Wondering where to have an idyllic trip with your new husband or wife? Consider a French Polynesia honeymoon! It may not be the first territory (it’s part of France) that comes to mind, but after this post, it just might be.
This article was written by Monica, the blogger behind This Rare Earth. She’s a solo female world traveler who has so far crossed six continents and has more yet to explore. This post also contains affiliate links.
Why consider a French Polynesia honeymoon?
French Polynesia is considered one of the top romantic destinations for couples, and for good reason. From the stunning blue waters and white-sand beaches to romantic dinners on private islands, there are plenty of amazing experiences waiting.
The French Polynesian islands are a collection of lush, sandy islands popping out of the middle of the Pacific Ocean. They are both mountainous and jungle-covered. For many couples, these islands represent the most pristine coastlines for relaxation. But, there is much more to do than just that.
French Polynesia has over 100 islands, some with thriving cities and others completely uninhabited. As a result, each of these islands offers something different. Of course, there is something unique for everyone here. Whether you are planning a luxury getaway or are traveling on a budget, there is plenty to see and do here.
Bora Bora and Tahiti are two of the most famous islands for honeymooners in French Polynesia. However, this article will also cover things to do in Moorea and Rangiroa. Stay tuned until the end, where climate and helpful tips will be covered.
FAQ About Honeymooning in French Polynesia
- Is French Polynesia a good place to visit? In short, yes!
- What is the best French Polynesian island for honeymoon bliss? Which French Polynesian island should I visit? A lot of that is dependent on what you want to do on your honeymoon. Our 10 things to do in French Polynesia will help you and your partner decide.
- Is French Polynesia a country part of France? Is French Polynesia a colony? The island is a French territory, although it has a lot of autonomy, so it often seems like a country.
- Does French Polynesia get hurricanes? The territory is outside of the hurricane belt, so there is no hurricane season.
- Where is French Polynesia located? It’s in the South Pacific Ocean between Chile and Australia.
- Is French Polynesia cheap? Not really. Is French Polynesia expensive? Yes.
- Why is French Polynesia so expensive? Flying there is a bit pricey, and once you get on the island, you’ll find it expensive. However, that’s one reason many couples plan to honeymoon in French Polynesia. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime trip for many and an ideal place to go after your wedding day.
- Is French Polynesia and Tahiti the same place? Tahiti is a part of French Polynesia.
10 Activities to Include on a French Polynesia Honeymoon
No matter what type of activities you and your significant other are looking for, French Polynesia can deliver. From water sports to island relaxation to unique experiences, here are the 10 best things to do in French Polynesia for couples.
1. Go snorkeling in Moorea’s clear water.
Most couples dream of visiting French Polynesia for a honeymoon or vacation because of the impossibly blue water. The vibrant waters across French Polynesia can’t be beaten, and snorkeling Moorea’s crystal clear motus and lagoons is an incredible activity. Couples can experience swimming in the transparent waters together, exploring the colorful fish and marine life.
Snorkelers regularly see clownfish, parrotfish, butterflyfish, rays, triggerfish, and eels in the underwater world. If you are lucky, sea turtles and various species of crabs may also appear. Many stunning motus are accessible just offshore of Moorea. Still, others are a bit more exclusive and require a boat ride or kayak to reach.
A visit to French Polynesia would not be complete without experiencing Moorea’s stunning coral-filled lagoons. Some top locations include Temae Beach, Tipaniers Beach, and Ta’ahiamanu Beach.
To get between islands, you can easily book Tahiti Nui’s inter-island flights. For a budget-friendly option, book the Tahiti to Moorea ferry for under $30 round trip, currently.
A honeymoon French Polynesia style definitely needs to include snorkeling on Moorea.
2. Swim with sharks in Bora Bora.
Bora Bora is possibly the most dreamlike island in the region. The turquoise-blue clear-water lagoons and picturesque overwater bungalows have become iconic. And, for couples, the destination is worth the splurge!
Bora Bora offers the perfect environment for lounging, either on hammocks, on the white sand, or in your bungalow. For newlyweds looking for the quintessential tropical honeymoon, this is your place.
But, it is also a great spot for ocean adventure. This island is well known for its calm waters, perfect for snorkeling and swimming.
Adventurous travelers may opt to swim with sharks in Bora Bora. It’s a well-known pastime due to the non-aggressive reef sharks in the area. Note that this should only be attempted with the guidance of a local tour operator who knows how and where to do so safely.
Going on a Bora Bora couples vacation? Book and guide and swim with the docile sharks.
3. Shop at the Papeete Market in Tahiti.
Regardless of which island you choose to spend your time, most travelers spend at least one night on Tahiti. That is because the international airport is there, making it convenient to visit.
The Papeete Market is the ideal place to visit for souvenirs and snacks, either before you move onward or before you fly back home.
The small city of Papeete is the capital of French Polynesia. It has a busy shopping hub for locals and tourists, where you can find everything from colorful sarongs to fragrant vanilla to locally made soaps and beautiful sea shells.
The market is the perfect place to grab souvenirs for you and your partner to remember your romantic trip. It is also a great stop if you plan to buy anything for loved ones after your honeymoon.
The Papeete Market also has several small food stalls, where locals eagerly grab morning and afternoon bites. Past the souvenirs, there is also a fruit and vegetable market to peruse. The Papeete Market is a great place for shopping, eating, and people-watching with your new husband or wife.
Many newlyweds shop for honeymoon souvenirs at the Papeete Market.
4. Dine on an uninhabited island.
One of the most unique places to eat a meal in French Polynesia is at Coco Beach. This small family-run restaurant sits a 15-minute boat ride from Moorea on an uninhabited island. All that exists here is the restaurant and beach, perfect for newlyweds.
Visitors get a small table on the beach sand, where you can eat and drink to your heart’s content. The food at Coco Beach is exceptional, with a focus on fresh seafood and traditional French Polynesian dishes. Fresh pineapple and coconut are used throughout the dishes, and other local flavors frequently appear.
What sets this restaurant apart is its romantic and intimate ambiance, making it a must-visit spot for couples. After your meal, consider snorkeling or swimming in the clear water nearby. Overall, Coco Beach on Moorea offers an unforgettable dining experience.
With water everywhere, the fresh seafood is delicious no matter where you go.
5. Explore Tahiti’s waterfalls.
Tahiti is home to some of the most breathtaking and popular waterfalls in the world. Among them, Faarumai stands out as one of the most visited and admired natural attractions.
Getting to Faarumai should take about two to three hours of hiking, depending on your pace. Be sure to wear comfortable shoes with good grip, as the trail can be steep and slippery at times.
The impressive 300-foot waterfall pours through lush green vegetation into a small swimmable pool, so bring a bathing suit, too. There is no fee to visit, so this can be a cheap and fun French Polynesian honeymoon adventure.
Faarumai’s stunning beauty makes for an unforgettable place to visit while in Tahiti.
If you’re up for a hike on your honeymoon in French Polynesia, go to a waterfall.
6. Relax in a Rangiroa bungalow.
Rangiroa Island is a bit off the beaten path in French Polynesia, and so it is less visited by honeymooning couples. What that means for you is that it can be the perfect place to get away from it all and relax in quiet peacefulness.
This island has interesting geology, too. Along-extinct underwater volcano formed Rangiroa. Most of the volcano is now submerged, and Rangiroa itself is technically the top of the volcano. The beaches are pure white sand and the water is crystal clear.
Rangiroa has plenty of ocean-based things to do on-site, like snorkeling in the blue waters or swimming in the lagoon. But one of the best things to do on Rangiroa for couples is to stay in a secluded overwater bungalow.
These luxurious lodgings have private decks and ocean views. Therefore, they are perfect for watching the sunrise in the morning or even stargazing at night. Expect all the amenities found at a top-tier resort, like infinity pools, spa treatments, snorkeling gear, and kayaks.
The best part of staying in an overwater bungalow is the calming sound of ocean waves rolling you into a peaceful sleep. Rangiroa is roughly a one-hour flight from Tahiti, and you have several daily flights to choose from.
Relax in an overwater bungalow on your honeymoon in Rangiroa, French Polynesia.
7. Learn about Polynesian culture at the Tiki Village.
The Tiki Village in Moorea is a must-visit for anyone who wants to learn a bit more about the history and culture of this region.
Full of ancient artifacts and stories, this on-site living museum is fascinating. Frankly, it is incredibly educational for anyone passing through.
Visitors can purchase tickets including dinner and a show, featuring traditional dancing and singing in typical Polynesian dress. The entire performance lasts several hours for dinner and the live show, so you get your money’s worth.
There are also crafts and artwork for sale on site, perfect for those looking to bring a piece of French Polynesia home with them.
A fun honeymoon activity in the islands is seeing a traditional Polynesian show.
8. Ride an ATV across the mountain.
Both the islands of Tahiti and Moorea offer adventurous ATV tours for any adrenaline junkies out there. These group tours are led by an expert guide, who will weave you through jungle trails and mountainous peaks for great views of the lush foliage.
It is the perfect way to see the island’s interior, where cars cannot go. And it will make for a memorable newlywed trip as you experience thrills together on your honeymoon.
Depending on your booking, you can explore the top sights on each island or get more off the beaten path. Typically, you can choose a two-seater ATV, so couples can enjoy the ride together.
Put booking a two-seater ATV on your French Polynesia honeymoon itinerary.
9. Drink fresh, tropical juices.
Also on Moorea, the Rotui Juice Factory is an absolute must-visit. This famous juice factory makes some of the most popular beverages on the island. Pure pineapple juice, mango juice, tropical juice blends, and much more are their specialty.
You’ll notice many of their juices across the island in the local grocery and convenience stores. But, if you visit the factory and learn how the juice is made, you can also try the flavors of the day for free!
This factory also makes some of the most unique tropical alcohol and liquor blends made from coconut and pineapple. Be sure to try those, too, and perhaps buy a bottle for back in your hotel room.
Local smoothie stands and acai bowls are also available all around the island. Many will use Rotui’s juice in their blends, so supporting the small local food stalls is a great way to get your daily dose of fruits, too.
Drink healthy island-fresh juice right at the factory that produces the drink.
10. Visit a French Polynesian winery.
No French Polynesia honeymoon would be complete without a few sips of locally produced wine. Additionally, almost nothing is more romantic than wine tasting in a tropical setting.
Therefore, this is a great activity for honeymooners and couples. There is only one vineyard in all of French Polynesia, called Vin de Tahiti, and it is found on Rangiroa. It is definitely worth a visit!
Rangiroa is surprisingly an ideal spot to grow grapes, due to the geology of the collapsed volcano and current coral reefs. The coral makes the soil more chalky than the other islands in the region, which helps them produce some tasty island wine.
The vineyard is open Monday through Saturday and is a 10-minute boat ride from the main Avatoru Village. On-site options include wine tasting, rum tasting, and tours of the winery. Add this to your list of truly unique experiences in French Polynesia.
A honeymoon in French Polynesia should include a visit to the one winery.
When to Schedule a French Polynesia Honeymoon
Most couples would agree that the best time to visit French Polynesia is during the dry season, which runs from May to October.
These months offer bright, pleasant weather, lower humidity, sunny skies, and fewer rain showers. However, the dry season is also the high season, meaning higher prices and more tourists.
The wet season on the other hand runs from November to April, and is the best time for budget travelers. During this season, prices are cheaper and there are fewer tourists.
However, there’s more rain and humidity. As a result, the rain often comes in quick bursts, and the sun can still rule the sky for most of the day.
The ideal time for a couple’s trip to French Polynesia ultimately depends on your personal preferences and priorities. If you want perfect weather, it’s best to book during the dry season.
On the other hand, if you’re looking for more budget-friendly options and don’t mind occasional rainfall, the wet and shoulder seasons can be a great alternative.
Honeymoon to French Polynesia to find a paradise for you and your partner as newlyweds.
Save our things to do on a French Polynesia honeymoon!
A trip to French Polynesia for either a honeymoon or just a romantic getaway is likely to leave you speechless. No matter which islands you choose, Tahiti, Moorea, Rangiroa, and Bora Bora are four of the best choices for couples who like both adventure and relaxation.
From hiking and ATVs to wineries and relaxing bungalows, French Polynesia is a unique place. It is well worth the long flights to reach this secluded locale.
The tropical jungle, the clear blue waters, and the local culture really make French Polynesia some of the best tropical islands to visit. French Polynesia and its scenery will likely surpass your wildest dreams.
