Gay French Polynesia Guide

French Polynesia is comprised of 118 geographically dispersed islands and atolls stretching over a wide expanse in the South Pacific Ocean. The sky-piercing volcanic peaks and turquoise waters of this tropical paradise are a big draw for the rich and famous. This is one of the best places on earth to experience luxury.

The islands are popular destinations for both marriages and honeymoons. Following the principles of ‘liberté, égalité, fraternité,’ French Polynesia has allowed same-sex marriage since 2013. Now LGBT+ travelers can make the most of this beautiful part of the world.

How gay-friendly is French Polynesia?

Although the islands of French Polynesia exercise self-governance, they are subject to French Law. This means that there is no legal or institutional discrimination against the LGBT+ community.

Polynesian society is particularly welcoming to gay travelers. Tahitian culture actually has a third gender called rae rae, who are men who've been raised as women. It is somewhat different from Western concepts of gender identity, but makes the Polynesian people exceptionally welcoming and friendly to gay travelers.

Tourism in French Polynesia

The island of Bora Bora is undoubtedly the highlight of French Polynesia. You can sleep over the turquoise lagoon in one of the iconic water bungalows. Wake up to stunning views of Mt. Otemanu, the island’s dormant volcano, before diving into the world famous waters which host hugely diverse aquatic life, surrounded by a protected reef.

The surrounding islands and atolls boast some of the premier luxury resorts and hotels in the world. The Brando, for example, hosted Barack Obama when he was writing his presidential memoirs. Pippa Middleton and her husband James Matthews honeymooned there, too.

The Hilton Moorea Lagoon Resort and Spa offers stunning overwater bungalows on a nearby heart-shaped island, while the InterContinental Tahiti Resort & Spa is located on 32 acres of lush tropical garden alongside a Tahitian lagoon.

Most activities in French Polynesia are centred around watersports. Scuba diving dominates resort activities along with snorkelling. This also a great destination for boat safaris, jet skiing, parasailing and swimming with sharks - yes, actual sharks.

Gay Travel in Bora Bora and French Polynesia

French Polynesia is the perfect spot for gay travelers searching for a romantic getaway. Don't expect a thriving party scene - this isn’t Mykonos!

There aren't any gay bars in French Polynesia, but there are gay cruises sailing around the islands. If you don’t feel comfortable booking online then do give our colleagues at OutOfOffice.com a call and one of their expert LGBT travel team will be able to book your trip to also include your internal flights or speedboat transfers.

The climate in the region changes very little from season to season due to its excellent location near the equator. In the wettest months of December, January and February you will still have over two hundred hours of sunshine though.

The economy of the islands is almost entirely dependent on tourism, so you will find a very welcoming atmosphere on your arrival as well as fine a la carte dining and excellent service.

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Visa

Enquire at your local embassy for visa details.

Currency in French Polynesia

The local currency is CFP Franc.

When To Visit

June till August are the most popular months.

Booking your trip to French Polynesia

We recommend using an expert when it comes to booking a trip to French Polynesia as a gay couple or lesbian couple. Our colleagues at our sister company OutOfOffice.com are experts when it comes to LGBT travel. Indeed, the properties they work with in French Polynesia even offer gay honeymoon benefits to same-sex couples. You can call them on +44 (0)20 7157 1570 or from the USA on 1-888-489-8383 or enquire directly with them on their Gay French Polynesia page.