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Look no further than French Polynesia’s 118 islands for the most tropical escape on Earth. From Bora Bora to Huahine, each island boasts beautiful beaches, turquoise lagoons, and a relaxed, gay-welcoming South Pacific culture. But don’t let the sun and sand restrict your visit: get off the beaten track and explore inner-island waterfalls, hike up palm-covered mountains, or dive famous shipwrecks just off the coast. If you’re feeling balanced, try surfing or SUPing. In our opinion, Tahiti and French Polynesia are the perfect destinations for a hybrid sunny escape with a touch of adventure and culture.
French Polynesia is a widely welcoming LGBTQ+ destination. As an overseas territory of France, the destination follows French law. Culturally speaking, it is unusual for two men or women to walk around holding hands. Public displays of affection may attract some side-eye, but nothing shadier than that. However, mahu (men living their lives as women) are common accepted.
Gay Activity: Legal
Lesbian Activity: Legal
Same-Sex Marriage: Legal
Right to Change Gender: Legal, surgery not required
Same-Sex Adoption: Legal
LGBT Discrimination: Illegal
While French Polynesia is a welcoming Oceania destination, it does not have much of a gay scene. There are no known gay or lesbian bars, and at least to our knowledge, no gay beaches or local Pride events. However, the islands see thousands of LGBTQ+ travelers every year and most bar owners will gladly sling Tiki cocktails for any generous tippers, queer or otherwise.
Gay Villages in French Polynesia: NA
Pride and Gay Events in French Polynesia: NA
Best Gay Bars in French Polynesia: NA
Best Lesbian Bars and Events in French Polynesia: NA
5. Huahine
If you get excited about history and ruins, spend a day or two in Huahine, the cradle of Polynesian culture.
4. Tahiti
What Tahiti lacks in beaches it makes up for in cloud-covered mountains, tropical waterfalls, lazy lagoons, and modern, island culture.
3. Lagoons
French Polynesia’s famous teal and turquoise lagoons are brimming with aquatic life of all shapes, tails, and tentacles.
2. Mo’orea
A large island so beautiful it is rumored to be the inspiration for James Michener’s Tales of the South Pacific.
1. Bora Bora
It’s no wonder honeymooners flock to Bora Bora: tropical mountains soar above white-sand beaches while shimmering lagoons hide below coconut and vanilla groves. Meanwhile, overwater bungalows, open-air spas, and world-class restaurants add an element of luxury to any visit. Whether you’re freshly married, recently divorced, or somewhere in the middle, it’s hard to deny the romantic allure of this tropical oasis.
Best Time to Visit: April marks the tail end of the rainy season. It tends to be quite toasty during the day with the odd rain shower. The sea is typically calm and inviting, ideal for swimming, snorkelling, and diving.
Electricity: The power plugs and sockets are of type A, B, and E. The standard voltage is 110 / 220 V and the standard frequency is 60 / 50 Hz. For more info, click here.
Time Zone: Tahiti Time (GMT-10); Gambier Time (GMT-9); Marquesas Time (GMT-9:30)
Covid-19 Vaccination Requirements: Out Adventures requires proof of full Covid-19 vaccination from all guests, following recommendations by the World Health Organization and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. For more details please see our Covid-19 FAQ.
Other Vaccinations: Based on the entry requirements for French Polynesia, there are no other vaccinations needed. To determine if you should take preventative measures to reduce the risk of illness, consult your doctor or a travel medical clinic. Out Adventures cannot provide vaccination recommendations.
Visas: A visa is not required for American, Australian, British, and Canadian citizens travelling to French Polynesia for fewer than 90 days. There may be exceptions, and all visas are the responsibility of the traveller.
LGBT Rights in French Polynesia
French Polynesia is a widely welcoming LGBTQ+ destination. As an overseas territory of France, the destination follows French law. Culturally speaking, it is unusual for two men or women to walk around holding hands. Public displays of affection may attract some side-eye, but nothing shadier than that. However, mahu (men living their lives as women) are common accepted.
Gay Activity: Legal
Lesbian Activity: Legal
Same-Sex Marriage: Legal
Right to Change Gender: Legal, surgery not required
Same-Sex Adoption: Legal
LGBT Discrimination: Illegal
Gay French Polynesia Travel
While French Polynesia is a welcoming Oceania destination, it does not have much of a gay scene. There are no known gay or lesbian bars, and at least to our knowledge, no gay beaches or local Pride events. However, the islands see thousands of LGBTQ+ travelers every year and most bar owners will gladly sling Tiki cocktails for any generous tippers, queer or otherwise.
Gay Villages in French Polynesia: NA
Pride and Gay Events in French Polynesia: NA
Best Gay Bars in French Polynesia: NA
Best Lesbian Bars and Events in French Polynesia: NA
Best Places to Visit in French Polynesia
5. Huahine
If you get excited about history and ruins, spend a day or two in Huahine, the cradle of Polynesian culture.
4. Tahiti
What Tahiti lacks in beaches it makes up for in cloud-covered mountains, tropical waterfalls, lazy lagoons, and modern, island culture.
3. Lagoons
French Polynesia’s famous teal and turquoise lagoons are brimming with aquatic life of all shapes, tails, and tentacles.
2. Mo’orea
A large island so beautiful it is rumored to be the inspiration for James Michener’s Tales of the South Pacific.
1. Bora Bora
It’s no wonder honeymooners flock to Bora Bora: tropical mountains soar above white-sand beaches while shimmering lagoons hide below coconut and vanilla groves. Meanwhile, overwater bungalows, open-air spas, and world-class restaurants add an element of luxury to any visit. Whether you’re freshly married, recently divorced, or somewhere in the middle, it’s hard to deny the romantic allure of this tropical oasis.
More Info
Best Time to Visit: April marks the tail end of the rainy season. It tends to be quite toasty during the day with the odd rain shower. The sea is typically calm and inviting, ideal for swimming, snorkelling, and diving.
Electricity: The power plugs and sockets are of type A, B, and E. The standard voltage is 110 / 220 V and the standard frequency is 60 / 50 Hz. For more info, click here.
Time Zone: Tahiti Time (GMT-10); Gambier Time (GMT-9); Marquesas Time (GMT-9:30)
Covid-19 Vaccination Requirements: Out Adventures requires proof of full Covid-19 vaccination from all guests, following recommendations by the World Health Organization and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. For more details please see our Covid-19 FAQ.
Other Vaccinations: Based on the entry requirements for French Polynesia, there are no other vaccinations needed. To determine if you should take preventative measures to reduce the risk of illness, consult your doctor or a travel medical clinic. Out Adventures cannot provide vaccination recommendations.
Visas: A visa is not required for American, Australian, British, and Canadian citizens travelling to French Polynesia for fewer than 90 days. There may be exceptions, and all visas are the responsibility of the traveller.
