UNESCO World Heritage Sites
Book Attractions in Advance
Skip the lines at French Polynesia's top attractions by booking tickets in advance through Tiqets. Get instant confirmation and mobile tickets for museums, maraes, and experiences across the islands.
Taputapuatea Marae, Raiatea
Explore the ancient Polynesian temple complex, a UNESCO site symbolizing spiritual and navigational heritage.
Guided tours reveal marae rituals and connections to distant Pacific cultures.
Maroe Bay, Taha'a
Part of the UNESCO Taputapuatea landscape, featuring sacred sites and lush valleys with archaeological remnants.
A serene spot for cultural immersion and views of traditional Polynesian architecture.
Arahurahu Marae, Tahiti
Visit this restored marae near Papeete, showcasing pre-European Polynesian religious practices.
Ideal for learning about ancient ceremonies and island mythology through interpretive displays.
Teahupoo, Tahiti
World-famous surf site with cultural ties to Polynesian voyaging heritage, near ancient sites.
Combine surfing history with visits to nearby maraes for a blend of tradition and adventure.
Paerau Marae, Huahine
Discover stone platforms and petroglyphs representing ancestral worship in the Society Islands.
Less visited, offering peaceful exploration of Polynesian spiritual landscapes.
Museum of Tahiti and Her Islands
Explore exhibits on Polynesian migration and cultural artifacts in Punaauia, tying into UNESCO themes.
Essential for understanding the islands' rich oral and material heritage.
Natural Wonders & Outdoor Adventures
Bora Bora Lagoon
Snorkel in turquoise waters surrounded by coral reefs and overwater bungalows, ideal for marine life viewing.
Perfect for romantic getaways with boat tours to hidden motus (islets).
Mount Otemanu, Bora Bora
Hike or boat around this volcanic pinnacle rising dramatically from the lagoon.
Adventure seekers enjoy climbing challenges with stunning panoramic vistas.
Rangiroa Atoll
Dive with sharks and rays in the world's second-largest lagoon, a diver's paradise.
Tiputa Pass offers thrilling drift dives amid vibrant coral gardens.
Moorea Mountains
Trek through lush valleys to waterfalls like those in Opunohu Bay for hiking enthusiasts.
Family-friendly trails with opportunities for birdwatching and tropical fruit picking.
Tikehau Atoll
Explore pink sand beaches and lagoon tours spotting sea turtles and manta rays.
Relaxed eco-adventures with sustainable snorkeling in pristine waters.
Marquesas Islands Waterfalls
Discover cascading falls like Omoa in Hiva Oa amid dramatic volcanic landscapes.
Remote hikes connecting to Polynesian legends and lush rainforest biodiversity.
French Polynesia by Region
🏝️ Society Islands (Windward & Leeward)
- Best For: Iconic lagoons, overwater bungalows, and vibrant island life with Tahiti and Bora Bora highlights.
- Key Destinations: Papeete, Moorea, Bora Bora, and Raiatea for cultural sites and luxury resorts.
- Activities: Lagoon snorkeling, shark feeding, Polynesian dance shows, and hiking volcanic peaks.
- Best Time: Dry season (May-Oct) for calm waters and events like Heiva festival (July), with 25-30°C weather.
- Getting There: Well-connected by ferry or short flights from Papeete, with private transfers available via GetTransfer.
🌊 Tuamotu Archipelago
- Best For: World-class diving, atolls, and remote pearl farms as a marine biodiversity hotspot.
- Key Destinations: Rangiroa, Fakarava, and Tikehau for underwater adventures and quiet beaches.
- Activities: Scuba diving passes, black pearl tours, lagoon fishing, and stargazing on uninhabited motus.
- Best Time: Year-round for diving, but June-Sept for clearer waters and fewer rains, 24-28°C.
- Getting There: Papeete Airport is the main hub - compare flights on Aviasales for best deals.
🗿 Marquesas Islands
- Best For: Rugged wilderness, ancient tiki carvings, and artistic heritage away from tourist crowds.
- Key Destinations: Nuku Hiva, Hiva Oa, and Ua Pou for hikes and cultural festivals.
- Activities: Waterfall treks, horseback riding, tattoo workshops, and exploring archaeological sites.
- Best Time: Dry months (April-Oct) for hiking, with lush greenery and 22-28°C temperatures.
- Getting There: Rent a car or 4x4 on larger islands for flexibility in exploring remote valleys and bays.
🌺 Gambier Islands
- Best For: Pristine lagoons and Catholic heritage with a secluded, untouched paradise vibe.
- Key Destinations: Mangareva and Rikitea for pearl diving and historic missions.
- Activities: Kayaking atolls, breadfruit foraging, church tours, and sustainable pearl cultivation visits.
- Best Time: Southern winter (May-Nov) for mild weather and calm seas, 23-27°C.
- Getting There: Small plane or boat from Papeete, ideal for adventurers seeking isolation.
Sample French Polynesia Itineraries
🚀 7-Day French Polynesia Highlights
Arrive in Papeete, explore markets and black sand beaches, visit Arahurahu Marae, and relax at resort spas.
Ferry to Moorea for hikes and shark feeding, then fly to Bora Bora for lagoon tours and overwater bungalow stays.
Explore Taputapuatea UNESCO site and vanilla plantations, with catamaran cruises between islands.
Final lagoon snorkel, Polynesian dinner show, and departure from Papeete with time for pearl shopping.
🏞️ 10-Day Adventure Explorer
Papeete city tour with markets, marae visits, Teahupoo surf watching, and local food tastings.
Moorea hikes to waterfalls, quad biking through pineapple plantations, and dolphin encounters.
Bora Bora lagoon activities, then flight to Rangiroa for introductory dives and atoll exploration.
Full-day drift dives in Tiputa Pass, pearl farm visits, and relaxation on pink sand beaches.
Day trip to Huahine for archaeological sites, then back to Tahiti for final spa treatments and departure.
🏙️ 14-Day Complete French Polynesia
Comprehensive Papeete exploration including museums, black pearl markets, hikes, and cultural workshops.
Moorea for outdoor adventures, Bora Bora for luxury lagoon time, Raiatea for UNESCO heritage tours.
Rangiroa diving, Fakarava shark feeds, Tikehau eco-tours, and atoll kayaking experiences.
Flight to Nuku Hiva for hikes, Hiva Oa tiki sites, and Ua Pou scenic drives with local arts.
Gambier for secluded lagoons, then return to Tahiti for Heiva festival vibes and departure shopping.
Top Activities & Experiences
Lagoon Snorkeling Tours
Swim with turtles and colorful fish in Bora Bora's protected reefs for unforgettable marine encounters.
Available daily with eco-friendly guides emphasizing coral conservation.
Shark & Ray Feeding
Interact safely with blacktip sharks and stingrays in Moorea's shallow lagoons guided by experts.
Thrilling yet educational experiences highlighting Polynesian respect for ocean life.
Polynesian Dance Shows
Experience tamure dances and fire performances at resort luaus across the islands.
Participate in workshops to learn traditional moves and rhythms.
Catamaran Cruises
Sail between Raiatea and Taha'a with sunset views, snorkel stops, and onboard feasts.
Popular for couples and families with customizable multi-island routes.
Pearl Farm Visits
Tour black pearl cultivation in Tuamotu lagoons, learning sustainable harvesting techniques.
Shop for unique jewelry and understand the islands' economic pearl heritage.
Hiking Volcanic Trails
Trek Mount Rotui in Moorea or Nuku Hiva valleys for breathtaking views and waterfall swims.
Guided tours include flora identification and Polynesian storytelling.