Citizens of the EU, US, Canada, Australia, and many other nations do not need a visa for stays up to 90 days. Check with your local consulate.

What currency is used?

CFP franc (XPF). Major credit cards are accepted in hotels and restaurants, but carry cash for small shops and markets.

What language is spoken?

French and Tahitian are official; English is widely spoken in tourist areas but less so on remote islands.

Yes, most hotels and guesthouses offer Wi-Fi, often free. Mobile data is good in towns but patchy in outer motu.

Is it safe to swim in the lagoons?

Yes, lagoons are generally calm, but watch for currents near passes and be mindful of stonefish and fire coral.

Can I drink tap water?

Tap water is treated and safe on Bora Bora and Raiatea; on smaller islands, bottled water is recommended.

What vaccinations do I need?

Routine vaccines plus Hepatitis A and Typhoid are recommended. No yellow fever or malaria.

Yes, ATMs are available on Raiatea, Bora Bora, and Huahine, but can be limited on Maupiti or Taha’a. Bring cash as backup.

What is the local food like?

Delicious French-Polynesian fusion: poisson cru (raw fish in coconut milk), grilled mahi-mahi, breadfruit, and Chinese-influenced dishes from roulottes (food trucks).

When is whale season?

Humpback whales migrate through August–October, best seen around Rurutu but also Leeward passes.

Is English widely spoken?

In tourist areas yes, but French and Tahitian are official. Learning a few Tahitian phrases is appreciated.

What is the best way to get between islands?

Air Tahiti for speed, ferries for scenic budget travel. Book ahead in peak season.

Light clothing, reef-safe sunscreen, insect repellent, waterproof sandals, a light rain jacket, and a sarong for temple visits.

Is it safe to swim in the lagoon?

Yes, but watch for boat traffic and strong currents near passes. Sharks and rays are generally harmless.

What is the time zone?

Pacific/Tahiti (UTC-10). No daylight saving.

Are there any cultural taboos?

Don't touch someone's head (considered sacred). Avoid pointing your feet at people or religious objects.

Leeward Islands

French Polynesia, Oceania

Leeward Islands is a STATE in French Polynesia, Oceania.

The Leeward Islands of French Polynesia are a South Pacific paradise of emerald peaks, vanilla-scented breezes, and legendary lagoons. Bora Bora’s iconic Mount Otemanu rises above a kaleidoscope of turquoise waters, where overwater bungalows define luxury romance. Raiatea, the sacred ‘birthplace of Polynesia,’ captivates with ancient marae and the navigable Faaroa River. Taha’a drifts on fragrant vanilla plantations and coral gardens accessible only by boat, while Huahine’s laid-back charm reveals authentic Polynesian life and lush archaeological sites. Tiny Maupiti feels like Bora Bora fifty years ago—untamed, with coral-fringed motu and only a handful of guesthouses. Snorkel with manta rays and blacktip sharks, dive vibrant coral passes, or sail between islands at sunset on a catamaran. The turquoise lagoons offer world-class swimming, paddleboarding, and outrigger canoeing. Hiking trails lead to panoramic viewpoints and hidden waterfalls. Despite their dreamlike beauty, the islands remain refreshingly uncrowded, preserving a genuine sense of escape and gentle island culture where the word ‘pe’a’ (hurry) barely exists.

Best time to visit Leeward Islands

May to October (dry season) offers sunny, breezy days averaging 24-29°C, low humidity, and calm lagoons—ideal for snorkeling and hiking. July and August are peak months with the highest prices and lively Heiva cultural festivals. Shoulder months (April, November) balance good weather with fewer crowds. December to March is hot, humid, and rainy, but still beautifully lush, with lower hotel rates except over Christmas–New Year. The whale-watching season runs August to November; the ‘arrêté de l’école’ (school holidays) in July–August spikes domestic travel.

October

Now

Typical for October

Weather: Warm 26-29°C, occasional short rains

Travel notes

Crowds: Moderate
Prices: Moderate

End of dry season, good value

Know before you go

Getting there

PPT

Faa'a International Airport

International

230 km away

BOB

Bora Bora Airport

Domestic

0 km away

RFP

Raiatea Airport

Domestic

0 km away

HUH

Huahine – Fare Airport

Domestic

0 km away

MAU

Maupiti Airport

Domestic

0 km away

Getting around

"Inter-island flights with Air Tahiti connect the Leeward Islands from Tahiti and between islands, but Bora Bora–Raiatea–Huahine are the only direct flight hops. Quick catamaran ferries link Bora Bora airport to Vaitape village. Air Tahiti shuttles and boat transfers are common for resorts. On each island, rent a car, scooter, or bicycle to explore; taxis exist but are expensive. ‘Le truck’ public buses operate on Bora Bora and Raiatea cheaply. Cycling around Huahine or Maupiti is a slow-paced pleasure. For lagoon excursions, book boat tours or charter a private boat."

Stay connected

WiFi speed

20 Mbps

Mobile data

Good

WiFi

Widely available in hotels and cafes

Local SIM

Vini (OPT) SIM available at PPT airport and shops from $15 with data

Stay safe

Overall

9/10

Extremely safe, petty theft is rare but possible; natural hazards (currents, marine life) require awareness.

Night safety

8/10

Extremely safe, petty theft is rare but possible; natural hazards (currents, marine life) require awareness.

Transport

9/10

Scam risk

4/10

"The Leeward Islands are among the safest destinations in the world, with very low violent crime. Petty theft can occur, so lock valuables in hotel safes and don’t leave belongings unattended on beaches. Avoid isolated areas after dark, though night safety is generally excellent. Natural hazards include strong lagoon currents, stonefish, and occasional cyclones from November to April. Always follow local guidance on passes and channels. Road conditions vary; drive cautiously on narrow, sometimes potholed roads, especially on rainy nights. Hitchhiking is common and generally safe, but exercise normal caution."

Police

Ambulance

Fire

Entry and health

Health information

"No mandatory vaccinations, but routine immunizations (MMR, DTP) and Hepatitis A and Typhoid are recommended. Dengue fever and chikungunya occur sporadically—use DEET-based repellent, wear long sleeves at dusk, and sleep under mosquito nets in budget accommodations. No malaria. Medical facilities are limited outside Raiatea: for serious emergencies, medical evacuation to Tahiti may be necessary. Comprehensive travel insurance with evacuation cover is essential. Tap water is generally safe on Bora Bora and Raiatea, but bottled water is advised on outer islands. Protect against sunburn and coral cuts; bring reef-safe sunscreen."

Culture

Local customs

"Polynesian culture is warm and relaxed. Greet with a smile and ‘Ia ora na’ (hello); ‘Mauruuru’ is thank you. Dress casually but modestly: cover swimwear away from the beach, especially in villages and shops. Remove shoes before entering homes. Respect sacred marae (stone temples) and ask before photographing locals. Sundays are sacred; many shops close, and it’s a day for family and church. Tipping is not customary, as service is included. Bring a small gift (shell, printed cloth) if invited to a local home—a sign of friendship. Public displays of affection should be discreet."

FrenchTahitianEnglish

Costs and practicals

Cost level

Luxury

Meals

$15-25 | a cheap meal from a roulotte costs around $15-25

Hotels

$100-200 | budget guesthouses range $100-200/night, overwater bungalows $500+

Local transport

$2 | local bus 'le truck' fare ~$2; inter-island flights $70-150

Cost notes

French Polynesia is famously expensive; mid-range travellers can manage with guesthouses, roulottes, and careful planning.

Timezone

Pacific/Tahiti
Local time 05:38

More facts

Population

35,000

ISO code

PF-02

Frequently Asked Questions

Also known as: RFP, Uturoa, atwrwa, awtwrwa, utouroa, uturo'a, uturoya, ʿuturoʿe, Утуроа, أوتوروا, اتوروا, اوتوروآ, उतुरोआ, উতুরোয়া, ਉਤੁਰੋਆ, ኡቱሮአ, ウトゥロア, Îles Sous-le-Vent, Závětrné ostrovy, Inseln unter dem Winde, Islas de Sotavento, Haizebeko uharteak, Isole Sottovento, Pavėjinės salos, Benedenwindse Eilanden, Wyspy Pod Wiatrem, Ilhas de Sotavento, Te fenua raro mata'i, ISLV, Podvětrné ostrovy

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