French Polynesia

Key Facts

Flight Time : 21 hours

Annual Visitors : 300,000

Capital : Papeete

Land Area : 3,521sqkm | 1,359sqm

Population : 278,786

Languages : French

Currency : CFP Franc

About

Tahiti and her Islands are located approximately 17,100 km (10,625 miles) from France, 9,800 km (6,089 miles) from the USA, 7,800 km (4,846 miles) from Australia, and 4,100 km (2,547 miles) from New Zealand. Tahiti’s 118 fabulous islands are scattered across five far-flung archipelagos covering 4 million sqkm (same area as Europe), each with its own particular character.


  • The Society Islands is a group of tropical islands encircled by coral reefs and lagoons that includes Tahiti, Moorea, Huahine, Raiatea, Tahaa, Bora Bora and Maupiti.
  • The Tuamotu group is a collection of low islands or atolls. A very special world, the Polynesians say is situated between sky and sea.
  • The Marquesas are a group of high islands near the equator, 1500 km away from Tahiti with steep mountains.
  • The Austral Archipelago, situated far to the south, is also made up of high islands: Rurutu, Tubuai, Rimatara, Raivavae, and Rapa.
  • The Gambier Archipelago is rarely visited in the far eastern corner of French Polynesia and consists of the high island of Mangareva and its fringe of islands.

Why Go

  • Relax on a beautiful beach or snorkel in the crystal-clear waters of a lagoon.
  • Stay in a luxurious overwater bungalow offering stunning views of the lagoons and reefs.
  • Take a boat trip to a motu (islet) scattered throughout the lagoons.
  • Visit the capital city of Papeete for a variety of shops and restaurants or discover historical sites, such as the Musée de Tahiti et des Îles.
  • Hike to the top of Mount Otemanu the highest peak on the island of Bora Bora.
  • Learn about the local culture and history by visiting museums, markets, and religious sites.
  • Enjoy the local food such as the poisson cru (raw fish salad), the rougaille (spicy seafood stew), and the feijoada (stew made with beans, pork, and sausage).

Travel Guides

TAHITI

The beating heart of French Polynesia with Faa'a Airport and the administrative center of Papeete.

BORA BORA

A private paradise, undoubtedly the world's most beautiful lagoon in clear turquoise blue water.

MOOREA

A luxuriant garden set on a perfectly preserved lagoon only 30-minutes by ferry from Tahiti.

RAIATEA

A cradle of Polynesian culture and secondary economic center - and an important nautical base.

HUAHINE

A sensual haven of tranquility on a luminous blue lagoon, a 40-minute flight from Tahiti

RANGIROA

Isolated, Rangiroa is a giant atoll and genuine natural aquarium with pink sands and a blue lagoon.

TIKEHAU

A near-perfect circular lagoon and velvet sand beaches it looks like a gigantic natural swimming pool.

TAHAA

The "Vanilla Island" has fragrant vanilla orchids and a vast lagoon dotted with sandy islets.

Map

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The best time to visit French Polynesia is during the dry season, which runs from May to October. During this time, the weather is warm and sunny, with little rain. The average temperature ranges from 26 to 30 degrees Celsius (79 to 86 degrees Fahrenheit).


The wet season runs from November to April, and is characterized by high humidity and frequent rainfall. However, the rain usually comes in short showers, and the sun often shines between them. The average temperature ranges from 27 to 31 degrees Celsius (81 to 88 degrees Fahrenheit).


If you're looking for a more affordable time to visit, the shoulder seasons (April-May and September-October) are a good option. The weather is still warm and sunny, but there are fewer tourists and prices are lower.

When to go

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