Feel the Rhythm of the Pacific: Discover French Polynesia

Soft sand slips between your toes as a breeze carries the scent of tiare flowers across the lagoon. In the distance, a manta ray glides silently through crystal-clear waters, and the slow beat of a pahu drum echoes from the shore. Welcome to French Polynesia, where nature, culture, and adventure flow together like waves across the reef.

A Remote Paradise with a Wild Soul

French Polynesia is more than postcard beauty. This scattering of 118 islands and atolls, spread across five archipelagos in the South Pacific, is a living mosaic of volcanic peaks, coral reefs, lush rainforests, and ancient traditions. While names like Bora Bora and Tahiti evoke luxury and romance, the true essence of Polynesia lies in its connection to the land and sea.

Here, the outdoors isn't just a backdrop, it’s a way of life, from the rhythm of the waves to the paths carved through jungle-covered valleys. Whether you're drawn to underwater worlds or mountain trails, Polynesia invites you to slow down and explore with your senses wide open.

What to Do in French Polynesia

Dive into the World Below

One of the top outdoor experiences in French Polynesia is diving or snorkelling in its extraordinary lagoons and passes. The islands of Rangiroa and Fakarava, part of the Tuamotu Archipelago, are world-renowned for drift diving with grey reef sharks, manta rays, and vibrant coral gardens. In Bora Bora, swim alongside colourful fish in a calm, turquoise lagoon with Mount Otemanu rising above you.

In Moorea and Taha’a, snorkelling takes you through coral nurseries and gardens of giant clams. Between July and October, head to Rurutu in the Austral Islands to observe humpback whales in their natural habitat, a deeply moving experience that reminds you of nature’s grandeur.

Hike Volcanic Landscapes

If you prefer to stay above water, the volcanic peaks of the Society Islands offer rewarding hiking routes with panoramic views. On Moorea, the Three Coconuts Pass trail winds through lush forest and offers dramatic vistas over the island’s jagged ridges. On Tahiti, climb to the summit of Mount Aorai, where clouds drift below you and waterfalls dot the valleys.

For a more off-the-beaten-track experience, visit the Marquesas Islands, where ancient petroglyphs and jungle-covered trails lead to secluded lookouts and cultural sites.

Paddle, Surf and Sail

French Polynesia is a playground for paddlers and surfers. In Huahine and Raiatea, you can explore the lagoon by kayak or traditional outrigger canoe (va’a), gliding silently over coral gardens. The island of Teahupo’o, on Tahiti’s southern coast, is legendary among surfers for its heavy, glassy wave, not for beginners, but mesmerising to watch from the shore or a boat.

Sailing between islands is also a time-honoured tradition. Whether you join a crewed catamaran or charter your own, the experience of navigating by reef and star under Polynesia’s vast sky is unforgettable.

Connect with Culture and Community

Outdoor adventures in Polynesia are often intertwined with cultural encounters. Join a traditional fishing outing, learn to weave pandanus leaves, or hike to a marae (sacred site) with a local guide. In the Marquesas, tattooing, carving, and storytelling are vibrant expressions of identity and heritage.

Local Tips

Protect the reef: Always use reef-safe sunscreen and avoid touching corals or marine animals while snorkelling or diving.

Stay hydrated: The sun is strong year-round, so bring a reusable water bottle and drink regularly, especially during hikes.

Respect traditions: Dress modestly when visiting villages, and ask before taking photos of people or sacred places.

Go slowly: Island time is real, transport may be infrequent, and plans may shift with the weather. Embrace the pace and enjoy the in-between moments.

Best Time to Visit French Polynesia

French Polynesia has a warm, tropical climate year-round. The dry season, from May to October, is the most popular time to visit, with less humidity, comfortable temperatures, and clear skies, ideal for hiking, diving, and whale watching.

The wet season, from November to April, brings more rain and heat, but also fewer crowds and lush landscapes. It’s still a good time to snorkel and explore the islands, especially if you're looking for quiet beaches and relaxed atmospheres.

Keep in mind that conditions can vary between archipelagos, the Marquesas, for example, are drier and hotter than the Society Islands.

How to Get There

The main international gateway is Faa’a International Airport (PPT) near Papeete, Tahiti, with direct flights from Los Angeles, San Francisco, Auckland, Tokyo, and Paris.

From Tahiti, you can reach other islands by domestic flights with Air Tahiti, which offers air passes covering multiple destinations. Ferries also connect Tahiti to Moorea, a 30-minute journey ideal for a short island hop.

Getting around more remote islands like the Austral or Marquesas may require patience, but the reward is a deep connection to landscapes few others see.

Stay Longer, Go Deeper

Beyond the iconic overwater bungalows lies a vast and diverse world. Each island has its own personality, from the wild cliffs of Nuku Hiva to the flower-scented valleys of Huahine. Whether you’re diving, hiking, paddling, or simply floating in a lagoon, French Polynesia invites you to slow down, breathe deeply, and discover its hidden gems one adventure at a time.