The Best Beaches in French Polynesia
From north to south, French Polynesia gives us 16 beaches spread over 5 distinct regions. You will find sandy beaches and a broadly relaxed character. Plan around May, when conditions peak for swimming.
The 10 Best Beaches in French Polynesia
1French PolynesiaCook's Bay Beach
Society Islands · French Polynesia
2French PolynesiaFare Beach
Society Islands · French Polynesia
3French PolynesiaLagon Bleu Beach
Tuamotu · French Polynesia
4French PolynesiaMatira Beach
Leeward Islands · French Polynesia
5French PolynesiaMotu Tapu Beach
Society Islands · French Polynesia
6French PolynesiaPointe Vénus Beach
Society Islands · French Polynesia
7French PolynesiaMaeva Beach
Society Islands · French Polynesia
8French PolynesiaMotu Tiahura Beach
Society Islands · French Polynesia
9French PolynesiaFaie Beach
Society Islands · French Polynesia
10French PolynesiaTiahura Beach
Windward Islands · French Polynesia
Best Beaches in French Polynesia by Region
Society Islands
French PolynesiaCook's Bay Beach
Society Islands · French Polynesia
French PolynesiaFare Beach
Society Islands · French Polynesia
French PolynesiaMotu Tapu Beach
Society Islands · French Polynesia
French PolynesiaPointe Vénus Beach
Society Islands · French Polynesia
French PolynesiaMaeva Beach
Society Islands · French Polynesia
Windward Islands
Polynésie française
Leeward Islands
Best Beaches in French Polynesia by Vibe
Family
Romantic
When to Visit French Polynesia
Peak swimming conditions cluster around May.
- May — 16 beaches
- June — 16 beaches
- September — 16 beaches
- July — 15 beaches
Digital Nomad-Friendly Beaches in French Polynesia
French PolynesiaCook's Bay Beach
Society Islands · French Polynesia
French PolynesiaMatira Beach
Leeward Islands · French Polynesia
French PolynesiaVaiava Beach
Windward Islands · French Polynesia
Frequently Asked Questions
Which French Polynesia region has the best beaches?
Society Islands stands out for variety and access; Cook's Bay Beach is the headline beach there.
Are French Polynesia beaches free to access?
Most public beaches in French Polynesia are free to access; some managed or private-concession sections charge for facilities or sun-loungers.
What's the best month for French Polynesia beaches?
Peak swimming conditions cluster around May. Aim for May, June, September, July for the warmest, calmest water.
Are French Polynesia beaches sandy or pebble?
Coastlines in French Polynesia are mostly sandy / mixed; check each guide's beach-type tag for the exact surface.