The Society Islands – French Polynesia

The Society Islands, French Polynesia, is one of the overseas territories with the most tourism in the world. These islands are known for being like paradise on earth, ever since the first European explorers arrived in Tahiti. And rightfully so. This truly is a paradisiacal land, combining beautiful aquamarine beaches, clear blue skies, and mountains covered with bright green trees.

Activity/Place Highlights

Tahiti

The French Polynesia archipelago, also known as the Friendly Islands, is a set of 15 islands, dominated by Tahiti. Tahiti is, in fact, the most famous of them all, and around 69% of the total population of French Polynesia lives there.

Of course, Tahiti might be the first thing you find when you look up ‘French Polynesia’. But in reality, most of the attractions you find there are rocky peaks and mountains. For hiking lovers, Tahiti is perfect. However, if you are looking for the true paradisiacal feeling of French Polynesia, the other islands of the archipelago are waiting for you.

Bora Bora

The iconic Bora Bora is among the best-known islands. White sand and crystalline waters, with deserted coral atolls, called motus, here and there. Since it’s so popular, you will surely find at least a small crowd if you head to Bora Bora. This might be an inconvenience for those looking for a relaxed experience away from the world. But if you have no problem with a crowded beach, Bora Bora is just perfect for you.

Moorea

This is a small group of eight mountains going down to a turquoise lagoon. On one hand, you will see huge palm trees lined one next to the other; to the other side, the Pacific Ocean quietly flows to the horizon. It takes just a short ferry ride from Tahiti to reach Moorea.

Take the time to visit the motus dotting the lagoon, where rays will swim to the shore once you get close. But don’t worry! It is totally safe to feed these seemingly scary animals.

Huahine

This is the perfect spot to get the true local feel, and it can be reached via a short domestic flight from Tahiti. In Fare, you can find some bars and restaurants, and when the sun goes lower and lower, the people of this settlement gather there to have fun, making you feel like part of them. Besides, there are some archaeological sites on Huanine, like the marae, located on the shores of Lake Fauna Nui.

Huanine is certainly less developed than Moorea, but it stands out because of its underwater world. Snorkeling in Huanine’s lagoon is definitely an experience you can’t miss, with impressive dives around the reefs. Finally, the cherry-on-top of this island is swimming with its black-tipped reef sharks. As harmless as they can be, they are always accompanied by colorful fish, drawn to the area by the local organization that feeds the sharks to bring them to you.

Food and souvenirs

Of course, traveling to French Polynesia means taking souvenirs home. Hats, bags, baskets, wooden sculptures, and jewelry made of shells, tifaifai, and pearls are available for you to buy and gift your friends and family back home.

During lunchtime, you will have the opportunity to taste lots of dishes with lobsters and tuna, as well as fish such as mahi-mahi. Local products fill their plates, but the islands have numerous restaurants with international dishes, so you don’t feel too far from home. Don’t forget to try the maitai, a delicious cocktail made with white rum, pineapple, Cointreau, grenadine and pineapple juice or Maeva.

How to get there

Air Tahiti Nui flies to Tahiti from several European cities, including London and Paris. Besides, the Tahitian domestic airline, Air Tahiti, offers a range of international flights.