Things to do in  French Polynesia

Belvedere Lookout is a scenic viewpoint awarding views of Cook's Bay, Opunohu Bay, Mt. Rotui and the fertile Opunohu Valley with its many pineapple plants, craggy peaks and gentle slopes. It’s a great place to visit simply to take in the views or to get a bit of outdoor exercise in.

At 650 feet (200 meters), Magic Mountain is one of the highest mountains in Moorea, part of French Polynesia. Although it’s not exceptionally high, the volcanic peak is rugged and covered in thick bush, and offers great views of Moorea and beyond from the lookout near the summit.

Perched along the rocky coast of Tahiti and bordered by a scenic black sand beach, Arahoho Blowhole is one of the island’s most visited natural wonders. As waves crash against the shore, a powerful geyser-like eruption sends spectacular plumes of water into the air, wowing visitors and creating the opportunity for some impressive photos.

There are waterfalls all around Tahiti, but the most popular and accessible are the three waterfalls at Faarumai, also known as the Cascades of Faarumai. The three majestic falls are surrounded by tropical vegetation and are more easily reachable than other waterfall sites on the island. Although you may see visitors taking a dip in the pools, swimming here was outlawed after someone was injured.

Vaitape is the biggest—and only—real town on the island of Bora Bora. It’s where most people start their vacation on the island and is home to all the essential services.

Encircled by a lagoon and barrier reef, the French Polynesian island of Bora Bora is known throughout the world for its marine life. A paradise for snorkelers, the Coral Gardens are a section of the reef with calm, shallow waters ideal for beginners. Look for resident creatures such as parrotfish, Japanese moray eels, and more.

Backed by the green mountains of Moorea, the Lycée Agricole d'Opunohu is a lush paradise. Students harvest the traditional fruits and vegetables of French Polynesia at this working agricultural school, so the air is perfumed with citrus, pineapple, and frangipani blossoms. The carefully managed property aims to limit soil erosion and herbicide use and produce food in a way that takes care of the land.

Surrounded by rugged mountain landscape that seems to reach up from the water, Cook's Bay is one of the main tourist areas in Moorea (it's here that cruise ships come to moor their boats). The area is home to restaurants, shops, and hotels, but it’s still relatively sleepy and laid-back—this is Moorea, after all!

Located on the western side of Opunohu Bay, Papetoai (Papeto'ai) is frequented by visitors who want to explore the village's art and shopping center, with plenty of shops, restaurants, and art galleries along with historic attractions. The beaches here are also worth checking out, with calm, crystal clear waters, ideal for snorkeling.

Located on the southern tip of Bora Bora, the public Matira Beach (Plage Matira) is one of the island’s most popular sandy spots. With clear water ideal for swimming, and a beach backed by swaying palm trees, it is an idyllic destination for sunbathing, snorkeling, and watersports.

Opened in 1981 under the Rotui Brand in response to a pineapple surplus, Fruit Juices of Moorea has expanded to sell a variety of juices. Here you can take your pick of grapefruit, lemon, mango, noni, papaw and guava juice. The company also makes liquors, brandies, jams, fruit candy, and chocolates.

For a crash course in Polynesian culture, the Tiki Village Cultural Centre is the place to go. In a stunning lagoon-side location on the island of Moorea, you’ll experience traditional weaving with natural fibers, the art of flower garlands, and intricate wood carving. The village also celebrates two different forms of adornment: tattoos, which came to the West via Polynesia, and rare black pearls.

Surrounded by lush green and jagged mountains and littered with sailing vessels and tour boats, narrow Opunohu Bay is where the HMS Bounty moored to search for breadfruit, leading to the famous Mutiny on the Bounty. Today, the tranquil bay is a favorite among locals and travelers looking for a less developed stretch of sand.

The sights, sounds and smells of authentic Polynesian life are on offer at Pape'ete’s main market, the Marché de Pape'ete (Pape'ete Market). The indoor market hall is the commercial and social hub of Tahiti’s laid-back capital and the oldest surviving institution on the island.

This pair of waterfalls near the village of Afareaitu are each fed by a different stream, the Putoa Stream and the Vaioro Stream. The larger of the two falls plummets more than 100 feet (30 meters) into a rock pool perfect for swimming.