🇵🇫 eSIM plans for French Polynesia

French Polynesia is best enjoyed at a relaxed pace. From the moment you arrive in Tahiti, allow yourself to adjust to island time. In Bora Bora, the main activity is simply being on or in the water. Snorkelling, paddleboarding, and sunset boat trips are the norm. French and Tahitian are the main languages, but English is spoken at resorts and tourist offices. Whether you stay in an overwater bungalow or a family-run pension, respect local customs: remove shoes before entering a home and never take coral or shells as souvenirs. With a single island-hopping flight between Papeete and Bora Bora, plan at least three nights per island to avoid losing days to transit. Tipping is not expected but is appreciated for exceptional service.

Bora Bora Lagoon. The calm, turquoise lagoon is protected by a barrier reef. It is ideal for swimming, kayaking, and spotting stingrays. Boat tours often stop at shallow sandbanks where you can stand in knee-deep water.

• Mount Otemanu. The extinct volcanic peak at Bora Bora’s centre. You cannot hike to the summit, but 4x4 tours take you to viewpoints on the lower slopes.
• Rangiroa Atoll. Famous for the Tiputa Pass, where strong currents attract sharks, dolphins, and rays. Drift snorkelling or diving here is high-quality.
• James Norman Hall's House. A historic home of the co-author of Mutiny on the Bounty, located on Tahiti’s north coast. It now serves as a small museum.
• Faanui Bay. On Bora Bora’s main island, this bay contains remnants of World War II gun emplacements and a quiet beach.

Each site is best visited with a guide or as part of a small-group tour. Home to fragile ecosystems, French Polynesia's attractions reward slow, respectful exploration.

Poisson Cru. A French Polynesian staple: raw, sushi-grade fish marinated in lime juice and coconut milk. It is served as a starter or main course. Local versions use tuna or mahi-mahi.

• Ahi Ahi. A mild, white-fleshed fish often grilled or seared. It appears on most restaurant menus and is a safe choice for those new to Pacific seafood.
• Tahitian Breadfruit. A starchy, potato-like fruit. It is roasted, boiled, or fried. Try it as a side dish or in fritters.
• Fafaru. A fermented shrimp paste. It is an acquired taste and very strong. Only for adventurous eaters.
• Tropical Fruits. Pineapple, papaya, mango, and coconut are abundant. Eat them fresh from market stalls rather than from resort buffets.

Raw fish is safe at reputable restaurants. Avoid reef fish like barracuda if you are pregnant or have dietary restrictions.

The dry season from May to October is the most popular time to visit French Polynesia. During these months you will see blue skies, calm seas, and lower humidity. The water is clearest for snorkelling. November to April is the wet season, with higher rainfall and more wind. Despite the rain, temperatures remain warm (mid-20s to low-30s Celsius). December and February are the wettest months, but showers often pass quickly. If you want fewer crowds and lower prices, travel in November or April. Cyclones are rare but possible from November to March. For whale watching, July to October is best for humpback sightings near Moorea and Tahiti. Regardless of season, expect occasional mosquitoes, especially after rain.

High-SPF Sunscreen. Reef-safe, biodegradable sunscreen is required by law in French Polynesia. Bring enough for your entire stay; local shops sell it at a premium.

• Water Shoes or Reef Booties. Essential for walking on coral rubble and rocky shorelines. Many beaches have sharp shell fragments.
• Lightweight, Breathable Clothing. Quick-dry shorts, cotton shirts, and a light rain jacket. Bring a sarong or wrap for visiting villages and churches.
• Snorkeling Gear. Bring your own mask and snorkel for a better fit. Fins are bulky but worthwhile for current-prone passes.
• Waterproof Camera. A simple action cam or waterproof phone case lets you capture lagoon life without risking electronics.

Your uPhone eSIM will connect on Tahiti and Bora Bora, but coverage is limited on smaller islands. Download offline maps before you arrive.