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French Polynesia Gay Travel

You don’t need to be a honeymooner to enjoy the tranquil charm of Tahiti & Bora Bora.

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 into 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.


Quick Facts

  • Capital City: Pape’ete
  • Currency: French Pacific Franc (XPF or CFP)
  • Languages: French, Tahitian, and island-specific languages.
  • Best Time of Year to Visit: April to October

LGBT Rights in French Polynesia

Gay French Polynesia Travel

Best Places to Visit in French Polynesia

More Info

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 commonly 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+ travellers yearly, 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 beautiful large island is rumoured to be the inspiration for James Michener’s Tales of the South Pacific.

1. Bora Bora
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 types 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: We’re dedicated to ensuring our tours are safe for everyone, but it is our belief that each traveler has a responsibility to protect themselves and their fellow travellers from COVID-19. As of May 1, 2023, Out Adventures no longer requires guests to provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination on most of our tours. If vaccination is a requirement for entry, or on select cruises, this will be communicated at the time a trip is confirmed to depart. Before booking, we recommend that you read our COVID-19 Information Page and our COVID-19 Frequently Asked Questions to understand what we’re doing to minimize risk, and what will happen if you contract COVID-19 before or during an Out Adventures tour.

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 traveller’s responsibility.

Last updated on Sept 24, 2021. Disclaimer: The information provided was accurate at the time of publishing, but cannot be guaranteed.
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 commonly 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+ travellers yearly, 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 beautiful large island is rumoured to be the inspiration for James Michener’s Tales of the South Pacific.

1. Bora Bora
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 types 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: We’re dedicated to ensuring our tours are safe for everyone, but it is our belief that each traveler has a responsibility to protect themselves and their fellow travellers from COVID-19. As of May 1, 2023, Out Adventures no longer requires guests to provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination on most of our tours. If vaccination is a requirement for entry, or on select cruises, this will be communicated at the time a trip is confirmed to depart. Before booking, we recommend that you read our COVID-19 Information Page and our COVID-19 Frequently Asked Questions to understand what we’re doing to minimize risk, and what will happen if you contract COVID-19 before or during an Out Adventures tour.

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 traveller’s responsibility.

Last updated on Sept 24, 2021. Disclaimer: The information provided was accurate at the time of publishing, but cannot be guaranteed.

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