Your Next Family Vacation Should be French Polynesia – Here’s Why!
French Polynesia is blessed with some of the most beautiful landscapes on earth. The friendly people, choice of islands and delicious blend of French – Polynesian food just tops it off.
Here’s why French Polynesia should be top-pick for your next family vacation!
The Ocean Looks Like Disney’s Moana
“See the line where the sky meets the sea? It calls me …. and no one knows, how far it goes…”
Some of the islands have lagoons straight out of Disney’s Moana. Once you experience a French Polynesia lagoon, it’s really hard to stop thinking about it!
The People are Friendly
The locals here have genuine smiles and are truly warm and welcoming. Although the official language is French, most people can converse in English (or at least enough to get by).
Local kids are friendly and will happily attempt to converse and play with your kids. In our case, they bonded over volleyball!
The Weather is Warm
French Polynesia enjoys a warm, tropical climate. It can get hot in Summer (rarely above 35°C though) but trade winds take the sting out of the days that threaten to be too hot.
I have never needed anything other than bathers, shorts, shirts and summer dresses in French Polynesia.
The dry winter period is from May to October. November to April sees the temperatures rise and three-quarters of the annual rainfall occurs during this period.
Great Snorkelling for Families
The snorkelling is amazing in French Polynesia and particularly suitable for kids, featuring calm lagoons and coral close to shore.
We have snorkelled on Bora Bora, Moorea, Raiatea and Huahine and visibility was outstanding on all four islands.
Each island is a different experience!
The Food is a Yummy Mash-Up of Cultures
Can you think of anything better than French blended with Polynesian? The seafood is fresh, the fruit is tropical, and there is French bread served with every meal.
The downside … it’s not cheap!
The History is Fascinating
French Polynesia has a fascinating history and there are visible remains of the Tahitian culture in its ‘Marae’. These are scattered across the islands and are basically open-air places of worships.
Births, deaths and family events were celebrated at Maraes. Larger Maraes were used for village meetings, religious ceremonies and sacrifices.
Looking for more awesome family holiday inspiration?
For more information on visiting French Polynesia, head on over to our French Polynesia page. Alternatively, head back to the home page for other destinations and activities.
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Essential information for your French Polynesia family holiday
Best time to visit French Polynesia
The dry period from May to October is a great time to visit due to less rainfall and cooler weather.
Peak season is July and August and Christmas and Easter are also busier. The cost of flights rise considerably over this period.
Getting to French Polynesia
Getting to French Polynesia pretty straightforward. All international flights land in Tahiti. Search for a great deal on flights on Trip.com.
To visit one of the beautiful outlying islands, a flight will need to be booked with Air Tahiti. If you’re planning on visiting a few islands, it’s worth clicking on the Multi-Islands button for a cheaper deal.
Moorea can also be reached by Ferry.
Where to stay in French Polynesia
French Polynesia is not cheap so this will depend on your budget. Luxury accommodation is catered for but cheaper options can be found in family-run guesthouses or pensions. These can be absolutely wonderful!
Search for your accommodation here or check out where we have stayed below:
- TAHITI – We have stayed at Villa BO (our favourite) in Teahupoo and in Papeete at both Hotel Sarah Nui and the Sofitel Ia Ora Beach Resort.
- MOOREA – We have stayed at the Sofitel Moorea Ia Ora Beach Resort.
- HUAHINE – We have stayed at the Royal Huahine.
- RAIATEA – We have stayed at the Pension Les Trois Cascades.
- BORA BORA – We have stayed at the Sofitel Private Island and the Sofitel Marara Beach Resort.
Getting around the islands
This really depends on what you want to do and the age of your kids!
- We loved hiring a car for a day or two in Tahiti, Huahine, and Raiatea. Search car hire across major brands here.
- In Bora-Bora, Moorea, and Raiatea we loved getting around by pushbike and on foot.
- Taxis, water taxis and private transfers are available and your accommodation can help you out with this.
- There is a public bus on Tahiti which is an enjoyable experience but be warned that it sometimes (especially on the weekend) isn’t reliable. During weekdays and day-time hours should be fine.
Attractions and tours
There is plenty of things to do and see around French Polynesia. I found booking through our accommodation was the best option and we had no problems booking the night before.
WiFi
WiFi is usually available at hotels but the connection can be a bit hit and miss on the lesser-visited islands. Purchasing data is expensive so don’t plan on being able to watch YouTube.
French Polynesia holiday travel guides
Check out the official Tahiti Tourism site here!
