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French Polynesia holidays

4.8/5

Average Customer Score
Based On 1280 Reviews

Best time to visit All year-round
Capital Papeete
Population 311,413
Area 4,167km²
4.8/5

Average Customer Score
Based On 1280 Reviews

Overview

Not one, but five groups of islands, French Polynesia sprawls across 4,000 square kilometres of the Central Pacific. From the forest-clad peaks of ‘high islands’ to the turquoise necklace of coral atolls draped through the Tuamotu Archipelago, this is paradise in many beautiful guises.

The Society Islands form the most populous and well-known island group including the largest island, Tahiti, which is on the same time zone as Hawaii, as well as Moorea and idyllic Bora Bora.

In contrast, the little-visited Marquesas lie nearly 1000 miles north-east, a chain of 12 mountainous islands jutting sharply above the indigo-blue Pacific.

south pacific marquesas cruise jo cooper This is the place. French Polynesia and the Marquesas warm the heart and feed the soul. From the smiley faces that greet you and the joyful Polynesian dancing to the bright turquoise sea and forest-covered mountains. Consider yourself in paradise.
Plan Your Trip
  • french polynesia sarongs in tahiti astk

    Highlights

    Things to do in Tahiti

    • Embrace the Tahitian culture on a visit to Pape’ete
    • Take to the water snorkelling, paddle-boarding or surfing
    • Join a tour of the island visiting Point Venus where Captain Cook landed
    • Sip a cocktail and watch the sunset over nearby Moorea

  • Highlights

    Things to do in Moorea

    • Stay in a overwater bungalow and enjoy the meandering pace of life
    • Encounter stingrays and turtles snorkelling in the crystal clear lagoon
    • Explore the lush valleys, fruit plantations and colourful flowers
    • Stroll along peaceful, pristine white sand beaches
  • french polynesia overwater bungalow bora bora astk

    Highlights

    Things to do in Bora Bora

    • Discover the marine wonders of the impossibly turquoise lagoon
    • Enjoy breakfast on the balcony of your private overwater bungalow
    • Circle the island on a 4×4 safari and marvel at panoramic vistas
    • Explore the lagoon by kayak, paddleboard or glass-bottom boat

French Polynesia holiday ideas

With direct flights from Auckland and Los Angeles, whether you visit on relaxing tropical stopover or take a voyage of discovery around remote islands, French Polynesia offers contrasting experiences.

View Our Trips
  • french polynesia marquesas ship in bay aranc

    Cruise the Marquesas Islands

    French Polynesia Small Ship Cruise

    Discover the intoxicating beauty of the luxuriant Marquesas Islands aboard the Aranui V on a Polynesian adventure.

    From £4301 Excluding Flights

    11 Nights

    Feb-Nov

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  • Bora Bora Pearl Beach Resort & Spa

    French Polynesia Superior Hotel

    Featuring a spectacular view of Bora Bora's Mount Otemanu, this 80-bungalow resort presents an idyllic location on Motu Tevairaoa.

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    bora bora pearl beach resort and spa exterior

  • Four Seasons Resort, Bora Bora

    French Polynesia Superior Hotel

    Wrapped by majestic views, The Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora is surrounded by sand-fringed islets on an outer coral reef that enclose a turquoise lagoon.

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    four seasons resort bora bora exterior

  • Manava Beach Resort & Spa, Moorea

    French Polynesia Superior Hotel

    This charming boutique hotel is a perfect blend of luxury and serenity making it an ideal destination for couples, honeymooners, divers and families.

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    manava beach resort and spa exterior

  • Te Moana Tahiti Resort

    French Polynesia Standard Hotel

    The Manava Suite Resort Tahiti presents a superior level of luxury, with a unique Polynesian welcome for all guests.

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    manava suite resort tahiti lagoon

  • Intercontinental Resort, Tahiti

    French Polynesia Standard Hotel

    The Intercontinental Resort Tahiti is located on 32 acres of lush tropical garden alongside an idyllic lagoon.

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    intercontinental resort tahiti exterior
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French Polynesia regions

Tahiti

Formed over a million years ago, when two oceanic volcanoes emerged above the Pacific close enough to form a single island, Tahiti has a distinctive figure-of-eight outline. The cultural heart of the Society Islands, the island has a contemporary Polynesian buzz, particularly in the lively capital of Pape’ete, which boasts a beautiful harbour, lush gardens, unique boutiques, friendly food trucks and colourful market stalls.

Moorea

Less than 20km from Tahiti, this gem of an island is more mellow than its big sister. The soaring peaks are equally spectacular, but Moorea trumps Tahiti with its idyllic turquoise lagoon and white-sand beaches. This Pacific island paradise is ideal for anyone seeking calm and tranquillity. Unwind at one of the beautiful resorts and enjoy time to leisurely explore.

Bora Bora

The pearl of the Pacific, Bora Bora, lies 270 kilometres northwest of Tahiti and is home to one of the worlds most beautiful lagoons… an irresistible swirl of turquoise and indigo draped around a central island of jungle-clad basalt spires. Heaven for honeymooners, Bora Bora is also a perfect match for adventure seekers looking for diving, snorkelling, sailing, 4WD tours and hiking.

Best time to visit French Polynesia

Scattered across the South Pacific, the islands of French Polynesia enjoy a tropical climate with two seasons: hot and humid from November to March; drier and slightly cooler from April to October. Even in the wettest month of January, rain usually falls in brief, tropical downpours, with humidity tempered by Pacific trade winds. On Tahiti, average temperatures range from 23°C to 26°C.

The shoulder months of May to June and September to October are pleasant and a good time to visit, being slightly less busy than the peak months of July and August.

The more equatorial islands of the Marquesas experience a different rainfall pattern, with far less during rain during the summer months of November to March.

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Small ship cruising in French Polynesia

A world away from the luxury resorts and languid lagoons of Moorea and Bora Bora, the Marquesas are brooding and majestic. Riven by rainforest-smothered canyons and fringed by sea cliffs and white and black-sand beaches, this far-flung archipelago is a natural paradise.

Steeped in Polynesian culture, beautiful carvings, jewellery and tattoos are traditional hallmarks, while the islands also boast fascinating archaeological sites and a rich culture of dancing, festivals and story-telling.

Experience the islands’ traditional vibe and meet the friendly locals on a 12-night cruise onboard the Aranui V – the so-called ‘Freighter to Paradise’, which is part cruise-ship, part supply vessel.

Small Ship Cruise