Best things to do in French Polynesia

Relax at Matira Beach, where the soft, powdery sand invites sunbathers and the clear waters offer a great spot for swimmers and snorkelers. Consider taking a jet ski out into the calm bay for a different perspective, and to view the island from the sea. Set on a more secluded part of the island, the paradisal beach is still easily accessible by car and on foot. Accommodations and restaurants provide options for extending your stay.

Enjoy the transparent waters of Bora Bora Lagoonarium, where the clarity of the sea yields exciting views of sharks and other marine life. Tour companies offer swimming and diving excursions to see these underwater creatures in their natural habitat. Let friendly locals and business operators guide you to the best places to spot stingrays and coral, or just recline on the bright, white sands. Beachside accommodations provide relaxing and romantic options to extend your visit and enjoy meals with sweeping sea views.

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See panoramic views of Moorea at Belvedere Lookout. With uninterrupted sights of Cook's Bay, Opunohu Bay, Mt. Totui, and the lush vegetation of Opunohu Valley, the viewpoint offers great photographic opportunities. From sunrise to sunset, the extensive panorama takes in much of the island and its coastline. Bring a picnic with you, or head to the souvenir and snack stand before heading further into the hills or making your way back down. The point is easily accessible by car or on foot, as well as being a stop-off destination for a range of tour groups.

Head up to the base of Mount Otemanu, an impressive natural monument whose volcanic rock peak marks the highest point on Bora Bora. While the brittle, jagged, 727 m (2,385 ft) summit is too inhospitable to be accessed, you can hike or take a 4x4 trip up to the base of the mountain. The latter option remains the most popular, because of the jungle's density and the difficulty of the walk. Look up at the black, rugged top of the mountain (visible across the island) as it stands in sharp contrast to the lush greens and bright blues of most of the landscape.

Take an hour-long boat ride from Avatoru to Ile aux Recifs, famous for its coral outcrops, weathered and eroded into mysterious underwater shapes. With ample swimming and snorkeling spots, this section of the reef offers excellent views of the area's abundant marine life. Relax on one of the many small beaches, shaded underneath coconut trees and surrounded by the bright blue waters of the sea. Tour guides offer well-rounded experiences of the area, with seafood lunches, shark feeding, and basket-weaving classes.

Head up Magic Mountain for extensive views of the coastline, towns, and coral reefs of Moorea. Take an ATV tour up the mountain or hike to its peak for panoramic views of the surrounding scenery--you may even spot a whale breeching close to the shoreline. The lush vegetation covering its slopes extends into the valley, providing superb photographic opportunities, with rich greens and light blues dominating the landscape. Enjoy a picnic while watching boats come in and out of the harbor, or simply soak up the relaxing way of life on the island, seen from above.

Get a taste of the history and culture of French Polynesia at Tiki Village Cultural Center, offering an immersive experience of the country's traditions. Attend a luau, a festivity with men and women in traditional, colorful clothes, along with dancing, fire spinners, and authentic music. Indulge in the local delicacy of a whole hog roast, and take a tour of the wooden shacks and ceremonial buildings of a Polynesian village. The center offers a fun and engaging trip through the country's cultural heritage for visitors of all ages.

Swim with rays, sharks, and tropical fish at Lagoonarium, a protected underwater environment off the coast of Moorea. Take a three-minute boat trip out to the reserve before plunging beneath the waters to inspect the marine life so abundant in French Polynesia. An untouched coral garden provides the backdrop for your views, and the helpful and friendly staff remain on hand to inform, entertain, and assist you during your experience. Bring your own snorkeling gear, or rent what you need. An onsite cafe serves food, although you are also welcome to bring your own picnic.