Things to do in French Polynesia: Attractions and places to visit

1. Vaihiria Lake & Vaipahi Gardens on Tahiti

The fabulous main island of Taihi, apart from its numerous enchanting beaches, holds magical highlights that offer true exotic experiences.

south coast of the island, in Mataiea, about 49 km from Papeete, there are Tahiti’s fairytale Vaipahi Gardens, one of the very special sights of French Polynesia, which are home to a treasure trove of natural and magnificent wealth.

On an area of over 10000 m² visitors can admire an incomparably beautiful paradise of flowers and blossoms in an unprecedented variety. More than 75 different fauna species present themselves in lush green, which can be explored on three different, half-hour hiking trails and past archaeological sites. Lake Vaihiria, situated at an altitude of 465 m, is a clear freshwater lake that is perfect for swimming and eel fishing in a unique landscape.

2. Hike to Mont Otemanu on Bora Bora

The volcanic island of Bora Bora is one of the most fascinating islands in the world. The lagoon, shimmering in a thousand different shades of blue, is home to millions of colourful tropical fish species and magnificent coral gardens. Directly at the fabulous bay is the harbour town with its admirable Overwater Bungalows, so typical for Bora Bora. Right behind it, the volcanic mountain Otemanu rises 727 m above sea level and offers a spectacular backdrop for the lagoon village. The Otemanu can easily be climbed on a guided hike, which in principle ends at the sacred Anau Cave, below the summit.

The ascent starts at the Vairau bay, lasts about 2.5 hours and leads up a mountain path through a lush jungle forest. The panoramic view from the first plateau of Otemanu over the entire Vaitape Bay is simply breathtaking. The second section leads past monoliths, while the entrance to the cave is reached by a rope. From here you have a sensational view over the islands of Tupai, Raiatea and Taha’a which are further away.

3. Belvedere Lookout on Moorea

A fascinating panoramic view awaits Moorea visitors at Belvedere Lookout Point. The unobstructed view of Cook’s Bay, Opunohu Bay and Mount Totui offers sensational opportunities for unique shots. The picturesque scenery and fabulous views of the magical island and its beautiful coastline make the trip to Belvedere Lookout Point, which can be reached both on foot and by car, a very special experience on Moorea.

On the way up there are some historical ruins to discover, which do not cost an entrance fee. Upstairs there is a small viewing platform for the perfect souvenir photo. However, we recommend applying mosquito repellent, as the rather damp forest area up here is home to some nuisance spirits. Adventurous people can also take part in a guided quad tour over Moorea, which also includes a photo stop at the Belvedere Lookout.

4. Blue lagoon off Rangiroa

On the largest atoll of the Tuamoto archipelago Rangiroa is the Blue Lagoon, an overwhelmingly beautiful blue lagoon without equal. The excursion to the Blue Lagoon is a must for Rangiroa visitors: The lagoon water shimmers in the most glorious turquoise shades, brilliant coral reefs make the heart of every diving enthusiast beat faster and the brilliant variety of tropical fish species will definitely delight every visitor to the atoll during one of the guided snorkel trips.

The lagoon is about an hour’s boat ride from Avatoru and is the epitome of a South Seas dream come true. More paradisiacal cliché is hard to find on the enchanting islands of the Pacific. Particularly fascinating is the fact that the lagoon in its middle has created a small lagoon of its own – a kind of pool that is ideal for swimming. The day trips often take place in the glass-bottom boat and often even dolphins are seen on the trip.

5. Pearl Farm & Pearl Lottery on Fakarava

The gorgeous island of Fakarava belongs to the Tuamoto Islands and is the second largest atoll in French Polynesia and especially famous for the numerous small islands that close like a ring around the fascinating lagoon. In the heavenly warm waters there are impressive coral reefs and a unique undersea fauna and flora that are part of the UN Biosphere Reserve because of their spectacular marine ecosystem.

The Hinano Pearl Farm Fakarava is a special highlight for island visitors, because here they have the wonderful opportunity to take part in a highly interesting tour of the Hinano Black Pearl Fishing Farm and marvel at the brilliant quality of the pearls and the imaginatively crafted pieces of jewelry. Of course, at the end a visit to the in-house shop is also included, but nobody is forced to actually buy anything.

6. Maeva cult site & Fare Potee – Huahine

About 40 minutes flight time from Tahiti and half way between Moorea and Taha’a is the magical island of Huahine. Picturesquely situated on a graceful, crystal clear, turquoise lagoon, Huahine offers a magnificent hilly landscape overgrown with lush vegetation, secluded bays, white sandy beaches under palm trees and picturesque villages – an absolute insider tip!

Northeast of the pretty town of Fare is the lagoon town of Maeva, known for its farming methods. An ancient legacy are the Stonefish traps, which are still used in this place today. Before Huahine, several providers also offer sailing boat trips along the beautiful coastline – including snorkelling in pristine and impressively beautiful coral gardens.

7. Overwater Bungalows on Bora Bora

For exclusive holidays the fantastic Overwater Bungalows of Bora Bora are the perfect choice. The unique Overwater Bungalow concept offers fantastic rooms and suites on floating villas, which follow the traditional Tahitian architecture and from which visitors can enjoy direct access to the magnificent blue lagoon and unforgettable beautiful sunsets – the perfect romantic retreat for the most beautiful honeymoon!

This luxury has of course its price and can be found on Bora Bora in several 5 star resorts of the island. We especially recommend the villas of the St. Regis Hotel, the Four Seasons Bora Bora and the Intercontinental Thalasso. If you want to snorkel on stilts directly in front of your own villa, the Sofitel Motu and the beautiful Hilton Nui are recommended. Almost all hotels enjoy spectacular views of the lagoon and Mount Otemanu!

8. Vanilla plantations on Taha’a

The island of Taha’a is only a short boat ride away from the island of Raiatea and is the absolute vanilla island on which 80 & of the total production of vanilla in French Polynesia is cultivated. An exciting tour through the enchanting vanilla valley “La Vallée de la Vanille” is a truly fascinating experience for all the senses when visitors can taste the beguilingly fragrant and pleasurable aroma spice vanilla tahitensis.

It takes a lot of patience and experience to successfully grow the precious Tahitian vanilla aroma plant on Taha’s suitable soil. Afterwards we recommend a trip to one of the offshore islands, the so-called Motus. Here you can, for example, enjoy a delicious picnic, explore the underwater world or simply relax and unwind. Because one thing is for sure – hectic and stress are absolutely foreign words on Taha’a!

9. Nordby shipwreck in front of Raiatea

Raiatea is only 3 km away from Taha’a and shares the same fantastic lagoon. The Holy Taputapuatea Marae, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a place of special significance on the island of Raiatea and is regarded as the prehistoric centre and cradle of Polynesian culture, which from here began to discover and settle their paradisiacal island world, Hawaii and New Zealand. In the waters around the small Motu diving fans can expect almost sensational coral gardens!

Particularly exciting before Raiatea is not only the unbelievably large biodiversity of the underwater world, but also the wreck of the three-master Nordby, which sank near Pearl Beach in 1900. It lies in about 25 meters depth with mostly clear, good visibility an overwhelming experience! The Danish Ship is the only larger wreck of the Society Islands and, due to its location in the largely sheltered bay not far from the Hawaiki Nui Hotel, is also suitable for beginners.

10. Lagoonarium on Moorea

Not far from the coast is the Lagoonarium, one of Moorea’s most important and most visited sights. It is a protected underwater area that can be easily reached on a three-minute boat trip. From here visitors can go on guided snorkeling and diving trips to admire the fantastic and lush fish and flora off Moorea and explore the wonderful and colourful coral gardens.

The Lagoonarium is located on a small island and offers its guests the necessary equipment as well as numerous possibilities to get in close contact with turtles, large rays and peaceful blacktip reef sharks. Next door there is a small but fine beach, which is ideal for relaxing, before it goes again on exploration tour under water. The Lagoonarium is also absolutely recommended for families with children and one of the main attractions of the region!

Best time to visit French Polynesia

We recommend the following months as best time to travel for exploring the attractions and acivities of French Polynesia:

April, May, June, July, August, September, and October

You can find more information about the weather, including all climate data, on our climate page for French Polynesia.