Canoeing
Outriggers, or racing canoes, are popular in French Polynesia. Racing canoes that are eligible for international competition weigh no more than 400 pounds (181 kilos), and are made of fiberglas, but visitors will find traditional canoes made from local hardwoods. Some hotels and rental agencies around the islands offer outriggers, and visitors can even sign up for outrigger tours. In the late afternoon, it's common to see teams of paddlers practicing or racing against other teams in lagoons throughout the islands.

Deep Sea Fishing
Fish, fish, everywhere fish. The waters outside the barrier reef are home to an eye-popping assortment of fish -- marlins, mahimahi, yellowfin tuna and others. Both experienced anglers and curious visitors will find deep sea fishing here to be particularly rewarding.

Diving
Tahiti and her neighboring islands are renowned for their superb dive sites. Here you'll find plenty of curiously shaped coral, a rainbow assortment of fish, and astounding undersea plant life. The underwater attractions vary from island to island, and many guests choose to take in a number of dive sites.

On Moorea, visitors can experience the undersea world in a miniature submarine. Bora Bora offers an underwater walk, where visitors age 7 and up can don a special scuba helmet and walk around on the bottom of the beautiful lagoon!

Glass Bottom Boat Tours
Reserve a seat on a glass bottom boat, and explore the colorful underwater world of French Polynesia. These quaint boats are a wonderful and easy way for visitors to get acquainted with the coral gardens and undersea life of Tahiti and Her Islands. Peer through large windows that offer splendid views of the area's exotic fish and aquatic vegetation. For photographers, a roof provides protection from glare, guaranteeing great pictures. As Tahiti's marine inhabitants far outnumber the native population on land, these tours are always filled with spectacular sights.

Jet Ski Tours
The calm waters and temperate climate of French Polynesia make for perfect Jet Ski conditions. Guides will show you some of the most remote and lovely spots in the region, and the still, clear waters make the trip easy and safe. No license is required to pilot a Jet Ski during these guided tours. Visitors wishing to share a Jet Ski with another guest should consult their tour agent.

Parasailing
An increasingly popular activity, parasailing is a very easy watersport for all ages. The special platform used allows visitors to take off and land on the boat without getting wet. Take in spectacular views as you soar up as high as 300 feet above the lagoon on a parasail pulled by a 28-ft boat. Parasailing is available to everyone, and no training is required.

Sailing
The is no better way to explore French Polynesia than by yacht. Navigation is generally easy throughout the archipelagoes. Our temperate climate is quite conducive for sailing. Steady trade winds and an abundance of anchorages make this region one of the great destinations of the seven seas.

Shark & Ray Feeding Tours
The sharks of Tahiti and Her Islands are non-aggressive and docile, and the best way to get acquainted with these pet-like creatures is through a feeding tour. Visitors are in the water with hungry reef sharks circling about as an experienced guide carefully hand-feeds these magnificent beasts. Even non-swimmers can participate as the guide strings a rope to hold on to; participants don a mask and snorkel and watch the excitement. Visitors are sure to see sharks in any of the island lagoons. Under the supervision of an experienced guide, one will also find rare species of ray.

Snorkeling
Snorkeling is a popular Tahitian watersport. The reefs surrounding the islands of French Polynesia abound with tropical fish of every color and description, and diving here is a discovery. Among the sealife to be found here are rays, eels, sharks, tunas and barracudas. Snorkeling is easily learned, and is a safe means of exploring our waters. Mask and flippers are readily available at most hotels. Generally, the best snorkeling is found on the outer islands, where the undersea resources are more plentiful.

Sunset Sailings
For the romantic at heart, a sunset sailing excursion is the ideal Tahitian experience. Marvel as the waning sun casts its amber rays against billowy Pacific clouds. The gentle sway of the water, the crisp tropical air and the company of friends and fellow visitors help make this an essential Island experience.

Windsurfing
Another watersport that's grown in popularity has been windsurfing. The warm water and calm tropical breezes in French Polynesia make it an excellent windsurfing spot.

Surfing
In recent years, an increasing number of visitors have discovered the excellent surfing opportunities in French Polynesia. Though conditions are good throughout the islands, the best surf can be found around Tahiti, Moorea, Raiatea and Huahine. The best time for quality surf is during the winter months from April to October.

Windsurfing
Another watersport that's grown in popularity is windsurfing. The warm water and calm tropical breezes in French Polynesia make it an excellent windsurfing spot.

Yachting
Imagine the ocean spray on your skin as you sail the waters of Tahiti and Her Islands ...

Ponder the delights of scuba diving from your very own boat ...

Enjoy meals, music and the company of friends while watching the sunset from aboard a luxury sailing vessel ...

These and many other experiences can be yours by chartering a yacht during your stay in French Polynesia. Yachts allow tourists to customize their sailing experience. Skippered cruises are available for visitors who would rather leave the sailing to professionals. But visitors with sailing experience can pass on the skipper, and assume the helm themselves. No matter what option you choose, you can look forward to a once-in-a-lifetime adventure.

Charters run the gamut from one-night rentals to 14-day excursions. By yacht, visitors can explore one or all of Tahiti's many islands. Hire a hostess and/or cook, and you've got the perfect tropical getaway.