What to see in French Polynesia: 10 must-sees
Discover what to see in French Polynesia: 10 must-see destinations, from Bora Bora to Moorea. Predominantly beach and national park; each entry includes the best time to visit and the link to its official source.
Beach(8)
Visit Bora Bora, the best-known island in French Polynesia, in the Windward Islands group. Cruise by boat across its turquoise lagoon surrounded by coral reefs, where you can swim among rays and tropical fish. Walk along the fine-sand shoreline, take in Mount Otemanu from the beach, and stay in one of its overwater resorts. The calm sea invites swimming all year round, and sunsets over the lagoon bring each day to a close.
Hop off the ferry from Tahiti and in half an hour you're in Moorea, the most accessible Windward island in French Polynesia. Swim with rays and blacktip reef sharks in the crystal-clear lagoon, head up to Belvedere Lookout for views of Cook's Bay and Opunohu Bay among volcanic mountains, and end the day at Temae Beach, with its fine sand and calm swimming.
Discover Tahiti, the largest island in French Polynesia, where black volcanic sand contrasts with crystal-clear water ideal for snorkeling and swimming. Browse Papeete's market among stalls of vanilla, monoi and pareos, take in the view over the Windward coast, and stroll along the shoreline as you discover Polynesian culture in every corner of the island.
Drift through Tiputa Pass, where bottlenose dolphins play in the current, and dive among gray reef sharks and manta rays at Avatoru. Rangiroa, the largest atoll in the Tuamotus, stretches some 80 km around its lagoon. Sample wine grown among the coconut palms and visit a pearl farm. Snorkel at the Blue Lagoon or by the pink sand of its motus. End the day watching the sunset over the reef from the village of Avatoru.
Explore Huahine, the least touristy of the Windward Islands in French Polynesia, where ruined marae by the coast tell of centuries of Ma'ohi culture. Visit its stone temples, take in the views from the lookout points, and snorkel among corals in crystal-clear water. Take a dip on almost deserted fine-sand beaches, stroll along the shore, and feel how untouched nature sets the rhythm of each day on this authentic island.
Admire the stone tikis watching over the valleys of the Marquesas as you explore beaches of fine sand and clear water. Polynesian tattooing was born here, and local artisans still keep the tradition alive today. Snorkel among colorful fish, walk along the shore at sunset, and visit villages where Maohi culture is lived daily through songs, carvings and dances. A remote archipelago where art and the sea share the spotlight.
Sail to Ahe Atoll, in the Tuamotu archipelago, and snorkel among the corals of its crystal-clear lagoon. Walk along fine-sand beaches where you'll barely see another visitor, watch tropical fish among the coral formations, and take in the Pacific views from the shore. The solitude of this coral ring makes it a peaceful haven for swimming and rest.
Stop at Matira Beach, Bora Bora’s best-known stretch of white sand, where the turquoise lagoon is so calm you can walk into the sea with the water at your waist. Snorkel among corals close to the shore, walk the beach at sunset and watch the sun drop behind the motu off the coast. The fine sand, crystal-clear water and shady palms make this spot ideal for swimming, resting and watching the local fishermen’s outrigger canoes glide past.
National Park(1)
Explore Fakarava, an atoll in the Tuamotus in French Polynesia, and dive into its southern pass, where gray reef sharks gather among the coral. Follow its trails, watch the birds nesting in the national park, and get up close to marine life kept protected by conservation programs. Every dive reveals corals, fish and hidden corners of this ring of islands in the middle of the Pacific.
Natural(1)
Sail one hour from Tahiti and reach Tetiaroa, the atoll Marlon Brando bought in 1966 after filming Mutiny on the Bounty. Walk across its twelve coral-sand motus encircling a turquoise lagoon, watch green turtles nesting on the beach and seabirds such as frigatebirds and shearwaters. Snorkel among the corals on the outer reef or visit The Brando, the eco-resort powered by solar energy and seawater. Tahitians once came here to gather coconuts and fish; today it remains a private refuge accessible only by boat or small plane.
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