
Things to do in French Polynesia
Welcome to French Polynesia
With more than 100 tropical islands to explore and plenty of things to do, French Polynesia—located in the remote South Pacific Ocean—is pretty close to paradise on earth. Days are best spent lazing on palm-lined beaches, snorkeling 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. Come July, the islands come alive during the vibrant Heiva festival, when locals showcase their culture with dance performances, traditional sports, and more.
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When to visit
French Polynesia enjoys warm, sunny weather year-round, although the best time to visit is during the dry season from May to October. In July, islanders celebrate the month-long Heiva Festival with traditional dancing competitions, sporting events, and cultural ceremonies. Meanwhile, the Tahiti Pro Teahupo’o—a professional surfing competition held annually in August—attracts people from all over the world.
Getting around
The quickest way to island hop in French Polynesia is by plane with Air Tahiti, the local airline. Ferry services also operate in the Society Island group, between Tahiti and popular destinations such as Moorea and Bora Bora. On the main island of Tahiti (and a few others) there are public bus services but they’re generally slow and unreliable; so, depending on the size of the island, the best option is to rent a car, scooter, or bike for the duration of your stay.
Traveler tips
Head to the Papeete Central Market early on Sunday morning to grab some firi firi (coconut milk donuts), poisson cru (raw fish), baked taro, and some tropical fruits before indulging in your own traditional Sunday brunch. A boat trip or guided hike through the Fenua Aihere—Tahiti’s wild country, which is steeped in legend—is also unforgettable.
French Polynesia information
Number of Attractions | 35 |
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Number of Tours | 406 |
Number of Reviews | 14,651 |
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