French Polynesia

What is the difference between Tahiti, Bora Bora and 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 (and a commune) of the Îles de la Société (Society Islands), one of the 5 island groups that compose the French Polynesia.

What is the difference between Tahiti, Bora Bora and French Polynesia?
Where is French Polynesia located?
What is the best time to go to French Polynesia?
Is French Polynesia dangerous?
Is it safe to swim in French Polynesia?
Is French Polynesia part of France?
What is French Polynesia famous for?
French Polynesia Currency.
Can you drink the tap water in Tahiti?

Best Beaches In French Polynesia

Where is French Polynesia located?

French Polynesia, (Tahitian: Porinetia Farani), is located in the South central Pacific Ocean, 8.000km/5.000mi West of the Peruvian South coast and 6.800km/4.200mi East of Cairns, Australia. 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.

What is the best time to go to French Polynesia?

The most favorable time is during the dry season, between May and October, when the trade winds mellow down the heat and humidity.

Is French Polynesia dangerous?

The crime rate in French Polynesia is very low, violent crimes are extremely rare and even petty theft is uncommon, the more so the further away from Pape’ete. Some joke that the only criminals in French Polynesia are the prices, but that’s another story…

Is it safe to swim in French Polynesia?

Not only is it safe, but you can also enjoy swimming with sharks, rays or dolphins any time of the year, and with Humpback Whales between July and October .

Is French Polynesia part of France?

Yes, in 1842 the French claimed Tahiti as a protectorate, actually going to war with their ‘protégés’ from 1844 to 1847. By the end of the century, the actual French Polynesia was a full blown colony and remained so until 1946 when it was granted the status of overseas territory and the Polynesians acquired French citizenship.

What is French Polynesia famous for?

French Polynesia is internationally famous for its wondrous coral-lined lagoons, the charm of its over water bungalows, delicious cooking and its magnificent diving.

French Polynesia Currency.

The legal currency of French Polynesia is the CFP franc which has a fixed exchange rate of 120 CFP for 1 Euro.

The initials CFP originally corresponded to “Colonies Françaises du Pacifique” (French Colonies of the Pacific) , and was changed to “Collectivités Françaises du Pacifique” (Financial Community of the Pacific).