ULTIMATE FRENCH POLYNESIA ITINERARY
Bora Bora, Mo'orea, & Tahiti
9 days, 8 nights
Seasons
HIGH SEASON - Populated with families
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June, July, Aug - coolest and driest months (Winter)
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Hi 84°F (29°C), Low 72°F (22°C)
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Sept, Oct - cool and relatively dry (Spring)
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Hi 84°F (29°C), Low 73°F (23°C)
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SHOULDER SEASON - less people, best rates, good weather
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April, May - warm with showers that pass quickly (Fall)
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Hi 88°F (31°C), Low 75°F (24°C)
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Nov - warm with more showers, but pass quickly (Spring)
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Hi 88°F (31°C), Low 75°F (24°C)
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LOW SEASON - less people, lower rates, very lush, rainy
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Dec, Jan, Feb, March - rainy season (Summer)
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Hi 86°F (30°C), Low 75°F (24°C)
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Lots of rain, unpredictable weather, hot and humid
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Currency
XPF - French Polynesia Franc (0.0099 US Dollar)
USD - U.S. dollars are also accepted in some areas
Credit Cards - most credit cards are accepted
Languages Spoken
French
Tahitian
English
When did we go?
NOVEMBER - the weather was great. We experienced a combination of sunshine, rain, and clouds, but storms passed quickly and the sun was strong. BRING SUNSCREEN!!
Sea Temperature
Year round, the water temperature remains consistent between 81°F to 84°F (27°C-29°C).
Budget $$$$$
French Polynesia is EXPENSIVE. All of the FP Islands are exclusive and remote. Because of this, a majority of their food is imported. Bora Bora is easily the most expensive island due to its reputation, shear beauty, and limited accommodations. If you want the ultimate over-water bungalow experience, you're looking at $600+/night, and that's for a 3 Star resort...during low season. Worth it? That's relative. For us, yes! Once in a lifetime experience.
Be sure to check out this guide for detailed information on airlines, accommodations, food, things to do, and more!
French Polynesia Itinerary
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Day 1 - Fly into Papeete, Tahiti + Bora Bora
Day 3 - Explore Resort + Amenities
Day 4 - Sunrise + Fly to Mo'orea
Day 5 - 4WD Tour + Pre-booked Dinner
Day 6 - Horseback Riding + Bike around island
Day 7 - Hiking + Private Sunset Cruise
DAY 1
Fly into Tahiti + Bora Bora
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Overnight flight from LAX (Los Angeles, California) to Papeete, Tahiti via Air Tahiti Nui
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Duration of flight - 8h, 10m (nonstop)
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Connecting flight to Bora Bora via Air Tahiti
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Duration of flight - 50m (nonstop)
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Pre-book transportation - boat transfer via Le Meridien (hotel accommodation)
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Cost - $123 USD per person, round trip
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Check into Le Meridien (Marriott Resort)
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Explore resort and amenities
DAY 2
Snorkeling Adventure
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Excursion: signature lagoon snorkeling tour via Viator
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Duration - 4h, pick up from hotel by boat
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Cost - $140 USD per person (includes water, snacks, snorkel gear)
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Snorkeling in Bora Bora is a must. The pristine waters, gorgeous reefs, and unique marine life are the reasons why this tiny island is a desired destination
DAY 3
Explore Resort + Amenities
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Swim, snorkel, relax on beach, lagoons, and pools + lunch at pool bar
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There are plenty of areas to snorkel within the lagoons of the resort
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Pre-book Dinner at St. Regis Resort*
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Transportation - complimentary from Le Meridien to St. Regis Resort via boat taxi
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Fun Fact - the St. Regis Resort is where the movie "Couples Retreat" was filmed!
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DAY 4
Sunrise + Fly to Mo'orea
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Wake up extra early, head to east side of resort and cross over the rocks to the ocean side (south pacific ocean) to watch the sunrise.
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You don't want to miss this!
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Boat transfer from Resort to Bora Bora airport
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Fly from Bora Bora to Mo'orea via Air Tahiti
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Duration of flight - 45m (nonstop)
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Arrive in Mo'orea main airport
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Pre-book transportation ONE WAY* via Hotel shuttle (email concierge prior to arrival)
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One way only - You will take the ferry back to Tahiti in lieu of flying (30m ferry ride)
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Check into Intercontinental* Mo'orea
(permanently closed now due to Covid-19
DAY 5
4WD Tour + Pre-booked Dinner
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Excursion: Mo'orea 4WD tour including Belvedere Pineapple Farm, Magic Mountain, and Vanilla Bean Plantation via Trip Advisor
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Duration - 4h (email beforehand to set up transportation - they pick you up)
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Cost - $57 USD per person
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Pre-booked dinner at Holy Steak House (across the street)
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Set up in advance through concierge
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DAY 6
Horseback Ride + Bike Island
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Excursion: Horseback riding at Ranch Opunohu Valley via Trip Advisor
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Duration - 2h
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Grab lunch at local spot Snack Mahana (can do this while on the bike ride)
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Biking around Island - Grab bikes from hotel
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Small fee for the day
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Mo'orea ring road around island is 42 miles
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Duration - 4-8 hours, depending on stopping for hiking trails/pictures
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See BLOG for stops along ring road
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Dinner - Polynesian dinner and show at resort
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Cirque Du Soleil theme
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Cost - $90 USD per person
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DAY 7
Hiking + Sunset Cruise
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Self guided hike: Three coconut trees pass
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Duration - 4.1 miles (6.6km), allow for 2-3 hours total time
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Lunch at local spot A I'Heure du Sud food truck
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Excursion: Private half day sunset catamaran sail and snorkel (highly recommend!)
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Duration - 4 hours
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Cost - $550 USD total (for entire boat)
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Includes: swim/snorkel with sharks and stingrays, swim/snorkel near coral reef, delicious island themed dinner, drinks, and optional professional photos
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DAY 8
Dolphin Encounter + Free Day
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Excursion: Dolphin Encounter via Mo'orea Dolphin Center (this was on property)
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No longer open due to hotel closing
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Lunch at Snack Mahana again (because it was so good!)
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Explore resort, relax in lagoons, pools, and beach
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Dinner - Polynesian dinner and show at resort (Polynesia Pig Roast)
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Cost - $90 USD per person
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DAY 9
Massage + Return Home
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Private couples massage at Reikilibre-Toi
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Duration - 1.5h (they also offer 1h)
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Cost - $300 total (for both of us)
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Massage is on the beach under a tiki hut
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Hotel shuttle to ferry port
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Terevau Ferry - check ferry times
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Cost - $11.50 USD per person, one way
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Duration - 30m
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Arrive in Tahiti, check bags at airport
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Take shuttle to downtown Tahiti (if time permits)
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Explore downtown Tahiti market, grab dinner
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Take off at midnight from Papeete, Tahiti to LAX, USA via Air Tahiti Nui
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Duration - 7h 40m (nonstop)
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