Why go
- French overseas collectivity in the Pacific.
History
French Polynesia is an overseas collectivity of France and its sole overseas country; it is classified as a non-self-governing territory by the United Nations. It comprises 121 geographically dispersed islands and atolls stretching over more than 2,000 kilometres (1,200 mi) in the South Pacific Ocean. French Polynesia is associated with the European Union as an overseas country and territory (OCT). The total land area of French Polynesia is 3,521 square kilometres (1,359 sq mi), with a population of 282,596 as of September 2025 of which at least 205,000 live in the Society Islands and the remaining population lives in the rest of the archipelago.
Getting there by ferry
Where things are
1 of the places below have exact coordinates and are pinned.
Photographs
credit: Wikipedia / Wikimedia Commons · See source page
When to go
The warmer, longer-day half of the southern-hemisphere year.
Milder and quieter, with better value.
The southern winter — check local conditions before travelling.
Getting there & around
Getting there. We do not yet hold airport or rail details for French Polynesian Islands — check the official tourism sources below for the best routes in. By water: 1 ferry terminal within 20 km (nearest: Raivavae, 0.9 km).
Getting around. Use the map above to orient yourself; nearby hotels, attractions and places to eat are listed from the live Ultimate data for French Polynesian Islands. Local transit details will be added as the guide is expanded.