"French Polynesia in the Pacific" Top 5 Page for this destination French Polynesia by easyoar

French Polynesia Travel Guide: 1,713 reviews and 3,246 photos

Arriving at Tahiti

Most flights into Tahiti arrive at night, which means that unless you can get a connecting flight to another island, you will have to stay in Papeete (capital of Tahiti) for a night. One night is enough. We paid around USD150 for a dirty plain room for one night. And this was with a discount off the standard rate. You can pay way more than this. The only advantage of the hotel was that it was near the harbour and we could walk to the ferries that went to Moorea. Moorea is much better than Tahiti but still stupidly expensive. On our way back we left Moorea early, rented a car back on Tahiti and drove around some of the island, which can be quite nice when you leave Papeete.

Whilst outside of Papeete, there are some nice things to see on Tahiti, I would strongly recommend you go and see Moorea and spend most of your time there as this is much more the Polynesian beauty spot that you may be expecting. Tahiti has just got too built up in many places.

Pros and Cons

Pros:Beautiful Scenery, friendly people.
Cons:Ludicrously expensive, doesn't match the hype
In a nutshell:Greek Islands are cheaper and more beautiful

Last visit to French Polynesia: Aug 2004
Intro Updated May 1, 2005
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Reviews (68)

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Rather hot food Restaurants (3)

I've got to admit, I have never tried this food, and I am not about to start trying it either. It probably has more kick... more travel advice

Haggling on the Market Stalls Shopping (3)

Generally if you are planning to buy something in French Polynesia, it is best to haggle with a local market trader than... more travel advice

Sports & Outdoors (3)
See All Spearing coconuts
Local Customs (2)
See All The Polynesians invented tattooing
Tourist Traps (2)
See All The Fruit Factory - seems to be...
Hotels (2)
See All Nice, but with problems

Transportation (5)
See All Le Truck - a bus service around the...
Off The Beaten Path (7)
See All Papaya Fruit
What to Pack (1)
EVERYTHING you will need
Warnings Or Dangers (3)
See All The Mosquitos

Comments (26)

eriksson977 Jan 7, 2010 at 6:13 AM Report Abuse

Hello Andy, Nice pages. Thank you very much and happy new year to you. Tomas Eriksson :)
volopolo Oct 31, 2008 at 9:45 AM Report Abuse

Excellent information and tips!
hunterV Jun 20, 2007 at 1:53 AM Report Abuse

Hello, Andy! Your stories are superb and make an interesting reading! Thanks a lo!
JessH Jul 12, 2006 at 12:33 AM Report Abuse

Hello Andy. Superb tips & gorgeous photos... this place truly looks amazing! Thanks for sharing your insights - I'll be sure to check your pages again if I manage to make it there :-) Greetings from the desert / Jess
VeronicaG May 15, 2006 at 3:02 PM Report Abuse

The ruins are fascinating--I'm glad to hear some of the history has been preserved. Now, for those Polynesian dances... sounds like it would make for trim waistlines!!!
ChristinaNest Apr 3, 2006 at 4:47 AM Report Abuse

Great page, beautuful place I would love to visit. Will have to come back to read some more. Swimming with turtles must be great! Greetings
Sharrie Oct 21, 2005 at 9:34 AM Report Abuse

I'll be spending most of my time in Bora Bora. Helga is interested in finding out what I'm going to do over there. Hence, browsing pages for ideas. U didn't mention about BB, but I did get some good ideas about Moorea. Thanks!
perfectly_zen Oct 14, 2005 at 5:04 PM Report Abuse

Great page...very helpful as well....=D
BACHTHANHBINH Sep 15, 2005 at 3:21 AM Report Abuse

very intersting page with the history of Tatoo.
hekate Sep 10, 2005 at 6:47 AM Report Abuse

Very interesting page! I likes the sunset and I think you are probably the only man who had put as a shpping tip a jewlery shop :)