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French Polynesia Travel Guide
We are happy to welcome you to our travel guide for French Polynesia! Find the stunning brilliance of this Pacific heaven, where you can uncover turquoise tidal ponds, lavish islands, and a lively culture. Go along with us as we guide you through must-see spots, unexpected, yet invaluable treasures, and tips for a remarkable experience.
Discovering Bora Bora’s Beauty
I found Bora Bora too pricey. It’s like a trap to get money from travelers, especially those from the US. The flights are long and costly. Yet, people pay a lot for over-water huts here; some cost more than $3,000 each night! You can rent a big house on Tahiti with your own cook and cleaner for less money. Still, these water huts draw individuals in despite their high prices. The Conrad hotel even offers two-floor suites which take up much space on their property.
Cultural Highlights in Moorea
In Moorea, the story starts with spots like Cook and Opunohu Bays. They’re not just water; they hold tales of gods and kings from long ago. I found myself walking where royal feet once did, feeling the spirit of history under my steps.
Sundays here are special too. People gather in their Sunday best for mass, women’s heads crowned with flowers or stylish hats, voices joining in songs that feel both new and ancient. Despite its pull as a traveler’s dream spot – think cozy stays by beach sides, tasty eats everywhere you turn even golfing! – Moorea keeps true to itself; it doesn’t let go of what makes it magical.
It still whispers stories of old while welcoming us to make our own adventures whether swimming close to sharks on a lagoon tour or zipping across waves on jet skis exploring rugged bays alive with sea life. I also got up close with dolphins at the Dolphin Center, learning about these graceful creatures right beside them. Then there was tearing through lush valleys on an ATV Quad Tour, soaking in every bit of nature before marveling over panoramas at Magic Mountain.
We can’t forget searching for marine giants alongside experts. Each find is a chance to learn more about protecting this dazzling underwater world.
Must-try French Polynesian Cuisine
In French Polynesia, fishing is an art passed down by ancestors. We met local fishermen in Fakarava who dive deep with just a breath to catch big fish like tuna or swordfish. It’s risky because of sharks, but they have quick methods to keep their catch safe.
Line-fishing lets us tourists try catching our own meal too—a powerful feeling. The main catches include huge swordfish and colorful lagoon fish like parrotfish—it tastes soft but knowing how cute they’re made me feel a bit guilty! Another must-try is the bénitier clam, marinated in coconut milk—unique in flavor and texture.
Seafood dishes here often feature raw fish, like poisson cru: fresh slices marinated with lemon juice and coconut milk—an explosion of taste. Grilled swordfish steak drenched in Béchamel sauce shows the French touch on Maupiti island. Don’t miss trying mahi-mahi wrapped in banana leaves or fried parrotfish with butter sauce for something different.
Navigating Interisland Travel
In my travels across French Polynesia, I learned the ropes of island hopping. Starting from Tahiti, the main hub, Air Tahiti took me to other islands. This airline flies to 48 out of 118 islands here.
Not all have airports; some need an extra boat ride after flying. For Moorea, a quick ferry is best. It takes just 30 minutes and runs often enough for easy planning.
English gets you by in tourist spots despite French and Polynesian mixtures being more common locally. Always carry your universal adapter – power setups differ here. The currency used is CFP but USD works too at many places although small buys are better with local cash.
Credit cards fit most needs except maybe at local markets where cash is king. There’s no tipping stress as it isn’t expected much but felt nice when giving thanks for great service. Tap water proved safe on major islands like Bora Bora which was handy during stays or before flights home especially since hotels near Papeete airport make those late departures less daunting with their comfy amenities.
French Polynesia Outdoor Adventures
In French Polynesia, there’s so much to do outside. Each island has its own special thing for travelers. If you love big, fancy beach places to stay, Bora Bora, Tetiaroa and Taha’a are perfect.
For hiking and finding hidden spots few people see go to the Marquesas or Austral islands. Love fishing or diving under water? The Tuamotu islands are your best bet.
Stick with Tahiti and Moorea. Getting around means taking boats, planes or ferries mostly from Tahiti where all flights land first. You can fly between 45 different islands with Air Tahiti tickets that let you stop at a bunch without paying more each time.
On bigger ones like Raiatea, renting cars is smart, while small places work well just walking or hitting the ocean in an outrigger canoe. The best visit times span May through October to avoid rain, but June through August and holidays get crowded. Bring light clothes, sunscreen, sunglasses, and bug spray; waterproof bags help too.
Don’t forget gear for specific outdoor trips, and snap lots of pictures, preferably with a waterproof camera since you’ll be near water a lot.
Essential Tips Before You Go
Before you head to French Polynesia, check a few boxes first. Make sure your passport is ready and has space for new stamps. It’s key in spots far from home.
Also, look into health advice; some places might need shots or pills before you visit. Learn a couple of words in the local tongue too; “hello” and “thankful” go a long way there. Next up, let’s talk money plans.
See if your bank card will work there without big fees each time you use it. Lastly, think about what goes in your bag. Light clothes are good because it gets hot but have something warm for cooler nights too.
Exploring French Polynesia’s Islands
Exploring French Polynesia’s islands is like stepping into a living postcard of paradise. These islands, known for their clear blue lagoons and colorful reefs, offer one-of-a-kind experiences. In places like Tahiti and Bora Bora, you can stay in overwater hotels that look out onto vast seas of the most beautiful water you’ve ever seen.
For those who love diving or snorkeling, this place feels made for it with its calm waters during April to October. If you visit between November and April though, get ready for lush forests full of life thanks to the rain showers that bring vibrant fruit flavors too! Plus, whale watching from mid-August until late October is an absolute must-do here; imagine swimming close to these gentle giants under sunny skies with fewer tourists around—truly amazing times await in French Polnesia’s haven.
Best Time to Visit Tahiti
In my travels, I’ve found the best time to visit Tahiti is during its dry season. This spans from May through October. During these months, the weather stays warm and inviting.
Yet it’s not too hot or too wet like other times of the year. It means you can enjoy long days on beautiful beaches without worry about rain ruining your plans. As someone who loves exploring islands, choosing when to go is key for a great trip.
I always suggest aiming for mid-season around July if you can swing it in terms of crowd size balance and good weather. Remembering this has made each visit unforgettable.
Accommodations for Every Budget
In French Polynesia, finding a place to stay fits all budgets. I learned this first-hand. The cheapest places start around €100 each night.
For those watching their spending, consider spots with kitchens so you can cook meals or pensions that include food in the price. Now if you’re willing to spend more, there are stunning choices out there! Imagine sleeping over water in bungalows and waking up to amazing views right from your bed.
On my first day in Tahiti, staying close to Pape’ete made it easy for early travel plans next morning. City Home Tahiti was perfect for saving money but still being comfortable; they even helped get me back and forth from the airport without hassle. When moving on towards Huahine Island’s lush beauty or Bora Bora’s iconic shores, luxury isn’t just an option; it’s diverse.
From beachfront stays at Hotel Le Mahana to budget-friendly Pension Ariitere near Fare town center, there’s something for everyone. Look beyond just cost when booking accommodations here as every spot offers its own unique slice of paradise regardless of how much you pay.
As a traveler, I find French Polynesia a dream spot. Its islands offer crystal-clear waters and skies that stretch forever. Each island has its own charm, from Tahiti’s vibrant life to Bora Bora’s luxury stays.
Here, adventures range from snorkeling among colorful fish to hiking lush trails. The culture is rich with dance, music, and art that tell the stories of this paradise. For anyone yearning for beauty both on land and sea, French Polynesia awaits with open arms – a must-visit in every travel diary.
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