7 things to do in French Polynesia that don't involve romance or over-water bungalows
Editor's Note
French Polynesia has been on my bucket list for years. I had dreams of a romantic trip with my significant other in an overwater bungalow, featuring couple's massages every day and spectacular sunsets every evening. But that's not how it played out on my first trip to the South Pacific.
First, although there are ways to book bungalows affordably using points, they're still wildly expensive. Second, I ended up in French Polynesia on a cruise (on Windstar Cruises' Star Breeze), so additional lodging was not required. And, third, I found myself newly single just a couple of weeks before I set sail.
What's a solo traveler to do in a destination dedicated to vow renewals and honeymoons? Here are seven activities to try on your own in French Polynesia that won't leave you feeling like the odd one out.
Take a bike ride
If you're active and looking for a way to clear your head, blow off steam or simply take in gorgeous views while working off last night's dessert, an e-bike ride is a great choice. I booked a guided tour that took a group of eight people on a 16-mile pedal to the Pineapple Valley and the Belvedere Lookout in Moorea.
Wear sturdy shoes, apply bug spray and sunscreen in advance, and bring a bottle of water. Despite the assistance provided by the bike's motor, parts of the ride were still strenuous.
Shop for pearls
If there's one must-have souvenir from a trip to French Polynesia, it's black pearls. Whether you buy just one or a whole string, they're wonderful mementos of your time in Tahiti.
Even if jewelry isn't your thing, it's still fascinating to learn about the process of pearl farming. A "surgeon" takes grafts from the oysters with the nicest pearls and adds them to other oysters, along with implants, to facilitate the pearl-making process — which happens when an irritant enters an oyster's shell and is then covered with a natural, shiny coating as a means of defense.
To make sure you're buying real pearls, shop at actual pearl farms or jewelry stores, rather than market stalls. I had great experiences with Robert Wan in Papeete (affiliated with the Pearl Museum), Anapaperles in Raiatea (reachable only by boat) and Love Here Pearls in Taha'a (which offers grafting and implantation demonstrations).
Visit a vanilla plantation
If pearls don't do it for you, vanilla is another French Polynesian specialty. In fact, this area of the world is the second-largest producer after Madagascar.
A visit to a vanilla plantation will allow you to see how vanilla is grown and harvested, how the seeds are removed and what they're used for. You'll also have a chance to buy everything from vanilla powder, paste and extract to coffee, liquor, and bath and body products.
Try local foods
Visitors have plenty of local delicacies to try in this region, from raw fish with coconut milk to pineapple and breadfruit. If you don't book a tour that includes some sort of food stop or tasting, be sure to venture out on your own to a local restaurant to try a bit of authentic cuisine. My favorite, by far, is firi firi — deep-fried dough infused with coconut milk.
If you don't like dining alone or don't want to spend a fortune to visit a restaurant on your own, several independent street food tours — including some that feature food trucks — are offered in Papeete and Moorea. (Check out excursion provider Viator for more information.)
Go snorkeling
With so many gorgeous reefs, coral and colorful fish, French Polynesia is replete with opportunities for snorkeling. Whether you bring your own gear and head to a nearby beach or book an organized tour, you won't be disappointed by what you'll see in the region's teal waters.
If you don't have your own gear or don't feel like packing it, check if your ship or hotel offers rentals. (Snorkel gear was available on my Star Breeze sailing.) Local operators typically supply gear when you book a snorkel tour.
Chill on a motu
Motus are tiny, uninhabited islands, and French Polynesia is rife with them. If you're seeking the most relaxing day ever, either head ashore when your ship offers motu visits, or book a private trip to see one. You're almost certain to be able to find an uncrowded swath of sand where you can catch some sun or watch as it sets.
On my sailing, the ship offered two complimentary motu experiences — one with a barbecue lunch and another with a seafood cookout for dinner. As an added bonus, you'll usually find live entertainment, too.
Watch a fire dance
The people of French Polynesia enjoy sharing their culture with visitors. If you arrive on a cruise ship, expect performances by local Polynesians — often including drums, dancing and singing or chanting. You can also seek them out by booking a tour (see Viator for more information) or by inquiring at local visitor centers on Bora Bora, Huahine, Raiatea and Moorea.
By far the most impressive performances are the fire dances, where men dance with fire sticks that swirl through the night air. During an evening on a motu near Bora Bora, a group of talented men and women performed, and a particularly noteworthy 8-year-old boy did a fire dance backed by several older dancers.
Bottom line
Yes, French Polynesia is one of the most romantic destinations on Earth, but that doesn't mean there isn't plenty for single folks to do, too.
To my relief, not one of the activities I did on my visit made me feel like I should have been there with a potential love interest. If you're contemplating a solo trip, a girlfriends' getaway or even a family vacation to Tahiti, rest assured that you'll love it just as much as all of those moon-eyed romantic travelers.
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