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 holiday 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.
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.
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Puamau 4WD Tour Puamau 4WD Tour
Puamau 4WD Tour
Enjoy a breathtaking guided drive along the southern coast of Hiva Oa over high headlands with panoramic views and through rich forested valleys until you reach the white sandy beach at Puamau.
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Tahuata Island Full Day Tour Tahuata Island Full Day Tour
Marquesas IslandsTahuata 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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Sunset Cruise by Catamaran Sunset Cruise by Catamaran
Bora BoraSunset Cruise by Catamaran
Enjoy the incredible lagoon views of Bora Bora from the comfort of the Tapatai catamaran and learn about the island's history and legends before settling in for an unforgettable sunset.
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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 holiday 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.
The currency in French Polynesia is the Franc pacifique (CFP or XPF), referred to simply as the Pacific Franc.
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.
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.
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.
For the latest travel advice for French Polynesia, including entry requirements, health information, and the safety and security situation, please refer to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office website.
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 snorkelling 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.
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.
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.
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.
It takes between 22 and 27 hours to get to French Polynesia from the UK. There are no direct flights, and you’ll generally need to stop over in Los Angeles en route.
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.
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.
British citizens don’t need a visa for stays of up to three months in French Polynesia.
If you’re travelling to French Polynesia via the USA, please check information about the Visa Waiver System. Air Tahiti Nui may ask passengers transiting or travelling to the USA to present proof of an ESTA (the American electronic Visa Waiver Program) confirmation with their passport at the time of check-in.
Nationalities of other countries should check their visa requirements — we recommend using our partner Visa Central. Please visit www.visacentral.com/audleytravel to view up-to-date requirements and where you can apply for any visa that may be necessary.
Your doctor can provide you with vaccine advice for French Polynesia. You can also check the suggested vaccinations on the Travel Health Pro website. You should also ensure you’re up to date with the recommended vaccinations for your home country.
Your passport must be valid for at least three months after your date of departure from French Polynesia and have a minimum of one unstamped double page.
French Polynesia in pictures
Our expert guides to travelling in French Polynesia
Written by our specialists from the viewpoint of their own travels, these guides will help you decide on the shape of your own trip to French Polynesia. Aiming to inspire and inform, we share our recommendations for how to appreciate French Polynesia at its best.
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Introducing French Polynesia
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French Polynesia honeymoons French Polynesia honeymoons
French Polynesia honeymoons
Country specialist, Lisa, offers her expertise on getting the most out of your honeymoon in French Polynesia. Swim in clear lagoons with manta rays, stay in an overwater bungalow and take a guided walk in a rainforest.
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Cruises in French Polynesia Cruises in French Polynesia
Cruises in French Polynesia
South Pacific specialist Joshua reviews the Aranui, which, for him, is the best cruise vessel around French Polynesia. He explains what to expect from life on board, and why the out-of-the-way Marquesas and Tuamotu Islands are such intriguing places to explore.
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South Pacific cruises South Pacific cruises
South Pacific cruises
Enjoy exploring the South Pacific islands while on a cruise with time for relaxation, activities and cultural insights.
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Choosing your ideal South Pacific Island Choosing your ideal South Pacific Island
Choosing your ideal South Pacific Island
A cross-island guide to the South Pacific. Drawing on their own experiences, our travel specialists discuss the lure of French Polynesia, the Cook Islands, Fiji and Samoa with the aim of helping you decide which island is right for you.
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What to do in French Polynesia: our highlights guide What to do in French Polynesia: our highlights guide
What to do in French Polynesia: our highlights guide
See our recommendations for what to see and do in French Polynesia, from which food you should try to the best hotels to stay in.
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Luxury holidays in French Polynesia Luxury holidays in French Polynesia
Luxury holidays in French Polynesia
If you're planning a luxury holiday to French Polynesia we have a wide range of luxury holiday resorts and luxury hotels we can recommend.
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Family holidays in the South Pacific Family holidays in the South Pacific
Family holidays in the South Pacific
A warm Pacific island welcome and laid-back atmosphere, combined with reefs and lagoons to explore, and traditional bungalow-style accommodation make the South Pacific an ideal location for a family holiday.
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