Tahiti, Moorea & Bora Bora
Best of French Polynesia – 8 Day Itinerary with all our favorite stops
French Polynesia has so much to offer and is a true paradise in the southern Pacific Ocean. Crystal clear water, white sand beaches, rich marine life, waterfalls, lush tropical forests and its local Polynesian hospitality make these islands so unique.
Here is what you need to know about French Polynesia with our travel tips.
Check out our itinerary: Tahiti – Moorea – Bora Bora
What You Need To Know
Things to see in French Polynesia:
French Polynesia is a territory that belongs to France with over 100 islands that cover an area similar to the size of western Europe. The islands are spread out over five archipelagoes with Tahiti being the largest. As a first timer we visited the more popular islands of Bora Bora, Moorea and Tahiti. For a future visit, I would certainly consider Raiatea, Huahine, Rangiroa or Tikehau.
Arrival in Tahiti: All international flights land in Tahiti (Faa’a Airport in Papeete) and from there it’s easy to connect to other major islands by plane or to take a high-speed ferry to Moorea (30 minutes). Air Tahiti offers great flight passes to explore multiple islands on your trip. Moorea is the only island that can be reached by ferry from Tahiti.
Entry Requirements: As of 5/18/22 a negative Covid-19 test is no longer required for entry as long as you have a booster shot that is not older than 9 months. As entry requirements continuously change, please make sure to review the latest here. Effective June 12, 2022 Covid-19 testing is no longer required when returning to the US.
Best time to visit French Polynesia: French Polynesia is a tropical destination and my recommendation is to visit during the dry season (June – August) or the shoulder months (May, September-October), like we did. We visited at the end of May / beginning of June and only had one rainy day.
Local currency: Having local currency is quite helpful, although credit cards are widely accepted. Locals like to round up/down to their currency – for example, if they ask for $50 they mean CFP5,000 regardless the actual rate.
Local language: As the name gives it away, French is the most common spoken language. You are still able to get away with English, especially in Bora Bora.
Cuisine: The local cuisine is so delightful and offers a great mix between traditional French and local Polynesian cuisine. Raw fish, Polynesian type of Poke or local catch where some of the most popular dishes we ate. However, since French Polynesia is part of France, we also enjoyed soufflés, crepes or cheese fondue. Everything tasted so deliciously. It is also recommended to make your dinner reservations in advance.
Safety in French Polynesia: We felt extremely safe during our stay and the popular islands are catered for tourists. I would only advise for caution while in Papeete as it can get sketchy when walking around during the night.
Shopping: Jewelry made of local black pearls is the most common souvenir. My shopping ended up being a beautiful piece of clothing, handmade by Lily Tahiti.
Budget: French Polynesia is not a cheap destination and can get a little pricy. Tahiti is more affordable and in Bora Bora you will likely pay a premium. Tours are between $50 – $150; Hotel rooms starting at around $300+ per night. A stay in a water bungalow is more likely over $1,000. If you have points with Marriott, Hilton or Intercontinental, then this is a great destination to use them.
What to see: There are over 100 islands in the archipelago with so many options. Since this was our first visit, we stayed in the 3 more popular islands and spend 4 days in Tahiti, 2 in Moorea and 3 in Bora Bora.
Tahiti needs to be explored. We got a rental car and drove all over the island to explore waterfalls, hikes, world class surfing and snorkeling spots. If you are looking for a relaxing beach vacation, then I would travel through to Moorea or the other islands right away.
Both Bora Bora and Moorea are your true paradise destinations – clear water, pure nature and amazing resorts.
What to pack: Bathing suits, sunscreen, hat, mosquito spray, water shoes, backpack, water bottle, camera, GoPro, snorkel equipment and hiking shoes.
Restaurants:
Tahiti: I highly recommend Ô Belvédère with views over Papeete; Le Souffle had delicious French cuisine directly in Papeete and Tahiti La Plage was a lovely spot right at the water. Other restaurants in Tahiti: Auberge Du Pacifique alongside the lagoon, Les 3 Brasseurs, Café Maeva, Saigonnaise, Coco’s (La Plage – Sapinus Bar), Le Calistro, L’O à La Bouche, L’Apizzeria, La Romana, L’Instant Présent, Blue Banana, Le Kaimoana Café Restaurant, Chez Loula et Rémy, Taumatai, Terre-Mer, La Plage de Maui.
Bora Bora: Bloody Mary’s is a must and Restaurant St. James was also really nice. We stayed at the St. Regis and the on-site restaurant Lagoon by Jean Georges was fantastic.
Itinerary
3 Days in Tahiti
Hotel: we stayed at the Hilton Tahiti for 3 nights. The property is very nice, has a beautiful large pool and is located close to the airport. I definitively recommend a rental car to explore the island.
Rental Car: we booked with Eco Car – they had a great price, although not the best service.
Tahiti Iti & Teahupoo
On our first day, we explored the island by car and drove south to Tahiti Iti. This area is one of the nicest and most remote parts of the island with a beautiful scenery. We took advantage of the high waves and explored the world-famous wave Teahupoo. This wave can only be reached by a short boat ride, and only the world’s bravest surfers are able to ride it. This is a true bucket list item for Tahiti.
We booked the Teahupoo wave watching tour here in advance, but there is actually no need to. You can just head to the port (map) and hop on a boat (they have cheaper rates on site). We got on the yellow Billabong boat with Tim – wow! He was so good!
As you drive around Tahiti, here are some additional stops:
Fautaua Valley & Waterfalls
Point Venus Lighthouse
Papenoo Beach (great beginner surf)
Arahoho Blowhole
Les Trois Cascades de Faarumai (#1 Vaimahutu, #2 Haamarere Iti and Haamarere Rahi)
Grottes De Maraa
Taharuu Beach
Water Gardens Vaipahi
La Plage de Maui
Day 2
We booked a half day snorkeling excursion with Moby Dick Tahiti and had a great experience. Isabella was really helpful and you can even message her on What’s App.
We enjoyed lunch at Belvedere and afterwards hiked the first 2 miles towards Mt. Aorai. There are stunning views over Tahiti with a beautiful scenery.
Day 3
The inland of Tahiti can’t be accessed by rental car, and I highly recommend exploring this incredible landscape with an organized Island Crossing Tour. You will explore untouched nature, waterfalls, rivers, lakes and the basin tunnel.
We booked with Tahiti Safari Islander ($100pp)
Two Days in Moorea
It’s time for the next island and for some relaxing beach time! Take the ferry (30 minutes) from Papeete to Moorea or hop on a 15 minute flight to this island. Enjoy the next two days at the Hilton Moorea – hop off from your water bungalow into crystal clear water or watch the sharks swim into the lagune at night while enjoying your dinner at the over-water creperie.
Hotel: Hilton Moorea Lagoon Resort and Spa
Three Days in Bora Bora
Save the best for last! Fly to Bora Bora, the pearl of the Pacific and enjoy this incredible destination.
We stayed for the first 2 nights on the main island and then headed out to the St. Regis – the advantage of staying first on the main island is that you have easier access to local restaurants and tours. Once you are at your luxury resort, it’s hard to leave (and you don’t want to leave).
We booked a full day tour (half day snorkeling, half day land tour) which was a great way to explore the island. The snorkeling was incredible, as the water is so clear and you swim with reef sharks and sting rays.
Restaurant Recommendations: Bloody Mary’s and St. James on the main island and Lagoon by Jean-Georges at the St. Regis.
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