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French Polynesia
FRENCH POLYNESIA IN DEPTH: LAGOONS, MARAE AND SACRED PEAKS
Vanilla flowers scenting lagoon breezes, tikis guarding jungle-buried valleys, infinite blue stretching beyond the horizon. Polynesia must be earned.
≈ 46
Days
6137
Km
23
Stops
Explore Tahiti and its black sand, then reach Moorea and its lagoon viewpoints. Join Bora Bora, let Taha'a bring its vanilla sweetness, then head to the Marquesas and their wild valleys. A deeper Polynesian journey, where nature, tikis and artistic history create a different emotion.
- Marquesas: gauguin's muse, tiki guardians
- Taha'a: vanilla island, lagoon serenity
- Moorea: belvedere views, bay mirrors
- Bora Bora: lagoon legend, peak drama
Your day-by-day itinerary
1
Day
Discover
1
Papeete market (discovering local products)
2
Papeete waterfront promenade and Paofai gardens
Activities
→
Logistics scouting and island tour via the north coast (panoramic stops)
Next stop
Distance:
8.3 km
Travel time:
17min
2
Day
8 photos
Discover
1
Pointe de Vénus beach and island lighthouse
2
Arahoho Blowhole (marine geysers)
Activities
→
Swimming and beach snorkeling (calm conditions)
Next stop
Distance:
18 km
Travel time:
35min
3
Day
3 photos
Discover
1
Marae Arahurahu (restored ceremonial site)
2
Mara'a cave (cavities and pools)
Activities
→
Photo stops on the west coast (panoramas of Moorea)
Next stop
Distance:
25 km
Travel time:
40min
4
Day
3 photos
Discover
1
Vaipahi water garden (trails and waterfalls)
2
Taravao viewpoint (view of both bays)
Activities
→
Wave observation at Teahupo'o (weather conditions permitting)
Next stop
Distance:
32 km
Travel time:
50min
5
Day
4 photos
Discover
1
Taharuu Beach (black sand, surfing and walking)
Activities
→
Half-day lagoon excursion off Tahiti (snorkeling from boat)
Next stop
Distance:
28 km
Travel time:
45min
6
Day
2 photos
Discover
1
Uturoa center and port (urban discovery)
Activities
→
Flight Tahiti → Raiatea (inter-island transit)
Next stop
Distance:
218 km
Travel time:
7
Day
4 photos
Discover
1
Taputapuātea Marae (UNESCO)
2
Southeast coast (viewpoints over the lagoon)
Activities
→
Coastal walk and swimming stops
Next stop
Distance:
24 km
Travel time:
40min
8
Day
4 photos
Discover
1
Faaroa Valley and river mouth
Activities
→
Kayaking on Faaroa River (mangrove and botany)
Next stop
Distance:
10 km
Travel time:
20min
9
Day
2 photos
Discover
1
Village of Haamene and bay
2
Vanilla plantation (discovery of cultivation)
Activities
→
Island tour via the belt road (viewpoints)
Next stop
Distance:
8 km
Travel time:
20min
10
Day
2 photos
Discover
1
Coral garden (drifting passage between motu)
Activities
→
Guided snorkeling on the coral garden (carrying current)
Next stop
Distance:
12 km
Travel time:
30min
11
Day
6 photos
Discover
1
Village of Patio (crafts and wharf)
Activities
→
Water taxi Patio ↔ Raiatea (lagoon transit)
Next stop
Distance:
7 km
Travel time:
15min
12
Day
4 photos
Discover
1
Temae Beach (white sand and nearby reef)
Activities
→
Flight Raiatea → Moorea via Tahiti (inter-island transit)
Next stop
Distance:
210 km
Travel time:
13
Day
4 photos
Discover
1
Toatea Belvedere (view of Temae and Tahiti)
2
Former Club Med beach / Ta'ahiamanu beach
Activities
→
Shore snorkeling (seagrass beds and shallow corals)
Next stop
Distance:
8 km
Travel time:
15min
14
Day
7 photos
Discover
1
Opunohu pineapple fields (agricultural trails)
2
Titiroa archaeological site (valley marae)
Activities
→
Valley mountain biking/4x4 ride (according to local choice)
Next stop
Distance:
12 km
Travel time:
25min
15
Day
10 photos
Discover
1
Moorea belvedere (views over Cook and Opunohu bays)
Activities
→
Short hike on three coconut trees trail (round trip)
Next stop
Distance:
5 km
Travel time:
15min
16
Day
7 photos
Discover
1
Cook Bay (coastal walk)
Activities
→
Boat trip/snorkeling (turtles, rays, blacktip sharks depending on area)
Next stop
Distance:
7 km
Travel time:
15min
17
Day
10 photos
Discover
1
West coast (Hauru/Haapiti; beaches and passes)
Activities
→
Whale watching (season July-November; at sea if conditions permit)
Next stop
Distance:
18 km
Travel time:
30min
18
Day
4 photos
Discover
1
Free time beaches and viewpoints of the east
Activities
→
Island road loop (panorama stops and short swims)
Next stop
Distance:
25 km
Travel time:
40min
19
Day
4 photos
Discover
1
Temae Beach (morning relaxation)
Activities
→
Kayak/paddle lagoon (depending on local rental)
20
Day
4 photos
Discover
1
Village of Vaitape (discovery of the wharf and waterfront)
Activities
→
Flight Moorea/Tahiti → Bora Bora (inter-island transit)
Next stop
Distance:
240 km
Travel time:
21
Day
3 photos
Discover
1
Matira Beach (walk and swimming)
Activities
→
Lagoon boat tour (rays, reef, coral gardens)
Next stop
Distance:
7 km
Travel time:
15min
22
Day
9 photos
Discover
1
Viewpoints of Mount Otemanu (photo stops)
Activities
→
Snorkeling at the natural Lagoonarium (depending on conditions and access)
Next stop
Distance:
6 km
Travel time:
15min
23
Day
4 photos
Discover
1
Main village of Maupiti (Vai'ea)
Activities
→
Flight Bora Bora → Maupiti (inter-island transit)
Next stop
Distance:
55 km
Travel time:
24
Day
4 photos
Discover
1
Motu Auira and sandbanks (walking crossing at low tide if possible)
Activities
→
Lagoon tour (manta ray cleaning stations depending on season/conditions)
Next stop
Distance:
3 km
Travel time:
10min
25
Day
4 photos
Discover
1
Island bike tour (beaches and local marae)
Activities
→
Lagoon swimming and relaxation
26
Day
4 photos
Discover
1
Mont Teurafaatiu (panoramic hike; departure from island center)
Activities
→
Sunset over the lagoon (west side beach)
Next stop
Distance:
2 km
Travel time:
4min
27
Day
4 photos
Discover
1
Beaches on motu Tuanai/Tiapaa side (depending on boat access)
Activities
→
Shore snorkeling (coral heads of the inner lagoon)
→
Flight Tahiti → Nuku Hiva (inter-archipelago transit)
Next stop
✈️ Flight / transfer day
Distance:
2029.4 km
Travel time:
10h
28
Day
6 photos
Discover
1
Taiohae Bay and waterfront
2
Notre-Dame Cathedral of Taiohae (carved woods)
Activities
→
Scenic route Taiohae ↔ Hatiheu (photo stops)
→
Water taxi Taiohae Bay ↔ Hakaui
Next stop
✈️ Flight / transfer day
Distance:
1400 km
Travel time:
10h
29
Day
6 photos
Discover
1
Hatiheu village (basaltic cliffs)
2
Archaeological sites around Hatiheu (paepae, tiki)
Activities
→
Coastal walk and coves near Taiohae
Next stop
Distance:
80 km
Travel time:
2h30
30
Day
6 photos
Discover
1
Hakaui Bay (boat access) and trail departure
2
Vaipo Waterfall (hiking approach; depending on level/conditions)
Activities
→
Flight Nuku Hiva → Hiva Oa (inter-island transit)
Next stop
Distance:
20 km
Travel time:
40min
31
Day
6 photos
Discover
1
Tohua Koueva (ceremonial platform)
Activities
→
Walk to Atuona belvedere (view over Taaoa bay)
Next stop
Distance:
12 km
Travel time:
25min
32
Day
2 photos
Discover
1
Atuona village (center and wharf)
Activities
→
Coastal road Atuona ↔ Puamau (viewpoints, coves)
Next stop
Distance:
145 km
Travel time:
33
Day
2 photos
Discover
1
Paul Gauguin Cultural Center (museum)
2
Calvaire Cemetery (famous graves and panorama)
Activities
→
Flight Hiva Oa → Tahiti (return to the main island)
Next stop
Distance:
4 km
Travel time:
10min
34
Day
4 photos
Discover
1
Me'ae Iipona site in Puamau (large tiki)
Activities
→
Coastal road Atuona ↔ Puamau (viewpoints, coves)
Next stop
Distance:
48 km
Travel time:
2h
35
Day
Discover
1
Last shopping in town (crafts, local products)
Activities
→
Flight Hiva Oa → Tahiti (return to the main island)
Next stop
✈️ Flight / transfer day
Distance:
1410 km
Travel time:
10h
🗺️ Itinerary map
🗺️ Nearby itineraries
❓ Frequently asked questions
What weather should you expect?
Dry Season (May-October): Peak season with minimal rainfall, comfortable temperatures (24-28°C), and trade winds. Best weather for outdoor activities but highest prices and crowds.
Shoulder Season (April, November): Good weather with brief showers, moderate accommodation rates, and fewer tourists. Excellent balance of conditions and value.
Wet Season (November-April): Hot, humid weather (26-32°C) with potential cyclones, but lower prices and lush landscapes. Afternoon rains common, mornings often clear.
Cyclone Season (December-March): Higher storm risk requiring flexible planning and comprehensive insurance, though many cyclones pass without major impact to tourism.
How many days should I plan?
We believe you will enjoy this itinerary best by dedicating between 37 and 55 days. The next step will allow you to adjust the duration of your stay.
What to discover in French Polynesia?
Pacific paradise with overwater bungalows, pristine lagoons, and traditional culture. Experience Tahitian hospitality, incredible diving, and romantic atmosphere. The territory offers luxury experiences with cultural authenticity and natural beauty. French Polynesia provides ultimate tropical paradise with cultural richness and natural wonders.