- CapitalPapeete (Tahiti)
- CurrencyCFP franc (XPF)
- LanguagesFrench, Tahitian
- Main hubFaa'a, Tahiti (PPT)
- EntryFrench overseas collectivity with its own entry rules; many visitors visa-free
- Drives onRight
French Polynesia's 118 islands are spread over an area the size of Western Europe. Everyone arrives in Papeete on Tahiti, and most continue to Moorea (a 30 to 45 minute ferry) and Bora Bora (a 50-minute flight). Further afield, the Tuamotu atolls such as Rangiroa and Fakarava are world-class diving spots, and the Marquesas are among the most remote inhabited islands on earth.
Making it affordable
Family-run pensions, inter-island air passes and self-catering can halve the cost of a trip. See Bora Bora on a budget.
When to go
May to October is the drier, slightly cooler season. Humpback whales visit from roughly July to October.
Where to stay in French Polynesia
Compare hotels, resorts and guesthouses with free cancellation on many rooms. Via Booking.com.
Landmarks map
Top landmarks
Bora Bora Lagoon
Overwater bungalows encircling a turquoise lagoon beneath Mount Otemanu.
Moorea
Tahiti's dramatic sister island, with Cook's Bay, Opunohu Bay and Belvedere Lookout.
Tours & activities in French Polynesia
Day trips, cruises and guided experiences, many with free cancellation. Via GetYourGuide.
Guides & articles
The Best Honeymoon Destinations in Oceania
Overwater bungalows, private islands and alpine lodges: the best honeymoon spots in Oceania compared, with the best months to go and rough nightly costs.
Easter Island (Rapa Nui) Guide: Moai, Rano Raraku and Getting There
Rapa Nui is the remote eastern corner of the Polynesian Triangle. Here is how to get there, the 2026 park rules, the moai sites not to miss and how to plan your days.
Combining Hawaii with Tahiti, Fiji or the Cook Islands
Honolulu is a natural gateway to the South Pacific. Here is how to pair Hawaii with Tahiti, Fiji or the Cook Islands, with direct routes and sample itineraries.
Getting Around Oceania: Island Flights, Ferries, Trains and Driving on the Left
Island flights that run once a week, ferries worth taking, scenic trains and tips for driving on the left: a practical guide to moving around Oceania.
The 12 Best Islands in the South Pacific, Ranked by Travel Style
From Bora Bora's lagoon to Tanna's volcano, these 12 South Pacific islands each do one thing better than anywhere else. Find the one that fits how you travel.
Cook Islands Travel Guide 2026: Rarotonga and Aitutaki
Rarotonga's easy island life and Aitutaki's jaw-dropping lagoon make the Cook Islands one of the simplest South Pacific trips. Here is how to plan both.
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