📍 French Polynesia

Island‑hopping across the Society Islands: markets and waterfalls on Tahiti, bays and ridges on Moorea, turquoise lagoon time on Bora Bora, and Polynesian heritage on Raiatea.

Q: 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.

≈ 11

Days

373

Stops

📖 6 min read 🔄 Last updated: 2026-01-17

Your day-by-day itinerary

Day

Papeete

Day 1

🔍

Discover

Papeete — Municipal Market (early morning) for vanilla, monoï and island produce.

Paofai Gardens — Waterfront promenade and outrigger canoes at sunset.

🎯

Activities

→

Street‑food dinner at roulottes on Place Vaiete (open evenings).

Day

Papeete

Day 2

🔍

Discover

Tahiti east coast — Faarumai waterfalls and Arahoho blowhole; lush basalt valleys.

Museum of Tahiti and the Islands (if open) for cultural grounding.

🎯

Activities

→

Short black‑sand beach swim; heed local currents and flags.

🚗

Next stop

Distance: 35.5 km

Travel time: 1h11

Day

Paopao

6 photos

Day 3

🔍

Discover

Ferry to Moorea — Opunohu and Cook’s bays landscapes and pineapple fields.

Belvédère d’Opunohu — Ridgeline view over twin bays and Mount Rotui.

🎯

Activities

→

Snorkel with garden fish at a public beach; mornings offer clearer water.

Day

Paopao

6 photos

Day 4

🔍

Discover

Moorea ridge — Three Coconuts Pass hike through mape forests; panoramic saddle.

Tiki Village (evening show) or local dance rehearsal (community schedule).

🎯

Activities

→

Cooking class: poisson cru with lime and coconut milk.

Day

Vaitape

4 photos

Day 5

🔍

Discover

Flight to Bora Bora — Lagoon viewpoints during approach; check left‑side seating.

Matira area — Public beach curve and shallow turquoise shelf.

🎯

Activities

→

Lagoon tour by boat with coral gardens and stingray viewing (respect wildlife distances).

Day

Vaitape

4 photos

Day 6

🔍

Discover

Mount Otemanu viewpoints — Short motu landings for classic postcard frames.

WWII sites — Old coastal guns and supply base traces on the main island.

🎯

Activities

→

Sunset outrigger ride; book for golden hour.

🚗

Next stop

Distance: 53.1 km

Travel time: 53min

Day

Uturoa

2 photos

Day 7

🔍

Discover

Flight to Raiatea — Uturoa market and waterfront.

Marae Taputapuātea — UNESCO sacred complex of the Polynesian triangle; basalt marae facing the ocean.

🎯

Activities

→

Kayak the Faaroa River, Polynesia’s only navigable river (guided).

Day

Uturoa

2 photos

Day 8

🔍

Discover

Day trip to Taha’a — Vanilla plantations and lagoon motus shared with Raiatea.

🎯

Activities

→

Drift‑snorkel over coral gardens between motus (experienced swimmers only).

🚗

Next stop

Distance: 284.6 km

Travel time: 3h33

Day

Papeete

Day 9

🔍

Discover

Flight back to Tahiti — West‑coast lookout at Taharuu black‑sand beach.

Arahoho or local surf break viewing (respect no‑swim zones).

🎯

Activities

→

Evening roulottes round 2 — sample raw‑fish plates and chevrettes.

Day

Papeete

Day 10

🔍

Discover

Free morning for crafts and last lagoon dip; airport transfer.

🎯

Activities

→

Optional hike to Fautaua Valley waterfall (permit sometimes required; check conditions).

🗺️ Itinerary map

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❓ 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 9 and 13 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.