French Polynesia — Travelrags

Lonely PlanetSep 22, 2026

20 Things to Know Before Visiting French Polynesia

Plan your visit to Tahiti, Bora Bora and the rest of French Polynesia with this guide to language, budget, transit, health and safety, and etiquette.

11 things in this story

roulottesRestaurantPapeete, French Polynesiafood trucks offering fresh seafood at reasonable prices
TahitiPlace of worshipPapeete, French Polynesiainternational air gateway, has mountains and waterfalls
maraePlace of worshipPapeete, French Polynesiatemple sites on Tahiti, dress modestly and don't climb
Heiva i TahitiFestivalPapeete, French Polynesiamonth-long cultural celebration in July, attracts many tourists
Tahiti ItiSightPapeete, French Polynesiaisland like Tahiti over a century ago, accessible by road/boat
TeahupoʻoSightPapeete, French Polynesiabig-wave surfing destination at the end of the road
tamaaraaPlacePapeete, French Polynesiatraditional Polynesian feasts with food, singing, and dancing
Motu TiapaaSightMaupiti, French Polynesiaislet where Maupiti hosts hima'a feasts
Pape'ete food marketMarketPapeete, French Polynesiafood market in the center, open seven days a week
Natura ExplorationPlacePapeete, French Polynesia
Tahiti Riva TrekPlacePapeete, French Polynesia

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Lonely PlanetAug 1

A guide to accessible travel in Tahiti and the Marquesas Islands

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13 things in this story

Tahiti Faa'a International AirportSightPapeete, French PolynesiaHas standard accessible facilities.
Aranui cruise shipPlaceMarquesas Islands, French PolynesiaBest way to see the Marquesas Islands.
Aranui 5PlaceMarquesas Islands, French PolynesiaAdaptable, professional and thoroughly welcoming.
Cook's Bay Hotel & SuitesHotelMoorea, French PolynesiaExcellent hotel on Mo'orea Island.
Intercontinental Tahiti Resort and SpaHotelPapeete, French PolynesiaIncludes a sea turtle rescue center.
Maitai Express TahitiHotelPapeete, French PolynesiaAffordable option with three accessible rooms.
Pearl MuseumMuseumPapeete, French PolynesiaThe Robert Wan Pearl Museum is the world's only museum dedicated to pearls.
Heimata HallPlaceMoorea, French PolynesiaLeads exploratory trips around Mo'orea or Tahiti.
LindsayPlaceTahiti, French PolynesiaLeads team on experience of true Polynesian life.
Marie-JeannePlaceTahiti, French PolynesiaCircumnavigates the island, visiting waterfalls, gardens.
Charles NordhoffPlaceTahiti, French PolynesiaAuthor of Mutiny on the Bounty.
Polynesian culture and history museumMuseumTahiti, French PolynesiaDynamic and fascinating look into Polynesian culture.
Presidential PalaceSightPapeete, French Polynesia

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OutsideJun 19

No Jet Ski, No Problem. What It’s Like to Paddle into a 70-Foot Wave.

Tahitian big-wave surfer Tikanui Smith prefers to paddle his surfboard into monster waves, rather than be towed behind a jet ski. Smith explains what it's like to ride monster swell in Nazare, Portugal.

5 things in this story

JawsSightHawaiian break known for big waves.
Nazare cliffSightCliff overlooking the surfing spot in Nazare.
Mo’oreaNeighborhoodIsland in French Polynesia.
HBO documentary 100-Foot WavePlaceDocumentary following Tikanui Smith.
Garrett McNamaraPlaceBig wave surfer who spoke to Tikanui Smith.

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Condé Nast TravelerDec 31, 2025

A Honeymoon in Bora Bora for Two Ballet Stars

For their honeymoon in the Pacific, New York City Ballet dancers Tiler Peck and Roman Mejia made the most out of a short stay before heading back onstage.

4 things in this story

Four Seasons Resort Maui at WaileaHotelWailea, United StatesThe couple stayed here on their first stop.
Four Seasons Resort Bora BoraHotelBora Bora, French PolynesiaThey spent five nights here, doing excursions daily.
Mount OtemanuSightBora Bora, French PolynesiaView from the bungalow's two little barres.
VaimitiRestaurantBora Bora, French PolynesiaAsian restaurant at the resort with fried rice, spring rolls, sushi.

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Condé Nast TravelerOct 27, 2025

The Best Islands in the World: 2025 Readers’ Choice Awards

From India to Tanzania, these are the best islands—as voted by you.

22 things in this story

Phuket TownNeighborhoodPhuket, Thailandreceives fewer tourists than western beach areas
Stone TownNeighborhoodZanzibar City, Tanzaniahistoric trade center with meandering lanes
House of WondersMuseumZanzibar City, Tanzania19th-century building where the Sultan used to live
North IslandSightVictoria, Seychelleshoneymoon destination for royals
La DigueSightVictoria, SeychellesIn size, it is the fourth-largest granitic island of Seychelles after Mahé, Praslin, and Silhouette Island.
Phi Phi IslandsSightKrabi, Thailandgroup of six islands between Phuket and Malacca
Ko Phi Phi DonSightKrabi, Thailandlargest and most populated island of the group
Ko Phi Phi LeSightKrabi, Thailandisland with stunning vistas and coastal stretches
Cape PanwaNeighborhoodPhuket, Thailandquiet corner with luxury accommodations
Radhanagar BeachSightPort Blair, Indiaserene beach on Havelock Island
Elephant BeachSightPort Blair, Indiawater sports arena shores
Baratang Limestone CavesSightPort Blair, Indiastriking natural corridors
Cloud 9SightSiargao, Philippinesfamous surfing spot
Faarumai WaterfallsSightPapeete, French Polynesiawaterfalls in the northern village of Tiarei
TemaeSightMoorea, French Polynesiafavorite slice of coastline with coral reefs
Sofitel Kia Ora MooreaHotelMoorea, French Polynesiahotel on Moorea's beach
InterContinental Bora Bora Le Moana ResortHotelBora Bora, French Polynesiaresort in Bora Bora
FélicitéSightVictoria, Seychelles
Catangnan-Cabitoonan BridgeSightSiargao, Philippines
Siargao Island Sports and Tourism ComplexSightSiargao, Philippines
InterContinental Tahiti Resort & SpaHotelPapeete, French Polynesia
Tahiti La Ora Beach ResortHotelPapeete, French Polynesia

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