French Polynesia, also known as The Islands of Tahiti, is among the most picturesque destinations in the world. It enjoys year-round warm weather, has gorgeous beaches and waters, and is home to welcoming people who know how to enjoy the best things in life. There’s no wonder Tahiti has become shorthand for paradise in the English language. Everyone wants to go to Tahiti! And for good reason.
There are so many things to do on a Tahitian vacation. You can stay in an overwater bungalow for the ultimate luxury travel experience, snorkel through Bora Bora’s coral gardens, and even relax at the private island resort once owned by Marlon Brando (aptly named The Brando) on Tetiaroa. While we could spend all day talking about overwater bungalows, we’ve focused on eight of the top things you should do on a trip to Tahiti. There are plenty of islands to discover, all offering unique experiences, which you’ll discover below. Don’t worry; no matter which island you choose to visit on a French Polynesia vacation, you’ll find an unspoiled paradise that makes you wonder how anyone ever leaves!
What are the top things to do in French Polynesia?
Swim with sharks in Bora Bora’s lagoon.
You didn’t think we’d ignore the classics, did you? There’s a lot to do on French Polynesia’s famous honeymoon atoll, from hiking to the summit of Mt. Otemanu to lounging on the sands of Matira Beach, but for us, nothing beats diving into the warm waters of Bora Bora’s famous lagoon and swimming alongside the sharks. The laid-back, black-tipped reef sharks are used to humans, so you don’t have to mind them when you’re in the water. Don some snorkel gear and join them as they cruise through the crystal-clear waters. Marvel at the marine life beneath the waves, including rays and sea turtles if you’re lucky. Check out our 10-day Bora Bora Affordable Beach Adventure to experience Bora Bora’s lagoon for yourself.
Enjoy the views from Belvedere Lookout on Moorea.
Moorea is the gorgeous sister island to Tahiti, located only 17 km (10.5 mi) away by ferry. It has one of the best lagoons in French Polynesia, but its mainland is incredible too. For proof of this, head to Belvedere Lookout to enjoy breathtaking views of Opunohu Bay one direction, Cook’s Bay another, and Mt. Rotui looming over it all. There are many hiking trails linking to Belvedere Lookout, making it a great place for outdoor adventure on Moorea. Our 8-day Magical Moorea Escape offers many opportunities to explore the island’s mainland.
Eat at a Roulotte on Tahiti.
Tahiti might not be world-famous as a foodie destination, but there is some great food available here, and we’re not just talking about the swanky restaurants at high-end resorts across the island. The largest island in French Polynesia is known for its food trucks or roulottes, which offer everything from the local favourite poisson cru (marinated fish) to chow mein, flame-grilled steaks to humble hamburgers. Head to Vaipoopoo Park in Puna’auia (Vaitape is the place to go on Bora Bora) for your choice of great local food options at an affordable price.
Go scuba diving off Rangiroa.
Rangiroa is home to some of the world’s best dive sites, with options for divers of all experience levels. The island caters to all styles of underwater adventures, from the thrill of drift diving to a calm exploration of coral gardens. Tiputa Pass is a world-renowned spot for drift diving. Dive into Shark’s Cave or The Valley to let the currents guide you through an underwater world filled with a variety of shark species, including hammerheads and blacktips. For a more tranquil experience, head to the Blue Lagoon, where you can explore its coral gardens at your own pace.
Visit a vanilla plantation on Taha’a.
Introduced by the French in 1848, vanilla soon became an important export for French Polynesia. Known as the Vanilla Island, Taha’a produces 80% of the nation’s vanilla crop. It’s home to many vanilla plantations where you can learn about this flowering orchid and discover the process of transforming it into the essential ingredient found in kitchens around the world. There are many plantations available for tours on Taha’a, including Vallee de la Vanille and La Maison de la Vanille, one of the largest plantations on the island. Our 9-day Three Island Love Affair is a great option for visiting Taha’a in addition to Tahiti and Bora Bora.
Relax on the pink sand beach of Tikehau.
Tikehau is famous for its beautiful pink-sand beaches, made from finely crushed coral and shell fragments that give the shoreline its distinctive pink hue. Head to these beaches to capture viral-worthy moments for Instagram or unwind in the dreamlike setting. The island also offers more than pink sands. Offshore, you can spot manta rays glide through the waters and even the occasional dolphins. On land, the island is a haven for exotic birdlife. You can even spot colonies of rare red-footed boobies, making it a great place to travel for nature lovers.
Ride a canoe down Faaroa River on Raiatea.
Raiatea is the second-largest island in French Polynesia. As such, it has some natural features that aren’t present on other islands, such as a navigable river: the Faaroa River. If you want to explore the lush rainforest on the water and enjoy a calm morning or afternoon on the sacred island, take a guided canoe tour along the Faaroa River. You can also book a kayak if you’d prefer, but either way, cutting through the still waters alongside the thick rainforest growth is a calm, tropical experience you won’t want to miss.
See the sacred eels on route to Maeva on Huahine.
Huahine is home to some of the best-preserved archaeological sites in The Islands of Tahiti. For a glimpse into life in French Polynesia before European contact, head to the ancient village of Maeva with a knowledgeable guide (we can help you find one). This historic site is home to numerous marae—sacred places of worship once set apart from daily village life to hold deep spiritual significance within Polynesian culture. As you explore Matairea Hill, you’ll find it dotted with marae. Before you get there, stop by Farehau to see the mystical blue-eyed eels that live in the waters. They’re believed to have been placed there by the god Maui. These sacred eels still play a role in traditional ceremonies to this day, offering you a tangible connection to the past on your journey through the island’s archaeological heritage.
We could go on for days about all the exciting things to see and do in French Polynesia. This list is simply a taste of the wonders that await travellers here. What are you waiting for? Book a tailor-made trip to French Polynesia today.
You might say that Aren was destined to become a globetrotter after his family took him to Germany two times before he was four. If that wasn’t enough, a term spent in Sweden as a young teenager and a trek across Vietnam, Cambodia, and Thailand confirmed that destiny. An independent writer, director, and film critic, Aren has travelled across Asia, Europe, the Middle East, and South America. His favourite travel experience was visiting the major cities of Japan’s largest island, Honshu, but his love for food, drink, and film will take him anywhere that boasts great art and culture.
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