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 French Polynesia, The Most Beautiful Beaches in French Polynesia, best French Polynesia Beaches
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, French Polynesia, The Most Beautiful Beaches in French Polynesia, best French Polynesia Beaches
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, French Polynesia, The Most Beautiful Beaches in French Polynesia, best French Polynesia Beaches
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, French Polynesia, The Most Beautiful Beaches in French Polynesia, best French Polynesia Beaches
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, French Polynesia, The Most Beautiful Beaches in French Polynesia, best French Polynesia Beaches
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, French Polynesia, The Most Beautiful Beaches in French Polynesia, best French Polynesia Beaches
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, French Polynesia, The Most Beautiful Beaches in French Polynesia, best French Polynesia Beaches
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, French Polynesia, The Most Beautiful Beaches in French Polynesia, best French Polynesia Beaches
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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Layayette Beach, Tahiti, French Polynesia, The Most Beautiful Beaches in French Polynesia, best French Polynesia Beaches
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, French Polynesia, The Most Beautiful Beaches in French Polynesia, best French Polynesia Beaches
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, French Polynesia, The Most Beautiful Beaches in French Polynesia, best French Polynesia Beaches
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, French Polynesia, The Most Beautiful Beaches in French Polynesia, best French Polynesia Beaches
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, French Polynesia, The Most Beautiful Beaches in French Polynesia, best French Polynesia Beaches
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, French Polynesia, The Most Beautiful Beaches in French Polynesia, best French Polynesia Beaches
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, French Polynesia, The Most Beautiful Beaches in French Polynesia, best French Polynesia Beaches
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, French Polynesia, The Most Beautiful Beaches in French Polynesia, best French Polynesia Beaches
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, French Polynesia, The Most Beautiful Beaches in French Polynesia, best French Polynesia Beaches
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, French Polynesia, The Most Beautiful Beaches in French Polynesia, best French Polynesia Beaches
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, French Polynesia, The Most Beautiful Beaches in French Polynesia, best French Polynesia Beaches
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, French Polynesia, The Most Beautiful Beaches in French Polynesia, best French Polynesia Beaches
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

21 Comments

  1. Greypreneur

    Oh such a place to dream about, I found this article really interesting and was very inspired to visit. I think for me then, Motu Piscine – Raivavae would be the place to be. Those open landscapes, kind of wild in a way and so beautiful, that would be where I think I would go. But maybe thats a starting point as there are so many others. But I was also intrigued by Avea Bay – Huahine and the ancient Polynesian Temples do  you have more nformation on them too?

    Reply
    1. Leahrae (Post author)

      I will be adding more information as I update these locations.  Every place you mentioned is worth visiting, and you cannot go wrong in the French Polynesia no matter where you end up.

      Reply
  2. BoardGamesBren

    Wow, French Polynesia looks amazing! I had no idea how remote it as unitl I looked it up – the islands look so beautiful, The only comparison I have is Cuba which I visited a long time ago, but I think these islands look even more gorgeous!

    I love the look of Motu Tautau and the idea of scuba diving with the tropical fish!

    This place os going on my wish list for sure!

    Thanks,

    Bren

    Reply
    1. Leahrae (Post author)

      French Polynesia is gorgeous and such wonderful enticing beaches.  You can’t go wrong if you are looking for rest, relaxation and beauty!

      Reply
  3. Ashley

    You’ve done it again! You have my mouth watering just looking at the pictures of these beautiful French Polynesian island getaways. I think the first beach I would like to visit Is Motu Piscine – Raivavae just because it looks so dang picture perfect and you said it has not been disturbed by too much pedestrian foot traffic. 

    Then, I would like to check out Motu Tapu – Bora Bora.  What is the best way to get over to that little islet?  Is there a little ferry or can you just kayak/ paddle board over there from a nearby hotel? 

    Which hotel would be nest if we want to visit these two beaches specifically? Thanks for the wonderful information!

    Reply
    1. Leahrae (Post author)

      Motu Tapu is a 5 minute boat ride from Bora Bora.  That is the best way.  For Motu Piscine you will want to stay at 
      the Pension Vaimano.  For Motu Tapu La Bora Bora by Pearl Resorts  Please let me know if you have any other questions.

      Reply
  4. JeffBlanck

    Wow! this was a very interesting read. Thank you for being so thorough, that is a lot of dedication and research for one post! I like how everything is easy to find on your page and the images leave me in awe. Every section agrees well with the section next to it. This page is definitely going into my Favorites! 

    Good job and keep up the great work!

    Jeff

    Reply
    1. Leahrae (Post author)

      Great, glad you enjoyed Jeff!  Thanks for visiting Beach Travel Destinations.

      Reply
  5. Sabelo Sibisi

    Wow the acticle was very good and it is I a great guide 

    And i think the most beautiful beach to visit is the

    Motu Piscine I think it is great .The author provide very good information 

    Including the best time to visit the beach and I think that is great I just 

    Wanted to ask if pets are allowed

    Reply
    1. Leahrae (Post author)

      Of course, pets are allowed.  You will have to investigate each beach further to see if they have any rules against pets tagging along.  

      Reply
  6. Carol Barnes

    Wow, another great article on a beautiful vacation spot. I would love to visit French Polynesia. I would love to vacation at the that pink sand beach. I will definitely be following you and your vacation destinations. Not only that, but I’m ready for my next getaway. Keep it up with the awesome information and beautiful places to visit.

    Reply
    1. Leahrae (Post author)

      Thank you, Carol, I think I will make it hard for you to choose!  And thank you for your continued visits to Beach Travel Destinations.  I am glad you are enjoying 🙂

      Reply
  7. mywoodenblocks

    I just love those travel blogs! They are even relaxing when you look at them, and so exciting when you are choosing where to go. 
    I must admit that this one is tough because you can’t make an easy decision as these are all very attractive destinations. I so love the small tropical isle, I like privacy so I would like Motu Tapu. However, Motu Tautau is also attractive as I am a romantic person. 
    The timing suits me perfectly as I only have a holiday in July and the first half of August. But do you think it’s family-friendly? I have two kids of 7 and 15. Is there a place for us all because I don’t like leaving them at home? Thank you

    Reply
    1. Leahrae (Post author)

      Yes, very family friendly and you kids would have a blast.  It’s safe, can be romantic for couples, or very exciting for families.  A little bit for everyone!

      Reply
  8. Tigan

    Another awesome post, I have signed up to your email list as I will definitely be looking deeper into your beach destinations when we are ready for our next decent getaway. Keep on putting out the awesome information to help people see what beauty there is to visit out there. 

    Reply
    1. Leahrae (Post author)

      Thank you Tigan, I will!

      Reply
  9. Diane

    ooh it looks really beautiful and the resorts are AMAZING! I’d actually love to go to Bora Bora (the Matira beach looks amazing!)

    Although now that I’ve seen your Tahiti photos, I’m also wondering if I shouldn’t do both! I had a Tahitian friend for a time and I love these people, they go with the flow, they’re genuinely nice!

    What would your favourite be?

    Reply
  10. Remote Vagabond

    Wow, French Polynesia looks so beautiful!

    Those beaches look stunning and I didn’t know that there were that many islands. I would love to visit them one day. Although I have always been a bit skeptical about the costs. I think it is a more pricey holiday destination. But looking at the photos and video I think it is totally worth it. 

    Reply
  11. Louise Allen

    There really are some beautiful places to visit in the world and this is a place that I have never had the opportunity to go to. Never say never. I do like the look of Motu Piscine – Raivavae. A stunning place and as you say, vey much a postcard image. 

    Are these destinations more suited to couples rather than family?

    The clear water in The Blue Lagoon looks incredible so I can see why it’s one of the top scuba diving destinations.

    A nice comfortable temperature too during June-August. 

    Reply
  12. pasindu dimanka

    Wow, it’s so beautiful here. Thank you very much for this valuable post about French Polynesia. I really like the way you make this post. As someone who likes to travel a lot, there are many things to buy from your site. And you have attached a beautiful drone shot. I love this anaho bay. Because you can go hiking there. Keep posting like this.

    Reply
    1. Leahrae (Post author)

      French Polynesia is sooo beautiful.  If I could take a couple months and just island hop and stay close to the beaches, I know I would be in heaven for sure!  Glad you enjoyed!

      Reply

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