Top attractions in French Polynesia – what is worth seeing?

French Polynesia is a small island nestled in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, each captivating with its unique charm: colorful reefs, lush green vegetation, clear lagoons, and breathtakingly beautiful beaches. Getting there may take a long journey, but the landscapes of Bora Bora, Moorea, and Tahiti will be worth the effort, and the unique images will long remain in your memory as magical memories! Discover the beauty of French Polynesia with Planet Escape and discover the incredible attractions this Pacific region has to offer!

Bora Bora - relax on one of the most beautiful beaches in the world

Soft sand under your feet, warm ocean water, turquoise lagoon and luxurious hotels – welcome to Bora Bora! Its paradise-like nature was described in the mid-10th century by James Michener in "Tales of the South Pacific", and today the opinion of almost everyone who has visited this small island (over XNUMX times smaller than the city of Kraków itself) remains unchanged and only enthusiastic stories about paradise on earth multiply endlessly.

Snow-white beaches with fine sand are one of the island's unique calling cards. After all, it is impossible to be in Polynesia and not immerse yourself in the clear waters of its ocean! You will not find long beaches here that stretch for kilometers - Bora Bora is a small island, but everyone will definitely find a secluded piece of beach for themselves.

Your adventure with paradise beaches during trips to French Polynesia start from the south of the island and the famous Matira Beach. We probably don't need to mention the emerald color of the water, white sand and lush green vegetation - take it for granted! The beach stretches for about 2 km and is public, so it is worth walking between its ends. It will take you only 30 minutes! There you will find a diving center and several snack bars. Be sure to also go to the eastern side of the island's coast (about 200-300 m away), where there is a continuation of Matira Beach. It is on this beach that the famous hotel is located InterContinental Le Moana with overwater bungalows! Most of the beaches in Bora Bora belong to a given hotel, which is why such facilities as the Four Seasons, InterContinental Thalasso, St. Regis or Le Meridien. Each of them is unique!

See whales off Moore Island

Southeast of Bora Bora is the island Moorea. It is near it that lucky people can observe and even swim with humpback whales, which come to the area from July to November to raise their young. You will find many companies offering such expeditions on site. Some offer private trips with a biologist and a cameraman who will record your adventure on video. The cost of such a trip with a private boat for up to 6 people is around USD 700 for half a day and USD 1100 for a full day. You can book your unforgettable experience at https://moorea-ocean-adventures.com/. However, it should be remembered that seeing a given species of whale is not guaranteed. This is the natural habitat of these mammals, so you must respect it and be patient. Nevertheless, such an experience can be a unique opportunity to see these huge mammals, so being on vacation in French Polynesia it is worth considering this activity.

Climb to the Belvedere Lookout on Moore Island

When on Moorea Island, you can't forget the Belvedere viewpoint, which offers views of the incredibly colorful Opunohu Bay, but also of Cook Bay. A winding road leads to the top, which is already spectacular in itself. You can cover it on foot or by car. There is often a possibility to buy fresh fruit or snacks on the road, but we do not guarantee that they will be sold on a given day. The trek should take you about 1 hour, because the entire route is about 4,5 km long. This is a great idea for a "rest" from the paradise beach and spending your morning or afternoon actively!

Try local specialties at Papeete Market in Tahiti

Papeete is the capital of French Polynesia located on the island Tahiti. There is a unique market here, which can be a great introduction to your trip, because where better than in such a place, to immerse yourself in the local color, culture and cuisine? Here you will find freshly squeezed juices, various vegetables and fruits, which you will probably see and taste here for the first time in your life, home-made products, seafood and many other local products. A morning walk among the market alleys will certainly stimulate your senses and satisfy the desire to commune with Polynesian culture.

Stay overnight with Marlon Brando on Tetiaroa Island

Did you know that the famous American actor Marlon Brando, who played roles in such classic films as "The Godfather" and "Apocalypse Now", was the founder and owner of one of the most luxurious hotels in the world? What's more, did you know that you can stay there for a vacation during your travel around French Polynesia? We surprised you! The island of Tetiaroa, located a few dozen kilometers north of Tahiti, belonged to Marlon Brando for 36 years. On this small atoll island, there is a quiet facility The Brando, which fits into the landscape of the place, and its main idea is to "offer every guest a carbon neutral experience". To this end, numerous, positive environmental measures are taken there, such as: investments in renewable energy, selective waste management, an ecological garden, a sorting center and a seawater air conditioning system. Transfers to the island are unfortunately still organized by private planes, which somewhat disrupts the whole "ecological order". However, the owners write that "they still have to make some efforts" to reduce carbon dioxide and among the problematic issues they mention the problem of transport.

A journey through the four most beautiful islands of French Polynesia

French Polynesia – Following the trail of the four most beautiful islands of French Polynesia | Tahiti, Moorea, Huahine, Bora Bora
French Polynesia is a utopia and has been synonymous for centuries with paradise on earth, crystal clear waters and white beaches. Bora Bora and other islands are a mythical Eden, where you can admire unrealistically beautiful sunsets over the Pacific. The wonders of nature can be seen here at every step, as you will see right after your arrival! This is one of those trips that will stay with us for the rest of our lives.

On the island of Tetiaroa, you will stay in one of 35 private thatched villas surrounded by tropical bushes. In the restaurant, the chef will pamper your taste buds with Polynesian-French cuisine, and in the spa, which is located in the treetops (!), you will indulge in Polynesian beauty rituals. The Brando also provides a range of different activities, so you will definitely not be bored here. During your stay, you can sail a boat around the atoll and observe the local fauna and flora, go kayaking, explore the island by bike or sail to the place where Marlon Brando originally lived. One thing is for sure - you will return from this place calm and rested!

The best diving spots

The underwater world of the Pacific Ocean is a wealth of colorful reefs, amazing species of fish and luminous plankton. In short, it can be said that it is the kingdom of marine biodiversity! Many diving centers offer trips here for those more or less advanced, so being under the care of the most experienced divers, it is definitely worth discovering the underwater world of French Polynesia.

For beginners, we suggest choosing Anau Point, a place located in the eastern part of Bora Bora, specifically in its lagoon. Sports enthusiasts will not have to dive in the open ocean waters, but they will have the opportunity to admire not only a beautiful coral reef, but also manta rays. On the western side of the island, in Teavanui Pass, you can swim with small sharks and see blue corals. On Moorea Island, at Haapiti Point, you can observe several types of sharks. Intermediate divers are recommended to dive in the lagoon of the heart-shaped island - Tapiti, which is located north of Bora Bora. Between August and November, lucky ones will have the opportunity to see humpback whales there! To observe sharks, you can dive at Tapu Point, while at Muri Muri Point you can swim with sharks and even meet turtles. Advanced divers can head to the Tupitipiti point to explore underwater caves and canyons, and see giant humphead wrasses.

See the Faarumai Falls

In the northern part of Tahiti, there are three Faarumai waterfalls, surrounded by lush, exotic vegetation. The waterfalls are accessed by an asphalt road ending with a parking lot, from where you can walk to the first cascade, Vaima Hutu, in just a few minutes. After a rest, you can go on another 30-minute hike to reach two more waterfalls – Haamaremare Rahi and Haamaremare Iti. Don't forget to take water repellent and a bottle of water – the humidity there is really bad. If you don't have a rental car, you can use the services of local tourist offices or taxi drivers.

Trek to Magic Mountain on Moore Island

Want to escape the paradise coast of Moorea for a while and spend your vacation actively? Go to Opunohu Bay and turn into a side street at the Fare Tutava restaurant. After 500 meters you will see a parking lot and the entrance fee will be around 200 CFP. Here you will start your half-hour trek or rent a jeep to reach the top! From the top you will be able to admire wonderful views of the lagoon and tropical vegetation.

Visit a black pearl farm in Tahiti and a vanilla plantation in Tahaa

Tahitian pearls are a luxury item used by the world's best jewelers, which is why only properly trained specialists cultivate them. At the Fakarava farm, you can learn the secrets of this profession and see in what environmental conditions such beautiful, multi-colored gems are created, which enjoy their reputation among goldsmiths around the world. The history of the Tahia company dates back to the 90s, when Tahia Haring founded her first boutique on the island of Tahiti. It quickly became popular and its subsequent branches were opened on the island of Moorea and Bora Bora, and then also in Europe, the United States and Asia. Tahia and her husband also opened an art gallery, and their boutiques are currently located in some of the most luxurious hotels in French Polynesia.

Another interesting place is the Tahaa Vanilla Farm! You can get there by taking one of the cruises with local guides. When you get there, you will see a lush garden

And you will have the opportunity to taste tropical fruit. Then you will take part in a fantastic walk, accompanied by a lecture on the natural methods of growing vanilla. You will be able to observe this process and at the end of the tour you will also buy vanilla products!

Go to Otemanu – the peak of an extinct volcano in Bora Bora

Mount Otemanu is the highest peak on Bora Bora, rising over 700 m above sea level and visible from almost every corner of the island! Tourists cannot reach the very top, because it is an extinct volcano (the last eruption took place 3 million years ago), some of whose walls are very steep. However, there are many trails with viewpoints that guarantee amazing landscapes. Although the mountain is not high, the trail is quite demanding and at times the support of ropes is necessary, so if you are not at least a little experienced in climbing, we recommend going up the mountain with a local guide. On the way, you will see the Anau cave, where you can rest. Such a climb, including the descent, will take you about 5-6 hours, so you need to prepare for it accordingly. Also remember not to go on the trail right after a downpour - it is dangerous.