French Polynesia Nature & Wildlife
Tourism Sites
Bora Bora – Lagoon Excursions & Overwater Bungalows
🧠 Fact: : Bora Bora’s turquoise lagoon is considered one of the most beautiful in the world.
💡 Tip: Book a shark and ray lagoon tour or stay in an overwater bungalow for the full experience.
Info - Bora Bora is the crown jewel of French Polynesia, world-renowned for its turquoise lagoon and luxurious overwater bungalows. Set against the dramatic backdrop of Mount Otemanu, the island offers unforgettable lagoon excursions—snorkeling with rays and sharks, coral garden tours, and glass-bottom boat rides. Guests unwind in iconic thatched-roof bungalows perched above the water, enjoying direct lagoon access and stunning sunsets. Whether you're seeking romance, adventure, or total relaxation, Bora Bora’s beauty and exclusivity make it a bucket-list destination that lives up to every expectation.
Fakarava – Diving in the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve
🧠 Fact: : Fakarava is one of the world's best dive sites, known for its pristine coral reefs.
💡 Tip: Go during the full moon to see hundreds of sharks during mating season.
Info - Fakarava, a coral atoll in the Tuamotu Archipelago, is a diver’s paradise and UNESCO Biosphere Reserve renowned for its pristine reefs and extraordinary biodiversity. Beneath its crystal-clear lagoon lies a vibrant world of colorful corals, schools of fish, reef sharks, and manta rays. Dive sites like Garuae Pass offer thrilling drift dives through underwater canyons teeming with marine life. Protected and relatively untouched, Fakarava’s waters offer a rare opportunity to explore one of the healthiest reef ecosystems on Earth. It’s a must for eco-conscious divers and nature lovers.
Hiking the Basalt Spires
🧠 Fact: : Ua Pou’s jagged peaks are iconic and visible from miles away.
💡 Tip: Hire a local guide for a cultural hike through the island’s trails
Info - The Marquesas Islands offer some of French Polynesia’s most dramatic landscapes, and hiking among the basalt spires is a breathtaking way to explore them. Towering volcanic formations rise from lush valleys and rugged coastlines, creating surreal scenery reminiscent of a lost world. Trails on islands like Ua Pou and Nuku Hiva lead through tropical forests, past waterfalls, and up to panoramic viewpoints. These hikes not only provide physical adventure but also reveal ancient petroglyphs and sacred sites. It’s an unforgettable journey into the raw, untamed beauty of the Marquesas.
Marquesas Islands – Horseback Riding in Nuku Hiva
🧠 Fact: These islands are some of the most remote in the world and remain largely untouched.
💡 Tip: Try horseback riding through valleys to discover hidden waterfalls.
Info - Nuku Hiva, the largest of the Marquesas Islands, offers a rugged and unspoiled landscape of dramatic cliffs, lush valleys, and ancient archaeological sites. One of the best ways to explore its remote beauty is on horseback, following winding trails through coconut groves, past cascading waterfalls, and along black-sand beaches. Guided horseback rides offer a glimpse into the island’s rich Polynesian heritage, with stops at sacred sites and traditional villages. Nuku Hiva’s untamed wilderness and sweeping Pacific views make horseback riding here an authentic and serene island experience.
Maupiti – Explore the Island by Bike
🧠 Fact: Maupiti is often compared to Bora Bora but remains unspoiled and crowd-free.
💡 Tip: Bike around the island’s coastal road for scenic views and quiet beaches.
Info - Maupiti is a hidden gem of French Polynesia, offering the beauty of Bora Bora without the crowds. This small, tranquil island invites visitors to explore its scenic roads by bike, circling through coconut groves, charming villages, and along turquoise lagoons. With no large resorts or cruise ships, Maupiti offers an authentic and peaceful atmosphere. Highlights include a hike up Mount Teurafaatiu for sweeping views, snorkeling with manta rays, and visiting the island’s simple market. Biking Maupiti is the perfect way to connect with local life and natural beauty at your own pace.
Mo’orea – Lagoon Snorkeling
🧠 Fact: Mo'orea is surrounded by a shallow lagoon, perfect for spotting vibrant coral reefs and marine life.
💡 Tip: Take a guided lagoon tour for the best snorkel spots.
Info - Mo'orea, often called Tahiti’s sister island, is famed for its lush mountains, crystal-clear lagoons, and vibrant marine life. Lagoon snorkeling here is a dream, with shallow, turquoise waters home to colorful coral gardens, rays, reef sharks, and schools of tropical fish. Popular snorkeling spots include the Lagoonarium and Temae Beach, where calm conditions and rich biodiversity make it perfect for beginners and experienced snorkelers alike. Surrounded by jagged volcanic peaks and coconut-lined shores, Mo'orea’s lagoons offer both natural beauty and unforgettable underwater adventures in the heart of paradise.
Rangiroa – Drift Diving at Tiputa Pass
🧠 Fact: Rangiroa is one of the largest atolls in the world, known for dramatic drift dives.
💡 Tip: Dive with dolphins and sharks in the Tiputa Pass channel.
Info - Rangiroa, one of the world’s largest atolls, is famous for its exhilarating drift diving at Tiputa Pass. As the ocean surges through the narrow channel between lagoon and sea, divers are carried along by strong currents past schools of fish, dolphins, barracudas, and reef sharks. The visibility is exceptional, and the thrill of flying underwater through vibrant coral walls is unmatched. Rangiroa’s rich marine life and dynamic underwater terrain make it a top destination for advanced divers seeking action-packed, unforgettable experiences in French Polynesia’s blue heart.
Teti’aroa Atoll – Eco-Luxury Retreat
🧠 Fact: Teti’aroa was once the private retreat of Tahitian royalty and is now home to The Brando resort.
💡 Tip: Book a guided eco-tour to explore the bird sanctuary and untouched lagoon.
Info - Teti'aroa, once a sacred retreat for Tahitian royalty, is now home to one of the world’s most exclusive eco-luxury resorts: The Brando. This stunning atoll, made famous by Marlon Brando, features crystal-clear lagoons, untouched beaches, and thriving marine life. Guests enjoy barefoot luxury in private villas powered by sustainable energy, along with guided nature excursions, spa treatments, and fine Polynesian cuisine. With its deep commitment to conservation and cultural preservation, Teti'aroa offers a serene, high-end escape that blends indulgence with environmental harmony in an idyllic South Pacific setting.