The Best Islands to Visit

With 118 islands making up French Polynesia, choosing which ones to travel to can be difficult. The most well-known islands are Tahiti, Moorea, Bora Bora, and Raiatea. It’s important to think about what kind of vacation you’re searching for because every island has something special to offer.

The largest and most populated island in French Polynesia is Tahiti. The international airport and the nation’s capital, Papeete, are both located there, making it the ideal site to begin your journey. The island provides a blend of traditional Polynesian culture and contemporary conveniences. Visitors can wander around neighborhood markets, check out cultural institutions and museums, or take a tour into the island’s interior to see waterfalls and historic marae (temples).

One of the most well-known islands in French Polynesia is Bora Bora, which is renowned for its gorgeous beaches, crystal-clear waters, and opulent resorts. The island is ideal for a luxury vacation, honeymoon, or romantic escape. Visitors can take a boat excursion to visit the island’s famous lagoon or enjoy swimming, snorkeling, and diving in the crystal-clear waters. A number of spas and wellness facilities can be found in Bora Bora, making it an excellent location for rest and renewal.

Moorea is renowned for its stunning beaches and verdant landscape. The island is easily accessible by ferry from Tahiti, making day trips there common. The interior of the island can be explored on foot or by 4×4, Mount Rotui can be hiked for panoramic views, or visitors can take a boat excursion to see the island’s well-known coral gardens.

The “Sacred Island” of Raiatea is regarded as the cultural and spiritual hub of French Polynesia. The island, which has a number of historic marae (temples), once served as the epicenter of Polynesian culture and religion. By visiting regional museums, going on a guided tour of the historic temples, or learning about traditional Polynesian arts and crafts, tourists can learn more about the island’s rich history and culture.

When to Go

Depending on what you want to do while you’re there, there is no ideal time to visit French Polynesia. Although it is always pleasant and bright, there are seasonal variations in the amount of rain and temperature. The greatest time to go swimming, snorkeling, and engaging in other water sports is during the dry season, which lasts from May to October. This is because the weather is warm and sunny, and the water is tranquil. The dry season is the ideal time to explore French Polynesia’s diverse marine life because it also provides the best diving and snorkeling visibility.

If you want to hike or explore the interior of the islands, the wet season, which lasts from November to April, can be a fantastic time to visit because the foliage is lush and green. More rain occurs during the wet season, which can result in breathtaking waterfalls and lusher surroundings. It’s crucial to keep in mind that the wet season may not always be the optimum time for beach activities because the weather can be more erratic.

The islands of French Polynesia are dispersed, and there are few transit choices, making getting around a bit of a challenge. Given that there are numerous domestic flights between the islands, traveling by air is the most convenient option. The primary carrier for interisland travel, Air Tahiti provides frequent service to all of the major islands. Ferries between several of the islands are also an option, however they can be sporadic and unreliable. Planning your vacation and reserving your transportation in advance is advised if you intend to visit multiple islands.

Renting a car or scooter is another option for travelling around the islands, but it’s crucial to keep in mind that the roads on some of the smaller islands can be difficult and may not be in the best shape. Furthermore, some islands have very little public transportation, so it might be essential to rent a car or a scooter in order to move around.

It’s vital to keep in mind that the distances between the islands might be relatively far apart and that travel times may take longer than anticipated. For instance, a flight from Moorea to Tahiti can take up to two hours, but a ferry voyage from Tahiti to Bora Bora can take as little as 45 minutes. It’s vital to arrange your journey appropriately because certain islands can only be reached by boat.

Accommodations

French Polynesia offers a variety of lodging choices, ranging from pricey guesthouses to opulent resorts. On several of the islands, you can find guesthouses and little hotels if you’re on a tight budget. These might be a fantastic choice for tourists who wish to take in the local culture and spend less on lodging.

There are several upmarket resorts on Bora Bora and Moorea that provide overwater bungalows and private villas if you’re searching for something more opulent. High-end amenities including spas, private beaches, and excellent cuisine are common at these resorts. However, it’s important to keep in mind that lodging in French Polynesia may be pricey, so it’s a good idea to plan in advance to receive the best prices.

Renting a vacation home or apartment is an additional lodging choice. For those who desire more privacy while seeing the local culture, this can be a fantastic choice. To find the ideal spot to stay, check out one of the many vacation rental websites that feature properties in French Polynesia.

Actions to Take

There are many activities to do while traveling to French Polynesia because of its stunning beaches, crystal-clear waters, and distinct culture. Swimming, snorkeling, diving, and exploring the interior of the islands are a few of the most popular pursuits. Due to the abundance of marine life on the islands, snorkeling or scuba diving in the pristine waters is a must-do activity.

You may also visit local markets and museums to learn more about the culture or take a boat excursion to explore the islands from the water. Many traditional Polynesian markets may be found throughout the islands, where tourists can buy a wide range of regional arts, crafts, souvenirs, and cuisine. To discover more about the islands, visit its museums and cultural institutions, which provide a window into French Polynesia’s past and present.

You can attempt shark diving, jet skiing, or parasailing if you’re interested in adventure sports. Many different shark species may be found in French Polynesia, and diving with these magnificent animals is an amazing experience. The islands also provide a variety of water sports for thrill-seekers, including kite-surfing, windsurfing, and kayaking.

In summary, French Polynesia is a stunning and distinctive location with a lot to offer tourists. French Polynesia offers something to offer, whether you’re seeking for a romantic getaway, an adventurous vacation, or an opportunity to learn about the local culture and history. You may maximize your trip and make it memorable by thinking about the finest islands to visit, when to travel, how to get around, accommodations, and things to do. Additionally, it’s critical to keep in mind that French Polynesia is a far-off location, so not everything will always go as expected. But if you plan ahead and are adaptable, you can easily take in the splendor and culture of these islands. Many people’s dream vacation destinations include French Polynesia, and a visit there is likely to leave you with fond memories and a desire to come back.