French Polynesia 3 Day Itinerary

Day 1: Exploring Tahiti & Moorea

Activities:

  1. Baie de Taharuu Beach (Tahiti): Start your day at this stunning beach, perfect for swimming and sunbathing. Don’t forget to try some local Polynesian dishes at nearby food stalls.

  2. Robert Wan Pearl Museum (Tahiti): Dive into the world of pearl farming and learn about the Tahitian black pearl industry.

  3. Moorea Dolphin Watching and Snorkeling: In the afternoon, take a boat tour to Moorea and swim with dolphins, snorkel among vibrant coral reefs, and marvel at the island’s stunning landscapes.

Things to Know:

  • Language: French and Tahitian are the official languages, but English is widely spoken in tourist areas.
  • Currency: The currency used in French Polynesia is the CFP Franc (XPF). Credit cards are widely accepted, especially at tourist spots.
  • Time Zone: French Polynesia operates on GMT-9 (Tahiti Time).

Day 2: Discovering Bora Bora

Activities:

  1. Motu Tapu (Bora Bora): Visit this beautiful private island, accessible only to guests of certain resorts. Relax on the beach, swim in crystal-clear waters, and enjoy a delicious lunch.

  2. Shark and Ray Feeding (Bora Bora): Get up close with sharks and rays during a guided feeding tour. This unforgettable experience is a must for animal lovers!

  3. Lagoon Tour: Explore the stunning lagoons of Bora Bora on a jet-ski, catamaran, or traditional Polynesian canoe (vaa). Keep an eye out for dolphins and whales!

Things to Know:

  • Bora Bora is expensive, but the unique experiences make it worthwhile. Booking packages in advance can help save money.
  • The best time to visit Bora Bora is between May and October when the weather is drier and cooler.

Day 3: Cultural Immersion in Huahine

Activities:

  1. Marae of Faatare (Huahine): Visit these ancient Polynesian temples, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, to learn about the island’s history and culture.

  2. Vaipouli Beach: Relax on this beautiful beach, perfect for swimming and sunbathing. Enjoy local cuisine at nearby food stalls.

  3. Traditional Polynesian Dance Show: In the evening, witness a traditional dance performance that showcases the rich culture of French Polynesia.

Things to Know:

  • Huahine is less touristy than Tahiti and Bora Bora, offering a more authentic Polynesian experience.
  • To get to Huahine, you’ll need to take a flight from Tahiti (flights are available multiple times per day).

Visa Requirements: Citizens of most countries do not need a visa for stays under 90 days. However, it’s always best to check the latest requirements with your local French Embassy or Consulate.

Transportation: The easiest way to travel between islands is by plane (Air Tahiti operates domestic flights). For transportation on each island, rental cars and scooters are widely available. Taxis and public buses are also options, although they may be less convenient for tourists.