Things to Do in French Polynesia

Located in downtown Papeete, Vai'ete Square is a nice place to take a relaxing waterfront stroll during the day. At night, however, the atmosphere becomes much more lively at colorful food wagons (roulottes) offering local cuisine and decadent desserts open to the masses. From 6pm to around 3am, visitors can sample everything from Tahitian pizza to French crepes to grilled calf heart. Live music from a nearby pavilion as well as live performances of all kinds add to the vibrant atmosphere, while tables littering the square allow you to relax and enjoy your meal.

After you're done eating, you'll be able to wander the downtown to explore some of the island's nightlife options. Not surprisingly, the square becomes rowdier as the night goes on. On certain nights of the month, you can also find traditional dance performances taking place.

Bloody Mary's is Bora Bora's most famous restaurant. It is as well known for its food as it is for its colorful history and atmosphere.

The restaurant was founded in 1979 by an eccentric Polish nobleman, the Baron Jerzy Hubert Edward von Dange (George to his friends). It was sold to a Los Angeles businessman in 1985 but the restaurant still maintains what it calls its “old Tahiti style.” The building is a fare tiurai, a traditional hut with a thatched roof and open sides. The kitschy interior features a sand floor (bare foot dining encouraged), tiki torches and polished palm trunks for seats.

Bloody Mary's is open for lunch, dinner and drinks. On the menu is fresh seafood and the daily catch is displayed on ice at the entrance. You will no doubt be encouraged to pair your meal with a fruity island cocktail.  Don't forget to check out the open air restrooms which have waterfalls instead of sinks.

One of Papeete’s few museums, the Musée de la Perle (or Black Pearl Museum) celebrates all aspects of pearl culture. In the days before large-scale cultivation, these ocean jewels were charged with mystical significance, associated with religious rites and coveted as status symbols. The museum, established by local entrepreneur Robert Wan, looks at the pearl in art, history and literature, and shows how they get from the sea to the display case.

The real star here is the black pearl. While a little more abundant than in the days when Mary, Queen of Scots adorned herself with a priceless necklace of the dark sea bounty, this Tahitian specialty is still a sought-after rarity.

Surrounded by rugged mountain landscape that seems to reach up from the water, Cook's Bay is one of the main tourist areas in Moorea (it's here that cruise ships come to moor their boats). That being said, you'll be able to explore the nearby beaches and streets without huge crowds. Along with hiking trails, dramatic landscapes and beaches, Cook's Bay features an aquarium, restaurants, hotels, the Black Pearl Farm for purchasing French Polynesia's famous black pearls, art galleries, the Pao Pao Market and Moorea Juice Factory.

From Cook's Bay you can begin driving to Belvedere Lookout, a scenic viewpoint awarding aerial views of Opunohu Valley, Cook's Bay and Opunohu Bay.

Belvedere Lookout is a scenic viewpoint awarding views of Cook's Bay, Opunohu Bay, Mount Rotui and the fertile Opunohu Valley with its many pineapple plants, craggy peaks and gentle slopes. There are many ways to reach the top -- uphill hiking, ATV, scooter or car -- as there is a road leading to the lookout. That being said, now that it is more accessible it is also more crowded, meaning you should allow yourself adequate time for photo snapping. The most popular time to visit is at sunset at around 5:30pm, where you can see the sky and landscape illuminated by a rainbow backdrop of reds, pinks, yellow, oranges and purples. At the top there is a small snack, beverage and souvenir stand. And if you're still feeling energetic, you can access waterfall and nature treks from the top.

There are two roads leading to Belvedere Lookout, depending on whether you're going from Cook's Bay or Opunohu Bay. While Cook's Bay will take you through pineapple fields and lush vegetation, Opunohu Bay will bring you through Moorea's natural preserve as well as stop at the local Agricultural School for some fresh juice and sorbet and jam tastings.

Located toward the northwest of the main island of Bora Bora, Faanui is a village overlooking a namesake bay featuring calm, turquoise waters perfect for swimming. Here you'll find the remains of a US naval base, as Faanui Bay was used by the US Army between 1942 and 1946 to build their military station.

Fruit plantations give insight into the local agriculture, while stalls showcasing wraparound skirts (pareos) add color to the streets. You'll also find Farenua, a sacred place of worship built with stones called a "marae." It is the biggest of its kind in Bora Bora and for many, the highlight of their trip.

The most iconic landmark of Faanui, however, is its beautiful light pink church set in front of a lush green mountain background and marking the head of Faanui Bay. Nearby you'll be able to access a road which heads away from the coast and into the lush vegetation of inland Bora Bora.

There are numerous waterfalls all over Tahiti, but the most popular and accessible are the three waterfalls at Faarumai, known as the Cascades of Faarumai. Turning off the main coastal road, a dirt track cuts through the teeming jungle to a parking spot. From there a 5 minute walk brings you to the first cascade, Vaima Hutu. This is a truly impressive sight, with crystal clear water rushing down a sheer rock face into a cool, inviting pool.

The other two waterfalls – Haamaremare and Haamaremare Iti – are close by each other about 30 minutes’ walk away, and are well worth seeking out.

A jagged pinnacle towering over paradise, Mount Otemanu demands attention from visitors to Bora Bora. Although French Polynesia island is known more for its overwater bungalows than its towering vertical cliffs, the view of this ancient volcano above the turquoise lagoon casts a siren call to the adventurous. Unlike that of its neighbor Mount Pahia, the summit of Mount Otemanu is insurmountable due to its precarious rocks (picture a real-life drip castle); however, a smattering of seductive options for exploring the peak from both above and below make up for the limited hiking opportunities.

Matira Beach is the only public beach on Bora Bora. Although it's not associated with any resort, it still boasts 2 kilometers (1.24 miles) of bright white sand, coconut groves and lapping waves. The beach opens onto a shallow, sandy bottomed lagoon with perfect snorkeling conditions. Swimmers can see colorful corals and the huge variety of tropical fish which give the area its nickname: “The Aquarium.”

The beach stretches from the Hotel Bora Bora to Matira Point, which is a low sandy peninsula that juts into the lagoon. At low tide you can wade from here all the way out to the coral reef.

The only downside to Matira Beach is that it can get somewhat crowded and hectic, particularly on days when a cruise ship is docked nearby. Nonetheless it's still a beautiful (and free) attraction. In the evenings this west-facing beach is perfect for watching the sunset.