The following list highlights some of the best beaches in French Polynesia. So if you are in French Polynesia, I recommend visiting the following:
Tereia Beach, Maupiti Island
Address – Tereia Beach, Maupiti Island, French Polynesia
Google Maps Link – 16°26’53.9″S 152°16’29.3″W
Tereia Beach is located on the western coast of Maupiti Island, part of the Society Islands of French Polynesia. This paradisiacal beach, with soft white sand and shallow waters. There are no coral reefs under the blue water, but there are interesting underwater rock formations, where you can spot some marine species while snorkeling. During low tide, you can cross the 500 meters to Motu Auira on foot, with the water barely at waist level. There is a food truck near the beach, and a small restaurant just a short walk south. Tereia Beach is peaceful and quiet, it never gets crowded, and it’s perfect for an isolated getaway.
Matira Beach, Bora Bora
Address – Matira Beach, Bora Bora, French Polynesia
Google Maps Link – 16°32’07.1″S 151°44’36.4″W
Matira Beach is located on the southern coast of Bora Bora, part of the Society Islands of French Polynesia. Relaxing and stunning, this is one of the few public beaches in Bora Bora, with soft white sand and shallow waters backdropped with palm trees. On the clear waters, you can spot different types of fish, stingrays and even harmless sharks, without even having to snorkel! At sunset, the view from the shore is unforgettable; during the day, you can climb up to the mountain and admire the beach from the top. There are restaurants at the beach and a market nearby. It can get busy during weekends; make sure to arrive early in order to avoid the crowds.
Taharuu Beach, Papara
Address – Taharuu Beach, Papara, French Polynesia
Google Maps Link – 17°46’21.1″S 149°28’45.7″W
Taharuu Beach is located in Papara, on the southern coast of Tahiti, the largest island in French Polynesia. With its stunning black sand and pebbles, this unique beach offers a relaxing atmosphere and unforgettable views. The warm water has strong waves, which are perfect for surfing or paddleboarding. There is a snack bar at the beach and picnic tables, with great areas for barbecue. It can get busy during weekends, but the beach is extensive enough that it never feels crowded. The sand gets hot easily, and there are sharp rocks and pebbles on the shore; avoid going into the water without proper shoes.
Ta’ahiamanu Beach, Moorea
Address – Ta’ahiamanu Beach, Moorea, French Polynesia
Google Maps Link – 17°29’31.2″S 149°51’03.1″W
Ta’ahiamanu Beach is located on the northern coast of Mo’orea Island, part of the Society Island of French Polynesia. With soft sand and grassy areas, this picturesque beach has crystal clear waters of a beautiful blue color, and scenic views just as beautiful. The beach is great for snorkeling, with different types of colorful fish and stingrays swimming around the coral reefs. There is a small shop at the beach, however you can bring your own food and enjoy a picnic in the grass. It gets crowded easily during weekends, especially during the holiday season. At sunset, the views are stunning; this is when people gather at the beach almost every day.
Fakarava Beach, Fakarava
Address – Fakarava Beach, Fakarava, French Polynesia
Google Maps Link – 16°06’17.7″S 145°36’28.0″W
Fakarava Beach is located on the inside coast of Fakavara Island, part of the Tuamotu Islands of French Polynesia. This isolated atoll, with its paradisiacal atmosphere, crystal clear waters and soft white sand, Fakarava Beach is the perfect getaway. Under the surface, there are hundreds of marine species, from triggerfish to stingrays, and different sharks; snorkeling and scuba diving in Fakarava is a must. It never gets busy nor crowded, and you will surely have the beach all to yourself. There are limited choices to eat, the few restaurants being a bit far from the beach; you can bring your own food and enjoy a picnic in the sand.
Pointe Venus Beach, Mahina
Address – Pointe Venus Beach, Mahina, French Polynesia
Google Maps Link – 17°29’43.4″S 149°29’43.9″W
Pointe Venus Beach is located in Mahina, on northern Tahiti, the largest island in French Polynesia. A breathtaking black sand beach, with bright blue waters, facing the west and giving off views of the nearby Mo’orea. Its shallow, calm waters make it safe for everyone to swim. There are zones with stronger waves that are perfect for surfing or paddle boarding. There is a restaurant a short walk away from the beach. Pointe Venus Beach is wide, and even during busy days, it never feels crowded due to how extensive it is. The beach offers stunning views of both the sunrise and the sunset.
Vaiava Beach, Puna’auia
Address – Plage Vaiava, Puna’auia, French Polynesia
Google Maps Link – 17°39’33.1″S 149°35’53.5″W
Vaiava Beach is located in Puna’auia, on the western coast of Tahiti, the largest of the atolls in French Polynesia. This stunning and paradisiacal beach offers white sands, turquoise water and verdant surroundings, with a serene atmosphere and beautiful views for photography. The water is crystal clear and rich with marine life, making Vaiava Beach a top snorkeling spot; on the outer reef edge, you can spot turtles, rays and even sharks. There is accommodation in the area, a few stores and some restaurants nearby. The beach is extensive and spacious enough that it never feels crowded; however, the parking lot is small and gets full fast on weekends.
Rohotu Beach, Pā’ea
Address – Plage publique de Rohotu, Pā’ea, French Polynesia
Google Maps Link – 17°42’20.8″S 149°35’05.7″W
Rohotu Beach is located in Pā’ea, on the western coast of Tahiti, the largest of the atolls in French Polynesia. This active beach, with soft white sand backdropped by verdant trees, is a great spot to hang out with family or friends, giving off stunning mountainous views. The water is clear and calm, with coral reefs and different fish species that are easy to spot even without a snorkel; the extensive stretch of sand is perfect for walking and sunbathing. There are no restaurants along the beach, but you can find some picnic tables under the shade of the trees.
Tema’e Beach, Motu temae
Address – Plage publique de Temae, French Polynesia
Google Maps Link – 17°29’54.9″S 149°45’41.6″W
Tema’e Beach is located in Te’avaro, on the eastern coast of Moorea, on the islands in French Polynesia. Picturesque and serene, this stunning beach offers soft white sand lined with palm trees, turquoise waters and a mountainous surrounding. The water is shallow and crystal clear, safe for everyone to swim and perfect for snorkeling as you can easily spot different marine species around the coral reefs, but don’t forget to bring swimming shoes, since the shore is rocky and makes it hard to walk into the water. There are great facilities at the beach, a few beach bars and a resort; you can bring your own food and have a picnic at the beach.
Hauru Beach, Mo’orea
Address – Hauru Public Beach, Mo’orea, Moorea-Maiao, French Polynesia
Google Maps Link – 17°29’51.7″S 149°54’53.5″W
Hauru Beach is located in Hauru, on the western coast of Moorea, on the islands in French Polynesia. This lovely beach is a nice spot for a family outing, with soft sand and green areas for picnics, stunning views and a calm atmosphere. The water is turquoise, clear and shallow, rich with marine life and perfect for swimming and snorkeling. You can find a few resorts, restaurants and stores in the area, offering a wide range of options to choose from. Keep in mind that this beach is popular and easy to reach, and it tends to be crowded during weekends and tourist season.