Best things to do in French Polynesia

• Capital: Papeete
• Language(s): French
• Currency: CFP franc (XPF)
• Dial Code: + 689

French Polynesia Travel Guide: Paradise Found (and Then Some)

If you’ve ever stared out of your office window daydreaming about turquoise lagoons, overwater bungalows, and sipping something tropical from a coconut shell, chances are you were dreaming of French Polynesia—even if you didn’t know it yet.

Welcome to one of the most exotic travel destinations on the planet, where postcard-perfect islands are real, and they’re waiting for you. This travel guide to French Polynesia will walk you through the best places to visit, things to do, and top attractions across its island groups. Spoiler alert: you're going to want to stay forever.

What Is French Polynesia (And Why Should You Care)?

Let’s start with the basics. French Polynesia is an overseas collectivity of France, but instead of croissants and Eiffel Towers, you get coral reefs, jungle-covered peaks, and people saying “bonjour” while wearing floral shirts. It's made up of 118 islands and atolls spread across the South Pacific like someone spilled paradise all over a map.

These islands are divided into five main archipelagos:

• The Society Islands (home to the famous Tahiti and Bora Bora)

• The Tuamotu Archipelago (divers, you’ll want to read on)

• The Marquesas Islands (remote, rugged, and magical)

• The Gambier Islands

• The Austral Islands

Only 67 of the islands are inhabited, which means you’ve got a lot of untouched beauty to explore. The capital is Papeete, located on Tahiti, which is also the most populated island (but don’t worry, “crowded” in French Polynesia is very different from Times Square).

Now, grab your virtual lei and let’s dive into the best places to visit and things to do in French Polynesia.

Tahiti: More Than Just a Stopover

Most travelers begin their journey on Tahiti, and many make the rookie mistake of flying straight out to Bora Bora without exploring this lush beauty. Big mistake. Huge.

Tahiti isn’t just an airport with palm trees. It’s full of adventure, culture, waterfalls, and black sand beaches. Rent a car and drive around the island—you’ll find hidden coves, local food trucks (called roulottes), and massive waterfalls like Faarumai Falls.

If you're into culture (and coconut-based crafts), visit Papeete Market, a lively spot for souvenirs, snacks, and people-watching. Also, don't miss Museum of Tahiti and the Islands, which will give you context on the rich Polynesian heritage before you start sunbathing full-time.

Top Attractions in Tahiti:

• Faarumai Waterfalls

• Papeete Market

• Black sand beach at Venus Point

• Arahoho Blowhole

Bora Bora: The Superstar of French Polynesia

Let’s talk about the island that makes honeymooners cry tears of joy: Bora Bora. It’s not overrated—if anything, it’s underappreciated because pictures just can’t capture how surreal this place is.

This is the spot for ultimate luxury. Overwater bungalows? Check. Mount Otemanu rising dramatically from the center of the island? Check. Water so clear it feels fake? Triple check.

Bora Bora is also full of things to do, especially if you're into watersports or romance (or both). Snorkel with rays and reef sharks, take a 4x4 tour around the island, or just chill in your bungalow and watch the sunset turn the lagoon into liquid gold.

Top Attractions in Bora Bora:

• Snorkeling in Coral Gardens

• Mount Otemanu hiking (for the brave)

• Matira Beach

• Lagoon tours (with optional shark encounters)

Moorea: Adventure Meets Beauty

Just a short ferry ride from Tahiti is Moorea, often described as Tahiti’s wilder, more adventurous cousin. It's shaped like a heart, which is appropriate because visitors tend to fall in love with it fast.

Moorea offers lush mountains, pineapple plantations, and jaw-dropping bays like Cook's Bay and Opunohu Bay. Rent a scooter and cruise through winding roads, hike up to Belvedere Lookout, or dive into a snorkeling session with rays and sharks.

Top Attractions in Moorea:

• Belvedere Lookout

• Snorkeling in the lagoon

• Quad biking through pineapple fields

• Tiki Village for a cultural show

Tuamotu Archipelago: A Diver’s Paradise

If your idea of fun includes diving into coral-rich waters with mind-blowing visibility, welcome to the Tuamotu Archipelago. These islands are flat, wild, and built for underwater exploration.

The most famous atolls here are Rangiroa, Fakarava, and Tikehau. Rangiroa is one of the largest atolls in the world and home to the Tiputa Pass, a favorite among divers for its schools of dolphins, sharks, and other marine critters. Fakarava is a UNESCO biosphere reserve, which basically means “unreal levels of natural beauty.”

Things to Do in the Tuamotus:

• World-class scuba diving

• Drift snorkeling in Tiputa Pass

• Visiting pearl farms

• Sunset watching with nothing on the horizon

Marquesas Islands: Remote and Wild

If you're after a real adventure far from the crowds, the Marquesas Islands are calling. These volcanic islands are less developed but rich in culture, history, and dramatic landscapes.

Here, you’ll find towering cliffs, ancient archaeological sites, and tattooed locals proud of their heritage. The artist Paul Gauguin and singer Jacques Brel both fell in love with the Marquesas—and you might too.

Hiva Oa and Nuku Hiva are the two biggest islands and perfect for trekking, horseback riding, or just disconnecting from the modern world.

Things to Do in the Marquesas:

• Visit Gauguin’s grave in Hiva Oa

• Explore archaeological sites like Tohua

• Go horseback riding through wild terrain

• Discover local myths and legends with a guide

More Than Just a Pretty Place

Yes, French Polynesia is gorgeous. But it’s also packed with history, from the Great Polynesian Migration to the French colonial period. In 1842, the French made it a protectorate, and by 1957 it officially became French Polynesia. Today, it's a self-governing overseas collectivity, meaning you get Polynesian culture with a French twist—think croissants for breakfast and poi for lunch.

Travel Tips for French Polynesia

• Currency: CFP Franc (XPF). Your euros and dollars won’t work directly, so plan to exchange.

• Language: French and Tahitian. A smile goes a long way, and “mauruuru” means thank you.

• Best time to go: May to October (dry season), but year-round is beautiful.

• Getting around: Inter-island flights are common, but ferries work between nearby islands.

Final Thoughts: Why You Need to Go Now

French Polynesia is one of those rare places where every photo you take looks like it belongs in a travel magazine. It offers the perfect mix of sightseeing, relaxation, and off-the-beaten-path adventure. Whether you're into diving, hiking, lounging, or cultural exploration, this place has something unforgettable for you.

So pack your bags, leave your worries behind, and get ready to experience the magic of the South Pacific—French style.