City: French Polynesia
Top Things to do in French Polynesia
Top 10 Budget-friendly Things to do in French Polynesia, French Polynesia
Tahiti and Bora Bora are the most well known French Polynesian islands, thanks to their picture-perfect beaches and romantic ambiance. Indeed, these islands are ideal for handholding, with their lush landscapes and mood-setting features like lagoons and grottos. The heart-shaped island of Mo’orea makes a wonderful base for divers and snorkelers eager to explore its surrounding barrier reef system. Feeding the massive, sacred eels of Huahine is a one-in-a-lifetime way to experience an important local ritual.
Restaurants in French Polynesia
1. Magic Mountain
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 854 reviews
Reviewed By kaylameeceofficial - Savannah, United States
Seriously a must see when visiting Mo’orea along with Belvedere Lookout. We went to Magic Mountain through “Enjoy Mo’orea” tours and I’m so glad we did because there is no way we would of felt comfortable driving up there. It is a one way road and has some very steep parts. We saw some people hiking up which seems fine, just make sure to bring lots of water and some snacks if you decide to hike up to the top. Once we reached the top you have a little bit more of a hike and oh my goodness is the view worth the climb. Absolutely stunning from every angle. It’s unlike anything I’ve ever seen. Highly recommend going through a tour so you can see even more of this beautiful island but if you decide not to still make this one of your must sees.
2. Matira Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,490 reviews
Picturesque beach offers scenic hiking trails and tourist services including several boutique shops, the popular Ben's Place snack bar and restaurants.
Reviewed By lindav3575
One of the most beautiful locations in the world! The colors of the water were incredible as was the white sand beach.
3. Fautaua Waterfall
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 87 reviews
This waterfall is considered one of the tallest in the world with more than 980 feet of water cascading over volcanic cliffs into a pool below.
Reviewed By dinerdon - Bayville, United States
Like this stop on our private tour. A short hike up the trail leads you to probably the nicest falls in French Polynesia. Easy access. Great spot for some photos. Parking available and some fresh fruit vendors. Very high falls are very beautiful. Humid here in the summer.
4. James Norman Hall Home
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 53 reviews
From 1920 to 1951, this was the home of one of Tahiti's famous resident authors, James Norman Hall, the co-author of Mutiny on the Bounty, Pitcairn's Island and other tales of adventure in the South Pacific.
Reviewed By SAB5859 - Banff, United Kingdom
This was a very interesting house to visit. The guide at the house gave us a really good insight into the work of James Norman Hall. The collection of photos and his books were just amazing. We were very lucky as James Norman Halls granddaughter Kate was at the house when we visited, she gave us her personal recollections of her family times in Tahiti and shared some stories about her grandfather. There is a cafe with outside seating. Well worth a visit even if you’re not into books or films.
5. Belvedere Lookout
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,482 reviews
Overlooking the panoramic Opunohu Valley and Cook and Opunohu Bays, this spectacular scenic overlook was the setting in the popular film, "Return of the Bounty."
Reviewed By Kimbers08 - San Francisco, United States
We took an ATV tour that took us up to Belvedere Lookout. This view is absolutely breathtaking! There are huge mango and avocado trees, several hiking trails, great spots for taking photos, and lots of chickens! We went on a misty day in the offseason and so it wasn't too crowded. However, this area is quite small and I can imagine it is hectic during busier times of the year. This is a view not to be missed!
6. Temae Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 442 reviews
Reviewed By shammock2713 - Virginia Beach, United States
This was our favorite beach to visit during our stay on Moorea. It was relatively easy to find and not too far from Toatea lookout. once you turn off the main road, it’s a pretty bumpy dirt/rock road full of potholes. Just drive slowly and dodge as many as you can. Ample parking and shoreline available. There are coconut trees and a few shade spots between the parking and the beachfront. The reef is very easy to access. It’s mostly a sandbar on the left side of the beach, and as you move to the right toward the Sofitel resort bungalows it becomes reef. The area just before the Sofitel bungalows had the best snorkeling we had on all of Moorea, with extremely healthy, mature reef, no signs of coral bleaching, and tons of fish. It’s pretty shallow (5-8’ deep) throughout and makes for east snorkeling. There were plenty of areas to explore it was a good amount of sandy spots in between the coral that you can stand on if you need a break. We brought some bread out there during one of our ventures and the fish were very friendly!
7. Bora Bora Lagoonarium
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,058 reviews
Reviewed By hir0ariib
The tour was perfect. We got on this tour with some friends and we felt so VIP as there was only us on board. Yaay ! I really appreciate the crew. Ropati, our captain was safe and attentive. Thomas, our private musicien was amazing. And the last but not the least the legendary Max, our story teller, he was so funny and informative. Thank you guys !!! You blast our day ???? ✌️ We saw during the tour beautiful fishes, sharks, Sting rays and even more a huge manta ray ????????????. So magic ???? After the tour we arrived to a private "motu". While bracing with the sound of Tom's ukukele, we had lunch with tradionnial food like the famous poisson cru with coco Milk, banana cakes, barbecue chicken and as desserts we've got some fresh local fruits and a pumpkin pudding named "poe" sooo Yummy ???? We enjoyed the rest of the afternoon snorkelling at the lagoonarium with lemon sharks, Sting rays and other fishes. We met also a little crazy doggy named Rasta Who was so cute to try fighting the lemon sharks ???????????? i was so worried... ???? ???? ???? Anyway, It's definetely worth it ???? ✌️ i do recommend this tour !!! Special thanks to Claudine, the owner, thank you very much for this amazing moment we shared in family. Mauruuru maitai ????
8. Moorea Tropical Garden
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 428 reviews
Reviewed By kaylameeceofficial - Savannah, United States
Came here on a tour and really enjoyed it. Our guide was very informative about the different plants and flowers. After we walked through the garden we got to try 4 different jams, which were all SO good. They also had sorbet and ice cream for purchase and it was by far the BEST sorbet and ice cream I’ve ever had. We tried vanilla ice cream and one of the sorbets that was made from the Tahiti flower and it blew us away. The view from where you try the jams is incredible. Highly recommend going even if it’s just for the ice cream.
9. Lagoonarium
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,303 reviews
Reviewed By Manydreamscometrue - Cook Islands, null
We arrived at the Lagoonarium at 8.45am and purchased our tickets- NZD $55 approx We waited a short time for the host to return from the Motu with the outrigger motor boat, we walked a few steps in shallow water (be prepared with your reef shoes and appropriate clothing etc) and climbed into the boat. A few minutes across the lagoon to reach the area adjacent to the lagoon area you will have access to. The "island" you are on has several little huts that you are able to store your gear in, have a rest in away from the sun or sit in to eat perhaps. Chairs are provided outside the huts and around on the beach areas. There is a building in the style of a wooden boat that houses the toilet/hand shower and kitchen area containing hot water abd tea and coffee making facilities. Do take all of your food/snacks and drinks needs for the whole day. Feeding times are 11.30am and 2.00pm and you are welcome to stay all day and enjoy both of the shows. There are ropes tied securely all around this area of the lagoon for you to enjoy snorkeling safely. The current is very strong most of the time we are there-it may lessen depending on the tides etc For me as someone not that confident in the ocean the ropes were perfect and I did not miss anything of the shows. Take all the snorkeling gear you are able to, we find the full face masks are perfect, gear is available for hire at the site. The stingrays, sharks and endless tropical fish are truly sensational. The host is professional and consistent in his presentation and you will genuinely have a magical day. Join in, make the most of the underwater show, cover up from the sun and create some fabulous memories of Mo'orea.
10. Aremiti
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,302 reviews
Fast and confortable ferrys crossing between Tahiti and Moorea. Operating 7 days a week, from 05:00am to 05:30pm.
Reviewed By cyb72800
This is a great ferry to Moorea from Tahiti! It takes about 30 minutes and it is a beautiful, smooth, relaxing ride. A lot of seats to accommodate lots of passengers. Make sure you check the schedule, they usually leave on time.
