests, world-class diving and snorkeling, rich Polynesian culture and traditions, beautiful islands like Bora Bora, Moorea, and Huahine, warm and friendly locals, vibrant dance, tattoo, and music culture, incredible sunsets and starry skies, fresh seafood and tropical fruit, laid-back island lifestyle, safe and easy for independent travelers, mix of French and Polynesian cuisine, island-hopping via ferry or short flights.
What’s Not
Very expensive accommodations and food, high cost of flights to reach the islands, limited budget options outside Tahiti, touristy feel in Bora Bora and some resort areas, slow or unreliable WiFi in remote spots, basic infrastructure on less-visited islands, language barrier in rural areas (French and Tahitian spoken), everything closes early outside resorts, minimal nightlife beyond hotels, dependence on ferries or flights for inter-island travel, long distances between some islands, cyclones and heavy rain in wet season (Nov–Apr).
French Polynesia is an overseas collectivity of France in the South Pacific Ocean, made up of 118 islands and atolls, spread across five distinct archipelagos: the Society Islands, Tuamotu Archipelago, Marquesas Islands, Gambier Islands, and Austral Islands. It lies northeast of New Zealand, east of the Cook Islands, and south of Hawaii. The most populous island is Tahiti, and the capital is Papeete.
French Polynesia’s islands vary widely, from high volcanic islands with lush interiors and mountain peaks, like Tahiti and Nuku Hiva, to flat coral atolls in the Tuamotus. Many islands are surrounded by lagoon systems and fringing reefs, offering calm, turquoise waters ideal for snorkeling, diving, and lagoon tours. The region covers over 2,000 km of ocean, but land area is small and widely scattered.
The climate is tropical maritime, with a wet season from November to April and a dry season from May to October. Cyclones are possible during the wet months, though most of French Polynesia lies south of the main cyclone belt.
Tourism centers on beach resorts, Polynesian culture, scuba diving, surfing, and remote island escapes, ranging from luxury to backpacker-friendly pensions.
Most visitors arrive via Faa’a International Airport in Papeete (Tahiti), with flights from France, the U.S., New Zealand, Chile, and other Pacific islands. From there, Air Tahiti connects to most inhabited islands. Ferries run between Tahiti and Moorea, and some cargo/passenger boats connect the more distant archipelagos. On larger islands, travel is by rental car, taxi, or bike; outer islands often have just a single road or airstrip.
Society Islands
The most visited group, with high volcanic islands, clear lagoons, and resort infrastructure.
- Tahiti: The main island and hub, known for Papeete’s markets, waterfalls, and surf spots like Teahupo‘o.
- Moorea: A short ferry from Tahiti, with dramatic peaks, bays, and outdoor activities.
- Bora Bora: A luxury destination with overwater bungalows and a striking lagoon-ringed peak.
- Huahine: Less developed, offering archaeological sites, vanilla farms, and traditional life.
- Raiatea and Taha‘a: Sister islands sharing a lagoon; Raiatea is a cultural center, and Taha‘a is known for vanilla and pearl farms.
Tuamotu Archipelago
A vast collection of coral atolls, ideal for diving, snorkeling, and off-grid retreats.
- Rangiroa: One of the largest atolls in the world, famous for shark diving and wine made from coral soil.
- Fakarava: A UNESCO Biosphere Reserve with thriving marine life and peaceful villages.
- Tikehau: Known for its pink sand beaches and bird colonies.
- Manihi: A former black pearl capital, now quieter, good for snorkeling and reef walks.
- Makemo: A more remote atoll with limited tourism and pristine waters.
Marquesas Islands
Wild and remote volcanic islands with dramatic landscapes, archaeology, and traditional art.
- Nuku Hiva: The largest island, with cliff-ringed bays, archaeological sites, and horseback trails.
- Hiva Oa: Burial place of Paul Gauguin and home to tiki statues and forest hikes.
- Ua Pou: Known for needle-shaped basalt spires and scenic coastal roads.
- Ua Huka: Sparsely populated, with horse breeders and dry, rugged terrain.
- Tahuata: A small island accessible only by boat, known for wood carving and quiet charm.
Gambier Islands
Remote and religiously significant, known for pearl farming and quiet lagoon scenery.
- Mangareva: The main island, with mountain trails, a cathedral, and small villages.
- Aukena: Nearby island with historic ruins and missionary-era architecture.
- Taravai: Known for secluded beaches and preserved traditions.
- Akamaru: Small, scenic island with colonial ruins and hillside paths.
- Temoe Atoll: Uninhabited and rarely visited, accessible only by private boat.
Austral Islands
The southernmost group, cooler and more isolated, with agriculture, cliffs, and whale sightings.
- Rurutu: Known for limestone caves, whale watching, and traditional tapa making.
- Tubuai: A fertile island with mountains, WWII bunkers, and limited tourism.
- Raivavae: A postcard island with motus, turquoise water, and local canoe culture.
- Rimatara: One of the smallest and most traditional islands, with rare birdlife.
- Rapa Iti: Extremely remote, often cut off in bad weather, with rugged peaks and isolation.
The climate is tropical in nature, but moderate. Prone to cyclonic storms in the month of January, the islands can sometimes get very humid.
French Polynesia can be accessed by flights from Paris and the United States to the different islands of the archipelago.