French Polynesia


Moorea, French Polynesia
The Polynesian Sister Any Island Would Like to Have
A mere 17km from Tahiti, Moorea does not have a single city and is home to a tenth of its inhabitants. Tahitians have long watched the sun go down and transform the island next door into a misty silhouette, only to return to its exuberant colors and shapes hours later. For those who visit these remote parts of the Pacific, getting to know Moorea is a double privilege.
Tahiti, French Polynesia
Tahiti Beyond the Cliché
Neighbors Bora Bora and Maupiti have superior scenery but Tahiti has long been known as paradise and there is more life on the largest and most populous island of French Polynesia, its ancient cultural heart.
Papeete, French Polynesia
The Third Sex of Tahiti
Heirs of Polynesian ancestral culture, the Mahu they preserve an unusual role in society. Lost somewhere between the two genders, these men-women continue to fight for the meaning of their lives.
Maupiti, French Polynesia
A Society on the Margin
In the shadow of neighboring Bora Bora's near-global fame, Maupiti is remote, sparsely inhabited and even less developed. Its inhabitants feel abandoned but those who visit it are grateful for the abandonment.
Bora-Bora, Raiatea, Huahine, French Polynesia
An Intriguing Trio of Societies
In the idyllic heart of the vast Pacific Ocean, the Society Archipelago, part of French Polynesia, beautifies the planet as an almost perfect creation of Nature. We explored it for a long time from Tahiti. The last few days we dedicate them to Bora Bora, Huahine and Raiatea.
Moorea aerial view
Moorea, French Polynesia

The Polynesian Sister Any Island Would Like to Have

A mere 17km from Tahiti, Moorea does not have a single city and is home to a tenth of its inhabitants. Tahitians have long watched the sun go down and transform the island next door into a misty silhouette, only to return to its exuberant colors and shapes hours later. For those who visit these remote parts of the Pacific, getting to know Moorea is a double privilege.
Drums and Tattoos
Tahiti, French Polynesia

Tahiti Beyond the Cliché

Neighbors Bora Bora and Maupiti have superior scenery but Tahiti has long been known as paradise and there is more life on the largest and most populous island of French Polynesia, its ancient cultural heart.
Mahu, Third Sex Polynesia, Papeete, Tahiti
Papeete, French Polynesia

The Third Sex of Tahiti

Heirs of Polynesian ancestral culture, the Mahu they preserve an unusual role in society. Lost somewhere between the two genders, these men-women continue to fight for the meaning of their lives.
view mount Teurafaatiu, Maupiti, Society Islands, French Polynesia
Maupiti, French Polynesia

A Society on the Margin

In the shadow of neighboring Bora Bora's near-global fame, Maupiti is remote, sparsely inhabited and even less developed. Its inhabitants feel abandoned but those who visit it are grateful for the abandonment.
Women at Mass. Bora Bora, Society Islands, Polynesia, French
Bora-Bora, Raiatea, Huahine, French Polynesia

An Intriguing Trio of Societies

In the idyllic heart of the vast Pacific Ocean, the Society Archipelago, part of French Polynesia, beautifies the planet as an almost perfect creation of Nature. We explored it for a long time from Tahiti. The last few days we dedicate them to Bora Bora, Huahine and Raiatea.

Mapa


When to go


The weather in the Society Archipelago is hot all year round. Winter, from May to October, is the coolest and driest season. Temperatures increase substantially from November to April, as does the rain that becomes more frequent. 

Money and costs


The currency of French Polynesia is the Franc Pacific (CPF). Papeete and other more touristy towns on the neighboring islands are well equipped with ATMs and most establishments accept credit card payments. French Polynesia is one of the most expensive destinations in the world. 

ACCOMMODATION

It is unlikely that you can find accommodation in French Polynesia for less than €40 or €50 per person, in a single double room, in the most humble inns. The other extreme of accommodation in this heavenly mega-archipelago are the multimillion-dollar resorts of Tahiti, Moorea and Bora Bora where you can easily come across Hollywood stars – Pierce Brosnan, for example is almost home in Bora Bora – who consider them second homes . Expect to pay €500 or more per night, in high season, at these semi-planted stilt hotels on a turquoise or emerald Pacific ocean.

FOOD

Just to give you an idea, a plastic dish with raw fish served with lemon and coconut costs practically €10 at the caravans of Papeete, capital of French Polynesia. Taking this example into account, it won't be difficult to see that a complete meal in a sophisticated restaurant is in Tahiti or one of the resorts from neighboring islands will always have astronomical prices.  

INTERNET

It's far from fast – as you'd expect in the middle of the Pacific Ocean – but it costs around €10 an hour at Internet cafes in Papeete, the largest towns in Tahiti and the most urbanized islands in the archipelago. On more remote islands, such as Maupiti, it is fortunate if there is electricity throughout the day. The Internet is considered a real luxury.

How to go


VISA AND OTHER PROCEDURES

Portuguese citizens (like Brazilians) do not need a visa for stays of up to 90 days but a passport valid for 6 months is required.

HEALTH CARE

The authorities of French Polynesia require vaccination certificate for Yellow Fever vaccine for all passengers over one year of age who come from a country at risk of contagion of the disease, or who have spent more than 12 hours in that country or in a country. airport of that country. Avoid mosquito bites to prevent dengue fever.  

TRIP TO FRENCH POLYNESIA

A Star Alliance flies from Lisbon to Papeete via Frankfurt and Auckland, with the TAP and ANA (All Nippon Airwaysor Lufthansa per from 2100 euros.

Must Do's


  • Tahiti 
  • Surfing in Teahupoʻo 
  • Papeete Municipal Market
  • Bora Bora
  • Maupiti
  • Mo'orea
  • Raiatea
  • Huahine
  • ​Rangiroa Atoll
  • Tikehau
  • Nuku Hiva
  • Marquesas Archipelago
  • Tuamotus

 

Explore


INTERNAL FLIGHTS

The various passes of the Air Tahiti they are the ideal solution to explore the various islands of the archipelago at the most affordable prices. 

CAR RENTAL

A rental car is the best way to explore Tahiti and some of the Society Islands closest to Tahiti. Moorea, Huahine and Raiatea have great roads. Prices for car hire are quite high, around €70, €80 per day for an economy class vehicle. 

SHIP

Several companies sail from Tahiti to Moorea several times a day for around €20 (round trip, half one way). The journey takes between half an hour and an hour. Other vessels sail from Tahiti and among other islands at least twice a week. Some travel at high speed.