French Polynesia is the daydream made real: Bora Bora's turquoise lagoon, overwater bungalows, and jagged green peaks rising from impossibly clear water. It's a long way and a splurge, reached via Tahiti, but few places on earth deliver scenery and serenity at this level. This is the bucket-list trip.
- Language
- French & Tahitian
- English at resorts
- Currency
- CFP franc (XPF) – US dollars not widely used
- Power
- 220V, Type C/E plugs
- bring an adapter
- Driving
- On the right
- Main airport
- Tahiti–Papeete (PPT), then a flight to Bora Bora (BOB)
When to go to French Polynesia
Climate normals for Tahiti / Bora Bora, and our verdict on each month.
| Measure | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average daily high | 89 degrees Fahrenheit | 89 degrees Fahrenheit | 89 degrees Fahrenheit | 89 degrees Fahrenheit | 87 degrees Fahrenheit | 86 degrees Fahrenheit | 86 degrees Fahrenheit | 86 degrees Fahrenheit | 86 degrees Fahrenheit | 87 degrees Fahrenheit | 88 degrees Fahrenheit | 88 degrees Fahrenheit |
| Rainfall | 13.2″ | 9.6″ | 6.7″ | 5.5″ | 4″ | 2.9″ | 2.1″ | 1.9″ | 2.1″ | 3.5″ | 8.3″ | 12.5″ |
| Verdict | Off-peak | Off-peak | Shoulder | Shoulder | Prime | Prime | Prime | Prime | Prime | Prime | Shoulder | Off-peak |
Sweet spot. May–October (dry season; also peak overwater-bungalow pricing); rainy season runs November–April.
Storm risk. South Pacific cyclone season is November–April; French Polynesia sees systems only occasionally, but the wet season is real.
Figures are long-term climate normals for Tahiti / Bora Bora, good for planning. They are not a forecast.
Do you need a passport or visa for French Polynesia?
French Polynesia is a French overseas collectivity, not part of Schengen. U.S. citizens can visit visa-free for up to 90 days within any 180-day period.
You'll need a passport valid for your stay, a return or onward ticket, and proof of funds. Entry formalities can change, so confirm the latest requirements on travel.state.gov before you fly.
Is French Polynesia safe?
Yes – the State Department keeps it in its lowest-risk advisory tier (the current level is shown at the top of this guide). It's one of the calmer, lower-crime destinations we cover.
The realistic risks are ocean and environmental: respect lagoon currents and reef edges, heed weather warnings, and use everyday care with valuables. Check travel.state.gov before departure.
Currency and tipping
The currency is the CFP franc (XPF), and unlike the Caribbean, U.S. dollars are not widely accepted. Cards work well at resorts and most restaurants; carry some francs for markets, small vendors, and tips.
Tipping isn't customary or expected – service is included. A small token for exceptional service or a helpful guide is welcome but never required.
When to visit
Aim for the dry season, roughly May to October, when it's sunny, less humid, and the lagoons are at their clearest – peak time, and worth booking early.
November to April is the warmer, wetter season with higher humidity and occasional tropical storms. It's greener and a touch quieter, but expect more rain.
Getting there & around
Fly into Tahiti's Faa'a airport in Papeete (PPT) – nonstops run from Los Angeles and a handful of other hubs. From there, a short domestic flight on Air Tahiti reaches Bora Bora (BOB).
Bora Bora's airport sits on its own islet, so arrival is by boat transfer, which resorts arrange. On the water, expect shuttle boats rather than cars.
What to do beyond the resort
The lagoon is the main event: snorkel coral gardens, swim with rays and reef sharks on a guided tour, or circle the island by boat. A 4x4 safari up Bora Bora's interior rewards with viewpoints over that famous water.
Day-trip ideas include Mount Otemanu vistas, sunset cruises, and a Polynesian dance and feast night. Tahiti and Moorea add black-sand beaches and waterfalls if you've time.
Good to know
Power is 220V with Type C/E plugs, so bring an adapter (and a converter for anything not dual-voltage). French and Tahitian are the local languages, but resort staff speak English.
Pack reef-safe sunscreen to protect the coral, plan for a premium price level on food and drink, and remember everything moves on relaxed island time – that's the point.
Getting to French Polynesia
Indicative round-trip fares into Papeete (PPT) from the major US gateways, cheapest first. Tap through for live prices and dates.
| From | Airport | Round trip |
|---|---|---|
| Dallas | DFW | $1242Cheapest |
| Atlanta | ATL | $1323 |
| Chicago | ORD | $1327 |
| Los Angeles | LAX | $1333 |
| Boston | BOS | $1360 |
| Miami | MIA | $1396 |
| New York | JFK | $1397 |
| Newark | EWR | $1441 |
Where the French Polynesia resorts are
2 resorts mapped stars are five-star properties
The best all-inclusive resorts in French Polynesia
The French Polynesia properties we would actually book.
Resort chains in French Polynesia
The brands operating here. The ones we rank in full link through to the chain, what its plan really covers, and every resort of theirs we track.
French Polynesia, head to head
Price, flights, sand, food and safety, compared honestly.
French Polynesia vs JamaicaMexicoDominican RepublicMaldivesGreeceSpainTurks & CaicosArubaBarbadosSt. LuciaItalyPortugalTurkeyAntiguaCuraçaoBrazilCosta RicaPhilippinesMoroccoEgyptSouth AfricaMauritiusKenyaTanzaniaMozambiqueThailandIndonesiaMalaysiaPunta CanaCancúnRiviera MayaLos CabosPuerto VallartaMontego BayNegrilOcho RiosGuanacasteCreteBahiaMalé AtollsRodney BayBarbados South CoastBarbados West CoastViti LevuVanua LevuCanary IslandsBalearic IslandsCosta del SolSharm el-SheikhHurghada & the Red Sea CoastBelekRhodesLara & AntalyaMaldives Outer AtollsCorfuHalkidikiKosSoufrière & South St. LuciaGrenadaFijiCroatiaU.S. Virgin IslandsSri LankaSeychellesBahamasChileArgentinaUnited States
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a visa for French Polynesia?
No – as a French overseas collectivity (outside Schengen), it allows U.S. citizens 90 days visa-free per 180-day period. Bring a passport valid for your stay, a return ticket, and proof of funds.
Is Bora Bora safe?
Very – the State Department keeps French Polynesia in its lowest-risk advisory tier. The main hazards are ocean currents and weather, not crime. Check the current level at travel.state.gov.
What currency is used, and can I pay in dollars?
The CFP franc (XPF). Unlike the Caribbean, U.S. dollars aren't widely accepted – use cards at resorts and carry some francs for small purchases.
Do I tip in French Polynesia?
No – tipping isn't customary and service is included. A small token for exceptional service is appreciated but never expected.
When is the best time to visit Bora Bora?
The dry season, roughly May to October, for sunny skies and the clearest lagoons. It's peak season, so book early; November–April is wetter.
Which airport do I fly into for Bora Bora?
Fly into Tahiti–Papeete (PPT), with nonstops from Los Angeles, then take a short Air Tahiti domestic flight to Bora Bora (BOB), followed by a boat transfer.