French Polynesia Things to Do Tips by Helga67 Top 5 Page for this destination

Shark and Stingray feeding

Shark and Stingray feeding is one of the most popular excursions on most of the islands. You will be taken to the outer reef by an outrigger cano and slip into the water with your snorkel and mask and watch Tahitian divers hand feed back-tip reef sharks and stingrays right before your eyes. During the feeding you have to hold on to a rope in order to keep some distance from the sharks. It's an unforgettable experience!

Marae

All the islands have some marae. A marae is a traditional Polynesian temple of coral or basaltic stone, usually built with an altar at one end.

The marae was a place of pilgrimage, ritual and dance for the Maohi people.

Maupiti

This is definitely my most favourite island. It is what Bora Bora was 40 years ago: a lagoon with crystal-clear water, white sand bordered by palm trees, deserted beaches, no mass tourism, no hotels, very friendly people, peaceful and authentic.

More can be found in my Maupiti page.

Directions: In the westernmost part of the Society Islands

Tahiti

Tahiti is the island most people know. It is where you will land when arriving to French Polynesia. This is the island where most of the Polynesians live and work, within 15 miles of the capital city of Papeete.

Don't imagine yourself lying on a sandy white beach, because most beaches are of a volcanic black sand beach. Touring the island, you will notice that the interior is for the most part inaccessible except by four wheel drive vehicles or on foot. The valleys have picturesque rivers with some great waterfalls and you can visit the botanical garden and Gauguin museum or learn more about polynesian life in the Musee de Tahiti et des Iles. Papeete, the capital city, is a bustling place with good restaurants, nightlife and shops.

This is the perfect island for starting or ending your trip to the more romantic and exotic islands of French Polynesia, but don't stay too long.

Explore the island through my Tahiti Page.

Bora Bora

The usual superlatives are almost inadequate to describe the many beautiful faces of Bora Bora ... the beautiful colors of the lagoon and the wonderful views of the mountains.

This is, in my opinion, the most romantic, most exotic island on Earth. The ideal spot for honeymooners. The island is well known and visited, especially by Americans and Japanese. It has some stunning hotels with wonderful overwater bungalows but very pricey too. If you have the chance and money to go to French Polynesia, don't miss this island because you will regret it for the rest of your life!

On my Bora Bora Page you can find more info and pics.

Directions: In the Leeward Islands, some 260 km northwest of Tahiti

Huahine

Huahine is one of the islands less known and visited, but nevertheless, it's lovely too and nice to stay for 2 to 3 days.

The island is cut in half by a fjord-like bay. Huahine, contrary to most other islands, has roads through the interior. This makes it very interesting to explore it by car where you will encounter beautiful vistas of land and sea. The interior of the island is covered with lush dense rainforests and huge trees.

More info and pics can be found in my Huahine page

Directions: In the Leeward Islands, some 180 km northwest of Tahiti

Raiatea

Raiatea and Tahaa are encircled by one of the largest lagoons in Polynesia, ideal for water sports and underwater activities. There are no beaches on the island. There are lush green valleys, cascades, pineapple and vanilla plantations.
Marae Taputapuatea, Raiatea's most famous landmark, is an open-air temple made up of seven marae built of stone.

It is also one of those islands less known and visited, but a great place, when you are into scuba diving.

Don't forget my Raiatea page for more info and pics.

Directions: In the Leeward islands some 220 km northwest of Tahiti

Moorea

Moorea is one of the most visited islands of French Polynesia. It is the most accessible of the outer islands from Tahiti, being less than 10 min. away by air or an hour by ferry.

The island has spectacular bays, impressive basaltic mountain ridges and peaks, white sand beaches and pristine lagoons. A perfect place for honeymooners with a lot of water activities, island touring and good hotels.

Have a look at my Moorea page for more info and pics.