Photo: Bora Bora ยท Samuel Etienne ยท CC BY-SA 3.0
First-Timer Guide ๐ต๐ซFrench Polynesia (Bora Bora & Tahiti): What to Know Before You Go
Destination Intel / French Polynesia (Bora Bora & Tahiti)
Culture, Food and Etiquette
- Poisson cru, raw fish marinated in lime with coconut milk and vegetables; the national dish
- Chevreffes, freshwater prawns cooked in vanilla and coconut, a Tahitian specialty
- Fafa, taro leaves with pork or chicken cooked in coconut cream
- Ma'a Tahiti, traditional earthoven feast (himaa) for special occasions
- Tahitian vanilla, among the world's most prized; used in desserts and rum
- Heiva I Tahiti (July), the most important cultural festival with dance, singing, and outrigger racing
- Bora Bora Liquid Festival (November), world-class outrigger canoe competition
- Tattooing tradition, Polynesian tattoo art originated here; deeply spiritual
- Black pearl culture, Tahitian pearls are among the world's most valuable
- Overwater bungalows were invented in French Polynesia, the ultimate luxury stay
Tahitian and French are both official; English is spoken in major resorts but not everywhere. Learning "Ia Orana" (hello) and "Mฤuruuru" (thank you) in Tahitian is warmly received.
French Polynesia is autonomous within France, it has a unique blend of cultures.
- Polynesian hospitality is profound, accept it with genuine gratitude
- Ask permission before photographing sacred marae (temple) sites
- Respect the extraordinary ocean environment, no touching coral
- Tipping is not common but appreciated in larger establishments
Best Time to Visit
French Polynesia has a tropical maritime climate; the cooler, drier season is the popular time to visit, while the warmer months are more humid.
- Peak: May to October
- Shoulder: April, November
- Off season: December to March, the warmer, wetter months
Source: meteofrance.com
Getting Around
- Inter-island flights link Tahiti with Bora Bora and the other islands.
- Ferries connect Tahiti and nearby Moorea.
- Boats and small transfers serve the resorts and lagoons.
Source: travel.state.gov
What moves the cost: The overwater resorts and the inter-island flights drive the largest costs, and the dry season is the busiest.
Common Questions
Do US citizens need a visa to visit French Polynesia?+
Source: travel.state.gov
Is French Polynesia safe for first-time travelers?+
Source: travel.state.gov
Latest for French Polynesia (Bora Bora & Tahiti)
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