GAY FRIENDLY FRENCH POLYNESIA
Travel solutions with itineraries to discover all the wonders of this destination, places not to be missed, tips about where to sleep and what to eat, and above all many small special tips to enjoy your journey !
© Photograph by Bora Bora Drone & Yael Photography
Welcome to Heaven! On the other side of the Hemisphere, in the Pacific Ocean lies French Polynesia with its 118 islands and 5 archipelagos. A French territory that occupies an area the size of half of Europe. French Polynesia is a complex and fascinating mix of languages, cultures and traditions, some of which date back more than 2,000 years.
© Photograph by Bora Bora Drone & Yael Photography
GAY FRIENDLY FRENCH POLYNESIA
French Polynesia is the perfect destination for gay travelers. That's right, French Polynesia is a Gay Friendly destination and the local people are very welcoming.
Same-sex marriage has been permitted by law in French Polynesia since 2013. Polynesian society is particularly welcoming to gay travelers. Also, Tahitian culture actually has a third gender called ra rae, which are men raised as women. It is somewhat different from Western concepts of gender identity, but it makes the Polynesian people exceptionally welcoming and friendly to gay travelers.
We were struck by the welcome of the local population. Polynesians continually give smiles and warm greetings to anyone they meet along the way.
Polynesian society respects people as they are, without any kind of discrimination or prejudice. In French Polynesia you can simply be yourself.
French Polynesia is also the perfect destination for organizing a wedding on the spot (even between people of the same sex). The laws are the same as in France, so if you're dreaming of a wedding on a heavenly beach with foot-bathing crystal water and wreaths of flowers, French Polynesia is the perfect place.
SUGGESTED ITINERARIES
Visiting this destination at its best depends essentially on how long you have to fully enjoy it. Here is a solution based on the number of days available to you:
1 week trip to French Polynesia - visit 1 archipelagos
2 week trip to French Polynesia - visit 1 or 2 archipelagos
3 week trip to French Polynesia - visit 2 or 3 archipelagos
4 week trip to French Polynesia - visit 3 or 4 archipelagos
Find out also on the Official Site of Tahiti Tourisme how to plan your trip
Click'n'Go - Click on the places to find them on the Map
ISLANDS of FRENCH POLYNESIA
French Polynesia is an overseas territory of France that has 118 islands divided into 5 archipelagos. The most famous islands in French Polynesia are Tahiti and Bora Bora, but they are not the only islands that will surprise you. These are the archipelagos of the islands of French Polynesia:
Society Islands
- The most famous islands such as Tahiti and Bora Bora
Tuamotu Islands
- Ideal for Diving and Snorkeling
Marquesas Islands
- Authentic and less crowded
Austral Islands
- Perfect combination of sea and mountains
Gambier Islands
- The most remote islands
© Photograph by Bora Bora Drone & Yael Photography
WHEN TO GO to FRENCH POLYNESIA
The best time to go to French Polynesia is between April and November, during the dry season and when it is less hot. November to April is the rainy season and it is much warmer. The high season runs from June to September and in December. The Society Islands are mountainous which means that it can rain frequently in the inland valleys.
© Photograph by Bora Bora Drone & Yael Photography
HOW TO GET TO FRENCH POLYNESIA? Our Experience with Air Tahiti Nui
To reach French Polynesia the only international airport is the Aéroport International de Tahiti-Faa'a (PPT) in Papeete, the capital of Tahiti, the main island and capital of French Polynesia. All international flights and domestic flights to other archipelagos arrive and depart here. We flew with Air Tahiti Nui, the national airline of French Polynesia, from Los Angeles. Air Tahiti Nui offers daily flights from Paris, Los Angeles, Tokyo and Auckland.
If you come from America like us, remember to get the ESTA (the access visa to the USA).
Our flight from Los Angeles to Papeete took about 8 hours.
Getting on an Air Tahiti Nui plane is like feeling already in French Polynesia. Each passenger is given a tiare, the typical flower of French Polynesia and the symbol of Air Tahiti Nui. Each aircraft, in fact, has a white tiare on its tail accompanied, in the rear part of the plane, by motifs reminiscent of the typical tattoos of Polynesian populations. The interiors of the planes are blue, just like the wonderful waters of the Polynesian archipelagos. the crew is very nice, friendly and always smiling (like the rest of the Polynesian population), and the comfortable planes (we loved the travel kit they gave us with earplugs, a mask for the eyes and a pair of socks to fly in complete relaxation).
Book your flight to French Polynesia or check the prices
HOW TO MOVE between the ISLANDS of FRENCH POLYNESIA
During our stay in French Polynesia, many asked us how to move between the islands of French Polynesia. To visit the islands of French Polynesia (except some routes) you can travel in two ways: by ship (the least used) and by air (with different options and passes):
Traveling by Ship between the islands of French Polynesia
While traveling in French Polynesia, you can travel by ship, although the options are limited.
Ferry Tahiti – Moorea – Tahiti
The simplest path to take. A ferry every day, several times a day and the journey takes 25 to 45 minutes. You can buy the ticket at the port of Papeete or do it online with Aremiti or with Terevau. The prices are the same (around € 15 per person and trip).
Ferry Tahiti – Huahine and Ferry Huahine – Raiatea
The Terevau company also operates ferries in both directions from Tahiti to Huahine (€ 75 each way) and from Huahine to Raiatea (€ 33 each way).
Ferry Raiatea – Bora Bora
The Maupiti Express company, which in the past also reached Maupiti, makes this trip quite frequently, even if the site is not available, so to know the timetables you have to be in Raiatea. Along the way, it also stops at Taha'a. It is a boat that is currently practically used by locals, among other things because there is no information available on timetables and fares.
Cruises in French Polynesia
Outside of domestic flights or ferries, another inter-island transfer option is to take a cruise. There are ships like the Aranui 5 (half cargo ship, half cruise ship) and the Paul Gauguin which cover several archipelagos. But the prices are very high and you only stop for a few hours on each island.
Traveling by Plane between the islands of French Polynesia
The national airline Air Tahiti (not to be confused with Air Tahiti Nui which operates international flights) offers flight packages to visit multiple islands of an archipelago or archipelagos at a much cheaper price than buying single tickets. With the exception of very specific routes, in French Polynesia you have to travel by plane. And all these routes are carried out only with the company Air Tahiti. Here are some tips to help you through one of the more complicated parts of traveling to French Polynesia. We advise you not to consider individual flights and to purchase season tickets. For example, a single return flight from Tahiti to Bora Bora costs around € 300. At the same price there are passes that allow you to visit different islands.
Airports of French Polynesia
Here is a list of airports in French Polynesia.
For each archipelago, these are the main airports and which ones will be available in the season tickets:
Society Islands:
Tahiti, Moorea, Huahine, Raiatea, Bora Bora and Maupiti.
Tuamotu Islands:
Tikehau, Rangiroa and Fakarava.
Marquesas Islands:
Nuku Hiva, Hiva Oa, Ua Pou and Ua Huka.
Austral Islands:
Rurutu, Rimatara, Tubuaia and Raiavavae.
Gambier Islands:
NO PASS. You can only fly to Mangareva but it is considered a slow flight.
Pass Air Tahiti in French Polynesia
A pass is a set of flights to visit one or more archipelagos in French Polynesia. The passes have fixed prices and allow you to visit the maximum number of islands indicated on the pass. If you visit less, you will pay the same. This happens on all passes except the Marquesas pass, the price of which varies depending on the number of islands you visit.
An extension is a pass but is added to another pass already purchased. In other words, if you bought Pass 1, instead of buying Pass 2, you could add Extension 2 to Pass 1, which is cheaper than buying 2 single passes.
It is not possible to purchase an extension without first purchasing a pass.
If you have purchased a Pass you can add an Extension as long as the total travel days of the Pass + Extension do not exceed 28 days. Otherwise you have to buy a new pass instead of an extension.
We recommend that you book passes and flights well in advance. There are islands like Maupiti where there are few flights and they fill up very quickly.
Both the Pass Bora Bora + Tuamotu (which is the only one that includes two archipelagos) and the Pass + Extension combination require the passage from Tahiti to change archipelago. Make sure that the stopover does not exceed 24 hours, since then it is no longer considered a subscription or is no longer considered a subscription + extension and is higher in the calculation of the final price.
Summary of subscriptions and indicative prices
PASS | € min | € max | INCLUDED ISLANDS |
DISCOVERY | € 300 | € 350 | TAHITI + up to 3 Society Islands 🔵 |
BORA BORA | € 400 | € 450 | TAHITI + up to 5 Society Islands 🔴 |
LAGOON | € 430 | € 480 | TAHITI + MOOREA + up to 3 Tuamotu Islands |
TUAMOTU | € 530 | € 580 | TAHITI + up to 6 islands in total 🟢 |
AUSTRAL | € 570 | € 620 | TAHITI + up to 4 Austral Islands |
MARCHESI | € 760 | € 930 | TAHITI + 2, 3 or 4 Marquesas Islands 🟡 |
Estensione AUSTRAL | € 340 | € 370 | TAHITI + up to 4 Austral Islands |
Estensione MARCHESI | € 560 | € 730 | TAHITI + 2, 3 or 4 Marquesas Islands 🟡 |
🔵 Indicates that Maupiti and Bora Bora cannot be entered. If included it becomes a "Bora Bora" pass
🔴 Indicates that Maupiti and / or Bora Bora can be entered
🟢 The 6 islands can be mixed from the Society Islands archipelago and the Tuamotu Islands. Bora Bora and Maupiti can be included
🟡 Indicates that the price varies according to the number of islands visited
HOW MUCH A TRIP TO FRENCH POLYNESIA COST
Another question we have been asked is the cost of a trip to French Polynesia.
So, how much does a trip to French Polynesia cost?
The answer is not simple and depends on many factors that will cause the price to fluctuate a lot:
Number of travel days
Type of accommodation: a resort is much more expensive than a guest house
Archipelagos visited: depending on the flight packages, the price varies a lot.
Activities carried out: each island has many activities to offer which can significantly affect the price
Depending on your budget, you can visit some archipelagos or others. Prices vary greatly depending on the archipelagos you visit, so it is convenient to take this into account when organizing your trip.
Exchanging money in French Polynesia: In addition to withdrawing money (remember that on some islands there are no ATMs), it is advisable to carry cash euros with you in case of emergencies (whether you pay in local currency or in euros, the change that is given is always the same).
In French Polynesia the official currency is the Polynesian franc (CFP) which always has the same exchange rate against the euro:
1 € = 119.33 CFP (for convenience we were advised to remove the last two digits from each price in Polynesian francs to have the equivalent in euros. For example, 2000 CFP correspond to about 20 euros).
When you arrive at Tahiti airport we recommend that you change something on arrival. The exchange office opens from 08:00 to 11:30 and 3 hours before international flight departures. You can change up to € 250 or $ 300 per person per day. The exchange rate they apply is the official one with a fixed commission of 700 CFP (€ 5.87).
The price of an international flight with Air Tahiti Nui, which is the national company we flew with, is around € 1,200 round trip from Paris to Tahiti (Papeete). The average flight price from Los Angeles to Papeete (Tahiti) is 700 €.
How much does it cost to stay in French Polynesia?
The choice of accommodation has a large impact on the price of a trip to French Polynesia. You can choose whether to stay in luxury resorts with rooms floating on crystal clear waters or opt for the more humble (but more authentic) guest houses or family pensions which usually offer a room with a bathroom and the formula of half board.
To all this must be added the price of the excursions which varies slightly depending on the activities, but in general, a full day excursion is around € 60-80 (usually food is included). The cost of a half day excursion is around € 30-40. In some cases the excursions may cost more (for example to Moorea to spot whales, around 60 euros for a 3 hour excursion). It all depends on the type of activity chosen and its duration.
© Photograph by Bora Bora Drone & Yael Photography
How much does it cost to eat in French Polynesia?
Again it all depends on where you eat. You can eat in luxury resorts (which usually offer half board and adding just one meal can be very expensive), in local restaurants (the price starts at around 8/10 euros per dish), in pensions or guest houses. (they also offer half board, but, especially in the small islands, there are not many alternatives to eat). The food they prepare is local and delicious! A separate discussion should be made for Les Roulotes, the Polynesian version of fast food (which we love), which we will talk about later.
WHAT TO SEE and WHICH ISLANDS TO VISIT in FRENCH POLYNESIA?
10 THINGS TO SEE in FRENCH POLYNESIA
Tahiti
Tahiti is the main island of French Polynesia and also its capital. All international flights arrive here and this island acts as a link to reach the other archipelagos. These are the most important places to see in French Polynesia on the island of Tahiti:
Papeete
North coast to Tautira
Inner valleys (Papenoo Valley)
Teahupo'o Wave (Surf)
Musée de Tahiti et des Îles - Te Fare Manaha
Bora Bora
Bora Bora è l'isola più famosa delle isole della Polinesia francese. Paradiso per la luna di miele in uno dei suoi meravigliosi resort. L'isola più turistica e la più cara della Polinesia francese, dove non rimane quasi nessuna essenza della Polinesia. Tuttavia, le sue acque turchesi sono tra le più belle da vedere in Polinesia francese. Ecco sono le cose da non perdere o da fare assolutamente a Bora Bora:
Visit of the motu (islets) that surround the main island
Diving and snorkeling in the lagoon
4 × 4 tour inside the island
Visit of the village of Vaitape (capital)
Pofai Bay: For the photo of Bora Bora with the main mountain in the background
Matira beach: the best on the island
Panoramic view from Paoaoa
Trekking in the hinterland
Moorea
One of the largest islands in French Polynesia, Moorea can be reached by ferry or plane from Tahiti. Moorea is famous for its turquoise waters, whales and inland mountains. These are the most beautiful places to see in French Polynesia on the island of Moorea:
Viewpoint of the O'Belvedere
Circuit around the island by car
Whale watching and snorkeling
Pineapple road
Temae Beach
Maraes (ancient temples)
Raiatea
Despite being the second largest island in French Polynesia, it is not one of the most touristic. Raiatea offers many interesting things to visit, but it has no beaches. Raiatea is considered the cradle of the Polynesian civilization. These are the most important places to see in French Polynesia on the island of Raiatea:
Marae de Taputapuatea (the most important in Polynesia)
Sunsets with Bora Bora in the background
Taha'a Island Day Tour
Circular route to the island
Ascent to Mount Tapioi
View of Pain de Sucre
Uturoa and the murals of the port
Maupiti
Bora Bora's little sister. In Maupiti there are no resorts or ATMs, you can experience the authenticity of French Polynesia in family pensions. These are the most beautiful places to see in French Polynesia on the island of Maupiti:
Snorkel and dive into the lagoon
Tour of the island by bike or on foot
Celebration of mass in the Protestant church on Sundays
Ascent to Mount Teurafaatiu
Motus (islets) tour around the lagoon
Tereia beach
Cross the Motu Auira on foot
Huahine
Huahine is the island that goes unnoticed in the Society Islands. Sparsely inhabited and with its female silhouette, it offers tranquility and beautiful deserted beaches. It is also known as the Garden of Eden. These are the most beautiful places to see in French Polynesia on the island of Huahine:
Enjoy Fare, the main city, with its markets
Visit the pristine Avea beach
Reach Hana Iti beach by trekking or by boat
Visit one of the 200 Polynesian temples. Don't miss the one on the Mataiera hill and the views.
Stop at the Belvedere
Taha'a
Taha'a does not have an airport and to reach it you have to take a day trip from Raiatea or take the daily ferry that leaves from the port of Raiatea. It is a mountainous island where it rains quite frequently. Taha'a is known worldwide for vanilla. But there is much more to see and do on one of the lesser known islands of French Polynesia:
Visit a pearl factory
Visit a vanilla production field
Snorkel in the Coral Garden
Sleeping or eating in the guesthouse of a motu (uninhabited islet)
Go around the island by boat
Tuamotu Islands
They are the oldest archipelago of islands in French Polynesia, of which only the outer atolls of the lagoon remain. It is a paradise for lovers of diving, snorkeling with white and pink sand beaches, but also pebble beaches. There are 82 atolls filled with palm trees and with incredible underwater life. If you are a lover of the sea you cannot miss the Tuamotu Islands in French Polynesia. Among the islands not to be missed:
Tikehau
One of the smallest (less than 600 inhabitants) with an airport, but no ATM or card payment options. Tikehau offers endless tranquility, beaches, reef sharks and beautiful sunsets. Ideal island for diving and snorkeling.
Rangiroa
It is the main island and the liveliest of the Tuamotu islands of French Polynesia. It is also the island that offers more diversified activities and, therefore, receives more tourism.
These are the most important things to do and see in French Polynesia on the island of Rangiroa:
Scuba diving and snorkeling at the Tiputa Pass (including Acuario Island)
Avatoru village tour
Otepipi and Isla Arrecife (Reef Island) Day Tour
Tour to the Blue Lagoon and Pink Beach
Dance show
Fakarava
Fakarava one of the most famous islands of French Polynesia. It is much quieter than Rangiroa but offers many things to do. Fakarava is considered to be one of the best diving locations in the world. If you are thinking about which islands to visit in French Polynesia and you are a person who loves diving, do not miss Fakarava and its activities:
North pass diving (cheaper)
South pass diving (more expensive, more famous)
Tour of the Green Lagoon
Bike path to PK beach. 9 (kilometer point 9)
© Photograph by Bora Bora Drone & Yael Photography
Marquesas Islands
The archipelago of the Marquesas Islands is known for the green of its valleys, the mountainous landscapes that enclose black sand bays, the tattoos, the handicrafts, the tikis, the novels left by Stevenson (In the South Seas) and Melville (Taipi ), the paintings of Gauguin and The songs of Jacques Brel. The Marquesas Islands are one of the least visited archipelagos because they have no atoll or coral reef. They are islands recommended for those looking for breathtaking landscapes and the authenticity of an incredible civilization.
Nuku Hiva
It is the main island of the northern part of the Marquesas Islands. Nuku Hiva is one of the most beautiful islands to see in French Polynesia and these are the most beautiful spots and best things to do:
Excursion to the Vaipo waterfalls
Tour in the Taipi and Hatiheu valley
Anaho Beach
Visit to the meae (temples) of Kamuihei, Tahakia and Teiipoka
Street Taiohae
Visit to the Notre Dame Cathedral
Marquesas Islands haka dance show
© Photograph by Bora Bora Drone & Yael Photography
Hiva Oa
Hiva Ho is in the southernmost sector of the Marquesas Islands. Gauguin lived and died here. It is the island of the Tiki, the Polynesian deity native to the Marquesas Islands. These are the main places to visit in French Polynesia on the island of Hiva Oa:
Gauguin Museum
Jacques Brel Center
Calvary Cemetery
Croce - viewpoint at the top of Atuona
Route to Taaoa
Northern Bay Tour: Hanapaaoa, Teuamano and Puamau
Puamau Tikis
Excursion to Hanaiapa bay and Hanatekuua beach
Tahuata Island Tour
Visit to the petroglyphs
Haka dance show of the Marquesas
Atuona and walk on the beach
Tahuata
This island does not have an airport and must be reached by ferry or on a day tour from Hiva Oa. It is the island where the colonization period originated. The island is much smaller than Hiva Oa but has beautiful golden beaches. Tahuata is perfect for snorkeling and its craft centers and churches in the main centers are worth visiting.
Ua Pou
Ua Pou is the third largest island in the Marquesas archipelago. the island has a small airport with regular Air Tahiti flights with Tahiti, Nuku Hiva, Hiva Oa and Ua Huka, or can be reached by boat from Nuku Hiva. Ua Pou is known for the spectacular profile of its mountains and among the most important places to see in French Polynesia on this island are the Valley of the Kings and the 4 × 4 routes through the inland valleys.
Fat Hiva
Fatu Hiva also does not have an airport and can only be reached by boat from Hiva Oa. It is an island with very few tourists and deep-rooted traditions. Here you can learn about the local culture, visit virgin bays, be amazed by views like Hanavave Bay or learn how tapa fabric is made. Fat Hiva is one of the islands of French Polynesia that may surprise you the most.
© Photograph by Bora Bora Drone & Yael Photography
Austral Islands
As the name suggests, the Austral Islands are the southernmost islands in French Polynesia. They receive much less tourism, but are very attractive to those who go in search of the unknown, the mysterious and authenticity.
Rimatara
This small island is ideal for those looking for deserted beaches, such as Anapoto or for lovers of ornithology, as it is home to several endemic species. There are also maraes (temples), the royal burial site of Amaru, handicraft centers and some very interesting churches. Another activity that can be done is climbing Mount Nahu or whale watching from July to November. Or climb the Oromana plateau, impressive!
Rurutu
Rurutu is a must for anyone in the southern sector of French Polynesia. Impressive cliffs and fascinating caves will captivate you. In Rurutu you can enjoy the whale season, local festivals, palm crafts (characteristic of the island), fields of taro (a potato-like tuber), the tomb of the kings of Rurutu, archaeological sites, trekking and much more.
Tubuai
Tubuai, the capital of the archipelago is also the largest island of the Austral Islands. It offers the opportunity to spot whales, a beautiful turquoise lagoon in which to practice water sports and many motu in which to feel like a castaway. Do not miss the spectacular fields of lilies and the colors of the sand of its beaches (up to 13 shades).
Raiva
Another of the most beautiful islands to visit in French Polynesia. It has a spectacular turquoise lagoon with heavenly beaches and green hills. In Raiavavae, the climate is conducive to fruit and vegetable crops and sandalwood, endemic to the island, is found only here and nowhere else in the world. Do not miss the caves of Anapoiri and Anapio, the view from Mount Hiro and the visit to the last great tiki.
Gambier Islands
It is the furthest archipelago of the French Polynesia islands and therefore the most expensive to visit. It has just 1,000 inhabitants and is the cradle of Catholicism in French Polynesia. The Gambier Islands archipelago is one of the most difficult to visit in French Polynesia, but it amazes with its diversity of landscapes, history and spectacular motus (islands). The main island (and the only one with an airport) is Mangareva.
Among the things to see in the Gambier Islands archipelago are:
The city of Rikitea and its Saint Michel Cathedral, with an altar decorated with pearls.
Religious services with very beautiful flowers and songs. Here the Catholic tradition is deeply rooted.
The convent of Rouru
The tomb of Maputeoa, the last king of the island.
Akamaru Island, with the church of Notre Dame de la Paix.
The views from Mataihutea over Rikitea bay.
The island of Taravai, with the ghost town of Agokono, the church of San Gabriel and the beautiful beaches.
The island of Aukena, with its hexagonal watchtower and turquoise lagoon
Visit to a pearl factory.
© Photograph by Bora Bora Drone & Yael Photography
WHAT TO DO in FRENCH POLYNESIA
What to do in Tahiti?
🥙 Taste Street Food in the typical Roulottes
🗺 Take a tour in the capital Papeete
☀️ Relax & Sun at @temoanatahitiresort
🚤 Boating and Surfing with @teahupoo
💎 Visit the Tahiti Pearl Market
🛍 Shopping at Papeete Market
🤿 Diving with @tahitinuidiving
🚁 Island helicopter tour with @tahitinuihelicopters
What to do in Moorea?
👀 Enjoy the view at the Belvédère Opunohu Viewpoint
🌴 Sleeping in an Overwater Villa @sofitelmoorea
🚙 4x4 Tour around the island @enjoymoorea
🐳 Whale Watching @mooreaoceanadventures
🥥 Food Culture and Tasting with @moorea_food_adventures
🐠 Snorkeling & Boat Tour @enjoy_boat_tours_moorea
🍍 Take the Pineapple Route and taste the Pineapple Sparkling Wine @manute
🏖 Get a tan at Temae Beach close to @sofitelmoorea
🏍 Quad Tour or Jet Ski @alberttoursmoorea
🛕 Visit the ancient temples of Maraes
What to do in Bora Bora?
🦈 Swim with Sharks and Rays @boraboraromantic
🤿 Swim among Tropical Fish
🐟See the Coral Reef
🏝 Sleeping in an Overwater Villa @conradboraboranui
🥗 Cooking Class “Poisson Cru à la Tahitienne” @boraboraromantic
🌅 Watch the Sunset with Volcano View
💦 Go on a Jet Ski @moanatours
🐠 Visit the Vaitape Fishing Village
© Photograph by Bora Bora Drone & Yael Photography
BEST EVENTS of FRENCH POLYNESIA
Chinese New Year (January)
Parades, musical performances, martial arts demonstrations, Chinese dances and crafts. Between mid-January and mid-February.
Billabong Pro Surfing (May)
World-class surfers compete on the waves off Teuhupoo in Tahiti Iti. First two weeks of May.
Tahiti Pearl Regatta (May)
Yachts sail between Raiatea, Tahaa, Huahine and Bora Bora. Half may.
Miss Tahiti, Miss Heiva, Miss Moorea and Miss Bora Bora (June)
The candidates come from all over the islands. It is among the largest annual events. From early to mid-June.
Heiva Nui (July)
Heiva Nui (The Great Festival) is the festival par excellence of French Polynesia, which has become the symbol of Polynesian culture. This festival is a month-long explosion of color, sound and dance (it is commonly called Tiurai, the Tahitian word for July). Parades, outrigger canoe competitions, javelin throwing competitions, fire walks, games, and re-enactments of ancient Polynesian ceremonies. The must-see moment during these holidays is a stunningly colorful contest to determine the best Tahitian dance company of the year. Last weekend from June to July.
Tahiti Carnival (October)
Parades, floats and many parties on the Papeete waterfront.
Tiare Tahiti Flower Festival (December)
Days to celebrate the emblematic Polynesian flower, the Tiare. First week of December.
© Photograph by Bora Bora Drone & Yael Photography
WHERE TO STAY in FRENCH POLYNESIA?
BEST LGBT FRIENDLY HOTELS, RESORT & GUEST HOUSES in FRENCH POLYNESIA
Tahiti - Click Here
Moorea - Click Here
Bora Bora - Click Here
Raiatea - Click Here
Tahaa - Click Here
Rangiroa - Click Here
Huahine - Click Here
© Photograph by Bora Bora Drone & Yael Photography
BEST LUXURY RESORT in FRENCH POLYNESIA
® Tested by World Mappers
® Tested by World Mappers
® Tested by World Mappers
© Photograph by Bora Bora Drone & Yael Photography
WHERE TO EAT in TAHITI and PAPEETE?
The famous CARAVANS of FRENCH POLYNESIA where to eat LOW COST
If you want to taste the real food of the Polynesian population don't miss Les Roulottes. A kind of vans that sell very good and above all low cost food. The best place to eat in Tahiti. We have found that les Roulottes are the main weekend evening hangout for locals (and now we understand why). They are mainly found in Papeete in Vaiete square, or in Pirae in the parking lot of the Aorai Tini Hau park. You can choose from many dishes. Among others, we have tasted grilled meat, Mahi Mahi and Asian specialties such as Chao Men! Wonderful!
WHAT TO EAT in FRENCH POLYNESIA?
BEST TYPICAL DISHES of FRENCH POLYNESIA
Coconut
It is one of the most abundant fruits in the islands of French Polynesia and one of the most consumed. It is cooked in many ways. Coconut milk is the basis of many Polynesian dishes and you will have no problem finding someone to sell you a good coconut for a very low price. Without doubt one of the best things you can buy in Polynesia.
Mountain Bananas
They are known as mountain bananas, precisely because they grow in the highest areas of the islands and are the basis for a great variety of dishes (sweet and savory) of Polynesian cuisine.
Poisson Cru / Raw Fish
One of the traditional dishes most consumed by both the inhabitants of the islands of French Polynesia and tourists. These are raw fish cut into cubes to which lemon juice or vinegar is added and a tasty coconut sauce. It is a delicious, very fresh dish that blends wonderfully with Polynesian landscapes. We recommend you try it! All restaurants have their own version of El Poisson Cru.
Chevrettes
Shrimps are the main ingredient of this dish. Prawn dishes are plentiful in French Polynesia, but in our opinion the best are the Chevrettes: prawns cooked in a delicious sauce made with coconut milk, vanilla and rum.
Fafa Chicken
This authentic Polynesian chicken dish is cooked in a traditional Tahitian oven called ahima'a or pit barbecue, a hole dug directly into the ground in which a fire is lit with dried coconuts, which, once lit, are covered with green banana leaves. The chicken is seasoned with onion, garlic, ginger and coconut milk and accompanied by taro leaves.
Fafaru
One of the more traditional but unusual dishes on the French Polynesia menu is Fafaru, a fermented tuna dish served with coconut cream. That said it may sound terrible but we assure you that its flavor is amazing.
Firi Firi
Firi Firi, or Tahitian donuts, are a delicious Polynesian dish. They are usually served for breakfast. A dough of flour, sugar, coconut milk, yeast, water and a pinch of salt, fried and served with fresh fruit. The best way to start a great day in French Polynesia.
Po'e
A sweet dish also known in Hawaii. Po'e is a kind of taro based pudding flavored with vanilla, banana, coconut and so on. You will fall in love with it!
NIGHTLIFE in FRENCH POLYNESIA
We can talk about nightlife especially for the capital of Tahiti, Papeete where there are discos, night clubs and clubs in abundance. Everything else is true for resorts or tourist villages that have bars, clubs and night entertainment.
© Photograph by Bora Bora Drone & Yael Photography
TRAVEL TIPS about FRENCH POLYNESIA by World Mappers
Number of Days: This is crucial. In our opinion it is better to visit a few islands but well (also because internal flights are very expensive). And it is always convenient to group the islands to visit by archipelagos.
Society Islands: It is the best known archipelago of French Polynesia and where the islands of Tahiti (all international flights arrive and depart from Tahiti), Moorea and Bora Bora (the most famous island in all of French Polynesia) are located. They are islands with turquoise lagoons, white beaches and a wonderful coral reef (perfect for diving and snorkeling).
Tuamotu Islands: Islands are perfect for diving and relaxing. Fakarava is one of the most famous places in the world. Beware, this is another archipelago, which means that the transfer can be very expensive. There is not much to do outside of the water activities.
Marquesas Islands: Another language is spoken (the Marquis) and the clock is set forward half an hour to the Society Islands. It is the place where Polynesian culture and tradition remain best preserved. Probably one of the most amazing archipelagos to see in French Polynesia. Reaching the Marquesas Islands is quite expensive, from Tahiti it takes 4 hours by plane.
Austral Islands: Getting to these islands can be very expensive. Far from modern life, they are the perfect destination for a wilder trip, without luxury resorts and surrounded by nature.
TRAVEL INSURANCE for FRENCH POLYNESIA
Before any trip it is good to take out insurance to cover any inconveniences that could ruin the experience. We always rely on HeyMondo which allows you to choose the right insurance for every need. We recommend that you always protect yourself with health insurance and coverage for any cancellations, delays and, if you use them, for theft or breakage of electronic equipment. Medical treatment in French Polynesia can be very expensive. Health insurance in this country is not mandatory by law but is strongly recommended; without it, even a routine visit can make you shell out staggering amounts.
You will get an immediate 5% discount
INTERNET & PHONE CALL in FRENCH POLYNESIA - eSIM CARD
How many times do we go abroad and the first thing we do is call home to say we have arrived. How often are we in a city on vacation and we need to find a place to eat using Google Maps or the internet. How many times do we need to send messages and photos on WhatsApp without spending a salary.
Tired of spending millions when abroad calling or using the internet?
Here is the SOLUTION we use: Holafly, a new technology with eSIM. Order your eSIM on the website and within minutes you will receive an email with a QR code. Just scan it and you'll be connected to the internet right away. You save time, stress and above all do something good for the environment by not having a physical SIM. If you are in a hurry and have to leave tomorrow and have not thought about the internet problem, you can solve it very quickly with this eSIM, and there is no problem that you could accidentally lose it or damage it while traveling. Most importantly, with the eSIM you don't have to change or remove your regular SIM card, you can leave it in the phone and use the eSIM instead of the physical one.
Don't waste time and above all don't spend millions, activate your Holafly eSim.
It is very easy, but how to do it? It only takes 3 steps and voila!
Holafly also offers data plans with unlimited data to many of the main destinations in the world: for example USA, Indonesia, Europe, Mexico, Thailand and many more.
This is a "new" technology and not all devices are compatible with it, but you can check which phones are already compatible with the eSIM at this link: https://esim.holafly.com/how-to/esim-phones.
You will get an immediate discount of 5% with the "WORLDMAPPERS" Discount Code
© Photographs and Videos with Drone in Polynesia by Bora Bora Drone & Yael Photography
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