Best Things To Do In French Polynesia

Magic Mountain is the crown jewel of the island of Moorea. From its summit, you can experience a spectacular view of the island’s northern coast, taking in the verdant greenery of Moorea itself, the brilliant blue Pacific Ocean, and the coral reefs just off the coast. The path up the mountain is quite steep in places, but once you reach the top, you are rewarded with a mesmerizing view that you’re unlikely to forget.

A motu is a tiny islet formed on broken coral and a bed of sand. Given their size and relatively remote location, staying in a motu resort allows you to unwind in tranquillity away from the crowds. As many of the resorts actually own the motu they stand on, these are only accessible via a private boat from Bora Bora.  

For those who want a taste of barefoot luxury on a private island, staying on a motu in Bora Bora or another one of French Polynesia’s islands is essential. 

Away from the hustle and bustle of Bora Bora, lies the coral atoll and the volcanic island of Maupiti. This relaxed island with resplendent white sandy beaches and shimmering lagoons of turquoise water is a great place to unwind. There are few cars on the island, you’ll hear little but the soft sound of the sea, and distant birdsong. 

For a long time, the island was a secret paradise unknown to most visitors in French Polynesia. Because of this, Maupiti feels truly authentic and mostly untouched.

Tahiti is laden with some of the most gorgeous waterfalls in all of French Polynesia. 

While you are on the island, be sure to visit the Papenoo Valley, home of the towering Topatari Falls and Puraha Falls. In other parts of the island, you can explore crystal blue pools of freshwater, and mysterious caves and grottos such as the Fautaua Waterfall where water cascades 300 meters into a shallow pool called Loti Bain.

Today, there are dozens of dance troupes all across the islands of French Polynesia, each specializing in traditional Polynesian dance. In this part of the world, dance is more than just a means of entertainment or artistic expression; it is an important part of Polynesian cultural identity. So when you witness a Polynesian dance performance, you’re really engaging with centuries-old cultural practices. 

Hotels and resorts often arrange dance performances for their guests, and dance is an important part of many of the country’s festivals. No matter where and when you choose to watch a Polynesian dance performance, there is no better way to get in touch with the true soul and spirit of these islands.

There is more to Tahiti than sun, sea, and sand. Indeed, Tahiti has museums, galleries, and cultural centers to rival destinations around the world. Be sure to visit the Museum of Tahiti and the Islands, which will introduce you to the cultural and religious history of the archipelago. For those interested in botany, or simply hoping to walk among beautiful scenery, visit the Harrison Smith Botanical Garden, which features plants and flowers from all over the world. 

The waters of Tahiti are home to hundreds of exotic species of sea life, and if you visit Huahine Natural Aquarium, you can see them up close, either from the deck of an observation platform or even underwater with the help of your local guide.

Every one of French Polynesia’s 100 plus islands are beautiful, and no two are completely alike. So, to truly make the most of your visit to French Polynesia, you need to go island hopping. You can spend one day relaxing on the small sandy atolls of the Tuamotu Archipelago and the next exploring the towering volcanic mountains of the Marquesas Islands. It’s hard to choose the best island to visit in French Polynesia, so why not visit as many as possible!

The warm, blue waters of French Polynesia are perfect for snorkeling. As the country is composed of over 100 islands, there is no shortage of places to swim. In Tetamanu, for example, you can walk right into the water from the beach and swim among colorful exotic fish over coral reefs. In Tahaa, we particularly recommend The Coral Garden, where you can drift over a colorful coral bed teeming with brightly colored clownfish, lionfish and other species of sea life.

Snorkeling in French Polynesia is by far the best way to get close to its hidden ocean world.

Enjoying local street food is often a recommended activity in tour guides for cities and countries the world over. But few places truly encapsulate the diversity and deliciousness of street food as the famed Roulottes of Papeete, French Polynesia’s capital city. 

Located in Place Vaiete of the Roulottes, you can enjoy tasty cuisine from all over the world, from traditional Polynesian food to well-loved favorites such as pizza, and everything in between.

Tahiti offers many places that you can browse and buy all kinds of gifts and mementos to take home. If you want a piece of French Polynesia in your home, take a look at handmade Tiki statues from the Marquesas Islands. Want to add some color to your wardrobe? How about a hat or sarong from the Austral Islands? French Polynesia is famous for its pearls, which come with certificates of authenticity! Whatever you wish to take back with you, you’re likely to find it in the many shops, markets, and stores of Tahiti.

Discover the top ten things to do in French Polynesia on a private island tour. Get in touch with us for your tailor-made itinerary.