Sports and leisure activities French Polynesia

Budget & Tips

It would be a shame to arrive in Polynesia without having anticipated the budget, however substantial, of the activities on the spot. Hiking, canyoning, parachuting, parasailing, quad biking, helicopter, diving, kayaking, paddle, surfing, kite-skiing, jet-skiing, water jet, dolphin and whale watching, not to mention the innumerable excursions to the four corners of the archipelago: all outdoor activities, or almost, are possible in Fenua!

Among the most practiced sports, diving is at the top of the list. And if you are used to the metropolitan rates, expect to put more money in your wallet. Depending on the island and the diving center, a single dive varies from 6,500 to nearly 10,000 CFP (from 55 to 84 €); the cheapest islands are Tahiti, Moorea and Huahine; the most expensive, as you might expect, is Bora Bora.

Most clubs offer 6, 10 or 20 dives packages, with or without names. The big brands that have centers on several islands are often the most expensive, but they also offer packages that can be interesting. This is the case with Top Dive, which offers additional discounts if you pay two weeks before your first dive.

If you prefer more intimate structures, the Te Moana pass (www.temoanadiving.com) will allow you to dive at an attractive price in 14 independent diving centers spread over 10 islands and atolls of the Society (Tahiti, Moorea, Bora Bora, Huahine, Raiatea and Tahaa), the Tuamotus (Fakarava, Rangiroa and Tikehau) and the Austral Islands (Tubuai). This pass is on sale in each of the member centers at the price of 82 000 CFP for 10 dives (2023 prices).

The E-Diving Pass (www.edivingpass.com) groups together 40 diving centers on 16 islands. It allows you to book in advance on a single platform: 8,800 CFP single price per dive, minimum 6 dives, 6 dives of the pass 52,800 CFP (2023 prices).

What's very local

Beyond the queen activities previously mentioned, there is one that Polynesians practice every day or almost every day: fishing! Official organizations are quite rare to propose such excursions, but if you wish to take part in a fishing trip, don't hesitate to let your pension know, which will be able to direct you to find "the" fisherman to whom you should address yourself.

Your documents please

Although life is cooler on the islands, tourism providers still have to respect their legal obligations. And that's just as well! Also, your driving licence will be necessary to rent a car; you will even be asked for it for a quad trip. Divers, also remember to bring your diving card: in addition to the legal aspect, it will give you a few extra kilos of luggage on inter-island flights with Air Tahiti!

To be booked

All excursions and activities must be booked in advance! If diving is the main purpose of your trip, we strongly recommend that you book from home at least two weeks before your arrival to be sure that your place is blocked. For the rest of the activities and excursions, as well as for occasional dives, it is advisable to anticipate and book at least three days in advance: weather conditions often condition these outdoor activities, and logistic organization is always more complex on an archipelago. And if you are more of a last minute type, always try to book the day before: depending on the season, it can work!

Main events

Numerous sporting events punctuate the Fenua events calendar. From the Tahiti-Moorea Marathon in March to the Va'a Hawaiki Nui race between late October and early November, via the Raid Vanira in April, the Tahiti Pearl Regatta and the XTerra trail in May, the famous Tahiti Pro Teahupo'o surfing competition in August, or the Maraamu Surfski Race in September: amateur or confirmed, participant or supporter, there is no shortage of competitions!

Tourist traps

Same observation as for restaurants: the word is quickly spread when a tourism professional does not give satisfaction. However, there are so many tour operators and tourism service providers in French Polynesia that it is extremely complicated to control them all.