The best islands in French Polynesia arre a traveler’s dream – here you can find volcanic peaks pressed up against turquoise lagoons and white sand beaches stretch endlessly. Located halfway between California and Australia, this French territory includes 118 islands across five stunning archipelagos. When searching for the best islands in French Polynesia, you’ll discover some of the most beautiful places on Earth.
These islands offer an incredible escape where traditional Polynesian culture meets natural beauty. From overwater bungalows to hidden beaches, each island group – the Society Islands, Tuamotu Archipelago, Marquesas Islands, Austral Islands, and Gambier Islands – brings its own magic. Palm trees sway in warm breezes, tropical fish dart through coral reefs, and dramatic mountains create unforgettable views. Here, life moves at island pace, inviting visitors to experience paradise.
Why French Polynesia?
French Polynesia stands out as a destination that turns travel dreams into reality. Unlike busy Caribbean beaches or crowded Mediterranean resorts, these South Pacific islands offer true escape. When exploring the best islands in French Polynesia, you’ll find a perfect mix of luxury and natural wonder that few other places can match.
What sets these islands apart is their remarkable isolation and unspoiled nature. With an area larger than Western Europe but only 280,000 residents, you’ll find beaches, lagoons, and entire motus (small islands) where you can be completely alone. Each island has its own character – from the rugged Marquesas to the laid-back Tuamotus.
Polynesian culture brings these landscapes to life. Local guides share their deep connection to the ocean, while village families welcome travelers to join dance performances and traditional feasts. Our guide covers four incredible islands: Bora Bora, Moorea, Rangiroa, and Tahiti – each offering unique experiences.
Location, Location, Location: French Polynesia
French Polynesia spreads across a vast expanse of the South Pacific, covering an area roughly the size of Europe. The territory’s 118 islands are grouped into five distinct archipelagos: the Society Islands including famous spots like Tahiti and Bora Bora, the Tuamotu Archipelago known for its circular atolls, the Marquesas Islands with their dramatic cliffs, the Austral Islands (the southernmost group), and the Gambier Islands home to pearl farms and historic churches.
Each archipelago has its own geography and appeal. The Society Islands feature high volcanic peaks surrounded by lagoons, while the Tuamotus are flat coral atolls with incredible diving. The Marquesas rise dramatically from the ocean with no surrounding reef, the Australs offer a cooler climate, and the remote Gambiers combine volcanic terrain with barrier reefs.
How to Get There:
Most international flights arrive at Faa’a International Airport in Papeete, Tahiti. Direct flights are available from Los Angeles (8.5 hours), San Francisco (8 hours), Tokyo (12 hours), and Auckland (5 hours). Air France operates flights from Paris via Los Angeles.
Transportation Between Islands:
Air Tahiti handles most inter-island travel with regular flights to 48 islands. Expect to pay:
- Tahiti to Bora Bora: $400-450 round trip
- Tahiti to Moorea: $180-230 round trip
- Tahiti to Rangiroa: $350-400 round trip
For closer islands like Moorea, the Aremiti Ferry ($15-30 round trip) offers a scenic and affordable alternative to flying.
6 Best Islands in French Polynesia
Picking favorites among French Polynesia’s islands is like trying to choose the best stars in the night sky – each one shines in its own way. Some islands excel with their pristine beaches and crystal lagoons, while others stand out for their lush hiking trails or vibrant marine life. The best islands in French Polynesia vary depending on what you’re seeking: the most dramatic sunsets, the richest cultural experiences, the finest resorts, or the best snorkeling spots. From honeymoon-perfect hideaways to adventure-packed destinations, each island offers something special. Whether you’re drawn to overwater bungalows, hidden beaches, world-class diving, or authentic village life, there’s an island that matches your dream vacation perfectly.
1. Bora Bora: The Jewel of the Pacific
Best for: Luxury and romance (ideal for honeymoons)
Dominated by Mount Otemanu rising from a perfect turquoise lagoon, Bora Bora has earned its reputation as the world’s most beautiful island. The lagoon, protected by a barrier reef, dazzles in countless shades of blue and houses the iconic overwater bungalows that have become synonymous with ultimate luxury.
Crystal-clear waters averaging 82°F year-round create perfect conditions for exploring. Guided snorkeling tours reveal coral gardens teeming with tropical fish, while shark and ray feeding experiences offer thrilling yet safe encounters with the lagoon’s larger residents. Sunset lagoon tours, complete with champagne, showcase the mountain’s silhouette against the changing sky.
The island’s luxurious resorts make the most of their stunning setting.
Top places to stay:
- Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora – Features expansive overwater bungalows with the best views of Mount Otemanu
- St. Regis Bora Bora Resort – Boasts the South Pacific’s largest overwater villa and private beaches
- Conrad Bora Bora Nui – Set on its own motu with exclusive lagoon access and stunning sunset views
2. Moorea: Adventure and Scenic Beauty
Best for: Active travelers and families.
Just a 30-minute ferry ride from Tahiti, Moorea’s dramatic landscape hits you instantly – eight jagged mountain peaks pierce the sky, creating a rugged interior wrapped in deep green jungle. Unlike Bora Bora’s focus on lagoon life, Moorea balances water activities with incredible land adventures.
The island’s most famous trek leads to Belvedere Lookout, where panoramic views showcase both Cook’s and Opunohu Bays, framed by sharp mountain ridges. More challenging, Three Coconuts Pass offers a true jungle hiking experience, winding through pineapple fields and ancient Polynesian archaeological sites.
From July to November, Moorea’s waters become a nursery for humpback whales. Visitors can join respectful whale-watching tours to observe these magnificent creatures breaching and caring for their calves in the warm waters.
Where to stay:
- Hilton Moorea Lagoon Resort & Spa – Perfect location between two bays with stellar overwater bungalows
- Sofitel Kia Ora Moorea Beach Resort – Beachfront luxury with the island’s best swimming pool
- Manava Beach Resort & Spa – Boutique property with authentic Polynesian charm and great snorkeling
3. Tahiti: More Than Just a Gateway
Best for: Culture lovers and first-time visitors.
Most visitors to French Polynesia pass through Tahiti, but this vibrant island deserves more than just a quick stopover. As the cultural heart of French Polynesia, Tahiti pulses with an energy you won’t find on the quieter islands, especially in its capital city, Papeete.
The famous Papeete Market comes alive each morning with vendors selling everything from fresh fish to handmade crafts and monoi oils. At night, the waterfront Vai’ete Square fills with roulottes (food trucks) serving fresh local cuisine. Just outside town, ancient marae (temples) and the Museum of Tahiti showcase the island’s rich cultural heritage.
Beyond the city, Tahiti reveals a wild side. Black sand beaches line the coast, while the interior features thundering waterfalls like Fautaua and dramatic valleys like Papenoo. Traditional dance shows at many hotels offer authentic glimpses of Polynesian culture, complete with fire dancers and traditional music.
Activities:
- Visit the Papeete Market for local crafts and fresh produce
- Explore the Museum of Tahiti and Her Islands
- Experience traditional dance shows
- Tour ancient marae sites
4. Huahine: The Garden Island
Best for: History buffs and off-the-beaten-path travelers.
For travelers seeking an authentic slice of French Polynesia away from the tourist crowds, Huahine offers a glimpse into island life as it once was. Split into two islands connected by a bridge, Huahine wraps its mysteries in thick jungle and fragrant vanilla vines.
Ancient marae dot the landscape, with over 200 archaeological sites hidden among the forests and shores. The most significant is Marae Manunu, where stone structures tell stories of ancient Polynesian ceremonies. In Lake Fauna Nui, you can spot blue-eyed sacred eels revered by locals for generations.
Locals proudly maintain traditional ways of life. Visit family-run vanilla plantations to learn about this precious crop, or join fishing families who still use ancestral stone traps to catch fish in the lagoon. The small villages welcome visitors with a genuine warmth that’s harder to find on more developed islands, making Huahine a true hidden gem in French Polynesia.
5. Rangiroa: A Diver’s Paradise
Best for: Divers and nature enthusiasts.
Unlike the volcanic peaks of its sisters, Rangiroa is a vast coral ring stretching 42 miles long and 16 miles wide, making it one of the world’s largest atolls. This endless string of coral creates a natural aquarium where two ocean passes funnel an incredible variety of marine life into the lagoon.
The legendary Tiputa Pass draws divers from around the world to witness one of nature’s greatest shows. Here, powerful currents attract large pelagic species – schools of sharks, dolphins, manta rays, and even hammerheads patrol these waters. During diving sessions, you might find yourself drifting alongside hundreds of gray reef sharks or watching bottlenose dolphins play in the current.
Inside the calm lagoon, excursions take you to pristine coral gardens and pink sand beaches. Visit local pearl farms to learn how Tahitian black pearls are cultivated in these nutrient-rich waters. At sunset, gather at Tiputa Pass to watch resident dolphins surfing the incoming waves.
Activities:
- Dive with sharks and dolphins in Tiputa Pass
- Snorkel in the “Aquarium” – a natural pool teeming with tropical fish
- Tour pearl farms
- Visit the Blue Lagoon, a natural pool within the lagoon
6. Taha’a: The Vanilla Island
Best for: A quiet retreat and food lovers.
Step onto Taha’a and the sweet scent of vanilla fills the air – this small island produces 80% of French Polynesia’s world-renowned vanilla. Shaped like a flower, Taha’a’s quiet valleys and gentle slopes host dozens of family-run vanilla plantations where visitors can learn the intricate process of growing and curing these precious pods.
The island shares a pristine lagoon with its sister island Raiatea, creating a vast playground for water activities. Small motus (islets) ring the lagoon, offering perfect spots for private picnics and snorkeling. The coral gardens between these motus create natural lazy rivers where swimmers can drift with the current among vibrant fish and coral.
Unlike its busier neighbors, Taha’a maintains a peaceful, unhurried atmosphere. Local farmers welcome visitors to tour their vanilla plantations and pearl farms, sharing traditional cultivation methods passed down through generations. This authentic glimpse into Polynesian agricultural life, combined with the island’s natural beauty, makes Taha’a a perfect escape for those seeking tranquility.
French Polynesia’s Best Island Bonuses
While Bora Bora, Moorea, and Tahiti often steal the spotlight, French Polynesia holds many more treasures waiting to be discovered. Beyond the famous lagoons and overwater bungalows lie islands where ancient traditions remain strong, nature stays truly wild, and tourists are still a rare sight. These hidden gems offer unique experiences that can’t be found on the more visited islands – from walls of sharks in pristine passes to sacred ceremonial sites deep in jungle valleys. Here are five remarkable islands that deserve a place on your French Polynesia itinerary.
1. Fakarava: The Untouched Escape
Best for: Eco-tourists and diving enthusiasts.
A UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, Fakarava stands as one of the most pristine atolls in French Polynesia. This vast lagoon harbors some of the healthiest coral reefs in the world, with two passes creating ideal conditions for marine life.
The south pass, Tumakohua, offers what many consider the ultimate diving experience – walls of hundreds of sharks gathering in the current. During certain months, grouper spawning attracts even more sharks to this natural spectacle.
Beyond diving, Fakarava’s protected status makes it a haven for rare birds and plant species. The small villages maintain traditional ways of life, while pristine beaches remain largely untouched by tourism.
Activities:
- Diving with walls of sharks in the passes
- Bird watching in protected areas
- Exploring untouched coral gardens
- Visiting traditional pearl farms
2. Nuku Hiva: The Mystical Island
Best for: Adventure seekers and cultural explorers.
Rising dramatically from the Pacific, Nuku Hiva stands apart from French Polynesia’s typical lagoon-ringed islands. As the largest of the Marquesas Islands, its untamed landscape features towering cliffs, deep valleys, and thundering waterfalls, creating a dramatic backdrop that once inspired Herman Melville’s earliest novels.
Ancient Polynesian history comes alive here through massive stone tiki and ceremonial sites hidden in dense jungle. The island’s archaeological treasures include some of the largest ancient stone structures in French Polynesia, telling stories of a rich cultural heritage.
Activities:
- Trek to Vaipo Waterfall, the highest in French Polynesia
- Explore ancient ceremonial sites with intricate stone carvings
- Ride Marquesan horses through lush valleys
- Hike through canyons to hidden beaches
- Visit traditional villages known for their wood carvings
3. Raiatea: The Sacred Island
Best for: History buffs and sailing enthusiasts.
Known as the “Sacred Island,” Raiatea holds profound cultural significance as the spiritual center of ancient Polynesia. The island’s crowning jewel is Taputapuatea marae, a UNESCO World Heritage site where ancient Polynesians gathered for ceremonies that shaped the region’s history.
Mount Temehani rises from the island’s heart, home to the rare tiare apetahi flower that grows nowhere else on Earth. This sacred flower, which only blooms at dawn, embodies the island’s mystical character.
The deep, protected lagoon shared with Taha’a makes Raiatea a sailor’s paradise. Charter boats dot the waters, while ancient polynesian sites whisper tales of the great navigators who once set sail from these shores to discover distant islands across the Pacific.
Activities:
- Explore Taputapuatea marae
- Sail the lagoon’s calm waters
- Hike Mount Temehani
- Visit vanilla plantations
When to Visit French Polynesia
French Polynesia enjoys a tropical climate with warm temperatures year-round, typically ranging from 75°F to 85°F (24°C to 29°C). The islands experience two distinct seasons that shape the visitor experience. The dry season, from May to October, brings cooler temperatures, lower humidity, and minimal rainfall, making it ideal for outdoor activities and water sports. These months also offer the best visibility for diving and snorkeling.
The wet season runs from November to April, bringing higher humidity and brief but intense rain showers. While these tropical rains usually pass quickly, this period can see occasional cyclones, particularly between January and March.
| Season | Months | Weather | Activities |
| Dry (Peak) | May-October | 75-82°F, low humidity, minimal rain | All outdoor activities, best diving conditions, whale watching (Jul-Oct) |
| Wet (Low) | November-April | 80-85°F, humid, brief showers | Indoor activities, surfing (Nov-Mar), lower prices |
Seasonal Highlights:
- July-October: Humpback whale migration
- November-March: Best surfing conditions
- April-May & September-November: Shoulder season, good weather/lower prices
How to Choose the Right Island
While the best islands in French Polynesia share stunning beaches and lagoons, each has a distinct personality. Honeymooners seeking seclusion will find paradise in Bora Bora’s overwater bungalows, while adventure seekers might prefer Moorea’s mountain trails.
For first-time visitors, combining two islands offers the perfect balance. Start in Tahiti for culture and markets, then head to a quieter island for relaxation. Consider your comfort with isolation and budget – outer islands require additional flights but offer more authentic experiences.
| Island | Best For | Key Activities | Vibe |
| Bora Bora | Honeymooners | Snorkeling, luxury resorts | Romantic |
| Moorea | Adventure seekers | Hiking, whale watching | Active yet relaxed |
| Tahiti | Culture enthusiasts | Markets, waterfalls, shows | Bustling gateway |
| Rangiroa | Divers | Scuba diving, lagoon excursions | Isolated and serene |
| Taha’a | Relaxation lovers | Vanilla farms, quiet lagoons | Peaceful |
| Huahine | History buffs | Ancient temples, vanilla plantations | Authentic and untouched |
| Fakarava | Eco-tourists | Shark diving, bird watching | Pristine and wild |
| Nuku Hiva | Adventure seekers | Archaeological sites, horseback riding | Mystical and rugged |
| Raiatea | History/sailing enthusiasts | Sacred sites, sailing, hiking | Spiritual and serene |
Practical Tips for Visiting French Polynesia
Paradise comes at a price, but with careful planning, French Polynesia can be accessible for different budgets. While luxury resorts dominate the landscape, there are ways to experience these islands without breaking the bank. Smart timing and island choices can help manage costs while still enjoying this stunning destination.
Budget Considerations:
- Luxury: $1,000-2,000 per night for overwater bungalows, fine dining ($150-300 per meal), private tours
- Mid-range: $300-600 per night for beachfront hotels, local restaurants ($30-60 per meal), shared tours
- Budget-friendly: $150-250 per night for guesthouses (pensions), self-catering ($15-30 per meal), public beaches
Travel Tips French Polynesia requires some preparation to navigate comfortably. Here are essential tips to help you make the most of your visit:
- Weather: Pack lightweight, breathable clothing, reef-safe sunscreen, and rain jacket for occasional showers
- Currency: Local currency is French Pacific Franc (XPF). Major credit cards accepted at resorts, but carry cash for small vendors
- Culture: Dress modestly outside beaches, remove shoes when entering homes, don’t touch sacred sites, always ask before taking photos of people
The Best Islands in French Polynesia For You
While Bora Bora’s famous lagoon often steals the spotlight, the best islands in French Polynesia extend far beyond this iconic destination. Each island tells its own story – from the vanilla-scented valleys of Taha’a to the dolphin-filled waters of Rangiroa, from Moorea’s dramatic peaks to Huahine’s ancient temples.
The magic of these islands lies in their diversity. Honeymooners find romance in overwater bungalows, adventure seekers discover hidden waterfalls, divers encounter marine life in pristine passes, and culture enthusiasts experience authentic Polynesian traditions in local villages.
When choosing among the best islands in French Polynesia, consider what draws you to the South Pacific. Perhaps it’s the thrill of swimming with manta rays, the serenity of a secluded beach, the challenge of a mountain hike, or the warmth of traditional Polynesian hospitality. You might find your paradise in Bora Bora’s turquoise lagoon, or perhaps on a quiet motu in Rangiroa where the only sounds are gentle waves and rustling palms.
These islands reward those who venture beyond the obvious choices. Whether you seek luxury or simplicity, adventure or relaxation, there’s an island waiting to become your personal paradise in French Polynesia.