Spread across 2,000 kilometers of the South Pacific, exotic islands, and French Polynesia Islands It has a mystical allure that attracts travelers from all over the world to its tranquil tropical beaches.
Azure lagoons surrounded by endless palm-lined beaches are interrupted only by an occasional row of traditional thatched huts, winding towards the ocean.
on the roof, French Polynesia It is as close to a peaceful paradise as one might hope to find, but beneath the rolling waves, a different scene awaits.
Diving in French Polynesia
French Polynesia is known for its amazing underwater diversity, and French Polynesia is one of those islands The best places in the world to practice diving.
The vibrant reef systems and coral gardens are home to a wide range of vibrant marine life, a colorful spectacle that is truly wonderful to encounter. It’s hard to imagine this bustling underwater highway contrasting so sharply with the tranquility above.
Sharks abound!
We can spot marine creatures of all shapes and sizes around the reefs and healthy lagoons of French Polynesia, however, the islands are perhaps best known for their large populations of Sharks.
By exploring the area’s many dive sites, one can spot no less than 16 different species of sharks, including white, black, and silver reef sharks, gray reef sharks, lemon sharks, and the famous hammerhead shark.
This diversity is not the only appeal. The population numbers in the millions here, and it is not unusual to encounter dozens of sharks on a single dive!
Diving in Rangiroa and Fakarava
While Sharks can be seen all over the islands, and the best spots for shark diving in French Polynesia are the atolls of Rangiroa and Fakarava.
Located in the Tuamotu Archipelago to the northeast of the main island of Tahiti, these two destinations offer exceptional shark encounters to rival the best shark diving destinations in the world.
In particular, the waterways running to the north and south of Fakarava are densely populated with numerous sharks, barracuda, and rays, a dream to behold in an exceptional vision.
Whale season in French Polynesia
Between August and November every year, wildlife enthusiasts gravitate to French Polynesia in hopes of encountering completely different species. Autumn is humpback whale season when dozens of individuals migrate to the area’s outer reefs to rest, socialize, and nurse their young.
French Polynesia is one of the very few places in the world where swimming with these huge mammals is managed safely with the animals’ welfare in mind. While diving with whales is not permitted, swimming and snorkeling among these gentle giant whales is an incredibly rewarding experience.
Best time to see whales
Arguably the best place to Whale Encounters is Moorea Island, a short distance west of Tahiti. It’s common to see mothers and calves frolicking in the lagoons of Moorea, and it’s not unusual to see dolphins, sharks, and any number of turtles just below the surface.
Where to stay in French Polynesia
Many local families offer homes and guesthouses that provide a more authentic element to your stay, and hotels further away from the beach tend to be less expensive than hotels overlooking the sea.
It is worth booking in advance, especially if you plan to visit the smaller islands. Accommodation fills up quickly during peak times, and it is not surprising that all rooms on the island are fully booked.
What time of year is best to visit French Polynesia?
June through August offers drier weather and slightly cooler air temperatures of 78 to 95 degrees F (28 to 35 degrees C).
However, this is also the peak tourist season, and resorts and dive sites can be crowded. December and January are the wettest months, with hot and humid conditions outside of rain showers and gusty winds. The transitional months, September/October and April/May are often good times to visit.
How to get to French Polynesia
Faa’a International Airport (PPT) in Tahiti is the gateway to French Polynesia, and direct international flights from North America depart from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) and Vancouver International Airport (YVR).
Travelers Those arriving from Europe will need to connect in Los Angeles, and those starting in Asia have the option of connecting in Auckland, New Zealand, or Sydney, Australia.
Once you arrive in Tahiti, domestic flights and ferries are available to connect you to the other islands.