French Polynesia: Islands, Nature and Culture

Landscape, water activities, and cultural heritage come to life on the featured islands through specific places and offerings. The following sections show what Tahiti, Bora Bora, and Raiatea each contribute to this perspective. Tahiti combines beaches and hiking trails; Bora Bora offers water sports.

Tahiti: Volcanic Landscapes, Beaches, and Hiking Trails

A volcanic island in the South Pacific, Tahiti lies at the heart of the Society Islands in French Polynesia. Lush, verdant hills are as much a part of the landscape as black- and white-sand beaches. Along the west coast, coconut palms line the white-sand beaches, which are ideal for swimming and sunbathing. The east coast has black-sand beaches formed by earlier volcanic activity, offering a setting for relaxing and taking photographs. The high mountains offer opportunities for hiking; numerous trails wind through lush green valleys to waterfalls and archaeological sites.

Papeete: Market and Everyday Tahitian Life

Papeete is home to the two-storey Marché de Papeete. It is the city’s central market and is considered the heart of everyday life in Tahiti. Offerings include tropical fruit, fresh fish, monoi oil, hand-dyed pareos, and traditional handicrafts; the selection may vary. This mix of food, oil, textiles, and handicrafts makes the market a focal point in the city alongside Tahiti’s coastal and hiking experiences.

Raiatea: Marae Taputapuatea

The sacred Marae Taputapuatea is located on Raiatea in French Polynesia and is listed as a cultural site by the Direction de la Culture et du Patrimoine. The extensive archaeological complex can be visited on a guided tour. Taputapuatea was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in July 2017 and is considered an exceptional testament to Polynesian society, its cultural values, history, and development. You can also explore the complex with an audio guide, available at the site entrance in French, English, and Tahitian. According to tradition, the Polynesian expansion across the Pacific began at Taputapuatea on Raiatea; this account links the specific place to a broader Pacific context.

Bora Bora: Lagoon and Excursions

On Bora Bora in French Polynesia, snorkeling excursions take visitors into the turquoise lagoon among manta rays and harmless blacktip reef sharks. Private excursions with a tour guide are also available. Scuba diving, sailing, surfing, and canoeing are among the activities on Bora Bora. Snorkeling and scuba diving focus on the lagoon, while sailing, surfing, and canoeing offer other forms of water sports. Excursions may include visits to historical and archaeological sites. Providers and availability may vary.

Discover more destinations: Leeward Islands, Windward Islands, Leeward Islands, Tuamotu Islands, Tubuai, Austral Islands, The Tuamotu and Gambier Islands, Windward Islands

For the broader travel overview: Oceania.