Planung · Kapitel 1
By the HolidayGenie editorial team ·
Tahiti, Bora Bora, Moorea, and over 100 other islands in the South Pacific — the "paradise on earth" with turquoise lagoons and overwater bungalows.
Why French Polynesia?
French Polynesia is a French overseas territory in the South Pacific — 118 islands spread over five archipelagos across a sea area as large as Europe. For many, the epitome of a South Sea paradise:
- Bora Bora — the icon: turquoise lagoon, extinct volcano Otemanu in the center, world-famous overwater bungalows (the idea was invented here in the 1960s)
- Tahiti — the largest and most populous island, capital Papeete, black volcanic sand beaches, mountainous interior with waterfalls
- Moorea — dramatic green mountain silhouette, Bays of Ikehu and Opunohu, dolphin and whale sightings (July-November)
- Marquesas Islands — rugged volcanic islands, origin of Polynesian tattooing, few tourists
- Tuamotu Archipelago — endless atolls with incredible reefs (Rangiroa, Fakarava — world-class diving)
- Gauguin Land — the painter spent his last years on Tahiti and the Marquesas
- Few Tourist Crowds — often appears untouched due to high prices and long travel distances
- Lagoons with blacktip reef sharks, mantas, dolphins, turtles — world-class snorkeling
The price for this paradise: very expensive trip (flight, accommodation), long journey and minimum travel planning due to limited flight connections between the islands.
French Polynesia at a Glance
| Topic | Details |
|---|---|
| Official Name | French Polynesia (Polynésie française); French overseas territory |
| Main Islands/Groups | Society Islands (including Tahiti), Tuamotu, Marquesas, Gambier, Austral Islands |
| Area | approx. 4,167 km² land area, 2.5 million km² sea area |
| Population | approx. 280,000 |
| Capital | Papeete (on Tahiti) |
| Official Languages | French, Tahitian (Reo Tahiti); other Polynesian languages on individual island groups |
| Currency | CFP Franc (XPF); fixed rate: 1 EUR = 119.33 XPF |
| Time Zone | Tahiti: UTC-10 (Marquesas UTC-9:30, Gambier UTC-9) |
| Electricity | 220 V / 60 Hz, sockets like France (Type E) — no adapter needed for EU plugs |
| Emergency Numbers | 15 (rescue), 17 (police), 18 (fire), 112 (general) |
| Telephone Code | +689 |
Best Travel Time
French Polynesia is located south of the equator. Two main seasons:
Dry Season (May–October) — Best Travel Time
Cooler (22-28 °C), dry, less humidity, little rain. May-September is ideal for beach and water activities. July-November: Whale Watching — humpback whales come to calve in the waters.
Rainy Season (November–April)
Warmer (26-32 °C), high humidity, daily short, intense rain showers. Cyclone risk between January and March (rare, but possible). In return: lush green vegetation, empty resorts, lower prices.
Festivals & Events
- Heiva i Tahiti (July, Papeete) — the largest Polynesian cultural festival with traditional dances, sports, music
- Hawaiki Nui Va'a (October/November) — famous Vaka race (outrigger canoe) between the Society Islands
- Tahiti Pearl Regatta (May, Raiatea) — sailing regatta
Recommendation: June-September. August is the least crowded (French school holidays end).
Arrival & Island Connections
Flights from Europe
From Germany/Austria/Switzerland, the journey is one of the longest ever:
- No direct flights from Europe
- Common routes: Paris (CDG) → Papeete (PPT) with Air France or Air Tahiti Nui (approx. 22 h total travel time including stopover in LAX/SFO/YVR)
- Alternative: via USA (Los Angeles, San Francisco) — little time saving, transit ESTA required
- Alternative: via Auckland (New Zealand) or Santiago de Chile — usually more expensive
Inter-Island Flights
From Tahiti: Air Tahiti (local carrier) serves all major islands. Several daily flights to Moorea, Bora Bora, Raiatea, Huahine, Rangiroa, etc. Air Tahiti Multi-Island Pass is significantly cheaper than individual tickets — book before the trip.
Ship
Between Tahiti and Moorea: 30-45 min. by Aremiti ferry. To distant islands like Marquesas: cargo ship Aranui 5 (cruise ship that also transports cargo, ~12 days).
Entry
No visa for EU citizens for stays up to 90 days. Passport with 6 months validity remaining. For transit through the USA: ESTA required.
Budget & Prices
French Polynesia is one of the most expensive travel destinations in the world. Reason: everything must be imported, labor shortages on small islands, few competitors.
Daily Budget per Person (excluding flights)
- Economical / Guesthouses: 150-250 € (simple family guesthouse, local food)
- Mid-range: 300-500 € (3-4-star hotel)
- Luxury (Overwater Bungalow Bora Bora): 1,500-3,500 € per night
Typical Prices
- Simple lunch (Roulotte/Food-Truck): 1,500-2,500 XPF (12-22 €)
- Main course in a restaurant: 3,500-6,000 XPF (30-50 €)
- Bottle of beer (Hinano): 600-1,000 XPF (5-9 €)
- Pension de famille (simple accommodation): 10,000-18,000 XPF/night per person
- Mid-range hotel (resort): 40,000-80,000 XPF/night
- Overwater Bungalow Bora Bora: 120,000-400,000 XPF/night
- Lagoon tour with snorkeling and lunch: 10,000-15,000 XPF
- Scooter rental per day: approx. 8,000 XPF
- Car rental per day: 10,000-15,000 XPF
Savings Tips
- Pensions de famille (family guesthouses) instead of hotels — often with half board, authentic
- Roulottes (food trucks) at the port of Papeete — best food at affordable prices
- Stay on Moorea instead of Bora Bora — similar scenery, significantly cheaper
- Use Air Tahiti Multi-Island Pass
- Self-catering in guesthouses with kitchens
War dieses Kapitel hilfreich?
Jetzt French Polynesia buchen
