Top Things to Do on French Polynesia Holidays | Guide

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Top Things to Do in French Polynesia: Adventures on Land and Sea

Known as The Islands of Tahiti, French Polynesia is made up of 118 islands spread across an area the size of Europe. The region includes high volcanic islands, low atolls, and wide lagoons of clear turquoise water. The main islands visited are Bora Bora, Tahiti, Moorea, Rangiroa, Raiatea, and Fakarava. Visitors will find coral reefs, hiking trails, waterfalls, and cultural traditions that remain part of everyday life. The islands offer a wide range of activities on land and at sea, making them a destination suited to both relaxation and exploration. French Polynesia holidays are ideal for travellers seeking a blend of natural adventure and cultural discovery.

On the Water: Turquoise Lagoons and Nautical Adventures

nautical activities
Snorkelling and diving are among the most rewarding ways to discover French Polynesia’s marine life. The lagoons of Bora Bora, Moorea, and Rangiroa are filled with coral gardens where visitors can swim alongside colourful fish, rays, and reef sharks. More experienced divers often choose the passes of Rangiroa or Fakarava, where currents attract dolphins and grey sharks, making them some of the most impressive dive sites in the Pacific. Bora Bora French Polynesia holidays often focus on time spent in the lagoon, with world-class snorkelling and diving at the heart of the experience. From July to November, humpback whales migrate through the islands, and tours give visitors the chance to observe these giants in their natural environment. In Moorea and Rurutu, encounters are especially frequent, and excursions are carefully regulated to ensure respectful observation. Watching a whale breach or a mother swimming with her calf is an experience many travellers consider the highlight of their trip. Polynesian traditions are also deeply tied to the sea, and none more so than the va’a, or outrigger canoe. Used for centuries for fishing and travel, it is now the national sport. The Hawaiki Nui Va’a is the most famous event, a three-day race covering 125 kilometres between Huahine, Raiatea, Taha’a, and Bora Bora. It is a display of both endurance and cultural pride, drawing competitors and spectators from across the Pacific. Balancing this heritage are newer activities such as foil boarding and wakefoil, which are becoming increasingly popular in Tahiti, Bora Bora, and Moorea. With a fin fixed beneath the board to lift the rider above the surface, they create the sensation of gliding or flying across the water. For visitors seeking adventure, they add a modern and exhilarating way to experience the lagoons.

On the Land: Mountains, Valleys and Adventure

Hiking in FrenchPolynesia
The islands of French Polynesia are as rewarding inland as they are along the lagoons. Hiking paths, treetop adventures, and fertile valleys reveal landscapes that feel far removed from the beaches. Hiking in Tahiti is particularly memorable, with trails that lead through forests, past rivers, and up to panoramic viewpoints. The Fautaua Valley, not far from Papeete, rewards walkers with a dramatic waterfall more than 100 metres high, while the Papenoo Valley opens onto a rugged interior dotted with archaeological remains. Moorea offers climbs with superb views over its bays, and on smaller islands like Huahine or Maupiti, the trails are gentler but rich in local character. A holiday in Tahiti, French Polynesia, often combines these mountain walks with days spent exploring the island’s cultural sites and coastal villages. For something more playful, treetop adventure parks in Moorea and Tahiti let visitors move between the trees on rope bridges, zip lines, and ladders. At Tiki Park in Moorea, the courses are designed for all ages, and the views over Opunohu Valley make the effort worthwhile. It is a welcome change of pace from the lagoon and a chance to see the islands from above. Travellers who want to explore further inland often take a 4x4 safari. These guided excursions reach areas that are difficult to access on foot, crossing rivers and ridges to reveal valleys, waterfalls, and ancient marae sites. The journeys are as much about the drive itself as the discoveries along the way. On Taha’a, land activities also connect directly to local life. The island is known as the “Vanilla Island,” and visiting a plantation shows how the pods are cultivated and cured. The scent of vanilla drifts across the fields, and the visits highlight how agriculture remains part of Polynesian tradition.

Cultural Discoveries: Heritage and Everyday Life

french polynesia flower crown and vanilla
Culture in French Polynesia is woven into daily life, expressed through craft, art, food, and ritual. Visitors can experience it directly, whether by joining in a workshop or exploring the vibrant markets that remain at the heart of local communities. Flowers are everywhere in the islands, and making a crown is a tradition that has been passed down through generations. The crowns are worn for ceremonies and celebrations, and travellers can learn how to make their own using tropical blooms. A flower behind the ear is also a part of everyday symbolism: on the right side it means you are single, while on the left it shows that you are in a relationship. Sculpture and engraving have long been central to Polynesian identity. Master artisans once carved wood, stone, and bone to produce ceremonial objects and everyday tools, often decorated with motifs drawn from mythology. Today, visitors can still find intricate carvings in wood or rare volcanic stone from Ua Pou in the Marquesas Islands, each piece carrying cultural meaning and history. In Papeete, the main market offers another window into local life. The Mapuru a Paraita market, as it is known, is spread over two floors and sells produce, fish, pareos, handicrafts, and pearls from across the archipelagos. Open early each day, it is especially lively on Sunday mornings, when families gather to buy food for their traditional ma’a Tahiti lunch. A final cultural encounter is through mono’i oil, one of the most distinctive products of the islands. Made by infusing coconut oil with the petals of tiare Tahiti flowers, it has long been valued for its fragrance, cosmetic qualities, and place in everyday wellbeing. Many shops and resorts sell mono’i, but learning about its preparation provides a deeper appreciation of how this simple blend remains a symbol of Polynesian beauty and tradition.

Relaxation and Wellness: Polynesian Traditions of Care

spa care in french Polynesia
Relaxation is an essential part of life in French Polynesia, and visitors will find no shortage of opportunities to unwind in settings that match the beauty of the islands. Many luxury resorts feature spas that combine modern facilities with Polynesian traditions. Hammams, saunas, and jacuzzis are often complemented by body care rituals that use local ingredients such as coconut, vanilla, and tiare flowers. With treatment rooms positioned close to the lagoon, these spas offer more than comfort: they provide a sense of immersion in the calm and rhythm of the islands. At the heart of Polynesian wellness is the taurumi, the traditional massage of Tahiti. The technique uses monoï oil and fluid, rhythmic movements designed to release both physical and mental tension. More than a treatment, it reflects a philosophy of care that focuses on restoring balance and harmony. A taurumi session leaves the body relaxed, the mind clear, and the visitor with a deeper connection to the spirit of the islands.

Practical Tips for Activities

boat trip french Polynesia
  • Best season: The dry season from May to October is best for most outdoor activities, while July to November is the peak time for whale watching.
  • Bookings: Many excursions can be arranged through hotels, but independent operators often provide smaller groups and more flexible itineraries.
  • Equipment: Reef-safe sunscreen, lightweight clothing, and sturdy shoes for hiking are essentials. Most watersport equipment is available on site.
  • Sustainability: Respect cultural traditions, support local businesses, and avoid touching or standing on coral to help preserve the fragile marine environment.

Final Thoughts

flower chain exchange with guests Tahiti
French Polynesia leaves a lasting impression not only for its landscapes but also for the variety of ways to experience them. From time on the water to adventures inland and moments of cultural connection, each activity adds depth to the journey. For those considering holidays to French Polynesia, the islands promise both relaxation and adventure, all in one remarkable setting.

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