French Polynesia consists of 5 archipelagos (Windward and  Leeward Society Islands, Tuamotu, Marquesas, Gambier and Austral) with combined over 120 islands scattered over a large area in the tropical South Pacific. The main island is Tahiti with the capital Papeete. Moorea is the closest large island next to Tahiti, easily accessible by a ferry from Papeete. All other islands are accessible by short flights, most of which are operated by large commercial airplanes. French Polynesia is a perfect destination for luxury tropical vacations and honeymoons. There are also less expensive options, but most people come with expectations of luxury. Initially we visited Bora Bora because of its fame, but fell in love with the country and came back to visit Rangiroa, then Moorea. Every time we have a big birthday or anniversary the first thing pops in our minds is French Polynesia. It is the only tropical destination we came back twice and hope to come again. What makes the place so special is a perfect combination of the natural beauty of turquoise lagoons, jagged mountains, crystal clear waters teeming with marine life, Polynesian culture and modern luxury with the overwater bungalows.

What to see and do

1. Romantic beach vacation

French Polynesia is a perfect romantic honeymoon destination. Beautiful islands with jagged mountains, turquoise lagoons, fine beaches, overwater bungalows, polynesian culture with a French twist... The resorts are built for a romantic atmosphere. You can find some idyllic atmosphere and privacy in the resorts. There are also many services for romantic selebrations such as Polynesian weddings, private dinners etc. 

2. Island hopping

A popular option is is visit two or even three island during a trip. Moorea is a short ferry ride from Papeete, then a short flight to Bora Bora, Huahini or Rangiroa. You can also venture to the Marquesas wher Paul Gauguin spent his last years. The most iconic islands are Bora Bora and Moorea, eher the latter is a bit less touristy. Rangiroa is a coral atoll, unlike the volcanic Bora Bora and Moorea. It has a much less touristy vibe.

3. Pearl shopping

French Polynesia is the capital of the South Sea (Tahitian) pearls. You need to at least visit a pearl farm during a day visit. The farms have displays and real harvesting facilities for you to understand the process. The real bargain is usually in boxes below the sales counter, either at the farms or in the shops. Slightly imperfect loose pearls can go for much less money. The shops usually can drill them for you. We found best prices in Rangiroa, and the worst in Bora Bora (surprise?). 

4. Water activities

Enjoy the view, swim in crystal clear waters, and absorb the tranquility. Snorkeling can be done right in front of your bungalow. There is abundant marine life. French Polynesia has a ban for shark finning and other barbaric fishing practices, therefore marine life is healthy and there is abundance of (safe) shark species, stingrays and other larger animals that have been eliminated in other places. You can snorkel or simply stand in waist deep water for feeding of stingrays and small black tip sharks. 

5. SCUBA 

Diving in SCUBA diving is mostly easy and suitable for novice divers, especially in Bora Bora and Moorea. There are no currents, the dive profiles are shallow, and the water is warm with good visibility. Some resorts have a dive shop onsite, some will have you picked up by a boat (Bora Bora) or a car (Moorea). As anywhere in French Polynesia there is abundance of reef sharks and other marine life. Coral is mostly hard and we did not see any bleaching. Our overall impression was of easy diving with very healthy coral and marine life. More advanced diving is in the Tuamotu archipelago, in Rangiroa and Fakarava. There there are passes into the lagoon with fast currents during the rising tide. It is an underwater rollercoaster.

6. Sailing

Sailing, especially on catamarans is also popular. The most convenient base is at Raiatea as there are several islands close to each other in the area.  Sunsail, Moorings, and local companies have a selection of sail and power boats. You can rent either a bare boat or with a skipper, depending on your skills or lack of.

Getting there

Several airlines fly to Papeete's Faa'a International Airport (PPT) . Coming over Americas there is usually a stop at a closer hub such as Los Angeles (LAX), Vancouver (YVR) or Tokyo (NRT). Air Tahiti Nui is planning a non-stop flight from Paris which will be about 16 hours. Presently it takes 10 hours from Tokyo or Vancouver and 8 hours from Los Angeles. Then you will need a domestic flight to your island of choice except Moorea. The easiest way from Papeete to Moorea is via a ferry. Taxis are running between the airport and the ferry dock. There are two companies running the ferry route at the time of writing Aremiti and Terevau. We did not buy fare beforehand, just came to the ticket window and bought tickets for the first available ferry. The dock is in the city center and you can spend some time in the city, to buy that last pearl on the way back or just stroll around. On arrival at Moorea there are plenty of taxis.

Bora Bora became a symbol of exotic honeymoon destination. Bora Bora stands out because of its unique geological formation. It is an old volcano with jagged peaks that is encircled by a coral atoll. To make things more beautiful the ring between the mountain (Otemanu) and the atoll forms a shallow lagoon filled with blinding turquoise water. The ring-shaped atoll and protected lagoon allowed building of overwater bungalows with stunning breathtaking views of the mountain and the lagoon. There is no setting like this in the World. There are beautiful volcanic islands like Moorea, there are ring shaped atolls with shallow lagoons like Rangiroa, but there is no perfect combination of the two like in Bora Bora. Has it been made into a huge luxury turist oriented spa? Yes! Do you pay more for all the hype? Yes! Is it worth visiting at least once in a lifetime for a big celebration? Yes! There are several luxury resorts with overwater bungalows. We chose the Pearl Bora Bora resort twice, for ourselves and our son's honeymoon. We felt it has the best price/quality ratio. Also, it has an easy shuttle to the central island where you can go to restaurants for variety, shopping and day trips.

Moorea does not have a coral atoll that would shelter a large lagoon like in Bora Bora. It is a heart-shaped island. There are lagoons that are sheltered by the bays and shallow waters, but they are not as large. Therefore, opportunities for overwater bungalows are limited. At the time we went there, there was only one resort with bungalows stretching far from the shore - Hilton Moorea Lagoon Resort & Spa. There were other resorts with overwater bungalows but the bungalows were close to the shore. Our experience at the Hilton was exceptional. Our bungalow was facing sunset. We would watch sunset every evening sitting on the deck and sipping bubbly wine. The views were breathtaking as that side also faces the jagged mountains of Moorea. The restaurants were good, with a Polynesian French blend. One is in the middle, between the overwater bungalows. They make full meals out of crepes. As it is overwater itself you can watch sharks and small fish cruising under you. On free nights we would venture to the outside restaurants. We would recommend visiting those as they offer different experience. All restaurants are seaside.

Other volcanic islands in the same archipelago such as Raiatea, Huiahine and Tahaa are mountainous, but not as dramatic. There could be a good bargain, or a base for saling as in Raiatea. Possibly these islands could be used as an extension, sailing base or for a repeat visit.

Rangiroa in the Tuamotu archipelago is a ring shaped coral atoll, like all islands in this archipelago. These islands are more like Maldives that the rest of Polynesia. Rangiroa is less touristy, has better SCUBA diving, cheaper pearls, and at least two resorts with overwater bungalows. We stayed in the main Kia Ora resort and our overwater bungalow was excellent. You can take a motor boat to the other side of the atoll and you will be alone for 50 miles around. No cellular connection, no radio contact. It is more authentic but still with an option of a luxury resort like in Bora Bora. A similar divers paradise is Fakarava, but lodging options are simpler there. 

Our itinerary

Day 1: Fly to LAX, either a short ~5hr stopover or a two-day break in LA 

Day 2: Land in Tahiti, change plane to your island or take a ferry to Moorea.

Day 2 - X: Stay in the resort in one island (optional island hopping)

Day X: Flight to Papeete, short break in the city when you have a longer stopover, flight home

Language

Official language is French but most people speak English as well, especially on the islands with large tourist flows. We have not encountered a person who did not speak at least some English.

Electricity

The power supply in French Polynesia is 220 Volts 60 Hz, European plug with two round prongs. Some hotels may have additional 110V with North American plugs, but do not count on it, assume it will be 220V with two round prongs.