For those looking to explore the beautiful island chain that spans the Pacific Ocean, here’s how to get to French Polynesia. The Marquesas are 900 miles from Tahiti and take a 3.5-hour flight. The Marquesas are mostly tall volcanic islands not surrounded by coral reefs. The Gambier Islands are a collection of 14 volcanic islands in a giant lagoon. Finally, the Austral Islands are a collection of secluded islands with only a few guesthouses and authentic Polynesian culture.
Table of Contents
Tahiti
If you plan to visit Tahiti, you will need to find out how to get to Tahiti in the French Polynesian islands. The main island of Tahiti has public transportation, including taxis and buses, and there are even bikes to rent. The outer islands, however, are difficult to reach without booking passage on a boat or plane. Getting to Tahiti from the mainland is the easiest way, but you will likely have to travel by sea to reach other islands. To get to Tahiti in French Polynesia, most travelers fly into the Faa’a International Airport, which is located 3 miles outside Papeete’s capital city. You can take a taxi or public bus to your destination from the airport.
Getting to Tahiti in French Polynesia is easy, thanks to the frequent flights within the area. The main island of Tahiti is Papeete, the capital city of French Polynesia. If you plan to spend your honeymoon in Tahiti, be prepared to spend a lot of money. Tahiti is one of the most popular honeymoon destinations, and you can enjoy beautiful scenery and activities on the island. You can get to Tahiti by plane or seaplane, but it’s not an affordable option if you have a budget.
Before leaving Tahiti, consider the weather. It is best to visit Tahiti in the “dry” season (December through March) when trade winds bring cool temperatures and reduced cloud cover. The island’s humpback whales visit the area every year. During these months, temperatures can be very uncomfortable in lagoons. You may want to bring warm clothes for the evening, as the temperature can drop during a high swell.
You can easily reach Tahiti in French Polynesia by plane, which is the most convenient way to reach this picturesque island. There are five international flights from Paris, including daily flights from Air Tahiti Nui. You can also take a flight from Honolulu or Los Angeles. The flights are frequent, and many have direct connections to Tahiti.
Moorea
You’re not alone if you’re wondering how to get to Moorea in French Polynesia. Moorea is a stunning island located about 30 minutes by ferry from Tahiti. The island is a top tourist destination, renowned for its rugged landscape, white sand beaches, and pristine marine biodiversity. Travelers can enjoy the beautiful sunsets, delicious food, and welcoming Polynesian culture.
If you plan to rent a vehicle in Moorea, the best option is to rent one in Tahiti and take a ferry to Moorea. The cost difference for the same vehicle class is only 20 EUR per day. The same applies to those who plan to fly from Tahiti to Moorea or those arriving from other islands. Whether you’re taking a plane or ferry, consider how long it takes to get to each island before choosing the best option for your trip.
The best time to visit Moorea is during the dry season when temperatures are high, and humidity is low. Moorea is also popular during the summer, as it is close to Tahiti and residents often take time to visit. The summer months are quieter, though July is a popular month. You can also enjoy swimming and snorkeling on the island. If you plan to spend a week or more on Moorea, rent a car.
If you plan to stay on Moorea for more than a week, you’ll want to find accommodation with a kitchen. Cooking your food is a great way to save money on local snacks. If you’re a budget-conscious traveler, there are plenty of inexpensive backpacker options on the island. For those who like adventure, plenty of activities are available on land.
The island’s beautiful lagoon boasts crystal waters and abundant marine life. While visiting Moorea, take a snorkeling excursion, and you’ll see a variety of sea creatures, including dolphins, stingrays, and sea turtles. You can also enjoy a tour of the island’s history and modern culture. If you are looking for some delicious pizza, head to Allo Pizza, a local restaurant that offers delivery.
Bora Bora
Located on a volcanic island, Bora is surrounded by a lagoon and Motus. Its waters are surprisingly warm, with temperatures as high as 30 degC (86 F) on a hot day. Bora is one of the few places where you can swim in the ocean for free! You can also enjoy water-based recreation, such as surfing or sailing, from the pristine white sand beaches.
Getting to Bora from San Francisco is relatively easy. First, you can fly into Papeete, the hub of French Polynesia and home to the international airport. Once you’ve arrived in Papeete, you’ll have several transportation options. Air Tahiti is the most convenient option for Californians, offering daily flights to the beautiful islands.
Huahine
Travelers who want to experience the beauty of the old French Polynesia can opt for a trip to Huahine Island. With its white sand beaches and coral islets, the island embodies the beauty of Polynesian culture. You can explore the quaint villages and meet friendly locals. During your stay, you can try the local food. The locals are very kind and welcoming and will help you plan your trip.
There are several ways to get to Huahine Island, including flying. Air Tahiti operates regular flights from nearby islands. You can also use taxis, public transportation, or a motorboat to get around the island. Depending on your budget, you can choose to stay in a private villa or a backpacker camp. Alternatively, you can rent a bicycle and take the scenic route around the island.
A rental car is an excellent option. There are several car rental companies in Huahine. Europcar offers bicycles and quads, as well as cars. Make sure to ask for a manual transmission vehicle. Rentals can last anywhere from 4 hours to 24 hours. If you need a more convenient option, you can always go with a rental bike. It will allow you to explore the island and see the artisans at work.
There are several hotels in Huahine, but most have limited accommodations. Those on Huahine Island can stay at Le Mahana Lodge, renowned for its pontoon extending into the blue lagoon. Le Mahana Lodge has a restaurant, tour desk, and car rental services. The next door, Chez Tara, is another great option for lunch or dinner. In addition to the restaurant, there may also be food trucks selling local produce.
The islands of Huahine are not only beautiful and serene. They also have rich Polynesian history. It is the cradle of Polynesian culture and is home to the largest concentration of ancient marae in French Polynesia. In addition, the Lapita people are thought to be the original ancestors of Tahitians. So, it’s well worth the trip to Huahine!
