French Polynesia is a set of mountainous jungle islands positioned proper in the course of the limitless ocean. Recognized for its picturesque tropical settings, these islands provide extra than simply sunny seashores, making them probably the most fascinating locations within the area.
This put up will cowl a few of the most enjoyable issues to do in French Polynesia, throughout a number of islands, and for all budgets. Whether or not you might be planning a luxurious getaway or are on a finances, there may be loads to see and do right here!
French Polynesia feels completely different from different tropical locales. Lots of the islands really feel utterly untouched nonetheless, and the impossibly blue water, lush jungles, and pleasant folks create the right surroundings for a real getaway.
Bora Bora and Tahiti are two of probably the most well-known islands in French Polynesia, however this text may even cowl the alluring islands of Moorea and Rangiroa, too. The islands that make up this area provide a few of the finest, most genuine, and pristine landscapes you’ll find whereas touring.
So should you’re in search of a French Polynesia getaway to recollect, listed here are the highest ten experiences you’ll find.
Snorkeling in Moorea’s Motus
Most individuals dream of visiting French Polynesia due to the unbelievably blue water. So, that’s the place this record begins.
The snorkeling in French Polynesia can’t be beat, and snorkeling in Moorea’s motus and lagoons is an absolute should. This superb expertise means that you can discover the crystal clear waters and see some distinctive marine life. Count on to see clownfish, parrotfish, butterflyfish, damselfish, Napoleon wrasse, triggerfish and eels. There are additionally sea turtles and varied species of crabs which will make an look.
Some motus are solely accessible by boat or paddle, and others are discovered proper offshore. The expertise could be as adventurous as you would like!Â
A go to right here wouldn’t be full with out taking a dip in one in every of many gorgeous coral-filled lagoons. With a lot on provide, Moorea’s ocean presents one thing for everybody – making it one in every of French Polynesia’s most beloved spots!
2. Discover Tahiti’s Waterfalls
No journey to French Polynesia can be full with out exploring the well-known island of Tahiti.Â
Fortunately, Tahiti is probably going the place you’ll be flying out and in of, so it’s the excellent place to start or finish your journey.Â
To get between islands, check out Tahiti Nui’s inter-island flights, or for a extra finances pleasant possibility, guide the Tahiti to Moorea ferry for below $30 spherical journey.
Whereas some guests skip Tahiti in favor of different islands, there may be truly loads to see right here. Most notably, Tahiti is filled with lush jungle and speeding waterfalls which are properly value a go to.
Tahiti’s most well-known waterfall is Faarumai.It’s a powerful 300 foot plus waterfall that falls right into a small swimmable pool. There is no such thing as a charge to go to. Nonetheless, you do must be keen to hike a couple of hours within the jungle to get pleasure from it..Â
Faarumai gives attractive views and an opportunity to chill off in its pure swimming pools after the trek.Â
3. Swim with Sharks in Bora Bora
Bora Bora is presumably probably the most dreamlike island within the area. It sits on the high of most honeymooners’ want lists because of the clear-water lagoons and picturesque overwater bungalows.
Bora Bora presents the right surroundings for lounging, both on hammocks, on the white sand, or in your bungalow. However, it’s also an amazing place for ocean journey. This island is well-known for its calm waters, excellent for snorkeling and swimming.
Adventurous vacationers could choose to swim with sharks in Bora Bora, a widely known past-time because of the non-aggressive reef sharks within the space. Word that this could solely be tried with the steerage of an area tour operator who is aware of how and the place to take action safely.
4. Hit the Papeete Market
The Papeete Market is the right place to go to for souvenirs and snacks.
Situated on Tahiti, the small metropolis of Papeete has a busy purchasing hub for each locals and vacationers. Right here you’ll find every part from domestically made soaps to pure sponges to straw purses to hand-dyed sarongs.
That is the right place to cease earlier than you fly out of Tahiti should you want souvenirs for your self or your family members again house.
The Papeete Market can be an amazing place to seize an area snack, as there are a number of small meals stalls inside in addition to a fruit and vegetable market subsequent door. You’ll see a lot of vacationers on the memento facet and plenty of locals on the meals market facet. It’s a excellent spot for purchasing, consuming, and people-watching.
5. Loosen up in a Rangiroa Bungalow
Rangiroa is an island a bit off the overwhelmed path in French Polynesia. It’s the excellent place to get away from all of it and chill out within the pure great thing about the islands.
Rangiroa is created from an extinct underwater volcano. Rangiroa itself is technically the highest of the volcano, with the remaining being submerged. The seashores are pure white sand and the water is crystal clear.
There are many issues to do right here, like snorkeling within the blue waters or taking a dip within the lagoon. However one of many best possible issues to do on Rangiroa is to remain in one in every of its tranquil overwater bungalows.Â
These luxurious lodgings provide gorgeous views of the ocean out of your mattress and personal decks – excellent for watching sunsets and even stargazing at night time. The bungalows include all of the facilities you’d anticipate from a top-tier resort, and most provide perks like infinity swimming pools, spa remedies, snorkeling gear, and kayaks.Â
Notably, Lodge Kia Ora Resort and Spa presents a tropical escape on-site. The villas are paying homage to Bali, with out of doors tubs and plenty of greenery. The cabins have air-con to ward off the new days and comfortable beds for stress-free.Â
However one of the best a part of staying in an overwater bungalow is the sound of ocean waves crashing and rolling you to sleep. Rangiroa is roughly a one-hour flight from Tahiti, and you’ve got a number of flights per day to select from.
6. Be taught About Polynesian Tradition on the Tiki VillageÂ
The Tiki Village in Moorea is a must-visit for anybody who needs to be taught a bit extra concerning the historical past and tradition of this area. Actually, it’s steadily listed as one of many finest issues to do in Moorea for vacationers.
Filled with historical artifacts and tales, this on-site residing museum is fascinating.Â
Guests can buy tickets that embody dinner and a present, which options conventional dancing and singing in typical cultural clothes. Word that your complete present lasts a number of hours for each dinner and the efficiency, so plan for an extended and entertaining night!
There are additionally crafts and artworks on the market on website, excellent for these seeking to convey a bit of Moorea house with them.
7. Drink Contemporary Tropical Juices
Additionally on Moorea, the Rotui Juice Manufacturing unit is a straightforward cease that’s greater than worthwhile. This well-known juice manufacturing unit makes a few of the hottest juices on the island. Image pineapple juice, mango juice, tropical juice blends, and extra.
Most of their juices could be discovered all throughout the island within the grocery and comfort shops. However, should you go to and learn the way the juice is made, you may also strive the flavors of the day totally free!
This manufacturing unit additionally processes some distinctive alcohol and liquor blends constituted of coconut and pineapple. Be sure you go away room in your luggage to take some house – a lot of the bottles they promote right here aren’t obtainable elsewhere!
Native smoothie outlets and acai shops will use Rotui’s juice of their blends, so supporting the small native meals stalls is an effective way to get your every day dose of fruits, too.Â
8. Trip an ATV Throughout the Mountains
Tahiti and Moorea each provide ATV adventures for anybody craving a bit of pleasure on their travels. These group excursions are led by an professional information, who will weave you thru jungle trails and mountainous peaks for nice views of the ocean and jungle.
Relying in your reserving, you possibly can discover the best-known sights on the islands or get extra off the overwhelmed path. Usually, you possibly can select from a one-seater or two, relying on should you’re with a bunch or touring solo in Tahiti and Moorea.
9. Go to a French Polynesian Vineyard
There is just one winery in all of French Polynesia, and it’s on Rangiroa. It’s known as Vin de Tahiti and it’s undoubtedly value a go to!
Shocking because it sounds, sure – it’s potential to develop grapes right here within the tropics! Rangiroa is the perfect spot, because of the geology of the collapsed volcano and subsequent coral life. The coral makes the soil extra chalky than on different islands, which helps them produce some tasty island wine.
The winery is a 10-minute boat trip from the primary Avatoru Village. Guests are welcome on daily basis besides Sunday. On-site actions embody wine tasting, rum tasting, cellar excursions, and an growing older room. Add this to your record for a very distinctive selection of all of the enjoyable issues to do in French Polynesia!
10. Go to a Black Sand Seashore
Tahiti is house to some world-class seashores, however a few of the most stunning are lined in black sand.Â
Venus Level Seashore is simply 25 minutes outdoors of Papeete and is among the finest spots for sundown. The seaside has a tall lighthouse, a uncommon sight on the islands, the place guests can hike and discover. And, the nice and cozy waters are excellent for swimming and snorkeling, and looking for underwater wildlife.
The lesser-visited Lafayette Seashore can be lined in black volcanic sand. The dramatic blue water pops in a particular method towards the tender darkish sand, and this can be a good spot for sunbathing and swimming in peace.
Useful Ideas for Visiting French Polynesia
Since these islands are fairly distant, you could not know what to anticipate earlier than visiting. Listed below are some high suggestions for visiting this area, year-round.
- Forex: The native forex in French Polynesia is the French Pacific Franc (CFP). Once you guide your resort beforehand, it could be quoted in Euro or US {dollars}. Word that ATMs are simple to search out on Tahiti and Moorea.
- Language: Whereas fluent English is spoken in touristic institutions, the official languages in French Polynesia are Tahitian and French. If you happen to go off the overwhelmed path or into native villages, you’ll probably not discover English audio system.
- Visas: Guests staying in French Polynesia for lower than 90 days don’t require a journey visa. Nonetheless, a passport legitimate for at the least six months is critical, together with proof of a return or onward flight.Â
- Tipping: Tipping shouldn’t be customary within the area, however some resorts and eating places could embody a service cost. Nonetheless, tipping is appreciated as a gesture of gratitude for distinctive service, which you probably will run into.Â
- Packing: When visiting this tropical vacation spot, some objects you will want year-round embody: sunscreen, insect repellent, reusable water bottles, sandals, a swimsuit, a solar hat, and light-weight clothes.
- Flights: It’s extremely advisable to guide all inter-island flights upfront. These flights can promote out, and also you don’t wish to be left with a resort reserving and no solution to get there!
- Tahiti is the biggest of the islands in French Polynesia. Papeete, the capital metropolis, is discovered right here. A lot of the nation’s inhabitants dwell on Tahiti.
- The straightforward but stunning tiare flower is the nationwide flower of Tahiti. In case you are a single lady, you put on one behind your proper ear. If you happen to’re married, put on it behind your proper ear.
- Manihi, Rangiroa, Fakarava, Tikehau, and Hiva Oa within the Tuamotu islands are probably the most well-known diving areas in French Polynesia, apart from the well-known Tahiti and Bora-Bora.
- Although most recognized for luxurious resorts and five-star providers, French Polynesia can cater to budget-conscious vacationers, as properly. Tahiti and Moorea specifically have quite a few finances visitor home choices.
Conclusion: Enjoyable Issues To Do in French Polynesia
Total, a visit to French Polynesia is prone to go away you speechless, irrespective of which islands you select. Tahiti, Moorea, Rangiroa, and Bora Bora are 4 of one of the best selections for journey and leisure alike.
These islands are excellent for anybody who loves nature and pristine seashores. The luxurious jungle, the unimaginable waters, and the pleasant locals make French Polynesia top-of-the-line tropical locales on the planet. Â
Whether or not you might be planning a honeymoon, a household journey, or a solo journey, French Polynesia and its surroundings will probably surpass your wildest desires.
Writer’s Bio: This text was written by Monica of This Uncommon Earth, a solo feminine world traveler who has to this point crossed six continents. She will often be discovered exploring off-the-beaten-path locations around the globe.Â
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