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Society Islands —
Tahiti, Moorea, Bora Bora & Beyond
The Society Islands are by far the most visited archipelago in French Polynesia. Seven volcanic islands ringed by lagoons protected by barrier reefs: Tahiti, Moorea, Huahine, Raiatea, Taha'a, Bora Bora, Maupiti. Each has its own personality. This guide helps you choose which to visit, how long to stay, and how to combine them.
Tahiti & Moorea — The gateway
The Windward Islands are the most accessible — connected by ferry (Moorea) or short flight (the others). Tahiti is the mandatory landing point, Moorea the natural first stop. Together they form the essential duo of a first trip.
The largest island in French Polynesia. Papeete and its lively market, black-sand beaches, the Faarumai waterfalls, the wild coast of the peninsula. Often given too little time — it deserves at least 3 days.
Opunohu Bay, manta rays, snorkeling with sharks, the Belvedere hike. The most complete island in the Society group at the best value for money — 30 minutes from Tahiti by ferry.
2 to 3 days in Tahiti (arrival + visit) then 3 to 4 days in Moorea. Don't skip Moorea even if you're heading to Bora Bora next — they're two very different experiences, and Moorea is often travellers' favourite.
Huahine, Raiatea, Taha'a, Bora Bora, Maupiti — The great western arc
45 minutes' flight from Papeete, the Leeward Islands form an arc that is less touristy, more authentic, and often more beautiful than the Windward Islands. It's also the base for catamaran cruises. Bora Bora is the star here — but Maupiti, Huahine and Taha'a are often the trip's real revelations.
Two islands in one lagoon — Huahine Nui and Huahine Iti. Pearl farms, the sacred eels of Maeva, deserted motu. No international resort — Polynesia the way it used to be, preserved.
The spiritual heart of ancient Polynesia. UNESCO-listed Marae Taputapuatea, diving in the Faaroa river, the main base for catamaran charters. Less touristy — but essential.
Shares its lagoon with Raiatea. Tahiti's vanilla island. Brilliant-white private motu, the Pearl Resort on stilts, dreamy snorkeling. A stop you won't forget.
The most photographed lagoon in the world, overwater bungalows, Mount Otemanu. Touristy and expensive — but with a lagoon whose beauty justifies the reputation. See it at least once.
The smallest and most preserved of the Leeward Islands. No hotels, no resorts — family guesthouses. An almost unreal lagoon, manta rays roaming free. For travellers seeking the essential.
Comparing the 7 islands at a glance
| Island | Vibe | Budget | Ideal for | Skip if |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tahiti | Urban, contrasted | $$ | Arrival, culture, food | You want an overwater bungalow |
| Moorea | Volcanic, accessible | $$ | First trip, couples, families | You're after total isolation |
| Huahine | Wild, authentic | $$ | Independent travellers, culture | You want a luxury resort |
| Raiatea | Deep, spiritual | $$ | History, diving, catamarans | You're after a public beach |
| Taha'a | Intimate, lush | $$ to $$$$ | Couples, honeymoons, snorkeling | Affordable island except the Pearl Resort |
| Bora Bora | Spectacular, touristy | $$$$ | Honeymoons, bucket list | You're avoiding crowds |
| Maupiti | Preserved, intimate | $$ | Experienced travellers, manta rays | You want hotel-level comfort |
How to combine the Society Islands
Most international flights land in Papeete — so you'll always start with Tahiti. The question is which islands next, in what order, and for how long.
10 days — the classic circuit
Tahiti (2d) → Moorea (3d) → Bora Bora (3d) → back to Tahiti (1d). The most popular, most photographed circuit. Perfect for a first trip.
14 days — the fuller version
Tahiti (2d) → Moorea (3d) → Huahine (2d) → Raiatea/Taha'a (2d) → Bora Bora (3d) → back to Tahiti. You add the authentic islands before the grand finale in Bora Bora.
18 days — the grand tour
Tahiti (2d) → Moorea (3d) → Huahine (2d) → Raiatea/Taha'a (3d) → Maupiti (2d) → Bora Bora (3d) → back to Tahiti. For those who want to see it all — or do the circuit by catamaran.
Save Bora Bora for last. After Bora Bora, everything else feels a little less spectacular — whereas going the other way, each island pleasantly surprises you before the grand finale.
Inter-island transport in the Society Islands
Two main ways to move between the islands: the Air Tahiti domestic flight and the Moorea ferry. Flights are short (20 to 45 min) but pricey and often full in high season — book early.
| Route | Duration | Indicative price | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tahiti → Moorea (ferry) | 30 min | ~$15 | Frequent, ideal |
| Tahiti → Huahine | 45 min | ~$95–140 | Book early |
| Tahiti → Raiatea | 45 min | ~$95–140 | Catamaran base |
| Tahiti → Bora Bora | 50 min | ~$110–165 | Very popular |
| Tahiti → Maupiti | 1h | ~$120–175 | 2 flights/week |
Accommodation in the Society Islands
The Society Islands cover every budget — from Polynesian family guesthouses at $85/night to overwater bungalows at $1,600/night. The big decision: do you really need an overwater bungalow?
Complete accommodation guide Overwater Bungalows in French Polynesia — How to Choose? Moorea vs Bora Bora, real prices, the best resorts — our honest guide. Honeymoon Overwater Bungalows for a Honeymoon — Our Recommendations The best resorts for an unforgettable honeymoon in the Society Islands.
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