French Polynesia's Most Adventurous Experiences

With its aquamarine lagoons, rugged volcanic peaks, and white sandy beaches, French Polynesia is undeniably one of the most beautiful places in the world. Many travelers have fallen in love with the chain of 100 plus islands including the famed Tahiti and Bora Bora. And while there is no shortage of overwater bungalows to relax in, there are also plenty of adventures to embark on as well.

For those looking to do more than float in crystal clear waters, we've gathered our top experiences for the ultimate adventurer. From diving for pearls to make your own pearl earrings to surfing the swells frequented by the best in the world, we've rounded up our top 5 adventures.

Hike Mount Otemanu in Bora Bora

Mount Otemanu stands at 2,400 feet above the lagoon in Bora Bora. It is one of two peaks of an extinct volcano that stands at the center of the island and serves as a dramatic photo opportunity for an adrenaline filled adventurer. As long as you are a semi experienced hiker or in decent shape, take on the challenge that is climbing Mount Otemanu. Unfortunately, you won't be able to make it all the way to the summit because of the loose rocks, but you can enjoy the stunning viewpoints along the way.

Hiking isn't the only way to take in this breathtaking vista. They also offer 4x4 tours, boat tours, or helicopter tours for different vantage points of the extinct volcano. Some things you may encounter on your tour of the peak: canons leftover from WWII courtesy of the United States, sacred areas containing the bodies of ancient Polynesian Kings, and a circular stone temple said to house the King's spirit. If you are interested in hiking but not ready to take on the highest peak, try tackling the second peak Mount Pahia instead

Visit a Pearl Farm and Dive to Get Your Own Pearl

A trip to French Polynesia wouldn't be complete without mentioning Tahitian pearls, and while you can always shop for pearls elsewhere, for the adventurers out there why not harvest your own? Most pearl farms will first teach you how Tahitian black pearls are grown. The process takes two years from the grafting and the birth of the pearl to harvesting it. Even more, only 3 out of every 100 pearls is considered "perfect". 

Tours will take you out to the pearl farms amongst the lagoons where each section of the farm contains lines with oysters attached. The guest must draw in a big breath and dive to the bottom about 10-15 feet away to grab an oyster. After you make it back up, you get to see what is inside! Back at the shop, guides will carefully extract the pearl after clamping it into a vice and prying it open. 

While many pearl farm tours run on the expensive side, you are guaranteed to take a pearl home with you usually at cost value of the tour or higher. Use this treasure and make something special you can enjoy for a lifetime like a timelessly chic pearl necklace. If sourcing the pearl yourself doesn't sound fun, you can pick one up at shops along with other souvenirs you can't miss out on.

Feed Sharks and Stingrays

Sure, you can hop on a boat and tour the lagoons where you'll catch sights of stingrays and sharks, but for the ultimate venture, grab a snorkel mask and hop in the water with them! A tour guide will introduce you to hungry stingrays and friendly sharks. Not only will you experience being face to face with sharks, you can also discover 700 different species of tropical fish - not to mention a photo opportunity of a lifetime.

Ride an ATV up the Moorea Mountains

Spend the day on a different set of wheels with an ATV tour of the Moorea mountains. You'll get the lay of the land starting out in Paopao valley driving through the lush vegetation and pineapple fields. Discover tropical flowers, fruits and plants, all native to French Polynesia while hearing from a tour guide on how they are grown. After working your way up the winding road, you'll come upon a lookout point called "Le Belvédère" where you can see Cook's Bay, Opunohu Bay, and Mount Rotui. As you continue through the Opunohu valley, you will ascend to the Magic Mountain where most tour groups offer an optional hike (300 feet) to the summit where you will be greeted with magical views of Moorea's north shore.

Catch a Big Wave

Tahiti is home to some of the best surfing in the world and has two distinct seasons for both inexperienced and expert level surfers to take advantage of the island's swells. For beginner to intermediate levels, head to Papara, Papenoo, and Taapuna, but save Teahupoo for experts only. Producing waves up to 25 feet tall, it is undeniably one of the most challenging places for surfers to frequent in Tahiti. The Billabong Pro surfing competition is held here and it is often compared to Hawaii's Pipeline.

Fear not if you are just starting out in your skill level, there are several surfing schools available. Tama He'e and Ecole de Tura'i Mataare are surf schools that offer classes from beginner all the way up to advanced levels with private, small, or large groups offerings (equipment is provided). Even if you're not one to grab a board yourself, still head out to these beaches and watch surfers catch a ride on some of the best swells in the world.

Scuba Dive with Marine Life

If surfing is not your thing, experience another way to explore the beautiful crystal waters in French Polynesia. Scuba diving here draws out some of the most veteran scuba divers from around the world. To swim amongst sharks and friendly dolphins, check out the atolls of Rangiroa and Fakarava, or head to the Society Islands where nurse sharks will swim right up to you. In the Maupiti lagoon you can witness giant manta rays interact with what can only be described as nature's car wash. Most tours will require training to become scuba certified, but exploring the depths of the water beyond snorkeling is well worth the time.