Papeete, Bora Bora 3 Day Itinerary

Day 1: Explore Papeete

  • Morning:

    1. Arrive at Faa’a International Airport, Papeete.
    2. Check-in at your hotel (Recommendations: InterContinental Tahiti Resort & Spa, Manava Beach Resort & Spa).
    3. Freshen up and have breakfast at the hotel or a local café like Le Truck (food truck park) or La cave aux poètes.

  • Afternoon:

    1. Visit the Municipal Market of Papeete to experience local Tahitian culture, shop for souvenirs, and enjoy fresh seafood lunch.
    2. Explore the Robert Wan Pearl Museum and learn about the history and crafting process of Tahitian pearls.
    3. Take a stroll around the city center and visit the Notre-Dame Cathedral and the Assembly of French Polynesia.

  • Evening:

    1. Dinner at Le Grill Restaurant, an iconic restaurant located on a motu (islet) near the InterContinental Tahiti Resort.
    2. Enjoy a traditional Polynesian dance show at Te Fare ITI TAHITI or Heiva Ia Ora’a.

Day 2: Day Trip to Moorea

  • Morning:

    1. Take an early ferry from Papeete to Moorea (ferries depart around 6:30 AM and take about 45 minutes).
    2. Rent a car or book a guided tour to explore the island (Highlights: Belvedere Lookout, Cook’s Bay, Opunohu Bay, Moorea Magic Garden).

  • Afternoon:

    1. Lunch at Maeva Restaurant in Moorea for traditional Tahitian dishes.
    2. Visit the Tiki Village to learn about ancient Polynesian culture and have a tattoo demonstration.

  • Evening:

    1. Return to Papeete by ferry.
    2. Dinner at La Passe du Tabac, offering a great view of the Moorea ferries coming in and out.

Day 3: Adventure in Bora Bora

  • Morning:

    1. Take a flight or boat transfer to Bora Bora (flights take about 45 minutes, boat transfers can take up to 2 hours).
    2. Check-in at your overwater bungalow resort (Recommendations: Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora, Conrad Bora Bora Nui, St Regis Bora Bora Resort).

  • Afternoon:

    1. Snorkeling excursion to the coral reefs surrounding Bora Bora.
    2. Lunch at Bloody Mary’s, a floating restaurant located off the coast of Bora Bora.

  • Evening:

    1. Sunset lagoon cruise with dinner and Polynesian entertainment.
    2. Overnight stay in Bora Bora.

Things to Know:

  1. French is the official language, but English is widely spoken.
  2. The currency is the Pacific franc (XPF), although US dollars are also accepted at many tourist establishments.
  3. The time zone is GMT - 10 hours.
  4. Taxis are readily available in Papeete, and car rental is an option for exploring Moorea and Bora Bora.
  5. Don’t forget to try local specialties like Poisson Cru (raw fish marinated in coconut milk) and Tiare Mai Tai cocktail.
  6. Always ask permission before taking photos of locals or entering private properties.
  7. Respect local customs and traditions, particularly during visits to sacred sites.

Tips:

  1. Book activities and accommodations well in advance, especially during peak travel seasons (June-August).
  2. Pack lightweight clothing, sunscreen, and a good pair of reef shoes for water activities.
  3. Consider purchasing a Tahiti Pass if you plan to visit multiple islands as it offers discounts on ferries and tours.
  4. Be aware of the high cost of goods in French Polynesia due to import taxes.
  5. Enjoy the slow pace of life, beautiful landscapes, and warm hospitality that make French Polynesia a truly unique travel destination.