French Polynesia, also known simply as Tahiti, is one of the most beautiful island destinations in the world. This was the location of my very first international travel experience and even still, all these years later when I visit, it doesn't disappoint. 

Check out this list of top tips when visiting this stunning tropical paradise. 

Choose the Right Time to Visit

Is there a wrong time to visit paradise? Not really. But, there are a few advantages of visiting Tahiti at certain times of the year. 

May to October is the high season. The weather is better (less rain, more sunshine, less humidity). However, with the better weather comes the increase in crowds. 

November to April, on the other hand, is the low season. There's more rain, and thereby, higher humidity. However, there are also fewer tourists which means you'll have a better price on accommodations and less crowds at the beach. 

You kind of have to think about those pros and cons when making your decision to figure out what is best for you. On my first trip, I went right after Christmas and stayed through the New Year. The weather was perfect the entire time. I honestly don't remember one rain drop falling. However, that could just be an anomaly, so just keep that in mind when making your plans. 

Plan Your Itinerary Carefully 

Which islands do you want to visit? You do realize that like Hawaii, Tahiti is a string of islands, not just one. The main one is called Tahiti. The other 118 islands have their own names and include Bora Bora, Moorea, and so forth. It's obvious that you won't be able to visit them all on one trip. So, that's why you need to be selective and plan things out ahead of time. When I visited, I landed on the island of Tahiti (as everyone does since that's where the international airport is located) and then immediately took a ferry to the island of Moorea. Then, on the return, we spent one night in the capital city of Papeete (on the island of Tahiti) before we departed. 

I highly recommend Moorea. It was quaint and rural and felt like what a real Tahitian island experience should be like. We stayed in hotels that had individual huts with two beds and their own bathroom. It was perfectly comfortable for the three people that we had in each room. My trip was part of a package deal from Costco that a group of friends purchased and our inexpensive rate was based on triple occupancy. Costco Travel often has great deals like this as does Tripmasters. I've used both in the past and have enjoyed the cost effectiveness of buying a package deal. 

Besides Tahiti and Moorea, some of the other popular islands to visit include Bora Bora (of course), Huahine, and Raitea. Ferries (like the one I took from Tahiti to Moorea) are available in between the closer islands and cargo schooners zip passengers to the farther away islands. Check out this helpful article for more detailed information. 

Book Local Tours 

On my trip to Tahiti, we went on two guided tours (which we booked when we got there from a local tour guide who had a stand down the street from our hotel). We went on a jungle jeep tour that took us through the rainforest. Then, we also went on a boat tour where we got to swim with the sharks. Both were amazing and I highly recommend doing anything like that while on the islands. 

During high season, I would recommend booking tours ahead of time so they're not all filled up by the time you arrive. Viator is a fan favorite for finding excursions and day tours. This link should take you directly to the page I found when I searched "tours in Tahiti). Tours in Tahiti link. 

Enjoy the Local Culture 

Our hotel was wonderful because it had an outdoor bar area where the locals all gathered in the evenings to dance to live music. This was a fabulous way to get a peak at what the local culture is really like. I went to college in Hawaii, so I was already familiar with Polynesian culture, but it was to learn more specifically about the Tahitian culture which is a beautiful blend of Polynesian and French. I loved how young and old came and danced together in the evenings to the music of a live band. It just felt very reminiscent of what I imagined social gatherings used to be like when my grandparents were young in America. We just don't do social gatherings much like that anymore in the US, so it's fun to stumble back in time and see what life like that was like! If we had been staying at one of the more boujee resorts on the island (where only the guests get to hang out), we would have missed out on these very local experiences. Keep that in mind when you book your lodging and don't insulate yourself from the local culture. 

On New Year's Eve, we were treated to a traditional dance and fire-eating performance at our hotel which was a lot of fun. I highly recommend finding these types of events when visiting French Polynesia. You may not realize it, but the "hula" that we attribute to Hawaii (the one where the dancers shake their hips very quickly) actually originates in Tahiti, not Hawaii. It's called the ʻōteʻa, which is the dance these people are doing in the picture below. 

Don't Plan on Hearing the Ocean Waves

The islands of Tahiti are actually surrounded by coral reefs and have a lagoon in between the islands and the reef. So, that means that the waves do not crash on shore. So if you love to listen to the sounds of the ocean, you're out of luck in Tahiti.

I found the sand on the beaches in Moorea to be very rough and not at all smooth like beaches in other places. Once again, that's because the ocean waves do not roll up on shore here. Crashing waves actually help soften sand through the process of weathering. 

Despite those disadvantages, the fact that the ocean waves crash out on the reefs has its advantages, too. The lagoon created by the coral reef is basically a huge natural aquarium for you to swim in and explore the wonders of ocean life. Bring along a snorkel set (or rent one) and enjoy the colorful sealife in the crystal blue waters of the South Pacific. You may also want to do some paddle boarding, or shark swimming, when you're visiting the islands as well. 

Buy Some Black Pearls

Black pearls are unique to French Polynesia, and you'll find plenty of opportunities to buy one of these beautiful treasures before you leave the island. I found the prices to be quite reasonable in the small shops. If you have enough time, shop around before you make your final selection and you'll end up with the best deal. 

Rent a Scooter to Tour the Island  

While you can certainly rent a car, renting a scooter is another great way to see the island. Scooters are cheaper and easier to rent. They're also super easy to navigate across some of the more narrow island roads.

Just be sure to keep an eye on the gas tank so you don't run out in between fill-ups. That happened to us, and we were lucky enough to find a nice couple to give us a ride into town to get more fuel. 

Come to Relax and Don't Worry if You Don't Want to Leave

I still remember riding on the top of a speed boat on New Year's Eve in the lagoon of Moorea and thinking, "Why would anyone want to leave this place?" You will definitely have this experience when visiting French Polynesia. Who knows, maybe you'll be like the lady on the beach selling pareos (sarongs) who told me she had come there 30+ years previously and never left. Or maybe you'll just have such an enjoyable time relaxing here in the islands that you'll vow to return many times again, and will often do so in your dreams.

Regardless, the islands of French Polynesia are sure to draw you in with their magic and charms and create a memorable experience that you'll never forget. 

FAQ: Essential Tips for a Dreamy Trip to French Polynesia (Tahiti)

The ideal time to visit depends on your preferences. May to October is the high season with better weather, while November to April is the low season with more rain and fewer tourists. Consider your priorities when choosing between good weather and fewer crowds.

French Polynesia consists of multiple islands, including Tahiti, Moorea, Bora Bora, and more. Select the islands you want to visit carefully, and plan ahead for ferry connections or flights between them. Consider recommendations for islands like Moorea for an authentic experience.

Local tours offer unique experiences. Jungle jeep tours through the rainforest and boat tours for swimming with sharks are highly recommended. During the high season, it's advisable to book tours in advance to secure your spot.

Immerse yourself in local culture by attending events like traditional dances and live music gatherings. Participate in the local activities to gain a deeper understanding of Polynesian culture.

French Polynesia's islands are surrounded by coral reefs, creating a lagoon between the islands and the reef. As a result, ocean waves don't crash on shore. Despite this, the coral reef lagoon offers a stunning natural aquarium for snorkeling and exploring marine life.

Absolutely! Black pearls are unique to the region, and you'll find reasonable prices in local shops. Take your time to shop around for the best deals before making your purchase.

Renting a scooter is a cost-effective and enjoyable way to tour the islands. Scooters are easy to navigate on narrow roads and provide a different perspective of the landscape.

French Polynesia offers an enchanting atmosphere for relaxation. From unforgettable boat rides to idyllic lagoons, the islands exude magic and charm. Be prepared to fall in love with the place and consider returning for more dreamy experiences.

Relax and immerse yourself in the natural beauty, unique culture, and warm waters of French Polynesia. Embrace the magic of the islands, and let their charm create lasting memories. Whether you stay for a short visit or dream of returning, the allure of the islands is sure to captivate your heart.