French Polynesia is famous for its turquoise lagoons, volcanic peaks and warm island hospitality, making it one of the most mesmerising regions in the South Pacific. If you are planning a Tahiti holiday, you will find an incredible variety of islands, each offering something different. Some invite you to slow down and soak up lagoon life. Others tempt you with culture, nature and remote adventures that feel worlds away from everyday life.
Whether you are dreaming of luxury overwater bungalows, shark and ray encounters, black sand beaches or hidden valleys lined with tropical flowers, this guide will help you choose which islands to visit in Tahiti for your ideal holiday.
Fun Facts About Tahiti and Her Islands
- French Polynesia spans more than 4 million square kilometres of ocean, with only 118 islands and atolls scattered across this vast area.
- The famous Tahitian black pearl is one of the region’s most prized exports, cultivated in protected lagoons.
- Tahiti and Moorea are so close that locals commute between them by ferry in about 30 minutes.
- Many islands have their own microclimates, meaning you may find sunshine in one bay and rainfall in the next.
- Traditional outrigger canoeing, or va’a, is still a central part of Polynesian culture and seen across all islands.
Bora Bora: The Icon of French Polynesia
Often called the jewel of the Pacific, Bora Bora is famous for its lagoon, which displays countless shades of blue. After a short flight from Tahiti, you will see Mount Otemanu rising dramatically above the water, with luxury resorts stretching across the surrounding motus.
Why Travellers Love Bora Bora
Bora Bora is ideal for travellers seeking luxury, romance and picture-perfect lagoon experiences. Many visitors stay in overwater bungalows, where glass panels reveal colourful fish right beneath your feet. Popular activities include shark and ray encounters, coral garden snorkelling and 4WD cultural tours around the main island.
A quiet moment on the deck of a bungalow often becomes the highlight of a stay.
"Watching the lagoon change colour from soft aquamarine to deep sapphire was unforgettable." – Lauren G., 2023
Top Things to Do in Bora Bora
- Snorkel in the Coral Garden to see vibrant marine life
- Visit Matira Beach, one of the most photographed beaches in the Pacific
- Join a jet-ski tour around the island for lagoon views from all angles
- Enjoy a private beach dinner at sunset
- Cycle the main road in Vaitape to explore local snack bars and artisan shops
Moorea: Tahiti’s Sister Island
Just a quick ferry ride from Tahiti, Moorea offers a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere with lush volcanic peaks, pineapple plantations and calm lagoons. It blends authentic island life with resort comfort, making it ideal for families, couples or travellers wanting a balance of activity and rest.
What Makes Moorea Special
Moorea’s rugged interior is one of the most dramatic landscapes in French Polynesia. Cook’s Bay and Opunohu Bay provide idyllic views of green cliffs and sparkling water. The island’s protected lagoon is perfect for snorkelling, especially during guided shark and ray encounters.
Moorea is also known for its fruit plantations, where many visitors enjoy fresh pineapple juice straight from the fields.
Top Things to Do in Moorea
- Take in panoramic views from the Belvedere Lookout
- Cycle around the island’s 60-kilometre road
- Join a motu picnic with a demonstration of poisson cru
- Try surfing at Haapiti, known for its consistent break
- Visit the Agricultural College for locally made ice cream
Tahiti: Culture, Nature and Local Life
Tahiti is often seen as a transit point, but the island itself offers rich cultural experiences, volcanic scenery and lively local life. As the largest island in French Polynesia, Tahiti is divided into Tahiti Nui (the main island) and Tahiti Iti (a smaller peninsula).
Why Tahiti Is Worth More Than One Night
Tahiti is home to the capital, Papeete, where you can experience local markets, modern cafés, pearl boutiques and waterfront dining. The island is also known for black-sand beaches on the east coast, lush botanical gardens and hidden waterfalls.
Travellers who enjoy culture will appreciate the Museum of Tahiti, local artisan markets and traditional roulottes serving island cuisine each night on the waterfront.
Top Things to Do in Tahiti
- Try local dishes at the roulottes in Papeete
- Hike the Papenoo Valley to discover hidden waterfalls
- Drive around the island to see coastal viewpoints and volcanic scenery
- Visit the Museum of Tahiti to learn about Polynesian heritage
- Watch local canoeists train in Paofai Gardens
- Explore the Taravao Plateau on Tahiti Iti
Fakarava: A Diver’s Paradise
Fakarava is known for its exceptional marine life and is designated as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. With one of the widest passes in Polynesia, the atoll is celebrated for drift dives where schools of sharks, barracudas and colourful fish swirl in vibrant underwater scenes.
Accommodation here is simple and charming, with locally run pensions offering warm hospitality.
Top Things to Do in Fakarava
- Dive the famous North Pass, home to lemon sharks and reef sharks
- Enjoy lagoon-side dining on wooden tables placed in the water
- Explore villages along the paved coastal road
- Learn about pearl farming from families who work in the lagoon
Hiva Oa: Culture and Wild Landscapes
Hiva Oa sits in the Marquesas Islands and is known for its cultural significance, dramatic scenery and artistic heritage. It is the final resting place of painter Paul Gauguin and singer Jacques Brel. The rugged coastline, basalt peaks and archaeological sites make the island ideal for adventurous travellers.
Highlights of Hiva Oa
- Visit Gauguin’s memorial and small museum
- Explore traditional sites and stone carvings
- Walk through valleys filled with tropical flowers
- Experience the untouched beauty of the Marquesas region
Huahine: The Garden of Eden
Huahine’s lush forests, ancient archaeological sites and serene lagoon give it a magical atmosphere. With only a handful of villages, the island is quiet, welcoming and full of natural beauty. Visitors enjoy its authentic charm and slower pace of life.
Top Things to Do in Huahine
- Explore historic sites on a cultural tour
- Visit sacred blue-eyed eels in Faie
- Enjoy beach picnics and lagoon motu excursions
- Surf or snorkel in shallow, warm waters
- Wander through village markets for artisan crafts
Nuku Hiva: Remote and Untamed
If you enjoy wild landscapes and dramatic views, Nuku Hiva offers towering cliffs, remote bays and striking volcanic formations. It feels far removed from modern life, making it ideal for travellers who crave solitude and raw beauty.
Raiatea and Taha’a: Culture and Lagoon Adventures
Raiatea is considered the most sacred island in French Polynesia due to its ancient marae and cultural sites. It shares a lagoon with Taha’a, known as the Vanilla Island for its fragrant plantations.
Top Experiences
- Visit Taputapuatea, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
- Explore the Faaroa River, the only navigable river in Tahiti
- Wander through vanilla farms in Taha’a
- Snorkel in coral gardens between the two islands
Tetiaroa: A Private Sanctuary
Once the retreat of Tahitian royalty, Tetiaroa is now known for The Brando, a luxury eco-resort on the island of Onetahi. Tetiaroa’s lagoon is surrounded by several motus that shelter birdlife, coconut crabs and pristine reef ecosystems.
Day trips from Tahiti allow visitors to explore parts of this untouched atoll.
Tikehau: Pink Sands and Abundant Marine Life
Tikehau is known for its pink-sand beaches, calm lagoon and exceptional biodiversity. Divers and snorkellers love the manta ray cleaning stations and coral gardens. The Island of Birds is another highlight, home to nesting seabirds and protected species.
Expert Travel Tips
- Travel between islands is easiest by domestic flights through Air Tahiti’s network.
- Bring reef-safe sunscreen to protect delicate marine habitats.
- Expect a mix of tropical heat and passing showers throughout the year.
- Many smaller atolls lack ATMs, so carry cash when visiting remote areas.
- Respect local customs, such as removing shoes when entering traditional homes.
Plan Your Tahiti Holiday
From the turquoise lagoon of Bora Bora to the cultural heart of Raiatea, the islands of Tahiti offer experiences you will remember for a lifetime. Whether you are seeking romance, adventure or a quiet escape, French Polynesia has an island that matches your travel style.
Plan your trip today or speak with our specialists to select an itinerary tailored to your dream Tahiti holiday.
