The Polynesian Islands are considered a paradise on Earth by many who seek a remote and exotic holiday destination. Their picture postcard landscapes, with their sandy beaches, turquoise lagoons, and tropical forests, invite them to do nothing. There are many things to do other than sit on the beach and spread your toes!
Discover the culture of Polynesia
French Polynesia, besides its idyllic landscape, is known for its warm and friendly culture. When you arrive at Tahiti Airport, everyone is entitled to receive a Tiare flower necklace! As much as the paradisiacal scenery of the islands, the songs, dances, and culinary specialties that are part of this dream is the tattoos, the music, the food, the dancing, the cuisine, the tattoos. Immersing yourself in local culture is essential for a great stay.
Polynesian heritage
Like all cultures, French Polynesia is a place where everyone can find something to connect with. Who doesn’t remember these beautiful Pacific Islands when they see monoi products or when they watch a vahine dance performance? Attending one of these dance performances in French Polynesia is also a great way to experience the culture!
You will find pearl farms on every island. Visit the pearl farm! Polynesia is known for its high-quality pearls, and the culture of pearl farming is a part of that heritage. If you are unsure which pearl farm is best to visit, Tahiti, the main island in the Society Archipelago, is the place to go. It’s famous for producing black pearls.
You can also visit a Moorea distillery to taste local alcohol and fresh fruit juices.
The Tiki Village on Moorea is another place to visit in Polynesia, where you can discover the culture. It is a cultural center that offers workshops, evenings, and activities dedicated to discovering the island’s culture. You can watch typical shows, such as vahine dances and Tahitian war demonstrations. You can also take part in workshops, such as Tifaifai making (traditional cloth), coconut palm weaving, Paro painting, etc.
It is the best way to experience a complete cultural immersion. You can do this by meeting locals and accompanying them on a daily basis. The locals are friendly and happy to share with you their culture and traditions. They will also invite you to join them on a typical meal or for an open-water fishing trip or underwater hunting.
Visit historical places in French Polynesia
The Polynesian Archipelago is rich in history and has many historic sites to explore. Even though they are ancient sacred sites, marae (or a place of worship), each one is unique and has a different story. It is, therefore, essential to visit at least one of these marae in French Polynesia. You can also listen to locals tell you the stories and myths about the islands. The islands of Ra’iatea, and Taha’a, are still worth a trip even though they are not as well-known as their neighbors. These two islands are considered to be the origin of the Polynesian culture and people. Ra’iatea, also known as sacred island, is home to Mount Temehani. This sacred mountain is where the Tiare Apetahi Flower, one of the rarest in the world, blooms and grows. Take advantage of a cultural getaway in Ra’iatea or Taha’a when you visit Polynesia.
There are many maraes, but some are more well-known than others. In Tahiti, you’ll find the Arahurahu Marae – the largest of the Polynesian Archipelago – and Ra’iatea, the Taputapatea Marae, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You can also see marae in Marquesas, where they’re called paepae. The Upeke Paepae, located in Taaoa village on Hiva Oa island, is among the most popular. Bora Bora is another historical site in French Polynesia that you should take advantage of. The island, which was once a US military base in World War II and is now a tourist destination, has many relics, such as the airport’s runway. If you are a diver, there is another historic site hidden in the water of Moorea. At Papetoai, 8 Tiki statues that represent Polynesian Gods are submerged. Many cultural excursions in French Polynesia will help you learn about the history and culture of this island. There are historical sites on each island, and locals will tell you all about the myths and lore of the region! If you are able to visit Huahine, take the chance to see the famous sacred eels, which have very distinctive blue eyes.
Polynesian cuisine specialties
Discovering new tastes in French Polynesia is part of the fun when you visit! Ma’a Tahiti is the traditional Polynesian food, which has been influenced by the West, but especially Asia. Raw fish with coconut milk is the most popular dish in French Polynesia. The word is usually made with raw tuna but can also be prepared using other fish from the Polynesian seas. There is no shortage of seafood in Polynesia! You can also find other fish dishes, such as ina fritters – small fish caught at the mouths of rivers – or grilled Mahi Mahi – the iconic fish of Polynesian water. We must remember fanfare – tuna cooked in seawater where shrimp heads were fermented over several days. You can also enjoy local meat dishes, such as fava (a leaf of taro), chairman (a noodle dish inspired by Asian cuisine), ma’am Tinito (pork and beans), etc. Don’t be afraid to visit the “roulottes,” Polynesian mobile food trucks that will introduce you to different traditional Polynesian foods!
If you want to complete your Polynesian feast, try some other local specialties, such as the coconut bread (Ipo), which is a must-have; fire for breakfast, which is a churro flavored with coconut milk; pose, a papaya and banana dessert that’s often served as dessert. All these delicious foods can be enjoyed with fresh fruit juices or local beer Hinano.
If you are looking to learn about a culture’s culinary traditions, it is essential. You will only see some things in a country that is made up of many islands. You will be able to try a variety of sauces and recipes depending on which island you are visiting in Polynesia. You will find one that suits your tastes!
French Polynesia is a paradise of nautical activities.
The Polynesian Archipelago, comprised of islands and coral atolls with turquoise lagoons, invites you to swim. Resisting the warm, clear water and many other available activities is impossible. It’s hard to resist the warm, crystal-clear water and the many available activities.
Moana Adventure Tours
Snorkeling at the Polynesian Lagoons
French Polynesia’s lagoons are famous for their transparent waters that allow you to see underwater life. Snorkeling in French Polynesia is a must-do activity, as it’s accessible to everyone! In Polynesian water, stingrays and black-tip sharks are always visible, no matter how deep or shallow the water is.
Snorkeling in Bora Bora, one of the Leeward Islands’ most popular activities, is because you can swim up close to the stingrays and the black tip sharks that are the stars of this lagoon. If you prefer to snorkel with smaller fish, the Coral Garden of Taha’a offers unique encounters, including clownfish, butterflies, and other colorful species.
Moorea’s Windward Islands offer some great snorkeling spots. Tiahura Beach is an excellent place to see green turtles. Between July and November, Moorea whale snorkeling is one of the most popular activities to do in French Polynesia. The outings will be done with respect to the animals, and you’ll have to keep a distance to avoid disturbing them. The experience is always excellent!