Why French Polynesia Should Be on Your Travel Bucket List
If you scour the South Pacific on Google Maps long enough, you’ll eventually spot the hidden treasure you are searching for. Hidden out in the middle of nowhere, the Islands of Tahiti sit 5,000 kilometers east of Australia. With its dazzling azure lagoons, dramatic volcanic peaks, and the warmth of its local communities, French Polynesia is a destination at the top of every traveller’s cruise list. Here are a few compelling reasons to add this slice of French paradise in the Pacific to your bucket list.
1. Multi-Coloured Beaches of French Polynesia
French Polynesia is known for its abundance of beautiful beaches, which serve as a major attraction for visitors. The travel specialist in French Polynesia can guide you to a wide variety of beach sizes, shapes, and colours Just west of Papeete are beaches with white sand, characteristic of the tropics. Plage de Toaroto beach is one of the most famous because of its stunning beauty and the abundance of facilities available to visitors so that they can relax and enjoy the Tahitian sun.
Alternatively, to the east of Papeete, you can find black sandy beaches. The black sand is a unique feature caused by the volcanic basalt that makes up the area. The Polynesia islands even have pink beaches, which are formed by shells of foraminifera and coral fragments that give the water a pinkish colour.
2. Go Chasing Waterfalls
While Tahiti’s reefs and waters certainly get all the attention, you shouldn’t overlook the island’s breathtaking forest walks and secret waterfalls.
The little islands are reminiscent of Aotearoa in many ways, including their abundance of verdant ferns, deep valleys, volcanic summits, and many walking paths. Some of the hidden waterfalls, like the world-famous Les Trois Cascades (the Three Waterfalls), have natural pools below them where you can cool down after a hot and sweaty climb. You can also take a three-minute stroll from the car park to Faarumai Waterfall.
3. Overwater Bungalow Stays in French Polynesia
Many people associate French Polynesia with thatched-roof bungalows on stilts or “floating villas” situated above water. These overwater bungalows, nestled on turquoise waves and bordered by swaying palm trees, are most likely the settings you’ve seen in Tahitian postcards.
Especially popular in Moorea and Bora Bora, overwater bungalows offer ultimate seclusion and the unforgettable experience of falling asleep to the gentle sound of waves. Guests can snorkel and swim directly from their private balcony, immersing themselves in the vibrant underwater world just steps away.
4. Scuba Dive & Swim with Humpback Whales
For those visiting French Polynesia, there is yet another option for getting wet. Some of the most extreme scuba divers in the world go great distances to explore the marine life here because of the excellent scuba diving. Dive with schools of dolphins and sharks in Rangiroa and Fakarava atolls. Take a boat ride through the Society Islands’ chasms and gorges as nurse sharks swim by, or visit the Maupiti lagoon’s “cleaning station” to see huge manta rays doing their natural “car wash.
Humpback whales come to the islands from July to October to give birth and bask in the warm waters. The ideal spot in the Pacific to see whales up close and swim with them is on the island of Rurutu in the Austral archipelago.
Conclusion
The Islands of French Polynesia provide an ideal setting not only for unforgettable honeymoons but also for memorable family adventures. Long celebrated for their enchantment, mysticism, and breathtaking beauty, these islands have rightfully earned their reputation as “paradise on Earth.”
