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EmpyreanTravel · Est. 1984

Signature specialty · Tahiti expert

French Polynesia, planned by a Tahiti expert.

Bora Bora's lagoon, Moorea's peaks, Taha'a's vanilla, the wild atolls of the Tuamotus and the Marquesas — the right islands, in the right order, at the right resort.

Plan French Polynesia with Gigi Island guides

Quick answer

French Polynesia is a French overseas collectivity of 118 islands in the South Pacific, about eight hours nonstop from Los Angeles to Papeete, Tahiti. Most first trips combine two or three islands over 8–12 nights — typically Moorea plus Bora Bora, with Taha'a, Rangiroa or Tikehau for a quieter finale. The drier, less humid season runs roughly May to October.

Why plan French Polynesia with a specialist?

French Polynesia rewards local knowledge more than almost anywhere. Islands are linked by a limited schedule of inter-island flights and ferries, so the order you visit them in decides how much of your trip is spent in transit. Resorts on the same lagoon can face sunrise or sunset, sit on the main island or a private motu, and offer very different overwater bungalows for very different prices.

Gigi describes herself, simply, as a Tahiti expert. That means pairing islands that complement each other, timing your stay around the drier season, using Virtuoso relationships for upgrades and amenities where available, and building in the small things — a lagoon picnic on a motu, a Taha'a vanilla farm, a Rangiroa drift dive — that make the trip unforgettable.

French Polynesia · At a glance
Flight from LAX
About 8 hours nonstop
Islands
118 islands and atolls
Archipelagos
5: Society, Tuamotu, Marquesas, Austral, Gambier
Currency
CFP franc (XPF), pegged to the euro
Dry season
May to October
Language
French and Tahitian; English in tourism
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French Polynesia

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French Polynesia FAQ

When is the best time to visit French Polynesia?

May to October, the dry season, is the most popular time: lower humidity, cooler evenings and the most reliable sunshine. July brings the Heiva festival and peak demand. November to April is warmer and more humid, with short, heavy showers, greener islands and fewer travelers outside the holidays. Humpback whales visit from roughly July to November. See our best time to visit guide.

How many days do you need in French Polynesia?

Plan at least seven nights for two islands, such as Moorea and Bora Bora, and ten to fourteen nights for three or four. Each inter-island move takes part of a day, and many itineraries need a night on Tahiti on arrival or departure. From Los Angeles the flight is only about 8 hours, so even a week feels worthwhile, but longer trips are more relaxing.

How do you get to Tahiti from Los Angeles?

Fly nonstop from LAX to Tahiti-Faa’a International Airport in about 8 hours. Air Tahiti Nui and Air France have long served the route, and other carriers add flights from the West Coast; schedules change seasonally. From Tahiti, Air Tahiti flies to the other islands and ferries cross to Moorea. Our guide to getting to Tahiti from the US covers the details.

Which French Polynesia islands should you combine?

For a first trip, the classic pairing is Moorea and Bora Bora, with a night on Tahiti as needed. Swap in Taha’a for quieter luxury, Huahine or Raiatea for culture, or add a Tuamotu atoll such as Rangiroa, Fakarava or Tikehau for diving and pink-sand beaches. The Marquesas suit a second trip. Our island-hopping guide has sample routes.

Do US citizens need a visa for French Polynesia?

No visa is needed for U.S. citizens visiting as tourists for up to 90 days, as of 2026. Your passport should be valid for at least three months beyond your planned departure, and you may be asked for proof of onward travel. French Polynesia is not part of the Schengen area. Rules can change, so confirm before you go; see our entry requirements guide.

What currency is used in French Polynesia?

French Polynesia uses the CFP franc (XPF), which is pegged to the euro at a fixed rate: 1,000 XPF equals 8.38 euros. U.S. dollars are generally not accepted for everyday purchases. Visa and Mastercard work at hotels, restaurants and larger shops on the main islands, and ATMs are found in Papeete and main villages. Carry cash for pensions, markets and the outer islands.

Are overwater bungalows worth it in French Polynesia?

For most travelers, yes, at least for part of the trip. Waking over the lagoon, with steps down into the water, is the experience French Polynesia is famous for. You’ll find them on islands including Bora Bora, Moorea, Tahiti, Taha’a, Rangiroa and Tikehau. Many couples split their stay between a beach villa and a few overwater nights. Our overwater bungalow guide compares categories.

Is French Polynesia good for a honeymoon?

It’s one of the world’s classic honeymoon destinations: overwater bungalows, private lagoon dinners, spa days and islands made for two. Bora Bora, Taha’a, Moorea and Tetiaroa are the favorites. Book nine to twelve months ahead for peak dates, and ask about Virtuoso honeymoon perks, typically breakfast for two, a resort credit and upgrades when available. See our French Polynesia honeymoon guide.

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