How do you picture yourself on your dream vacation? Relaxing on the deck of an overwater bungalow? Scuba diving next to dolphins, sharks, and rays? Digging into local history and culture? You can do it all and more in French Polynesia.

Most people associate French Polynesia with luxury travel and high-end resorts, and while this is definitely part of the draw, these islands have so much more to offer. So whether you are an adventure seeker, ocean lover, or cultural enthusiast, here are some of the best places to visit in French Polynesia.

French Polynesia has lots of incredible experiences to offer visitors, but by far one of the best is getting the chance to swim with humpback whales in Mo'orea. From the months of July to November, humpback whales visit the waters around this island and can be seen on a regular basis, sometimes even inside the lagoon.

There are plenty of local companies in Mo'orea that offer the opportunity to spend a morning or afternoon swimming with them. Don't worry, there are plenty of rules in place about how close the boats can go and guides join each group to keep swimmers in check. It is a magical experience to see these absolutely massive mammals rise from the blue in front of you. Plus, if you are really lucky, you'll also hear them sing.

The Tuamotus are a chain of islands best known as an incredible scuba diving destination. There are three main islands to go to for diving: Tikehau, Fakarava, and Rangiroa - and all three offer something different.

The highlight of Rangiroa is the dolphins. At the Tiputa Pass, there is a pod of about 30 dolphins that swim and play in the area year-round. Of those 30 dolphins, 4 of them are incredibly social and will come up to scuba divers in the hopes of getting a belly rub. However, even if you aren't lucky enough to see one of these specific dolphins on your dive, you will likely still see and hear the pod.