The Most Beautiful Beaches in French Polynesia

Where are The Most Beautiful Beaches in French Polynesia? Tahiti is often used to refer to French Polynesia as a whole, as it is the capital of this French overseas collectivity and its most populated island, concentrating 70% of the inhabitants. Bora-Bora is an island of the Society Islands, one of the 5 island groups that compose the French Polynesia.

French Polynesia is located in the South central Pacific Ocean. Its capital Pape’ete is located on the main island of Tahiti. As a whole, French Polynesia is made up of 118 islands and atolls, of which 76 are inhabited. French Polynesia is divided into 5 archipelagos, the Society Islands (the westernmost and well-known: Tahiti, Moorea and Bora-Bora), Marquesas Islands, Tuamotu Archipelago, Austral and Gambier Islands. French Polynesia is internationally famous for its wondrous coral-lined lagoons, the charm of its over water bungalows, delicious cooking and its magnificent diving. You can learn more about The Best French Polynesian Islands here, or visit us on Pinterest.

French Polynesia Weather – The Best Time to Visit the French Polynesia

French Polynesia is at its best between June and August when the climate is at its driest and the weather is balmy, sitting comfortably in the high 70°’s F to mid 90°’s F. However, this can be a slightly busier time of year and the months either side of this period can see comfortable temperatures, but lower prices.

French Polynesia can be visited year-round, but the months of November to April see tropical showers passing at greater frequency than other times of the year. However, they are often interspersed with periods of sunshine. This is a humid time of year, though, which can be uncomfortable and we recommend choosing a hotel with air-conditioning if visiting during these months. The islands rarely suffer from tropical storms except during years when El Niño affects ocean currents.

Here Are The Most Beautiful Beaches in French Polynesia:

Pointe Venus Beach – Tahiti

At the tip of Matavai Bay on the island of Tahiti, Pointe Venus is the finest black sand beach in the French territory with immense historical significance. The beach is a local’s favorite, especially for families with small children and surfers. You’ll appreciate the striking natural beauty of Tahiti, with its emerald mountains soaring in the background. Behind the beach, a lighthouse stands tall to commemorate Captain James Cook’s visit in 1769. Best Pointe Venus Beach Hotel: Le Tahiti by Pearl Resorts

Motu Piscine – Raivavae

When picturing a South Pacific beach, you’re likely seeing Motu Piscine on the island of Raivavae, in the southern Austral Islands. Translating to “swimming pool islet”, this jewel has spacious untouched landscapes and more than a mile of beaches lined with vegetation. With its blues of indigo and turquoise, this place is the perfect postcard scene and one of the best beaches in French Polynesia. Best Motu Piscine Hotel: Pension Vaimano

La Plage de Maui – Tahiti

Bordering the southern shore of Tahiti Iti, the main island’s peninsula, this strip of white sand is far and away the best beach on Tahiti. The lagoon is suitable for swimming, and there’s an excellent snack bar beside the beach. Best La Plage de Maui Hotel: Villa Teraimoana

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Fare Beach – Huahine

Fare Beach is a landscape lined with powdery white sand and waters clear enough to see your toes throughout your swim. It’s peaceful and quiet and somewhat untouched, with trees and a mountainous jungle as the backdrop. Best Fare Beach Hotel: Maitai Lapita Village Huahine

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Motu Tapu – Bora Bora

This isle is the most photographed in all of the South Pacific. It’s everything a tropical island should be: a little white sand island surrounded by a sparkling ocean for as far as the eye can see. It was once a place for royalty; the Polynesian Queen Pomare IV is said to have held private functions on this island. Best Motu Tapu Hotel: La Bora Bora by Pearl Resorts

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Plage Tereia – Maupiti

This white-sand beach wraps around a peninsula on Maupiti’s main island. Unlike Matira, however, you’ll likely have this one all to yourself, since there are no resorts on Maupiti. Almost as beautiful is the beach at the northern end of Motu Tiapaa, where you have a view of Maupiti’s central mountain, and no one cares if you skinny-dip. Best Maupiti Resort: InterContinental Bora Bora Resort Thalasso Spa

Pink Sands Beaches – Tikehau Island

This atoll of French Polynesia is home to pink and white sand beaches and is considered to be one of the most beautiful atolls in the region. Here, there’s a greater fish population than people, making snorkeling and diving a dream. Best Tikehau Island Hotel: Ninamu Resort

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Temae Beach – Moorea

This spectacular wide beach is a coral beach so be prepared to wear sandals rather than feel the sand between your toes. But the waters are clear and ideal for snorkeling, so school up on your fish identification to observe the different tropical marine species beneath the ocean’s surface. Best Temae Beach Moorea Hotel: Sofitel Kia Ora Moorea Beach Resort

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Lafayette Beach – Tahiti

Tahiti’s well-known for its black-sand beaches, and one of the finest is Lafayette. Located just 20 minutes outside of Papeete, the capital city, the beach remains secluded and rarely draws crowds. This beach is a favorite for swimming and sunbathing. Plus, it’s located near the Pearl Beach Resort, which is home to a world-class spa. Best Beachfront Tahiti Hotel: Manomano Lodge

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Les Sables Rose (The Pink Sands) – Rangiroa

At a remote corner of Rangiroa’s lagoon, the world’s second largest, lies a gorgeous beach made up of pink sand. It’s well worth the hour-long boat ride from Rangiroa’s hotels. Best Les Sables Rose Beachfront Hotel: Hôtel Les Sables

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Papenoo Beach – Tahiti

This black-sand beach is little-developed, but what it lacks in amenities, Papenoo makes up for in solitude and natural beauty. The horseshoe-shaped beach beckons surfers with its consistent break, so bring a board if you’re so inclined. Plus, nearby natural wonders, including Arahoho Blowhole and a waterfall make this a great stop on a daylong excursion. Best Papenoo Beachfront Hotel: Linareva Moorea Beach Resort

Matira Beach – Bora Bora

It’s not hard to find a spot of paradise on Bora Bora, but in case you needed some extra guidance, Matira Beach is where the goods are at. It’s Bora Bora’s most popular public beach thanks to its incredible white sandy stretch and backdrop of lush greenery on the hills. It’s a safe swimming area, ideal for snorkeling. Best Matira Beachfront Hotel: InterContinental Bora Bora Le Moana Resort, an IHG Hotel

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Hanatekuua Bay – Hiva Oa

This wild archipelago is by no means a beach holiday destination but it does hold a few sandy gems. Unless you own a boat, the beach at Hanatekuua Bay can only be reached by hiking from the closest village. This beach has a fine stretch of golden sand backed by a dense coconut grove and fronted by inviting turquoise waters. Best Hiva Oa Accommodations: Hanakee Lodge

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Avea Bay – Huahine 

Avea Bay is on the far side of the island, which is actually comprised of two separate landmasses connected by a narrow bridge. The bay is the finest on the island and you might even share the grounds with the ruins of ancient Polynesian temples, known as marae. Best Avea Bay Huahine Beachfront Hotel: Hotel Le Mahana

Anaho Bay – Nuku Hiva

Anaho Bay must also be hiked to, unless you own a boat, further adding to the allure of the place. The trail that leads to the horseshoe-shaped bay offers spectacular views before it plunges to a lonely settlement where a few families live off the grid. Anaho Bay is home to the only coral reef in the entire archipelago, where conditions are usually not optimal for reefs to form. Best Anaho Bay Nuku Hiva Accommodations: Pension Mave Mai

Motu Tautau – Tahaa

Motu Tautau is located right across from Bora Bora provides visitors with an unforgettable silhouette of the romantic island and its coral garden is a playground for thousands of fish. For those seeking an extra dose of action, walk to the edge of the motu and ride the incoming current into the lagoon. Best Motu Tautau Beachfront Resort: Le Taha’a by Pearl Resorts

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Pink Sand Beach – Fakarava

Fakarava is a UNESCO biosphere reserve and a mecca for scuba divers. Like a few other atolls in the area, some of Fakarava’s beaches are covered in sand that shines pink under the sun. The finest pink sand beaches in Fakarava are close to the southern entrance into its lagoon (the ‘south pass’) and can be visited on day trips from the main village of Rotoava.  Best Fakarava Accommodations: Havaiki Lodge

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Motu Auira – Maupiti 

Motu Auira can be reached by crossing the lagoon on foot from the main island in a shallow area and, once you make it to the other side, you won’t want to come back. Its lagoon side is home to a few families and their fishing boats but the reef side is completely deserted and you’ll have it all to yourself. 

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The Blue Lagoon – Rangiroa

‘Rangi’, as locals call it, is one of the top scuba diving destinations in the world, but do be sure to leave at least one day free to join a boat excursion to the Blue Lagoon (Lagon Bleu). This is a day that you’ll never forget and one in which you’ll get to play Robinson Crusoe for a few hours on a remote paradise surrounded by stereotypical scenes from a tropical fantasy.  Best Blue Lagoon Rangiroa Hotel: Le Coconut Lodge

PK9 Beach – Fakarava

This beach lies nine kilometers from the main village of Rotoava and you can reach it by leisurely cycling or hiring a scooter. It’s a perfect stretch of soft white sand, the clearest of waters and palm trees that gracefully curve onto the beach, just like in those postcards. The beach is occasionally visited by locals or rare boat excursions from the village so you will most likely have this paradise all to yourselves. Best PK9 Beach Fakarava Hotel: Havaiki Lodge