French Polynesia
Haqqi Tours arranges day tours, private airport transfers, attraction tickets and multi-day packages across French Polynesia, confirmed on WhatsApp before you pay.
In Bora Bora the morning begins in impossible colours. The lagoon shifts from pale turquoise over white sand to deep sapphire beyond the reef, the dark basalt peak of Mount Otemanu catches the first light, and palm-fringed motu islets float along the horizon like a necklace. A boat slips out across the glassy water, and soon you are snorkelling above coral gardens as rays glide over the sand and small blacktip reef sharks circle calmly at a distance.
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The essence of French Polynesia
Then lunch is served on a motu, toes in the sand, with fresh fruit, grilled fish and Polynesian songs played on the ukulele. Beyond Bora Bora, French Polynesia unfolds island by island: the green peaks of Tahiti and Moorea, sacred marae on Raiatea and coral atolls in the Tuamotus. It is unique because its lagoons, culture and remoteness feel untouched by time. We arrange lagoon days by boat, snorkelling excursions and island connections, delivered with calm, attentive service.
Why visit French Polynesia?
Navigators, Marae and Island Kingdoms
The islands were settled roughly a thousand years ago by Polynesian voyagers who crossed vast distances of open ocean in double-hulled canoes, reading the stars, swells and birds. On Raiatea, the marae of Taputapuatea, a sacred stone ceremonial site, is listed by UNESCO as a heart of the Polynesian world. European navigators arrived in the eighteenth century, the islands came under French administration in the nineteenth, and the painter Paul Gauguin later found inspiration in Tahiti and the Marquesas.
Lagoons, Reefs, Peaks and Atolls
French Polynesia spreads across an area of ocean as large as Western Europe. The Society Islands rise as steep volcanic peaks wrapped in rainforest and ringed by lagoons, with Bora Bora the most famous. To the northeast, the Tuamotus are low coral atolls around immense lagoons, renowned for diving and black pearl farms, while the Marquesas are rugged and cliff-bound. The reefs shelter rays, turtles and reef sharks, and humpback whales visit in the cooler months.
Poisson Cru, Earth Ovens and Vanilla
The signature dish is poisson cru, raw tuna marinated in lime juice and mixed with coconut milk and crunchy vegetables. For celebrations, families prepare ma'a Tahiti, with fish, breadfruit, taro and sweet potato wrapped in leaves and slow-cooked in an underground earth oven. Try po'e fruit pudding, firi firi doughnuts and fragrant vanilla from Taha'a. Halal food is very limited, but fish, seafood, fruit and vegetarian dishes are easy to find, and our team can advise.
Experiences You Can Only Have Here
Spend a full day on Bora Bora's lagoon by boat, snorkelling over coral gardens with rays and reef sharks, and share lunch on a palm-shaded motu. Gaze up at Mount Otemanu from the water, walk the white sand of Matira Beach, and watch traditional dance and drumming. Beyond Bora Bora, ride the ferry to Moorea's dramatic bays, visit the sacred marae of Raiatea, smell vanilla on Taha'a and dive the passes of the Tuamotu atolls.
Who is French Polynesia for?
Ideal for
- Honeymooners and couples
- Snorkellers and divers
- Travellers seeking remote island beauty
- Families who love the sea
- Photographers chasing lagoon colours
- Travellers combining a long-haul Pacific journey
Pace & travel style
- Tahiti as the gateway, then Bora Bora by short domestic flight
- Three to five nights on the Bora Bora lagoon
- Add Moorea by ferry or an atoll by plane
- Slow, sea-focused days with boat trips and beach time
When to visit French Polynesia
Peak season · June–August
The heart of the dry season brings sunny days, lower humidity, cooling trade winds and excellent visibility in the lagoons, ideal for snorkelling and boat days. July is especially lively in Papeete with the Heiva festival of traditional dance, song and sport, and holiday periods in Europe and Australia fill the islands. Humpback whales begin to arrive from about July, so book flights, island hotels and lagoon excursions well ahead.
Shoulder season · April–May, September–October
These months offer an excellent balance, with mostly dry weather, warm seas and fewer visitors than in midsummer. September and October are a beautiful time for whale watching around the islands, while April and May bring lush green mountains after the rains. Days are sunny with occasional short showers, the lagoons are calm, and hotels and boat trips are easier to book than in the busiest weeks.
Low season · November–March
The wet season is hot and humid, with heavy tropical downpours, especially from December to March, often followed by bright sunshine. The lagoons stay warm and inviting, the islands are greener and quieter, and some hotels offer more availability. Cyclones are uncommon but possible in this period, so allow flexible plans between islands, and enjoy a calmer pace with morning boat trips and relaxed beach afternoons.
The regions of French Polynesia and how to combine its cities
French Polynesia lies in the middle of the South Pacific, far from any continent, and is made up of island groups spread across a huge expanse of ocean. The Society Islands are the most visited: Tahiti, with the capital Papeete and the international airport, and Moorea just across the channel, then the Leeward Islands of Bora Bora, Raiatea, Taha'a, Huahine and Maupiti to the northwest.
Northeast of Tahiti stretch the Tuamotus, low coral atolls such as Rangiroa, Fakarava and Tikehau, famous for diving and black pearls. Further north rise the Marquesas, with soaring cliffs, deep valleys and carved stone tiki, while the Austral Islands to the south are known for whale watching and the Gambier Islands to the southeast for pearl farming. Domestic flights and boats link the main islands.
Our city directory below is anchored in Bora Bora, the jewel of the Leeward Islands. There we arrange full-day lagoon experiences by boat, with snorkelling among rays, reef sharks and coral gardens and lunch on a motu, and we help plan the flights and boat connections from Tahiti. Pairing Bora Bora with Moorea or a Tuamotu atoll builds a rich South Pacific island journey.
Before you go: practical tips for French Polynesia
Entry & visas
French Polynesia has its own entry rules, separate from the Schengen Area, though they are set by France. Many nationalities can visit visa-free for short stays, while others need a visa issued in advance, and a Schengen visa alone is not automatically valid there unless it is endorsed for French Polynesia. A return or onward ticket is usually required, so check official French and French Polynesian government sources before booking.
Money, cards & tipping
The CFP franc is the currency, also used in other French Pacific territories. Cards are accepted in hotels, larger restaurants and shops on Tahiti and Bora Bora, while cash is useful for small snack stands, markets and the smaller islands, where ATMs are few. Tipping is not part of local custom, though a small gift for exceptional service is appreciated. Costs on the islands are high, so plan meals and excursions ahead.
Etiquette & dress code
Polynesians are warm, gentle and relaxed; greet people with ia ora na and thank them with mauruuru. Life follows island time, so patience and a smile go a long way. Ask before photographing people, respect marae as sacred sites and do not climb on their stones, and dress modestly away from the beach. Sunday is a quiet family day, when many shops close and churches fill with beautiful hymns.
Getting around
International flights arrive at Tahiti, and a domestic airline network connects the main islands, with Bora Bora about 50 minutes away by air. Ferries cross between Papeete and Moorea in around 30 to 45 minutes. In Bora Bora, the airport sits on a motu and boats carry travellers across the lagoon, while a single coastal road circles the main island. For smooth connections, we help arrange flights, boats and private transfers.
Must-do things in French Polynesia
- Spend a full day exploring Bora Bora's lagoon by boat
- Snorkel over coral gardens with rays and reef sharks
- Share a relaxed lunch on a palm-fringed motu
- Admire Mount Otemanu rising above the lagoon
- Walk the soft white sand of Matira Beach
- Watch traditional Polynesian dance and drumming
- Taste poisson cru made with fresh tuna and coconut milk
- Ride the ferry from Papeete to Moorea's dramatic bays
- Visit the sacred marae of Taputapuatea on Raiatea
- Watch humpback whales in season from July to November
Do’s and don’ts in French Polynesia
Do
- Book flights between islands well in advance
- Use reef-safe sunscreen and a rash vest in the water
- Carry some cash for the smaller islands
- Greet people with a warm ia ora na
- Bring water shoes for coral beaches
Don’t
- Don't touch or stand on coral while snorkelling
- Don't feed fish, rays or sharks yourself
- Don't climb on the stones of sacred marae
- Don't expect shops to open on Sundays
- Don't rush; island time is part of the charm
French Polynesia at a glance
Plan French Polynesia with Haqqi Tours
Every option is confirmed by our team on WhatsApp before you pay, and delivered by our own people or by trusted local partners we work with in every city. Because we send travellers from all over the world, our partners give us special rates and priority, so you always receive the best. Prices are per person unless marked per vehicle.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Straight answers to what travellers ask most about French Polynesia.
Is it safe to visit French Polynesia?
Yes. French Polynesia is generally very safe and welcoming, with low crime and a relaxed atmosphere on every island. The main precautions are natural: strong sun, currents near the reef passes and coral cuts, so follow your guide's advice in the water. Check your own government's official travel advice before departure, and keep our WhatsApp line handy for help with connections and plans.
How many days do I need in Bora Bora?
Three to five nights are ideal for Bora Bora, allowing a full day on the lagoon by boat with snorkelling and lunch on a motu, time on Matira Beach and slow days by the water. Most travellers spend seven to ten nights in French Polynesia in total, adding Tahiti and Moorea or an atoll.
Do I have to fly through Tahiti to reach Bora Bora?
Yes. International flights land at Tahiti Faa'a International Airport (PPT), and Bora Bora is reached by a domestic flight of about 50 minutes, often with lovely views of the islands. Some itineraries stop at Moorea, Huahine or Raiatea. We help plan the timing so that international and domestic connections fit comfortably.
Can a trip to French Polynesia be tailored for luxury or private travel?
Absolutely. Bora Bora is famous for elegant overwater villas and secluded island retreats, and Tahiti and Moorea offer refined beachfront stays. We can tailor private lagoon days by boat, private snorkelling excursions, smooth island connections and a relaxed family or honeymoon pace, then confirm every detail with you on WhatsApp before anything is paid.
What is the best time to visit French Polynesia?
May to October is the best time to visit, in the drier and slightly cooler season, with sunny days and clear lagoons. July brings the Heiva festival, and humpback whales visit from about July to November. November to April is hotter and wetter, with heavy showers, but the islands are quieter and greener.
What is French Polynesia famous for?
French Polynesia is famous for the turquoise lagoon and soaring peak of Bora Bora, for overwater villas, black pearls from the Tuamotus and fragrant vanilla from Taha'a. It is also known for Polynesian dance, tattoo art, the sacred marae of Raiatea, the dramatic bays of Moorea and the link between the painter Paul Gauguin and the islands.
Is halal food available in French Polynesia?
Halal food is very limited in French Polynesia, and pork is common in traditional feast dishes, so ask when ordering. Fresh fish, seafood, tropical fruit and vegetarian dishes are easy to find on every island, and many hotels can adapt meals on request. Our team can advise and pass on your dietary needs before arrival.
How do I get from Bora Bora Airport to my hotel?
Bora Bora Airport (BOB) sits on a motu at the edge of the lagoon, so every arrival continues by boat. Hotels on the motus usually send their own boats to collect guests, while for the main island a boat crosses to Vaitape in about 15 to 20 minutes, followed by a short drive. We help arrange these connections in advance.
Which cities in French Polynesia does Haqqi Tours cover?
Bora Bora. Each city has its own page with everything available there, and a trip across several cities is planned in one WhatsApp conversation.
What can I book in French Polynesia?
Day tours - all run or confirmed by Haqqi Tours, each with a fixed price agreed on WhatsApp before you pay.
How do I book a tour or transfer in French Polynesia?
Fill in the form on the page you are interested in, or message us on WhatsApp with the date, the number of travellers and your hotel. A member of our team confirms the price and the details in writing within minutes.
Are the prices fixed?
Yes. Every price is agreed in writing on WhatsApp before you travel and does not change on the day - not for traffic, not for a late flight, not for the hour.
Do you arrange transfers between cities in French Polynesia?
Yes. Intercity transfers by private car or van are booked the same way as airport transfers; tell the desk the two hotels and the date and it quotes a fixed price for the whole vehicle.
Can you plan a full itinerary across French Polynesia?
Yes - tell the desk your dates, the cities you want and who is travelling, and it proposes a day-by-day plan with the tours, transfers and tickets priced in writing. You adjust it in the same chat before confirming.
Are your tours private or in a group?
Both exist, and the page of each tour says which. Private tours have a car and guide for your party alone; small-group tours share a guide with a few other travellers. The desk can convert most group tours into a private day on request.
Do the drivers and guides speak Arabic?
It depends on the country, the city and the day, so we do not promise a particular language for the driver or guide. Tell us your preference and we do our best; the WhatsApp desk itself always works in Arabic and English.