French Polynesia Travel Guide

French Polynesia at a glance

French Polynesia promises picture-perfect scenery and warm Tahitian hospitality. Whether hiking up little-known nature trails, scuba diving in crystalline waters or kayaking in turquoise lagoons, this group of laidback islands serve up a surprising amount of adventure for a region that has a reputation for complete relaxation. With 118 islands and atolls covering a stretch of ocean roughly the size of Europe, it is unlikely that you will get bored. Think slim stretches of white, pink and black sand beaches leading to lagoons filled with clear-water coral gardens and islands with sky-piercing, moss-green peaks that make for the ultimate tropical adventure. Bora Bora is a honeymooners’ paradise, dotted with private overwater bungalows and eye-wateringly beautiful viewpoints for a sundowner or two.

Tahiti, however, is more culture focused, with tasty local cuisine, thatched-roofed coastal towns and a love for beautiful music and dance. The whole collection of idyllic islands has so much more to offer than just all-inclusive opulence, with intriguing archaeological finds dominating Moorea and a middle-of-nowhere island feel on Vahine.