French Polynesia’s Only Travel Guide You Need For A Great Trip in 11 Easy Steps

 French Polynesia’s Only Travel Guide You Need For A Great Trip in 11 Easy Steps

French Polynesia’s Background

 

Polynesians had been living on these islands for hundreds of years before Westerners found them. Several explorers’ marae have survived to the present day. French invasion of the Polynesian islands began in the 19th century, after the British discovered Tahiti in the 1760s. France resumed nuclear testing on the Mururoa atoll after a three-year ban, sparking widespread protests in September 1995. In January of 1996, the experiments were put on hold. In recent years, French Polynesia has been actively pursuing political and economic independence from France. Improvements are being made, but full realization is likely to take at least two decades. Due to the lack of autonomy, discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender expression is against the law throughout the archipelago, thus you shouldn’t run into any trouble when there.

Located in the azure waters of the south-central Pacific Ocean, French Polynesia is made up of five distinct island groups: the Tuamotu, Marquesas, Gambier, Austral, and Society Islands. Sailing around these islands is the dream vacation in style. You may pick from a wide selection of white, pink, and black beaches, all of which are bordered by tropical lagoons and coral reefs rich with marine life including dolphins, turtles, rays, and sharks (mostly the harmless variety). French Polynesia is an ideal location for a wide variety of water sports, including snorkeling, diving, surfing, and kiteboarding.

The majority of the population of the Society Islands lives on Tahiti, the largest island in the archipelago. The region’s only international airport is located here, making Pape’ete a likely first stop for visitors from beyond the South Pacific. The heart-shaped island of Mo’orea is just 15 kilometres across the Pacific from Tahiti, and it is well-known for its two beautiful bays and several hiking trails. In contrast, our final destination, Bora Bora, is the perfect spot to disconnect from the world.

 

“In the South Pacific, you can find sanctuary, where you can escape from the stresses of the outside world and completely unwind. All of the activities available here, from hiking to scuba diving to island hopping to simply relaxing, are nothing short of enchanted. This is a dream holiday, with no prejudice and stunning natural scenery.”

 

French and Chinese influences have transformed Polynesian cooking, adding new dimensions of flavour. Yams, sweet potatoes, bananas, and breadfruit are common ingredients. To prepare traditional Polynesian fare, food is traditionally wrapped in leaves and cooked in an underground oven with hot stones known as an ahima’a. Fruits abound, but vegetables are scarce. That’s because ‘cold-blooded’ vegetables struggle to thrive in the region’s heat temperature.

Staying on the move will allow you to take advantage of all that French Polynesia has to offer visitors. This Cruisit French Polynesia travel guide provides an itinerary that strikes a balance between leisure and exploration. Arrive in this untapped South Pacific paradise and enjoy it to the fullest. The following itinerary for French Polynesia is tailored to the country’s peak tourist season, but may still be enjoyed during the shoulder months. With sunny days spent on the beach, surrounded by verdant peaks and dramatic picture-perfect scenery, and hundreds of species to explore, French Polynesia will fulfill your wildest dreams.

Moreover, we will provide you with all the information you need to go across French Polynesia with ease by providing you with a comprehensive travel guide. As you read on, you’ll learn about the best of what French Polynesia has to offer—its cities, sights, transit options, and more. If you’re pumped up enough, then let’s get started!

Top Places in French Polynesia

Faarumai Waterfalls

In Tiarei village is the beautiful Faarumai Waterfalls, which may be reached by a quick hike through the forest. There are three stunning waterfalls to admire: Vaimahutu, Haamarere Iti, and Haamarere Rahi, all within walking distance of each other. It’s been deemed a must-see attraction by many. But mosquitoes can be rather aggressive, so it’s best to protect yourself with some sort of bug repellent.

Arahoho Blowhole

Arahoho Blowhole, one of Tahiti’s most popular tourist attractions, is located on the island’s rocky coast and is surrounded by a beautiful black sand beach. When waves hit the shore, they create a tremendous explosion that sprays stunning plumes of water into the air, exciting onlookers and providing photo opportunities.

Pape’ete Market

Visit the Pape’ete Market to immerse yourself in the sights, sounds, and fragrances of real Polynesian life. This indoor market hall is the island’s oldest continuously operating institution in Tahiti.

Notre Dame Cathedral

One of Papeete’s oldest and greatest churches is the Cathedral of Notre Dame. This bright yellow gothic structure first opened in 1875 but has been demolished and rebuilt multiple times before its most recent renovation in 1987.

Magic Mountain

Magic Mountain is one of Moorea’s highest points. It runs along the island’s edge and provides breathtaking vistas of the island and the crystal-clear lagoon and ocean beyond. Magic Mountain gives guests a taste of the beautiful landscape of a remote volcanic island as they pass by towns, beautiful valleys, fruit orchards, and even pineapple bushes to make their way up to the summit.

7-day Itinerary in French Polynesia

Day 1-2

 

Arrive and Explore Tahiti

Explore the central town once you’ve settled into your accommodation. Enjoy a delicious meal of extraordinary seafood in the heart of Papeete before setting off on foot to explore the rest of the city. When you want to experience a little bit of Papeete’s cultural side, head to Pape’ete Market. Enjoy some coconut water and mangoes before retiring to your accommodation for the night.

 

The following day, begin your journey to Teahupoo surfing capital with detours to the island’s botanical gardens, historic ceremonial grounds, and black sand beaches (or the world-famous white sand Maui Beach). Next, visit the Gauguin Museum, the Museum of Tahiti and Her Islands, and the James Norman House to learn more about the fascinating history of the Polynesian archipelago. At the end of the day, have an authentic meal at one of the many food trucks parked in Place Vaiete, where you can dine on a variety of cheap local specialties, Chinese classics, and French crepes to the tune of live music.

 

  • Backpacker: 
  • Budget: 
  • Mid-range
  • Luxury

When it becomes dark, a foreign city may be twice as dangerous - especially if you don't understand the language and are unfamiliar with the area. There is no reason to be alarmed about walking alone in the city since there is almost none petty crime recorded in Tahiti to warrant worry. You can walk safely at day, but nevertheless be wary while walking at night and be alert in crowded areas. You can always take taxis, if you don't feel comfortable. Be wary of petty crime by taking precautions mentioned in the safety section above.

Day 2-3

 

Mo’orea

For the coming 2 days, enjoy the beautiful Island of Moorea. Moorea’s resorts is suitable or fevery traveler’s budget, but booking ahead of time, especially during peak season, is essential for getting the best rates. Avoid the south, which has few attractions or facilities, and instead stay between Haapiti and Papet’ai for the best access to the lagoon and surrounding food options.

Head to the ferry dock early to get a ticket towards Moorea Island which is only a 30-minute ride. Be aware of the dolphins leading the way to the dock as the scenery changes from Tahiti to Mo’orea. Start your day by leaving your bags at the hotel, and then take a 4×4 safari over the island’s northern shore to see Cook Bay and Opunohu Bay. Some tour groups, after seeing the sights along the shore, head uphill to see the spectacular waterfalls of Mo’orea, and finish the day with a visit to the Tiki Theatre Village for a dance performance.

Choose to spend the following day swimming with whales, doing scuba diving, or taking a tour of a shark and stingray feeding lagoon. Soak up the island atmosphere and get some rest so you can go on an exciting trip tomorrow.

Day 5-7 

 

Bora Bora

Since Bora Bora is the gem of French Polynesia, it was intentionally saved for last and given the maximum vacation days. Once you’ve settled into your lodgings, you can be ready to embark on a fantastic day. Take pictures while you stroll along the beautiful beaches framed by the turquoise waters of the lagoons and the carved rocks of Mount Otemanu. To make the most of your time in the lagoon, we recommend booking a full-day boat tour that includes opportunities to swim with nurse sharks, feed stingrays, and snorkel among the reefs. Later, visit a secluded bay for a seafood lunch and ukulele performance.

You can choose to spend the next day lounging on your deck or visiting the equally alluring Matira Beach. The next step is to cycle the entire island’s 32 kilometres, taking in WWII stations, historic temples, and sleepy towns along the way. Off-road 4×4 tours to see the best of Bora Bora’s flora and fauna, while also learning about the island’s volcanic history and ancient cultures, are also quite popular.

Today is your last chance to soak up the stunning scenery of French Polynesia and capture some photos as a memento. Have a good breakfast before your flight.

Bora Bora is not cheap, so budget tourists could consider skipping it in favour of the more laid-back Maupiti or Huahine, or the hiking in Raiatea.

 

Extra Day: Visit Tuamotus
If you’re still not ready to leave home, the 78 coral atolls that make Tuamotu provide more of the same paradise you’ve come to expect from your island getaway. These islands to the north and east of Tahiti are far enough from the mainland to avoid mass tourists yet close enough for a quick ferry trip, making them ideal for a relaxing and authentic vacation. Since fishing, coconuts, and black pearls have been important to the archipelago for hundreds of years, tourists should not expect much of a focus on the tourism industry. Therefore, making reservations in advance is recommended.

The Most Popular Food in French Polynesia

French Polynesian food is characteristic of island fare, with dishes highlighting freshly caught fish, ripe fruit plucked from trees, and luscious coconuts cracked open. French Polynesian food combines French and Chinese influences; nonetheless, some distinctly New Zealand and Australian touches sneak in there, too.

Pahua taioro

Both turbot snails and clams can be used to make the delicious Tahitian meal known as Pahua taioro (pahua). Snails and clams need to be steeped in fresh water for several hours before being mixed with taioro, a condiment produced by fermenting almonds, grated coconut, seawater, and shrimp. At the very end, seasonings like garlic, onions, salt, and pepper are added.

Pua toro

Pua toro, a dish of canned corned beef, made by sautéing the meat in a skillet with chopped red onions, canned tomatoes, cabbage, salt, garlic, oil, and pepper. Spaghetti, rice, or roasted breadfruit are all good options for a side dish.

Poulet fafa

Chicken luau is what the Hawaiians term the Tahitian dish known as poulet fafa. Pieces of chicken are fried in heated oil till golden brown. The leftover oil is used to sauté onion, garlic, and ginger before the chicken is placed back in and cooked again. To thicken the sauce, cornstarch or arrowroot dissolved in coconut milk is added.

Po’e

Tahitian poe is a dessert made of banana purée, brown sugar, and arrowroot or cornstarch. Pudding is made by baking the mixture until it is set and bubbling. It’s served in cubes, cold, with coconut cream on top. Papaya, mango, pineapple, or any other tropical fruit instead of banana. As a beloved dessert, it is frequently served at Tahitian tamara’a barbecues.

 

Ahima’a

Tahitian ahima’a is named after the oven used to cook it, which consists of a hole dug in the ground and lined with volcanic stones, with a layer of wood and coconut husks placed on top. After the fire is out, green branches and banana leaves are laid over the hot stones. Foods like pork and poultry are seasoned and lightly basted with oil before being placed on the leaves. Other ingredients like bananas, breadfruit, fish, and vegetables are also added before being wrapped in leaves.

What's the Travel Budget for French Polynesia

Final Thoughts on French Polynesia

With its combination of pink, white, and black sand beaches, the great blue water offers a novel setting in which to unwind. These Islands present fresh opportunities for hiking, scuba diving, and simply relaxing. French Polynesia’s attractiveness stems from many factors, including its ideal hot weather, thrilling music, festivals, and vivid picture-perfect settings of mountains and coastline excellent for lounging and watching the sunset. For its stunning natural beauty, the abundance of unique species, and wealth of interesting cultural sites, French Polynesia is a destination that cannot be missed by any tourist. Are you considering a trip to French Polynesia?

Have you ever been to French Polynesia? Leave your comments or questions in the section below.

Cruisit Team

1 Comment

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