French Polynesia Holidays

What is French Polynesia known for?

French Polynesia is known for its natural beauty, with lush greenery framing gin-clear waters. Dive in and you’ll discover pristine coral reefs which are home to an array of marine species including manta rays, sea turtles, dolphins and sharks. It’s no wonder the archipelago is popular among divers.

If exploring the underwater world isn’t your thing, fear not. There are plenty of experiences on land, whether you want to relax on one of the picture-perfect beaches with a good book, explore the rainforest on foot, or immerse yourself in the rich culture of the local villages with traditional dance performances.

What is the food like in French Polynesia?

The food in French Polynesia centres around local, fresh ingredients, largely thanks to the fertile volcanic soil and abundance of sunlight that helps plants grow. As you might expect from an archipelago, seafood is a staple and the national dish is poisson cru – diced raw fish (typically tuna), marinated with lime juice and coconut milk and mixed with tomatoes, cucumbers and onions.

You may also want to try po’e, a pudding made with banana, papaya or even pumpkin, which is sweetened with coconut. Firi firi doughnuts are also popular, with their distinctive figure-of-eight shape seen on many breakfast tables.

If you’ve got time, seek out a meal cooked in an ahima’a, an earthen oven created in a pit in the ground, where food is slowly cooked to perfection. We can also arrange gourmet tours, introducing you to restaurants that only the locals know about.

What is the drink like in French Polynesia?

The most famous drinks in French Polynesia are the mai tai and pina colada, which are regulars on cocktail menus around the world. Made with rum, these are both ideal beverages to drink as you sit and savour the sunshine. If you’re visiting Moo’rea, you can even try them made with the local speciality – pineapple rum.

If you’re looking for something non-alcoholic, then there are plenty of refreshing juices to quench your thirst, including banana juice (a staple fruit in Polynesia).

Do I need to tip in French Polynesia?

Tipping is not expected in French Polynesia, as staff salaries are included in the cost of your meal or excursion. However, if you receive exceptional service and want to, that’s fine – it’s not considered rude.

Is there anything else I need to know about etiquette in French Polynesia?

The culture in French Polynesia is generally very laid-back. There are just a few things to remember:

• Polynesians are very religious. You should wear conservative clothing if you attend any church services.
• It’s polite to remove your shoes if you enter a family home or even a family-run hotel.
• Smile and greet people as you walk around – being friendly is important.
• Don’t touch or move any sacred stones or tikis when visiting archaeological sites.

Where is French Polynesia?

French Polynesia is in the South Pacific Ocean, between Australia and the western side of South America.

How big is French Polynesia?

French Polynesia is made up of 118 islands and atolls (a ring-shaped coral reef that forms around an island). 67 of those are inhabited, and the rest are left to nature. If you measured all the land, it would cover around 1,622 square miles, although the actual size if you include the water between the islands is much larger.

When is the best time to visit French Polynesia?

The best time to visit French Polynesia is during their winter, when the islands are warm and there’s little rainfall. Bear in mind that the seasons are reversed in French Polynesia in comparison to the UK, thanks to its location in the Southern Hemisphere. ‘Winter’ is actually June, July and August. September is also a good choice, as it’s the driest month. However, it can be busy at this time of year, so be prepared for crowds.

If you’re interested in surfing or hiking, opt for their autumn (March, April and May) instead. While it can be rainy, temperatures are more comfortable.

What is the climate like in French Polynesia?

The climate in French Polynesia is tropical, with warm temperatures and high humidity. Temperatures typically range from 25°C to 30°C, with tropical storms in March, April and May.

What plug adapter do I need when visiting French Polynesia?

You’ll need to pack an A, B and E-type plug adapter for French Polynesia, as the plugs are different to the UK. Type A has two flat parallel prongs, Type B has the same two flat parallel prongs, with the addition of a round pin, and Type E has two round pins. The standard voltage is 110/220V.

What is the capital city of French Polynesia?

The capital city of French Polynesia is Papeete, which is located on the island of Tahiti.

What language is spoken in French Polynesia?

The only official language of French Polynesia is French. Other common languages include Tahitian, Paumotu, Marquesan, Mangarevan and Taumotuan. English is learnt as a third language in many tourist areas.

What’s the time difference between French Polynesia and the UK?

The UK is ten hours ahead of Papeete (the capital of French Polynesia). But the time difference depends on where you are – there are three different time zones in total. Tahiti time is ten hours behind GMT, Marquesas time is nine-and-a-half hours behind GMT, and Gambier time is nine hours behind GMT.

What currency do they use in French Polynesia?

The official currency of French Polynesia is the CFP franc. CFP stands for Collectivites Francaises du Pacifique.

Can you drink the tap water in French Polynesia?

It’s safe to drink the tap water on Tahiti, Moorea and Bora Bora, but on the other islands, you should drink boiled or bottled water.

When do amenities open in French Polynesia?

Typically, shops are open from 8am to 11am, and then from 1.30pm to 5.30pm, Monday to Friday. Shops in Papeete may also open on Saturday mornings. The post office in Papeete is open from 7am to 6pm, Monday to Friday, and from 8am to 11am on Saturday. On other smaller islands, opening times vary.

How long is the flight from the UK to French Polynesia?

Flying from London Heathrow to Tahiti takes around 20 hours, typically with a stopover on the west coast of the US, in Seattle, San Francisco or Los Angeles. There is no direct flight from the UK to French Polynesia.

Do I need a visa to go to French Polynesia?

British passport holders don’t need a visa to visit French Polynesia on holiday. You can stay for up to 90 days.

What are the passport requirements for French Polynesia?

All travellers need to hold a passport that is valid for three months after the date you leave French Polynesia.

What are the vaccination requirements for French Polynesia?

You’ll need a yellow fever vaccination and certificate if you’re travelling from a country that’s considered at risk (the UK is not currently on this list). Aside from this, it’s a good idea to be up to date on routine vaccinations such as measles-mumps-rubella and diphtheria-tetanus-polio.