- Almost every trip starts in Papeete on Tahiti, with flights or ferries onwards
- Moorea is a 30-45 minute ferry ride from Tahiti and far cheaper than Bora Bora
- Air Tahiti island-hopping passes can save money on multi-island trips
- It is one of the most expensive destinations in the world, so budget carefully
- Airports
- Tahiti Faa'a International (PPT)
- Flight time
- about 22-24h from London to Tahiti, usually with one stop in Los Angeles, San Francisco or Paris
- Best time to go
- May-October (dry season); November-April is hotter, wetter and cheaper
- Currency
- CFP franc (XPF)
French Polynesia is the South Pacific of daydreams: turquoise lagoons ringed by coral reefs, overwater bungalows on stilts, volcanic peaks draped in rainforest and the scent of tiare flowers everywhere. Its 118 islands are spread over an area of ocean about the size of Western Europe, in five archipelagos, from the famous Society Islands of Tahiti, Moorea and Bora Bora to the coral atolls of the Tuamotus and the remote, rugged Marquesas.
It is a very long journey from the UK, so most people visit for at least ten days, often as a honeymoon or as part of a round-the-world trip. Tahiti is 10 hours behind GMT, so 10 hours behind the UK in winter and 11 in British Summer Time; the Marquesas are half an hour ahead of Tahiti. As an overseas collectivity of France, it uses French two-pin plugs at 220 volts, cars drive on the right, and French and Tahitian are the main languages, with English common in hotels. This Oceania guide covers the islands, the best time to go and what to budget.
Entry requirements
French Polynesia is part of France but is not in the EU's Schengen area, and days spent there don't count towards your Schengen 90-day limit. British passport holders can usually visit visa-free for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. Your passport should be valid for at least three months beyond your departure date, and you'll need proof of onward or return travel. Check any transit requirements too, such as an ESTA if you connect in the USA. Rules change, so check GOV.UK foreign travel advice before booking.
Where to go in French Polynesia
Tahiti
The largest island is home to the capital, Papeete, with its covered market and roulotte food trucks. Beyond the city, Tahiti has black-sand beaches, waterfalls, the famous surf at Teahupo'o, which hosted the 2024 Olympic surfing, and the wild Tahiti Iti peninsula.
Moorea
Just across the water from Tahiti, Moorea has dramatic jagged mountains, Cook's and Opunohu bays, pineapple plantations and lagoon snorkelling with rays and blacktip reef sharks. It offers a similar look to Bora Bora with more choice of mid-range stays.
Bora Bora
The most famous island, with Mount Otemanu rising above a dazzling lagoon. Most visitors stay at luxury resorts on the surrounding motu islets, many with overwater bungalows. Lagoon tours, snorkelling with rays and sharks, and sunset cruises are the main activities.
Huahine, Raiatea and Taha'a
For a quieter, more traditional side of the Society Islands, Huahine has ancient marae temples and sacred blue-eyed eels, Raiatea is the sailing hub and spiritual heart of Polynesia, and Taha'a is known for vanilla farms and its coral garden snorkel.
Rangiroa, Fakarava and the Tuamotus
These low coral atolls are among the best diving destinations in the world. Rangiroa's Tiputa Pass is famous for dolphins and sharks, while Fakarava, a UNESCO biosphere reserve, is known for its huge "wall of sharks" in the south pass.
The Marquesas
Remote and mountainous, the Marquesas have dramatic cliffs, ancient tiki sites and the graves of Paul Gauguin and Jacques Brel on Hiva Oa. The Aranui cargo-passenger ship is a popular way to visit.
Best time to visit French Polynesia
| Season | What to expect |
|---|---|
| Dry season (May-October) | Warm, sunny and less humid, about 25-28 °C; peak season, especially July-August; Heiva festival in July |
| Wet season (November-April) | Hotter and more humid with short heavy showers; lower prices; cyclones possible but rare |
| Whale season (July-November) | Humpback whales visit, especially around Moorea, Tahiti and Rurutu |
Getting there from the UK
There are no direct UK flights. Air Tahiti Nui and Air France fly to Papeete from Paris, usually via Los Angeles or Seattle, and United and Air Tahiti Nui also fly from San Francisco or Los Angeles, which connect easily with flights from Heathrow. You can also arrive via Auckland on Air New Zealand or Air Tahiti Nui, or via Tokyo. Allow around 22-24 hours in total, and consider breaking the journey with a night or two in California.
Most international flights land late at night or very early in the morning, so book your first night in Papeete in advance and plan inter-island flights for the following day.
Getting around
Air Tahiti flies between more than 40 islands from Papeete, and its multi-island passes can be good value if you visit several islands in one circuit. Ferries such as the Aremiti and Terevau link Papeete and Moorea in about 30-45 minutes, and slower ferries serve Huahine, Raiatea, Taha'a and Bora Bora. On the islands, car, scooter or e-bike hire is easy on Tahiti, Moorea and Huahine; resorts on Bora Bora's motu run their own boat transfers.
Money and costs
The CFP franc is pegged to the euro, at roughly 119 francs to €1. French Polynesia is very expensive: luxury overwater bungalows on Bora Bora often cost well over £1,000 a night, and even mid-range trips staying in pensions (family guesthouses) and hotels typically cost about £150-250 per person per day. Eating at roulottes, buying from supermarkets and choosing pensions on Moorea or Huahine helps keep costs down. Tipping is not expected.
Frequently asked questions
Which island is best in French Polynesia?
Bora Bora is best for luxury and overwater bungalows, Moorea for scenery with better value, and Rangiroa or Fakarava for diving. Many trips combine Moorea with one other island.
How many days do you need in French Polynesia?
Ten days to two weeks allows two or three islands without rushing, given the long journey and jet lag.
Is French Polynesia part of the EU?
It is part of France but not part of the EU or the Schengen area. The currency is the CFP franc, not the euro.
Is French Polynesia good for snorkelling?
Yes. Lagoons around Moorea, Bora Bora, Taha'a and the Tuamotus are excellent, with rays, reef sharks and colourful fish often seen in shallow water.
Written by
Thomas Ski, mountains & expeditions editor
Thomas is happiest above the tree line or below the Antarctic Circle. He writes our ski, mountain and polar expedition guides.
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