Contact us here to plan your future trip to French Polynesia
Tahiti Itinerary
10 Days —
Bora Bora, Moorea &
French Polynesia
We moved to Moorea in 2024 — and before that, we spent our honeymoon exploring these islands in 2023. This 10-day French Polynesia itinerary is the one we'd give to our closest friends: honest, practical, day by day. Not a sales pitch. Not a cookie-cutter package. Just what actually works — and what to avoid.
10-Day French Polynesia Itinerary — Tahiti, Moorea & Bora Bora
This is the itinerary we recommend to anyone visiting French Polynesia for the first time with 10 days. It covers the three unmissable islands at a comfortable pace — enough time to truly experience each one, not just pass through.
Start with Tahiti (arrival + acclimatization), then Moorea (nature, authenticity, whales in season), then finish with Bora Bora (the grand finale). Never do Bora Bora first — everything else will feel anticlimactic by comparison.
Most international flights arrive late at night or early morning. Don't fight it — your first day is for recovering from the jet lag (+11h from NY, +21h from Europe). Stay near the airport or in Papeete. Our recommendation: Hilton Tahiti (7 min from the airport, excellent pool, great value) or Kon Tiki Boutique Hotel in downtown Papeete for a budget-friendly option.
Day 2: hit the Papeete Market first thing in the morning — tropical fruit, black pearls, local crafts, the whole sensory experience. Then rent a car and drive to Teahupo'o on the wild Tahiti Iti peninsula. This is the legendary Olympic surf break village and our favorite place on the main island. Wild, remote, authentically Polynesian. Don't skip it for another day in Papeete.
Teahupo'o — the legendary Olympic surf village on Tahiti's wild peninsula. Our favorite place on the main island and a must on any honest Tahiti itinerary.
Morning: drive the coastal road around Tahiti's interior. Pro tip: bring your rental car on the ferry to Moorea (book the vehicle spot 24h ahead) — it's cheaper than renting a second car on the island. Late morning: take the ferry from Papeete to Moorea (~45 min, €15/person). Arrive and settle in before exploring.
Taahiamanu beach in Moorea — one of the best free snorkeling spots on the island, no boat needed, blacktip sharks directly from the shore
Moorea is our home — we live here and love it more every day. It's more authentic than Bora Bora, more dramatic than Tahiti, and gives you the full Polynesian experience at a fraction of the cost. Four nights here is the right amount of time.
Belvedere viewpoint — the most photographed viewpoint in French Polynesia. Panoramic view of Cook's Bay and Opunohu Bay from above. Go in the morning for soft light and fewer tourists. It's the starting point for the Magic Mountain hike (1.5h round trip, totally worth it).
Lagoon tour with snorkeling — our #1 recommendation. Half or full day with a local guide: swim with stingrays, blacktip reef sharks, and sea turtles in the clear lagoon. We personally use the guides we know and recommend in our Moorea snorkeling guide. Absolutely unmissable.
Whale watching (August–November) — if you're visiting between August and November, this is the experience of a lifetime. Humpback whales in Moorea's warm bays, often just meters from the boat. We've done it multiple times and it never gets old. See our full whale watching guide for Moorea.
Safari 4x4 tour — explore Moorea's lush interior with a local guide: pineapple plantations, vanilla farms, ancient marae (temples), and panoramic views from the island's volcanic ridges. Book in advance — popular tours fill up fast.
Cook's Bay from the Belvedere viewpoint in Moorea — one of the most spectacular views in all of French Polynesia
Moorea's lagoon with its volcanic peaks backdrop — the setting for humpback whale encounters from August to November. Often just meters from the boat
Morning flight from Moorea or Tahiti to Bora Bora (~50 min with Air Tahiti). On arrival, you land on a small motu — from there, your resort arranges a private boat transfer to the main island. The approach by boat, with the turquoise lagoon and Mont Otemanu in front of you, is genuinely one of the most beautiful arrivals in the world. Book flights early — Bora Bora flights in peak season sell out.
Full-day lagoon tour — the #1 activity in Bora Bora, no contest. A full day by boat: snorkel in the coral garden, swim with manta rays (wingspans over 2m), spot blacktip reef sharks, and finish with a traditional Polynesian picnic lunch on a private motu. It's everything Bora Bora is famous for, condensed into one day.
Helicopter tour — if there's one splurge worth making in Bora Bora, this is it. 20 minutes above the island reveals its true scale: the lagoon in 50 shades of blue, Mont Otemanu rising from the center, Tupai heart-shaped atoll in the distance. We did this on our honeymoon and still talk about it. Book as soon as you have your dates — it fills up weeks in advance.
Overwater bungalow — staying in an overwater bungalow in Bora Bora is the experience that defines the island. Wake up to the lagoon beneath your feet. Step from your deck directly into the water. Watch the sunrise paint Mont Otemanu pink from your private terrace. If your budget allows at least 2–3 nights, do it. Our picks: Conrad Bora Bora (best Mont Otemanu views), St. Regis (most exclusive), Pearl Resorts (best value overwater).
Sunset cruise — evening boat or catamaran cruise on the lagoon. The sky turns pink, orange and red behind the silhouette of Mont Otemanu. The most romantic ending to a Bora Bora day, especially if you're on a honeymoon.
The Conrad Bora Bora — overwater bungalows with a direct view of Mont Otemanu. The perfect finale to a 10-day French Polynesia itinerary
Bora Bora from the helicopter — the lagoon's 50 shades of blue and Mont Otemanu from above. Our most recommended splurge for this itinerary
Where to stay — honest recommendations for each island
Tahiti (Days 1–3)
Hilton Tahiti — our top pick. 7 minutes from the airport, large pool, beautiful grounds, easy access to both the airport and downtown Papeete. Perfect for an arrival night or a recovery day. Kon Tiki Boutique Hotel — central Papeete, well-priced, good for late-night arrivals on a budget.
The Hilton Tahiti — our recommended base for the first nights of your 10-day French Polynesia itinerary
Moorea (Days 3–7)
Sofitel Moorea Ia Ora — overwater bungalows with mountain views, excellent beach, great location on the west coast. Better value than equivalent Bora Bora options. Hilton Moorea Lagoon — slightly more family-friendly, good central location. For a budget-conscious option, family guesthouses (pensions) on the west coast offer an authentic Polynesian experience with home-cooked meals included.
The Sofitel Moorea — overwater bungalows with mountain and lagoon views at significantly better value than Bora Bora equivalents
Bora Bora (Days 7–10)
Conrad Bora Bora — the most iconic. Best Mont Otemanu views from the overwater bungalows. St. Regis Bora Bora — most exclusive, villa suites with private pools. Pearl Resorts Bora Bora — best value overwater bungalow option without compromising on the lagoon experience. Book 12–18 months ahead for peak season (July–September).
The St. Regis Bora Bora — one of the most exclusive overwater bungalow experiences in French Polynesia
Budget breakdown — 10 days in French Polynesia
| Budget level | Accommodation | Est. total/person (flights incl.) |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | Guesthouses throughout | $3,500–5,000 |
| Mid-range | Mix guesthouses + mid resorts | $5,000–8,000 |
| Premium | 4–5★ resorts, some overwater | $8,000–12,000 |
| Luxury | Conrad / St. Regis overwater | $12,000–20,000+ |
Guesthouse in Moorea (genuine Polynesian hospitality, home-cooked meals, ~$100/night) + 3 nights overwater bungalow in Bora Bora specifically. You get both the authentic experience AND the iconic dream — at roughly 35% less than going luxury throughout.
Practical tips — what to know before your Tahiti itinerary
Getting there
All flights arrive at Papeete's Faa'a International Airport (PPT). From the US: Air Tahiti Nui flies direct from Los Angeles (~8h). From Europe: Air France or Air Tahiti Nui via Paris CDG (~22h total). Book 6–9 months ahead for the best fares.
Book in the right order
This is the most common planning mistake. The correct order: 1. Book accommodation (overwater bungalows sell out 12–18 months ahead) → 2. Book international flight → 3. Book inter-island flights → 4. Book activities. Never start with flights — you'll end up with no room at the resort you wanted.
Inter-island transport
Tahiti → Moorea: 45-min ferry (€15/person), several departures daily. Take the car ferry if you want one vehicle for both islands. Moorea/Tahiti → Bora Bora: 50-min Air Tahiti flight. Book at least 3 months ahead, earlier for peak season.
When to go
Dry season (May–October) is best — clear skies, flat lagoons, comfortable temperatures. August–October is our top recommendation: dry season PLUS humpback whale season in Moorea. July is peak crowds and prices. November and April are the best shoulder months for value.
US citizens & passports
No visa required for US citizens for stays under 90 days. Valid passport required. French Polynesia uses the CFP Franc (XPF) — 1 USD ≈ 110 XPF. Cards are widely accepted in the Society Islands; bring some cash for local markets and smaller islands.
Many visitors book in July because "it's high season." But whales arrive in Moorea around late July and are still too shy for reliable encounters. From August onwards, encounters are near-guaranteed. If whale watching is on your list, plan for August–October — you'll also pay less than peak July prices.
Extending your French Polynesia itinerary to 2 weeks or more
If you have more than 10 days, adding a stop in the Tuamotu atolls transforms a great trip into an unforgettable one. The contrast between the Society Islands (green volcanic peaks, lush jungle) and the Tuamotu (flat coral atolls, impossibly turquoise lagoons, total silence) is one of the most striking in all of travel.
Add Tikehau or Rangiroa (3–4 nights)
Tikehau is our personal favorite — Cousteau called it "the world's most fish-rich atoll." The pink lagoon, manta rays, and Coco Dive's guided passes are extraordinary. Rangiroa offers the famous Blue Lagoon and legendary shark dives in the Tiputa pass. Either can be added between Tahiti and Moorea, or as a dedicated extension.
Rangiroa in the Tuamotu — a completely different world from the Society Islands. Adding 3–4 nights here transforms a 10-day trip into a 2-week one worth every extra day
Extended itinerary 3 Weeks in French Polynesia — Tuamotu & Society Islands How to combine the Society Islands with Tikehau, Fakarava and Rangiroa in 3 weeks.Tahiti, Moorea & Bora Bora — Complete Island Guides
Each island in this 10-day itinerary deserves its own deep dive. Click on any island for our complete resident guide — best activities, where to stay, how to get there, honest tips.
FAQ — 10-Day Tahiti & French Polynesia Itinerary
Useful guides for your French Polynesia itinerary
Our island Best Things to Do in Moorea — Complete Guide 2026 Every activity, beach and experience in Moorea — from residents who live here. Bora Bora Best Things to Do in Bora Bora — Activities & Resorts 2026 Lagoon tours, helicopter, overwater bungalows — the complete Bora Bora guide. Whale watching Best Whale Watching Tours in Moorea — Season & Operators Everything about whale watching in Moorea — best months, operators and what to expect. When to go Best Time to Visit French Polynesia — Month by Month Guide Dry season, whale season, Heiva festival — the complete timing guide for your itinerary. Overwater bungalows Best Overwater Bungalows in Bora Bora — Resort Comparison Conrad vs Four Seasons vs St. Regis vs Pearl — honest comparison for every budget. Flights Air Tahiti Inter-Island Pass — Is It Worth It? All the inter-island flight options, circuits and passes explained.
About us
WELCOME !
👉 Here, we share our best travel experiences, insider tips, favorite spots, and authentic advice to explore French Polynesia with passion 💙 (Tahiti, Moorea, Bora Bora, Huahine, the Marquesas, Tuamotu…)
