Time To Go Island Hopping!

European travelers often brought home with them, the stories of a paradise on the earth itself, where life was extremely simple and the inhabitants extremely happy. A truly dreamy place, French Polynesia is not overly visited by tourists, making it the perfect vacation destination - uncrowded and peaceful. French Polynesia is an overseas collective of France and is also its only overseas country. It is divided into 5 groups of islands: The Society Islands archipelago, the Tuamotu Archipelago, the Gambier Islands, the Marquesas Islands, and the Austral Islands. The most populous island among those groups is Tahiti. Located in Tahiti, Papeete is the capital of French Polynesia.

Moss-green peaks that pierce the clouds and crystal-clear turquoise lagoons beckon. We have compiled a list of the best places to visit in French Polynesia. So, take it slow with a visit to this enchanting island and experience the warm, laid-back island life like never before.

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TAHITI

With its abundantly green forests, azure-blue reefs, and turquoise lagoons, Tahiti is the perfect island to relax and unwind. It's pretty clear to see why Tahiti was also the inspiration behind Te Fiti or the Mother Island in Disney's Moana. The best time to visit this lush island is May-October when the average temperature ranges from the upper 60s to mid-80s - making for the perfect beach weather. The downside – it is peak tourist season making it a little crowded.

Bora Bora is renowned globally for its marine life. It is a paradise for snorkelers and the shallow waters of the Coral Gardens are perfect for beginners.

Tahiti is the largest island in the Society Islands archipelago and is shaped like a figure of the number 8. The places on the island you should not miss are the Les Trois Cascades - a series of waterfalls in the northwest part of the island. Another attraction to not miss is the La Plage de Maui or Maui's beach - take the whole day and lounge on the beach, watching fish dart in and out of the water while you enjoy the local produce. The Huahine Natural Aquarium, at the island's south, is another attraction that cannot be given a miss. Mingle with the marine life in the lagoon or just stand on the platforms to watch from above, you can even dive into the water. Sounds exciting, doesn't it?

Don't forget to spend some time in Papeete - the capital of Tahiti. Visit the Marché Papeete or the Papeete Market to stock up on gifts for your friends and family. You can also visit the tomb of Pomare V while you're here. It's the tomb of Tahiti's last king and is located just off the coastal road in Aure.

BORA-BORA

Just a short 45-minute flight from Tahiti is the Pearl of the Pacific. If luxury and opulent indulgence are what you prefer this is the island for you. Every honeymooner's dream destination, Bora Bora has countless resorts on the 'Pearl of the Pacific.' With their private overwater bungalows that offer breath-taking views of the island's square-topped peak. If you wish to immerse yourself in the island's culture, there are also small family-run lodgings on the island that you can stay at for a short while.

The scintillating color of the water is ethereal and almost indescribable - it changes from cyan to turquoise to emerald-green to dark sapphire due to the interplay of light and sand.

There are a lot of activities you can enjoy here. Go for a private cruise or a snorkeling tour. You can even go for a jet-ski safari or feed sharks and rays. There is also a private quadbike tour, a parachute jump, or even by helicopter. There is also the option of going for a 4WD safari of the island. The sunset cruises or going for a picnic on Motu - a private islet - also make for truly spectacular experiences. If it's your lucky day, you might be able to see Manta rays or even Pink Whipray.

MOOREA

Often termed as the "sister island" of Tahiti, Moorea is just an eighth the size of Tahiti but provides all the attractions of an island. The charm of this South Seas Island lies behind the relatively slow-paced life it offers. The Opunohu Bay and the Cook's Bay cut into the northern side of the island and have countless restaurants and resorts. Between the two bays is the majestic Mt. Rotui with many other steep and jagged mountain ridges running across the island. A coral reef enclosing a breath-taking lagoon rings Moorea and Moorea only has a couple of islets.

Fun fact: The overwater bungalow was originated in French Polynesia. The first one was made on the island of Moorea in the '60s.

You can enjoy scenic views from the Belvedere lookout including that of Mt. Tohiea. You can pay a visit to the Opunohu Beach which offers gorgeous views back to the bay and offers beautiful picnic spots. The Cook's Bay boasts a pretty dramatic setting and can be thoroughly enjoyed from a boat on the lagoon. The village of Paopao at the base of the bay houses a daily market offering food and local crafts and wares. It also has the Catholic church of St. Joseph which features an old wall fresco of the Angel Gabriel as the decor. Tiahura is the closest thing to a town that Moorea offers. It offers the biggest concentration of hotels, boutiques, restaurants, shops, and souvenir stores.