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Moorea, French Polynesia
French Polynesia your way

Tailor-made French Polynesia vacations shaped around your passions

Moorea, French Polynesia

Translucent lagoons, volcanic peaks, and long streaks of beach are the key ingredients of French Polynesia, an enigmatic collection of archipelagos within an archipelago adrift in the South Pacific. Our specialists have journeyed across these islands, which cover an area larger than Europe, exploring the main sights as well as seeking out lesser-known corners. They’ll carefully plan a French Polynesia vacation to suit your interests, whether you’re after a tranquil getaway or a more adventurous experience.

Overwater bungalows stand above a neon-blue sea, where you’ll find pristine coral and marine life species in their thousands. Inland lie serrated mountain peaks, virgin rainforests and laid-back villages. Ancient Polynesian culture still underpins everyday life here, reflected in a rich collection of songs and dance performances, traditional cooking methods, and the tiare flower tucked behind the ear. Each island has its own draws, from the art galleries of Bora Bora to hiking trails through Tahiti’s jungle.

Creating tailor-made tours for over 25 years

Suggested tours for French Polynesia

Whether you're after a multi-destination trip around the serene islands of Bora Bora and Moorea, or wish to explore the scenic turquoise waters on a cruise, we've put together a selection of trip ideas to inspire your French Polynesia escape.

Suggested activities for French Polynesia

You might want to take in the views from Belvedere Lookout on a guided 4x4 trip, learn more about the archaeological sites of Maeva, or set sail on a sunset cruise . We can recommend activities that encapsulates your interests.

  • Tahiti & its tropical treasures
    La Diademe Mountain Peaks, Tahiti

    Tahiti & its tropical treasures

    Tahiti

    Tahiti & its tropical treasures

    Discover the island of Tahiti with this half day excursion around the island, taking in the Mara's Fern Grottoes, Mataoa Gardens, Gauguin Museum, three spectacular waterfalls and the impressive Arahoho Blowhole.

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  • Tahuata Island full-day tour
    Hiva Oa

    Tahuata Island full-day tour

    Marquesas Islands

    Tahuata Island full-day tour

    Set sail for Tahuata, the smallest inhabited island in the Marquesas archipelago, where you will have the chance to see dolphins and rays before disembarking to take in the island's culture and art.

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  • Half-day 4WD safari expedition
    Four wheel drive safari, Huahine

    Half-day 4WD safari expedition

    Huahine

    Half-day 4WD safari expedition

    This 4x4 excursion is an ideal way to explore Huahine. You will travel around the island and visit Maeva's marae, Faie's enormous blue-eyed eels and Maroe's Belvedere for impressive views.

    View details

Why travel with Audley?

  • 100% tailor-made tours
  • Fully protected travel
  • Established for over 25 years
  • 98% of our clients would recommend us

Best time to visit

Our specialists advise on the best months to visit French Polynesia, including information about climate, events and festivals.

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Useful information for planning your vacation in French Polynesia

What languages are spoken in French Polynesia?

French is the official language of French Polynesia, though many people also speak Tahitian. English is widely spoken on the islands most visited by foreigners but if you choose to travel to some of the less visited islands, which is highly recommended, speaking a little French will certainly make things easier. In rural areas on all islands, you may find that only French and the Tahitian dialects are spoken, with locals often mixing the two.

What's the currency of French Polynesia?

The currency in French Polynesia is the Franc pacifique (CFP or XPF), referred to simply as the Pacific Franc.

What food and drink should I try in French Polynesia?

Some dishes to look out for are poisson cru (raw fish marinated in lime juice and coconut milk), firi firi (figure of eight doughnuts), and po’e (a manioc pudding made with banana, papaya, or pumpkin). With an abundance of fresh fish and seafood, local meat, and exotic fruit and vegetables, food in French Polynesia is a highlight of a visit.

You’ll see a clear French influence in cooking styles, but traditional Polynesian cooking — called ma'a a Tahiti in the Society Islands and the Tuamotus, and kaikai enana in the Marquesas — shouldn’t be missed. A large hole is dug into the ground and lined with volcanic stones heated by a layer of burning wood and coconut husks. The food is left to cook for several hours, then uncovered and served buffet style as part of an evening celebration with songs and music.

What’s the cost of a meal in French Polynesia?

Eating out in French Polynesia can be expensive and costs are similar to those in bigger cities in Europe or North America. For more inexpensive meals, you’ll find small cafes known as 'snacks' selling sandwiches and baguettes on most islands. In Pape'ete, head down to the waterfront in the evening to try some great local food served from the roulottes (mobile diners) by the waterfront.

How much should I tip in French Polynesia?

Tipping is not expected in French Polynesia, although many restaurants in larger resorts give the option of leaving a tip. Tips are of course appreciated but it’s at your discretion. Neither is bargaining over prices the norm here, though it's sometimes possible to bargain for discounts on black pearls or on arts and crafts when buying directly from an artist. It’s best to ask locally what’s appropriate, however.

Where can I find the latest travel advice for French Polynesia?

For the latest travel advice for French Polynesia, including entry requirements, health information, and the safety and security situation, please refer to the Canadian Government Travel & Tourism website.

What can I experience in French Polynesia?

A tropical idyll of white sand beaches and turquoise seas, in French Polynesia you could wake in an overwater bungalow, breakfast looking out over crystalline seas, then spend your day swimming and snorkeling over pristine coral reefs teeming with kaleidoscopic fish. It’s an ideal destination for dedicated downtime but with a backdrop of volcanic peaks and lush rainforest, adventure awaits inland too.

You could visit pearl farms and vanilla plantations, hike to waterfalls and cool off in their plunge pools, visit royal villages and sacred temples, or explore the tropical forest and ragged peaks as you tour Moorea’s interior by 4x4. With a rich tradition of music, dance and folklore, you can learn about Polynesia’s ancient culture on a sunset cruise aboard a catamaran, meet local artists and craftspeople, or possibly charter a yacht and set sail.

Where can I stay in French Polynesia?

French Polynesia has some of the most memorable places to stay in the South Pacific from five-star resorts and intimate private islands to simple thatched lodges looking out over endless seas. Stay in an overwater bungalow, where breakfast is brought by outrigger canoe or bed down in a small lodge where the views from your terrace are divine.

You can expect impeccable service, infinity pools and a choice of restaurants at the islands’ five-star resorts, a choice of overwater bungalows and waterfront villas in most destinations, and a range of local guesthouses set in tropical gardens where facilities may be simpler but the welcome is just as warm. Most hotels offer water sports with kayaks and snorkels for exploring local reefs, or diving options on site or a short boat ride away. To get some ideas, browse our collection of places to stay in French Polynesia.

Can you stay on a private island in French Polynesia?

French Polynesia is an ideal place to stay on a private island. You’ll enjoy peace and serenity, blissful views, and personal service. One of our preferred private island stays in French Polynesia is Vahine Island Resort, an idyllic tropical escape.

Where should I go in French Polynesia?

French Polynesia stretches across an area roughly the size of Western Europe and its five archipelagos offer the visitor a wide choice of places to go. Each island has its own draws, from the tranquil lagoons and chic art galleries of Bora Bora to the fruit plantations and lush forests of Huahine, or thick jungle and network of hiking trails in Tahiti.

Tahiti is the main island, and where you’ll find the capital and the international airport of Pape’ete. It’s a good base for a short stopover, but with more time, it’s worth venturing further afield or planning a trip that takes in more than one archipelago. A ferry ride from Tahiti is Moorea where white-sand beaches sit between rugged peaks blanketed in lush forest, but if you’d like to get off the beaten track, the Marquesas Islands are more rustic and a great place to delve into Polynesian history and culture.

How long does it take to fly to French Polynesia from Canada?

A flight from Vancouver to French Polynesia takes around 13 hours, usually with a layover in San Francisco. Flying from Toronto to French Polynesia takes between 15 and 18 hours.

What's the time zone in French Polynesia?

French Polynesia has three different time zones. The time zone in the Gambier Islands is UTC-9 hours, in the Marquesas it’s UTC-9.5 hours, while Tahiti time is UTC-10 hours.

What's the best way of getting around in French Polynesia?

Flying is the fastest and easiest way to get between archipelagos in French Polynesia, but if you want to travel between islands on the same archipelago, you can take a ferry or speedboat. On larger islands such as Tahiti you can rent a car to get around, book a car with a driver, or arrange private transfers between destinations. The local bus service is a great way to meet people and visit local communities, but services can be infrequent, especially on Saturdays, and there’s no Sunday service.

Do I need a visa to visit French Polynesia, and what do I need to check with my passport?

Use our travel tool to find up-to-date visa and passport requirements for French Polynesia. Enter where you’re traveling to and from (including any stopover destinations en route or flight layovers), along with your intended travel dates and passport details, for a full list of requirements.

Do I need vaccinations to visit French Polynesia?

Check with your doctor about recommended vaccinations for travel to French Polynesia. You’ll also find a list of recommended vaccinations on the Government of Canada - travel vaccinations website. It’s also a good idea to ensure you’re up to date with the recommended vaccinations for your home country.

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