Travel

Which French Polynesian Island

Louise D. Cormier 3 years ago 3 min read

Planning a trip to the French Polynesian islands is both exciting and stressful. You want to make the most of your time on your holiday and pick the best spots – but how do you know which French Polynesian island is best for you? You want to see as much of the islands as you can – but you also want a relaxed slow-paced holiday where you’re not rushing from tour to tour or booking to booking.

With so many islands to choose from, filled with beautiful scenery, luxury accommodation options, and different activities to fill your day – the problem of identifying which island or islands to spend your holiday exploring becomes even more overwhelming.

So we’re sharing some of our favourite French Polynesian island holiday destinations – along with what each island is best know for – to help you start to narrow down the options and pick the best French Polynesian island for your holiday escape.

Bora Bora:

We’re starting with the most obvious choice – Bora Bora. Made famous by celebrities like the Kardashians, this stunning French Polynesian island has a lot more to offer its guests beyond celebrity spotting.

Bora Bora holidays are best known for luxury, as it is the most popular island in Tahiti. From 5-star overwater bures to award winning international chefs and world class day spas, Bora Bora is the island to choose if you want to be spoilt and pampered from dusk to dawn.

All of this luxury does come at a cost – Bora Bora is arguably the most expensive French Polynesian island.

Moorea:

If you’re chasing a holiday that pairs relaxation with exploration, then Moorea might be more your cup of tea. Moorea is known for having a wider range of tours and activities available for holiday makers than some of the other islands.

Surrounded by lagoon waters, you’ll still have access to great swimming, snorkelling, kayaking and paddle boarding activities. But the mountainous tropical inlands of Moorea give you access to additional options likeing hiking, ziplining and quad biking.

All of these activities mean the Moorea is also a better option for family holidays – while Bora Bora is all about luxury and romance, Moorea is about adventure and adrenalin.

Raiatea

Raiatea is where you want to head if you want to immerse yourself in polynesian culture. This sacred Polynesian Island is home to many political and cultural gatherings as well as an archaeological site dating back to 1000 AD where locals would communicate with the gods.

Raiatea does not have many beaches, so it is not the island to choose if you want to spend your days lazing beach side – but that doesn’t mean that holiday makers are left wanting for things to do. The island features mountainous landscapes that are ripe for exploring. We recommend the unmissable outrigger canoe tour that will take you deep into the dense tropical forest, where you’ll get the opportunity to see a wide range of endemic flora and fauna.

Diving is also popular in Rairatea with several tour options available for experienced divers.

Tikehau

Tikehau is where you want to head if you want secluded romance. This island is perfect for couples who like the idea of Bora Bora, but find it a bit too “flashy”. Tikehau is a bit more laid back – still luxurious and picture perfect, but with out as many celebrities and Instagrammers.

Spend your days exploring the stunning lagoon waters – swimming with manter rays and reef sharks or wandering the pink sands of the lagoon beaches, hand in hand with your partner.

Escape to French Polynesia

This is just a small selection of the many different options that French Polynesia offers its visitors. Each island has its own personality and is suited to different types of travellers – whether you’re seeking a family holiday, a romantic escape, a luxurious holiday or a once-in-a-lifetime adventure, the islands of French Polynesia will deliver. A Bora Bora honeymoon, in particular, is perfect for couples looking for a romantic escape.