French Polynesia has never been a backpacker’s destination. The cost of inter-island transport, the lack of cheap accommodation and the high price of food makes it a no-go for people looking to spend a week on an idyllic beach without breaking the bank. However, with a few cost-cutting options and a flair for a steal deal, you might just get to experience one of the world’s last untouched paradise !
Transport
Air Tahiti, the only inter-island airline in French Polynesia is expensive. If you’re used to the Easy-jet and Ryan Air of Europe, prices for 20 minute flights will shock you. However, the company does offer some pretty good deals for a variety of people.
If you’re planning a short stay only (trips of less than two weeks), Air Tahiti offers island passes. Think of it as a flight pack that will allow you to island hop on the go. The lagoon pass is the one specifically designed for discovering the Tuamotu atolls. The only restriction is that you may not return to an island you’ve previously visited, unless it is considered a stopover. The starting point always has to be Tahiti. Included in the lagoon pass are Moorea, Tikehau, Manihi, Rangiroa and Fakarava.
On The Spot
Each atoll, no matter what arrogant tourists will tell you, has its own specific reason to attract tourists. Moorea is by far the most touristy in the pack. With its constantly increasing number of hotels, restaurants, snacks and pensions, it is quickly catching ground on Bora Bora, the « most romantic lagoon of the pacific. » Because of the large amount of tourists, the frequent ferry routes and businesses on the spot, Moorea is likely to have the best deals food and accommodation wise to remain somewhat competitive. It also boasts two gorgeous bays and whale sightings almost daily. It features some great nautical activity, including shark feeding, ray sighting and numerous shark spotting.
Tikehau is known as the island with the pink sand. Because of the coral in the lagoon the sand in Tikehau on the lagoon side has a very distinct pink hue. This island being more remote than the rest of them, there are no camp sites, but you can pitch your tent in front of the beach at no charge! Of course, you won’t find showers and toilet facilities as a result. But if you’re a fan of nature and you enjoy brushing your teeth while watching reef sharks hunt their breakfast, this experience will likely leave a lasting impression on you.
Rangiroa is known for its amazing dives. On this well developed island of the Tuamotu, there are already two camp sites that will offer you a refreshing shower and even a meal for a more modest price than a pension. There are also snack places and supermarkets on the island where you can find things to make or cook on your own.
In the pass of Rangiroa it is not unusual to spot dolphins, manta rays, sharks, sea turtles, hammerhead sharks and a plethora of fish
In Farkarava, the southern pass features a wall of sharks. You might barely believe it but the sheer number of sharks will be worth the high price of the dive. You will also be able to set up your tent where you can find a small plot of land, but there is also a campsite on the island at a slightly higher price than the one in Rangiroa.
Eating
If you know how to fish and you can bring your equipment along with you, you’ll eat the freshest fish in the world at an incredibly low price. If you can’t fish but would still like to keep costs low – even snack food will cost you three times the price that you’re used to – supermarkets are the way to go.
Usually, restaurants and pensions don’t vary in price so much, so if you’d like to splurge anyways, treat yourself to a nice fish à la Polynesienne !
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