French Polynesia is one of those places that doesn’t quite feel real– somewhere in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, protected by a luminous blue lagoon, framed by towering green hills, warm tropical rain, and color everywhere you look: in the air, on the land, and beneath the sea. 

For our honeymoon, we wanted somewhere beautiful without being overwhelming, adventurous yet deeply relacing– a place that might otherwise be too expensive to visit (though, for true budget travelers, it may be more accessible than you’d expect). What we found across Tahiti, Moorea, and Bora Bora was a destination that somehow exceeded even its own reputation. 

This 10-day itinerary reflects how we actually experienced French Polynesia—balancing splurges with practicality, adventure with rest, and seismic moments with quieter ones.

Below you’ll find

• A detailed 10-day itinerary of Moorea, Bora Bora, and Tahiti
• Top activities at each location
• Our experience staying at 5 different hotels
• Wellness tips for your travel

How long to spend

The amount of time you should spend in French Polynesia really depends on how many– and which– islands you’re visiting. The country is made of up 118 islands and atolls, with roughly 30 offering the infrastructure for tourism. 

Most travelers stick to the Society Islands– Tahiti, Moorea, and Bora Bora. For that trio (or even two of them) 7-10 days is the sweet spot. Unless you’re seriously down to just CHILL, any longer than that may prove a little slow.

When to go

Timing your trip matters just as much as the length of it, especially in a place where weather and wildlife seasons make such a difference! May through October is the dry season, with April and November acting as shoulder months. Though any of those months will do, I highly suggest visiting between late July and October– to time your trip with the Humpback Whales.

If you’re hunting for deals and don’t mind risking a rainy vacay, the wet season is very doable. You may luck out with sunny days! But keep in mind– the water’s iconic teal color fades when skies are cloudy. Even in October, nearly half of our days we experienced significant rain– and it really does change the look of the islands.

What’s the weather like?

In a word: tropical. Don’t expect anything less. Know that it will very likely rain, even in the dry season. But most showers blow through quickly and give way to sun again. During the wet season, expect heavier, more frequent rainfall, higher humidity, and warmer temperatures.

How to get around

This may be controversial, but we seriously mixed and matched our transportation and I highly recommended it. We rented a car for our time on both Moorea and Tahiti, but skipped it entirely on Bora Bora. Instead, we rented a scooter for one day on Bora Bora so we could circle the island at our own pace, and relied on boats or (very briefly, a taxi) for the remaining days. As independent travelers, we don’t like feeling stuck– but the main island of Bora Bora is much smaller than Moorea and Tahiti and truly does not require a rental car. Save your money!

Do expect high rental car prices everywhere– plus hidden fees when you arrive. We used Hertz at the Tahiti airport, which was originally listed as 300$ total for three days, but ballooned to over 600$ in hidden fees/required insurance once we arrived. It was convenient but painfully expensive. Still, for Moorea and Tahiti, I would absolutely rent a car. You can ferry your rental over from Tahiti or rent on Moorea.

Flight options

There are direct flights from LAX to Tahiti on Air Tahiti Nui. We were shocked to discover the flight was less than an 8 hours long. If you’re not coming from the Eastern Pacific (think New Zealand, Australia, Asia), you’ll almost always route through LAX before continuing on. 

We booked economy seats as the price for premium economy was exorbitant (even for our honeymoon splurge!). In the end, we still managed to fly Premium Economy thanks to Air Tahiti Bui’s upgrade bidding system. We bid the lowest possible amount and still got bumped up. Apparently, it’s not uncommon. We were upgraded on both our flight there and back!

How much to budget

Listen… you can do French Polynesia on the cheap. Airbnbs are surprisingly affordable across the society islands and grocery stores make self-catering pretty easy. That said, this was our Honeymoon– so we splurged on an Overwater Bungalow (OWB, as I will reference them). In my opinion, this is a must-do for at least two nights if you can comfortably swing it! Being able to snorkel, swim, and watch the fish from inside our bungalow at any time of day was an absolute game-changer. I don’t think our trip would’ve felt as magical without that experience.

That said, unless you genuinely enjoy isolation and heavy price tags, I don’t recommend spending the astronomical prices for an OWB on Bora Bora. Many of the high-end resorts are located on the private Motu, which means you’re not just paying thousands per night– you’re also cut off from the mainland (and get charged any time you want to boat over!). 

For two people, French Polynesia can run anywhere from $2,000 to $50,000+, depending on your style, priorities, and splurge. For us, activities were non-negotiable. We splurged in Moorea, but chose more budget-friendly stays (I use that semi-loosely) on Bora Bora so we could go all-in on excursions, which ended up being absolutely worth it.

We stayed at five different hotels on our trip (pro tip: book VERY early during peak season– like 3+ months in advance or more… or you may end up like us, hopping hotels every couple of nights). Our stays included:

• Sofitel Kia Ora — Moorea
  
• Manava Beach Resort — Moorea
  
• Maitai Bora Bora — Bora Bora
  
• InterContinental Moana — Bora Bora
  
• Hilton Tahiti — Tahiti

See the below itinerary for our in-depth thoughts about each one!

General wellness info

If you love water, you’re in heaven:

If ocean + water-based activities are your jam (which I assume they are if you’re planning a trip here), French Polynesia is– in all sincerity– unmatched. I’ve been to many islands and beaches in the world, and nothing has quite compared. The sealife is unbelievable– vibrant reefs, turtles, manta rays, sharks, and (depending on the season) humpback whales. The landscapes are just as breathtaking:  volcanic peaks rising over glassy lagoons, SO many shades of teal blue, and sunsets that look edited. It seems a place this beautiful shouldn’t exist in this world– but it does. And how lucky we are to experience it.

A Slower Pace

French Polynesia is also perfect if you prefer a mellow, crowd-free environment. The amount of times we found ourselves standing in front of the most jaw-dropping viewpoints completely solo (or nearly solo) was a daily occurrence. It’s peaceful, quiet, and unhurried. That being said, there are less “creature comforts” in towns– you’re on an Island, and you will feel it.

A Note on Culture & History 

French Polynesia was colonized by– you guessed it– France. The relationship is, kindly put, complicated. The islands are still an overseas territory of France and you’ll notice French influence everywhere: in the language, food, the number of French tourists. 

 Throughout our trip we spoke to many Polynesian locals who shared a wide range of perspectives on this dynamic, much like the conversations you’ll hear among Native Hawaiians about the United States. I’ll be honest– it was a refreshing change of pace to go somewhere where America was not a direct oppressor, as sad a statement as that is.

Despite a long and layered colonial history, Polynesian culture is alive, strong, and absolutely central to the Island’s identity. For the most part, we found tourists to be respectful of the land and people who call these islands home. But there’s always that one guy…

We were grateful for the conversations we shared with Polynesian locals, many of whom were MORE than willing to talk about their culture and experiences when approached with openness, genuine curiosity, and respect.

10-DAY ITINERARY

Day 1

LAX-> tAHITI -> moorea

Chances are, you’ll be arriving on an overnight flight, landing in Tahiti early in the morning. Be prepared for customs to take awhile– especially if you’re sitting toward the back of the plane. You’re on island time now!

We chose to rent a car on Tahiti and bring it over to Moorea on the ferry. Initially, this was a cost-based preference; some travelers choose to rent directly on Moorea for simplicity’s sake. Either way, I strongly recommend having a car, as public transit is minimal and taxis are limited.

If you plan to rent a car on Tahitii, you’ll need to plan ahead. The dreaded ferry tickets aren’t as complicated as they seem, though their websites can be intimidating (and are mostly in French). But I promise, if you can read a timetable, you can figure it out! We booked through Aremiti Express, but Terevau and Vaearii operate out of the same port terminal. An important note: 

• You must purchase two separate tickets — one for you (plus additional tickets for any other passengers) and one for the car itself.

Day 2 – Moorea

Sofitel kia ora + temae beach

When you arrive on Moorea, head straight to the Sofitel Kia Ora to drop your bags (fingers crossed you can check-in early). This was far and away our favorite stay of the entire trip. If you can only splurge on one OWB– make it the Sofitel. The coral gardens beneath the bungalows are unreal.  

Right beside the resort is the iconic Temae Beach, one of the most beautiful stretches of water on Moorea. Bring an inflatable tube: walk up the beach and let the gentle current carry you back toward the Sofitel. The water here is impossibly blue.

Day 3

Swimming with humpback whales

If you’re an animal lover, this will likely be the best experience of your entire trip. Swimming with humpback whales is one of the few truly life-changing wildlife encounters– and Moorea is one of the only places in the world where you can do it ethically.

Book the earliest tour (around 5:30 am… I know…) for the greatest chance of whale activity. We went with Moorea Moana Tours and they were exceptional– professional, knowledgeable, and deeply respectful of the whales and other wildlife. Tours are heavily regulated: only six swimmers per boat, limited operators, and strict approach rules. Safety and animal welfare are taken very seriously.

Why whales come to Moorea:

• Birthing + Calving: Mothers give birth and raise their calves in Moorea’s warm, sheltered waters.
• Mating Season: Mates sing to attract females (that’s right– only the males sing!)
• Warm Water: Humpbacks follow warm currents during migration. 
• Protected Lagoon: Moorea, in particular, allows whales to move easily between deep open ocean and calmer, protected coastal waters. 

With a bit of luck, you may encounter a mother and calf—or hear the males singing beneath you. Even if you’re nervous about the open ocean, I cannot recommend this experience enough. Several anxious swimmers on our boat ended up loving it.

After your tour:  put some pedal to the medal and take a scenic drive around the Island. Stop at Roti Juice Factory for a smoothie or shake (they’re phenomenal– we got the Taro milkshake and it was unreal), wander the small cluster of shops in town, and enjoy how quickly you can see the entire island. Don’t expect much in terms of commercial infrastructure– other than pharmacies, they have surprisingly nice pharmacies.

Day 4

ATV + Three Pines Trail

One of the top land-based experiences in all of French Polynesia was the ATV excursion. This adventure is hit or miss for some people, but we found it a huge success! If you’re traveling with a partner or friend, I recommend sharing an ATV and switching off drivers. 

Keep in mind, this is definitely an adrenaline-inducing ride! We tackled some seriously steep, near-vertical slopes. 

The route takes you through pineapple fields and up to Belvedere lookout, Fare Tutava, and the Magic Mountain Overlook. You’ll also see blue-eyed eels, which is a do-not-miss  moment (it was giving Nagini from Harry Potter vibes– there’s really no better comparison). Honestly, the ATV tour is worth it for the Magic Mountain views alone. We booked our tour through Viator. Tours run rain or shine– we had plenty of rain, but also, some truly magnificent rainbows!

After the tour, consider hiking the Three Pines Trail, and easy hike that starts near the Belvedere lookout. Or head back to your bungalow for some snorkeling and a well-earned shower!

Day 5

Snorkeling Excursion + Lagoon Discovery

If you only do one snorkeling excursion, let it be with Alex (booked via Viator here). Be sure to book well in advance– he’s beloved for a reason. Expect to see sea turtles, reef sharks (black tip, lemon, and maybe more), stringrays, and living coral reefs (that’s right– vibrant purple living reefs! Something you rarely see anymore due to widespread coral bleaching). Please, please wear reef-safe sunscreen!

In the afternoon, we transferred to the Manva Resort on the north end of the island. Whether or not you do this entirely depends on your own planning and itinerary, but here’s my take on the Manava: 

The rooms aren’t as luxe as the Sofitel nor is the water a teal blue– but the staff is warm, the Polynesian Tiki Show is vibrant, and the steep reef drop-offs offer a totally different (and equally thrilling) snorkeling experience. We actually saw more reef sharks here. The Manava is also one of the few resorts owned by locals– another reason to patronize the resort.I also witnessed the most spectacular sunset of my life at the Manava– complete with rainbows, fast-moving clouds, outrigger canoes gliding past, and a full kaleidoscope of color.

Day 6

Transfer to Bora Bora + Scooter

Today, you’re off! Catch an early flight ferry back to Tahiti and take a hopper flight to Bora Bora. Once you land (ideally in the early afternoon), head to your hotel to check in and drop your bags. We stayed at the Maitai Bora Bora our first evening in one of their regular hotel rooms (but see below for a picture of our view– not too shabby). It was satisfactory, had everything we needed, and was reasonably priced– perfect for a short stay.

For the best way to tour around mainland Bora Bora, rent a scooter! They can be intimidating if you’ve never driven one before, but if you are a competent driver and decent bike rider, there’s really nothing to fear. Bora Bora is a relatively low-stress place to try it out. Just be sure to respect local traffic laws and always allow locals to pass. 

One afternoon with a scooter is more than enough time to experience the whole island– it takes under 45 minutes to loop Bora Bora non-stop. You can book through the Maitai, though most rentals go through AVIS on the island; CleanRide is another option. 

Scoot over to Matira Beach, arguably the nicest beach on Mainland Bora Bora, and spend some time putzing around town. In terms of land-based beauty and variety, Moorea has Bora Bora beat. Bora Bora is all about that glorious blue lagoon.

Day 7

Spa + Manta Rays

If you’re planning any spa treatments on your trip, I highly recommend saving them for Bora Bora. There are fewer activities on the Island than Moorea and it’s a perfect way to spend a rainy day (which we experienced). Here’s what we did to maximize our experience and amenities: 

Though it’s not ideal to switch hotels over the course of a few days, it was worth it to switch over to the InterContinental Moana– one of the nicer OWB on the Mainland (though not as beautiful as the Sofitel). One major perk of the InterContinental Moana is access to the InterContinental Thalasso, its sister resort located on the nearby motu (with the other “big budget” resorts). The Thalasso houses the spa, and if you book a treatment, you’ll receive a complimentary boat transfer to the motu (which can cost up to 80$ per person normally). Between the views and access to other amenities (like the Thalasso’s overwater pool) it’s an experience in itself– highly recommend. 

After your spa treatments, spend the afternoon on a Lagoon tour. Yes, a second snorkeling excurssion, because Bora Bora is the perfect place to see MANTA RAYS! While much of the snorkeling will be similar to to your trip in Moorea, swimming alongside Manta Rays and their dragon-like wingspan was an absolute highlight of the trip. We booked this Reef Discovery Half Day Tour through Viator.

Day 8

Jet-ski and upscale dining

For your last day on the Island, spend it doing what you love– laying on the beach, snorkeling, soaking up the sun. If budget allows, jetskiing around the island is a blast. We got lucky on had no other participants on our group tour, which meant we spent a lot of time chatting with our guide about his life on the island, the different jobs he’s held, and what he values. 

The views of Mount Otemanu are postcard-level– and they’re best appreciated from the water, whether by boat, jet-ski, or from a motu. We went through Viator, as many tours do in French Polynesia. Save money by renting a single jet-ski for two people. 

Day 9

Return to tahiti + pool lounging

On your final full day, catch a midday flight back to Tahiti and check into your hotel. One of the stranger moments of the trip was the lack of security at the tiny Bora Bora airport. I assume it’s because most of the passengers entering and leaving the island were already thoroughly screened in Tahiti, but still– it was unusual. It felt like flying used to feel– relaxed, a little novel, and paired with some of the best aerial views I’ve ever seen. Flying in and out of Bora Bora on a sunny day is truly next level!

Since you’ll only be in Tahiti for one night (and yes– please do stay at least one night in Tahiti), I recommend the Hilton. While online reviews are mixed, we had a wonderful stay, with a comfortable room and a massive lagoon pool perfect for lounging. 

Day 10

Exploring the Island – cIRCLE island Road

Like many, our return flight to LA wasn’t until 10 pm, which meant we had the entire day to explore Tahiti’s Circle Island Road.  Most Hotels in Tahiti will offer to hold your luggage for free while you explore. We stayed on the main portion of the Island Road, which would take you about 4 hours to circle if you drove straight through– though you’ll definitely want to make stops along the way! 

There are plenty of worth-while pulls-offs, but there are two you absolutely should not miss. The first is the Pointe Venus Beach– a beautiful black sand beach (even darker than it appears in the picture below), with calm rolling waves, and the hills of Tahiti rising in the background. I’ve been to many black sand beaches in my time, and this was hands down my favorite. It’s idyllic in a way that is completely different from Moorea and Bora Bora. Be warned– the black sand gets HOT!!! Make sure you’re wearing shoes. Even running through the sand for a few seconds can cause burns. There’s also a great snack shack for beach bites. 

The second do-not-miss stop is the Cascades de Faarumi– an awe-inspiring waterfall (there are multiple, but make sure you at least see the first). Tall and narrow, it spills dramatically over a sheer cliff, meeting you at the bottom. We had the spot entirely to ourselves. Be sure to wear bug spray here– this was the only time on our whole trip we encountered swarms of mosquitos– But do not let that deter you. It was a sight to behold and absolutely worth it.

Other great stops on the Circle Road included Ma’ara Grotto and Vaipahi Water Gardens. The Arahoho Blowhole was unfortunately closed (and has been for several years now due to rock instability and there doesn’t seem to be a hurry to open it back up any time soon).

Either before your drive (or after, if you left early enough) make time for Kaua’a Tahiti . You’ll be hard-pressed to find specialty coffee anywhere in French Polynesia, but this place is the real deal. Excellent coffee, a polished space, and freshly roasted beans for sale. We loved it so much, we went multiple times.

Final thoughts

If you’re considering French Polynesia for your honeymoon, a romantic escape, or even a family vacation (yes, it’s surprisingly wonderful and accessible for families)– know that you’ll be in very good hands on some of the most beautiful islands in the world. Between the incredible wildlife, ease of travel between islands, and the unmatched natural beauty, it’s one of the most rewarding destinations in the world!

If you want help with your next itinerary, please reach out to ellewelltraveled@gmail.com!
I’d love to help you craft your next journey.