Know Before You Go: Planning a Trip to French Polynesia

French Polynesia consists of 118 islands spread over 1,200 miles (1,931 kilometers) in the South Pacific Ocean. It’s divided into five distinct archipelagos—the Society Islands, Tuamotu Archipelago, Gambier Islands, Marquesas Islands, and Austral Islands—each with their own cultures and dialects. The main island is Tahiti, where the capital city of Papeete is located.

Decide what your priorities are before picking a French Polynesian destination. Are you looking for a luxurious island getaway? Check out Bora Bora, Tetiaroa, or Taha’a. If you’re into hiking, adventure, and off-the beaten-path experiences, try the Marquesas or Austral archipelagos. Can’t get enough diving or fishing? The Tuamotu archipelago is for you, but if you’re traveling with children, Tahiti and Moorea will be your best bet. And remember that ATM accessibility may be limited depending on the island you choose, although credit cards (with a minimum purchase) are generally accepted everywhere.

Related: 10 Underrated French Polynesian Islands You Won’t Want To Miss

All international flights to French Polynesia arrive at the international airport in Faa’a, Tahiti. From there, there are interconnecting domestic flights to 45 different islands in French Polynesia—the quickest way to go island hopping is by plane—and Air Tahiti offers passes that combine islands for a single price.

Alternatively, there are frequent ferry services connecting Tahiti with the islands in the Society group, such as Bora Bora and Raiatea. On the bigger islands (think: Tahiti and Raiatea), it’s worth renting a car or scooter to get around; on smaller islands, you can get by with a bike or on foot. Finally, outrigger canoe or motorboat rental is available on most islands and makes for a great way to get out and about on the water.

The climate in French Polynesia is tropical, meaning that it’s generally warm and humid all year round. However, it’s best to travel during the dry season between May and October. June through August are peak months for tourism, as is the Christmas and New Year break. If you’re planning on visiting during a quieter period, keep in mind that November to April is the rainy season—expect frequent downfalls.

Pack light for French Polynesia, because chances are you’ll be living in your swimsuit, pareo (sarong), and flip-flops most days. And remember to bring sunscreen, sunglasses, and mosquito repellent for the often hot and humid weather. A waterproof bag won’t go astray either, given how much time you’ll likely spend on or near the water.

If you’re planning to do activities such as hiking, fishing, or surfing, bring the gear you need with you, as these specialty items are expensive in the islands. Lastly, a camera—waterproof if you have it—is essential to capture all those fleeting holiday memories.

French Polynesia is an overseas territory of France, and French is the official language. However, Tahitian is widely spoken, particularly in the outer islands, as well as other dialects. Not many people speak English outside of tourist establishments, so brushing up on some basic phrases in French or Tahitian is a good idea before visiting.

French Polynesians are proud of their culture and their fenua (land) and are usually friendly and welcoming. If you’re greeting someone, two kisses (one on each cheek) are the norm, although since COVID this custom has become less frequent. If you’re visiting someone’s house, it’s polite to take your shoes off before entering.

Insider tip: You’ll see lots of locals—both men and women—wearing flowers behind their ears. If it’s behind their right ear, they’re single. If it’s behind their left ear, they’re taken.