Visitors to French Polynesia Vacation Rentals
Because of its remote location and beautiful tropical ambiance, French Polynesia is a travel destination that caters primarily to the more affluent traveler. Luxurious bungalows are set on stilts above shallow lagoons so guests can enjoy the marvels of the underwater world from the privacy of their own bungalows. It is one of the top luxury honeymoon destinations worldwide. For those who are avid scuba divers, there are endless coral reefs to explore. The reefs are in pristine condition and home to thousands of colorful reef fish. The diving conditions are ideal for both novice and advanced divers. However, to be able to enjoy the best dive sites and wrecks, it's advisable to have at least an advanced level diving certification.
Best Time of Year to Visit French Polynesia Accommodation
French Polynesia enjoys a warm year-round tropical climate; however, the islands are vulnerable to tropical storms that frequently blow across the ocean. These occur most frequently in January and you will find that many of the resorts are closed at this time of year. There is little seasonal variation in the temperatures but May through September is somewhat drier and more temperate. From November through April, the temperatures are a little warmer and the humidity is greater. Except for cyclone season, French Polynesia is a destination that can be visited all year long.
French Polynesia Travel Attractions
The island environment is one of the major attractions of French Polynesia. Tiny and remote islands almost seem to float on the Pacific Ocean. The sandy white beaches and turquoise waters provide a postcard-perfect backdrop for your vacation. Palm trees wave lazily in the breeze and birds can be heard in the trees overhead. The beaches alone are enough to attract most visitors. French Polynesia, however, has many other treasures. It is possibly best known for its excellent coral reefs and scuba diving opportunities. Most resorts and island communities have a resident dive center where you can get a certification or simply hire equipment and sign up for a few dives. Diving in French Polynesia is almost a surreal experience as you are surrounded by an abundance of reef fish as you drift over the reefs.
Another way to enjoy the water is to hire a kayak and paddle around the coastline. Several of the islands also have marinas where you can charter a cruise boat and go island-hopping for a few days. On the islands, you can explore some of the interior and hike through the rainforests. The terrain is characterized by dense vegetation, impressive waterfalls and towering cliffs. Follow some of the coastal paths and you can find some remote beaches nestled below the cliffs.
Traveling to French Polynesia
French Polynesia is a group of islands located in the southern Pacific Ocean. The main access point for international travelers is Tahiti which is one of the major islands. The Faa'a International Airport has been built out on the lagoon and is capable of hosting large international aircraft. The airport is approximately five kilometers west of Papeete. For travelers from North America, look for direct flight connections from either Los Angeles or Vancouver. European travelers may consider flight routing via Japan, Singapore, Hong Kong or Australia. New Zealand has some of the most regular international flights schedules with Tahiti. There are also good flight connections with South America with local airlines flying into Chile and Peru. To get from Tahiti to the smaller islands, you can make use of the local charter companies or ferries that link the islands. Many of the more exclusive resorts have helipads so you can enjoy a convenient flight directly to the resort by helicopter.