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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- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
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- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
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Rewards Rate
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
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$325Recommended Credit
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Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.