French Polynesia
French Polynesia spreads more than 100 islands across the South Pacific. Our guides compare Tahiti, Moorea, Bora Bora, and Taha’a, with advice for lagoons, overwater stays, and budget-conscious island hopping.
About French PolynesiaBest Time to Visit
May - Oct is the drier, cooler season. Nov - Apr is warmer, more humid, and brings more tropical rain.
Time Zone
Multiple time zones
UTC-10 to UTC-9, depending on region and season
Currency
CFP franc (XPF)
Languages
French
English proficiency varies; tourist areas usually offer the most support.
Best Paired With
Editor’s Picks
Hotels
Four Seasons Bora Bora Resort: A Honeymoon Dream
Bora Bora is synonymous with Tropical Paradise: white sand beaches, overwater bungalows, a vibrant blue lagoon, flower crowns and the Tahiti sun - and the Four Seasons Bora Bora Resort is an icon of a property. French Polynesia was always our dream honeymoon, but we couldn't wait for our wedding to travel to this paradise!
Read the guide
Travel Guides
The Moorea Budget Travel Guide: How to Travel Tahiti for Cheap
Moorea is the backpackers and affortable traveler's paradise in French Polynesia. While the Tahitian Islands are legendary for its amazing beaches, crystal clear lagoons, and ultra high prices, we discovered that it is very possible to travel - and travel well - on a budget. Read on for where to stay, the best cheap eats, tahiti travel tips, and the true costs for it all.
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Which Islands to Visit in French Polynesia: Tahiti, Moorea, Bora Bora, and Taha’a Explained
Choosing the right islands in French Polynesia shapes the entire experience, especially when comparing volcanic landscapes, coral gardens, and luxury lagoon settings. Island hopping is more than doable, and each island offers its own experiences, beauty, and identity - from ultraluxury to affordable.
Read the guide
French Polynesia Guides
View All 13 Posts
Beauty
The Best Waterproof Make-Up Products For Swimming and Tropics
Waterproof Make Up that will last for humid tropics, days spent swimming, and beach vacations is hard to find. But through years of tropical travel, I've tested ALL the best waterproof foundations, mascaras, and setting sprays so you don't have to. This is the ultimate guide to the best make up brands and products that will stay on in the water - no matter what.
Features
Top 20 Underrated Destinations for your 2026 Travel Bucket List
Looking for somewhere unique and unexpected to travel to next year? Our guide to 20 lesser known and visited places for the adventurous traveler.
Travel Guides
19 Of The Most Unique and Unusual Beaches in the World
Unique beaches around the world that you won't believe exist. Whether it’s dramatic cliffs, unusually colored sand, hidden coves, or surreal landscapes, these one-of-a-kind beaches and a complete bucket list of ocean-loving travel.
Hotels
The Top 10 Most Insane Luxury Hotels in the World
Some of the best, luxurious, and most incredible hotels and resorts all around the world, from private islands to historic accommodations in the center of European cities, to the most romantic honeymoon paradises. A seriously wanderlust-inducing list to fuel your travel dreams.
Hotels
Four Seasons Bora Bora Resort: A Honeymoon Dream
Bora Bora is synonymous with Tropical Paradise: white sand beaches, overwater bungalows, a vibrant blue lagoon, flower crowns and the Tahiti sun - and the Four Seasons Bora Bora Resort is an icon of a property. French Polynesia was always our dream honeymoon, but we couldn't wait for our wedding to travel to this paradise!
Travel Style
What to Pack For a Beach Resort Vacation: A Complete Female Tropical Packing List
A full tropical beach vacation packing guide. A week at a tropical resort is always a good idea - but when your only options are the hotel gift shops, you don't want to be stuck without everything you need. There are some unexpected and easy-to-forget items that will make your trip so much better - and some that I've learned through years of overpacking that you just will not use. The best shoes, attire, accessories, and essentials to pack for the piña-colada-sipping vacation of a lifetime.
Travel Guides
The Moorea Budget Travel Guide: How to Travel Tahiti for Cheap
Moorea is the backpackers and affortable traveler's paradise in French Polynesia. While the Tahitian Islands are legendary for its amazing beaches, crystal clear lagoons, and ultra high prices, we discovered that it is very possible to travel - and travel well - on a budget. Read on for where to stay, the best cheap eats, tahiti travel tips, and the true costs for it all.
Features
Top 20 Underrated Destinations for your 2022 Travel Bucket List
That are open for tourism! Looking for somewhere unique and unexpected to travel to this year? Our guide to 20 lesser known and visited places for the adventurous traveler.
Travel Guides
Which Islands to Visit in French Polynesia: Tahiti, Moorea, Bora Bora, and Taha’a Explained
Choosing the right islands in French Polynesia shapes the entire experience, especially when comparing volcanic landscapes, coral gardens, and luxury lagoon settings. Island hopping is more than doable, and each island offers its own experiences, beauty, and identity - from ultraluxury to affordable.
Hotels
Le Taha'a Island Resort - Overwater Bungalow Bliss in Tahiti
Staying in one of French Polynesia's most luxurious and off the regular path hotels, Le Taha'a is a private island with water villas anda full lagoon playground to enjoy the Tahiti sun in.
Travel Guides
The Best Luxury Vacation Destinations Around the World for Five-Star Travel
Dreaming of a luxury escape for the ultimate bucket-list vacation? The world’s most exclusive travel destinations for 5-star vacations, from private island resorts to glamorous coastal retreats for once-in-a-lifetime moments.
Travel Guides
What to Do in Bora Bora: The Best Boat Day Excursion and Lagoon Experience
How to spend a day on a honeymoon in French Polynesia? A snorkeling tour in the lagoon, meeting sting rays and black tip sharks, a fresh-made, local island lunch, and cruising on the bluest water in the Tahiti Sun!