Destinations > Regions > South Pacific > Tahiti
French Polynesia, often referred to as “Tahiti and her Islands”, wears a particular atmosphere blending French sophistication with local joyful and party-like spirit. The native people combine the XXIth century way of life with ancestral rhythms of the sun and the sea. At first glimpse, the 118 islands of French Polynesia seem to inspire as little activity as possible – lounging on the beach, taking a dip in warm, turquoise oceans, and napping in an overwater bungalow – however this archetypal island paradise presents plenty of adventures to entice you away from more sedentary pursuits.
Dive into startlingly blue waters to a depth of 30m to experience the magical ‘Manta Ballet’, in which these gentle giants swoop and soar overhead. You will be joined by a specialist from the Manta Trust who will teach you to identify individual creatures and remotely tag them, contributing to an ongoing international project to better understand migration routes. Head ashore to explore remnants of ancient villages and maraes that were once ceremonial religious sites. Hike through verdant valleys amongst lush vegetation and learn of wondrous Polynesian legends, ancestral plants, sacred trees, and the geology of the fascinating landscape.
French Polynesia is at its best between June and August when the climate is at its driest and the weather is balmy, sitting comfortably in the high 20s to mid-30s Celsius.
In the Society Islands, we would usually recommend an itinerary from Papeete to Bora Bora, to travel with the trade winds and follow a smooth way through the week. It’s also possible to travel to the Tuamotus and then the Society Islands, most likely over a 10 – 14-day charter.
The perfect way to travel these idyllic islands is by yacht. Here it is not a question of where you can explore, but what will you pick.
Tahiti’s Marina Taina, Papeete Port, and Mai Kai Marina are major yachting ports in the area.
