A Complete French Polynesia Itinerary: Bora Bora, Moorea, and Tahiti

French Polynesia is one of those dream destinations that many travelers imagine when they think of clear blue lagoons, overwater bungalows, and white sand beaches. The good news is that it’s not just a fantasy. With the right planning, you can visit Bora Bora, Moorea, and Tahiti in one trip and make the most of your time and money. This guide will walk you through where to stay, what to do, and how to maximize every day in this tropical paradise. Think of this as a plan you can save and use whether you are already there or just starting to organize your trip.

Most international flights land in Tahiti, so this is where your trip will begin. Don’t treat it just as a stopover. Tahiti has plenty to offer if you give it at least a day or two. Spend some time exploring Papeete, the capital, where you’ll find local markets selling fresh fruit, handcrafted jewelry, and Tahitian vanilla. It’s a good place to grab affordable food before heading to the more resort-focused islands.

If you want to dive straight into nature, consider hiking in the lush valleys or joining a waterfall tour. Papenoo Valley is a great choice for seeing greenery, rivers, and hidden waterfalls. Another highlight is the black sand beaches, especially Pointe Venus, which is perfect for a morning walk or sunset view.

Tahiti also offers a peek into local culture. You can attend a Polynesian dance performance, sample traditional dishes like poisson cru (raw fish marinated in lime and coconut milk), or simply sit by the waterfront and watch the fishing boats come and go. This is your chance to get a feel of daily life before moving to the more touristy islands.

If you’d like a deeper dive into Tahiti and its surroundings, check out resources like Tahiti Tourism’s official website for updated tips.

From Tahiti, you can easily reach Moorea by ferry. The ride takes about 30 minutes and offers incredible views as you cross the water. Moorea is more relaxed than Bora Bora and usually less expensive, which makes it a great stop.

Once you arrive, you’ll notice the jagged green mountains rising above the blue lagoons. Moorea is known for its outdoor activities, so plan your days around exploration. You can rent a car or scooter to circle the island in a few hours, stopping at viewpoints like Belvedere Lookout for sweeping views of Cook’s Bay and Opunohu Bay.

For water activities, Moorea is one of the best spots in French Polynesia for snorkeling and swimming with marine life. Many tours will take you to swim with stingrays and blacktip reef sharks in shallow, crystal-clear water. It may sound intimidating, but these animals are calm and used to people, making it a safe and unforgettable experience.

If you want a slower pace, head to Temae Beach, one of Moorea’s public beaches with soft sand and calm water. It’s a great place to bring a picnic and spend a half day just enjoying the lagoon.

While in Moorea, the Hilton Moorea Lagoon Resort and Spa is worth considering. It’s set between two bays and offers both overwater bungalows and garden villas. If you have been dreaming about waking up to a glass floor in your room where you can see fish swimming below, this is the place.

The resort has its own private lagoon, making it easy to snorkel right off your bungalow. You don’t even have to book a tour to see tropical fish. If you want to relax, the spa offers treatments that use local ingredients like coconut oil and vanilla. For food, the resort has several restaurants, including one where you can enjoy a traditional Polynesian dinner with live music and dance.

Even if you don’t stay here for your whole trip, spending a night at the Hilton Moorea can be a highlight. It allows you to experience the overwater bungalow lifestyle without the higher prices you’ll find in Bora Bora.

When most people think of French Polynesia, Bora Bora is the island that comes to mind. Known for its turquoise lagoon and dramatic Mount Otemanu, it’s one of the most photographed places in the world. To reach Bora Bora, you’ll take a short flight from Tahiti or Moorea. The plane ride itself is part of the experience, as you’ll see aerial views of tiny islands and bright blue waters.

Bora Bora is more resort-centered, so most visitors spend their days enjoying activities organized by their hotels. But that doesn’t mean you should only stay inside the resort. A lagoon tour is a must. You can book a full-day excursion that includes snorkeling with rays and sharks, visiting coral gardens, and enjoying a picnic on a motu, which is a small private island. These tours give you a good mix of adventure and relaxation.

If you enjoy water sports, Bora Bora offers paddleboarding, kayaking, and jet skiing. For something truly memorable, try a sunset cruise on a traditional Polynesian outrigger canoe. Watching the sky change colors over the lagoon is something you’ll remember long after the trip.

For a luxury experience, the InterContinental Bora Bora Resort & Thalasso Spa is one of the top choices. This resort is famous for its overwater villas with direct views of Mount Otemanu. If you have ever seen a photo of Bora Bora with bungalows stretching into the lagoon, chances are it was taken here.

The resort also has one of the best spas in French Polynesia, offering treatments that use seawater in unique ways. Imagine having a massage while listening to the sound of waves beneath you. Guests can also book romantic dinners on the beach or private boat transfers to nearby islands.

Staying here is an investment, but if you are visiting Bora Bora once in your life, it may be worth it. Even if you only spend a few nights, the experience is unforgettable.

When planning a trip to French Polynesia, balancing time between Tahiti, Moorea, and Bora Bora is key. A good plan is to spend one or two nights in Tahiti, three to four nights in Moorea, and three to four nights in Bora Bora. This gives you enough time to experience each island without feeling rushed. 

To maximize your effort, plan your transfers carefully. Ferries to Moorea are cheaper and more flexible than flights, so it’s good to schedule Moorea right after Tahiti. Flights to Bora Bora should be booked in advance, especially if you’re traveling during peak season.

Budget is another factor. Moorea tends to be more affordable for meals and tours, while Bora Bora is where most of your expenses will add up. To save money, consider splitting your stay between a budget-friendly guesthouse and a luxury resort. This way you get both experiences without overspending.

Food in French Polynesia can also be pricey at resorts, so try to eat at local food trucks or casual restaurants when you’re on Tahiti and Moorea. In Bora Bora, look for small family-run spots on the main island for more budget-friendly meals.

If you want a detailed list of the best things to do in Bora Bora, from lagoon tours to hidden local spots, you can check out our blog here  for a full Bora Bora travel guide for more inspiration.

Traveling around French Polynesia is exciting, but a little preparation can make your trip smoother and more enjoyable. Here are some practical tips to remember:

• Pack light clothing since the weather is warm and tropical. Don’t forget sunscreen and, if possible, bring reef-safe snorkeling gear to protect the marine life.

• Wi-Fi can be slow on the islands, so it’s best to be ready to disconnect and focus on the experience.

• Carry some cash with you, especially for small vendors or local markets, though most resorts and bigger establishments accept credit cards.

• Book your activities in advance. Popular tours like lagoon trips and shark or ray encounters often sell out quickly.

• Use websites like Viator and GetYourGuide to research activities, compare prices, and read reviews before making reservations.

sharks in the morning, hike through green valleys in the afternoon, and end the day with dinner over the water. By visiting Tahiti, Moorea, and Bora Bora, you’ll experience the best mix of culture, adventure, and luxury. Whether you stay in a high-end resort like the InterContinental Bora Bora Resort & Thalasso Spa or spend your days exploring Moorea’s natural beauty, every choice adds to the journey.

The key is to balance relaxation with activities, and to plan ahead so you don’t waste time on logistics. With this guide, you’ll have a practical plan that works for both first-time visitors and return travelers. Save this blog as your roadmap and let French Polynesia show you why it’s one of the most unforgettable destinations in the world.

 As always, my thoughts and opinions are my own.

Angie xoxo