10 Days in French Polynesia: Your Ultimate Itinerary
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French Polynesian islands offer endless options of luxury, adventure, and culture. Making this the ultimate trip. With a choice of 118 islands, you can’t go wrong choosing paradise. This itinerary provides a balance of rugged adventure, luxury paradise, and rich culture. From luscious mountains to pristine beaches, you will leave French Polynesia wanting more. Save this itinerary for a perfect 10 days in the Pacific.
3-4 Days – Nuku Hiva
The dramatic cliffs of this unique island are noticeable from the airplane window upon landing. From the airport, it feels like you have landed on a desolate island in an episode of Survivor. Surprisingly enough, we later visited a beach featured in a season of the show! During our taxi ride to the main village on the other side of the island, we traveled along cliffs. We also passed through forests and encountered wild horses.
Nuku Hiva is part of the Marquesas Islands. It is noticeably different from the island of Tahiti or other heavily visited islands. For example, there are few sandy beaches here and more sharp cliffs. The Marquesas Islands are less frequented by tourists, making it a more authentic destination to experience the true Polynesian culture.
Things To Do:
Waterfall Hike
Book a hiking tour with Cannibal Art. The location is only reachable by boat and requires jumping out in shallow waters to reach the beach. Tangy and Ana are great hosts. First, they welcome you to their family’s village. Next, they guide you through the lush jungle to a beautiful waterfall. The ancestral history of this area can be felt through each tiki that is encountered. Tangy’s family has resided in this area for thousands of years. It is remarkable to see the resilience of his people to continue this unique way of life. Hiking through mud and crossing a stream is tough. It is not for the faint of heart, but the reward at the end is breathtaking.
You have the choice to hike halfway to the Vaipo waterfall and stop at the incredible lookout spot. Or if you are more adventurous, hike all the way to the waterfall. They also offer the choice to camp overnight and do extra exploration around their piece of the island.
After reaching the waterfall, hike back to spend time at the beach. This incredible, secluded beach was featured in a season of Survivor and is part of the property Tangy’s family inhabits. So, it’s the perfect place to relax after a long day of hiking!
Road Trip
On your second full day, rent a car and explore the island. Visit new areas, such as another village, Hatihe’u. There are multiple lookout spots along the drive. Next, grab lunch at Eurl Hinako-Nui. Be sure to try the Poisson-Cru while you’re here, it’s the national dish of Tahiti! Just beware – it’s raw fish.
Where To Stay:
With limited options of accommodation, be sure to book this stay well in advance. There are many pension stays available, as well as one luxury property. Most pensions also provide meals, which is helpful on an island with few options for restaurants!
Budget/Mid-Range
Luxury
This specific hotel requires a 3-night stay, so you should plan for a longer visit if you choose this option.
3 Days – Taha’a
French vanilla and black pearls are the theme of island number two, Taha’a. Getting here requires flying back to the main island of Tahiti and taking a flight to Raiatea. Since the island of Taha’a has no airport, you must fly to the neighboring island and then take a boat. But be aware that the ferry only operates during specific hours. If your flight arrives outside of those hours, you may have to arrange a private transfer.
Taha’a is the island neighboring Bora Bora and is perfect for those seeking luxury, while avoiding Bora Bora. This is one of the most luxurious islands in French Polynesia!
Things To Do:
The best activity during a visit to Taha’a is a boat tour with Are Tours. This tour begins in Raiatea. If you are staying on the island of Taha’a, they can prearrange an alternative pick-up spot on the island.
Rum Distillery
First stop on the tour is at Domaine Pari Pari, a rum distillery. Staff at the distillery provide a tour of their process, as well as showing other items they offer. Following the tour, you can sample or buy products before getting back on the boat. I tried a flight of the rum, and it was some of the strongest I’ve ever tasted!
Snorkeling
Next was the breathtakingly beautiful coral reef near the Le Taha’a Resort. After getting off the boat near a motu, you walk to the starting place of the reef. There is a strong current through the reef, so be cautious when entering. This reef was breathtaking and is worth exploring! Just beware of the fire coral while snorkeling to avoid injury.
Pearl Farm
Following the reef was a stop at Love Here Pearl Farm. Here, they provide a tour around the property where they are harvesting pearls. The guide provides detailed information about the entire process, and you can see the staff at work. After the tour, be sure to look around their shop and pick something to take home as a beautiful souvenir! These Tahitian pearls are special for their dark, exotic colors.
Motu Lunch
Next it is time for lunch on a secluded motu! The tour provides a wonderful buffet along the beach and there are picnic tables in the water. It is such a unique experience. Exotic fish touch your feet as you enjoy a meal in the ocean. Also, look out for the small sharks swimming nearby. After eating, put on your snorkel gear and swim along blacktip sharks for a unique experience! This was one of the most surreal experiences of the entire trip. Nothing is as adventurous and exciting as swimming with sharks. Once everyone has finished eating, your guides will demonstrate harvesting a coconut from the tree – climbing included!
Vanilla Plantation
Lastly, head to a vanilla plantation and learn the process of Tahitian vanilla. The island of Taha’a is known for its vanilla. It is the best place to go in French Polynesia for Tahitian vanilla. After explaining the process of making vanilla, you have the option to purchase products in their shop. I chose powdered vanilla, and it is great to sprinkle on a latte for a fresh vanilla flavor!
This tour is a great way to experience the entire island in a day! It also makes it easy to island hop for a day if you choose to stay in Raiatea as well.
Biking
Another great way to experience the island is to bike around. I took a long bike ride along the ocean. It is a great way to get in a workout while the view distracts you!
Where To Stay:
Mid-Range
This incredible stay features a perfect view of Bora Bora on the horizon. Mathieu is a wonderful host and helps arrange transfers to and from the property. There is also an option for homemade breakfast and dinner, which are delicious! The property also features free access to kayaks and bicycles. Guests can also snorkel through the reef off the beach.
Luxury
2-3 Days – Mo’orea
The island Mo’orea is known for adventure and luxury and is quickly taking popularity from Bora Bora. This island offers a cheaper alternative to experience that luxury. Mo’orea is also a great place to visit for those seeking bucket list experiences! The island is only a 45-minute ferry ride from Tahti, so it is one of the easiest islands to reach. So, this island is at the top of most people’s bucket list.
Things To Do:
Hello Reef Tahiti
The activity I highly recommend in Mo’orea is a tour with Hello Reef Tahiti. This company works to restore and build the coral reef around the island, and you can help with this! Five different hotel properties offer eco tours. On these tours, you learn about coral and its ecosystem. Then, you can create coral cuttings, prep coral for transplant, and transplant coral onto the reef. It is incredible to learn about coral. You discover various factors that can harm them and understand their importance to our planet. And you also learn about things that can be done to protect the reef. You actually use a power drill underwater when planting the coral!
Island Tours
This island is great for snorkeling and hiking. Take the opportunity to snorkel with sharks and rays at various beaches around the island. Then, plan to hike up Magic Mountain for a perfect view. If you’d rather skip the hike, there are many tours with 4×4 or ATVs to take you to the top. Another great hike is Belvedere Lookout, which many day tours on the island stop at.
One hike that I was looking forward to doing was Mont Mou’a Puta. Unfortunately, the guided hike I booked was canceled due to them being unavailable the day I could hike. It is a hike you do without a guide, but I felt safer having one, so I did not go. Most importantly, you should avoid doing this hike if there has been a recent shower. The hike is dangerous due to the risk of slipping while reaching the top. So be flexible if you plan this hike, as it could be canceled.
Whale Watching
Another activity that is extremely popular in Mo’orea, but is seasonal dependent, is whale watching! Whale watching season runs from July to November. So if you plan to visit during these months, don’t miss this special experience!
Where To Stay:
There are endless options for places to stay in Mo’orea, and at various price points!
Budget
Mid-Range
Luxury
Keep in mind they are not as regularly updated as those on Bora Bora.
1-2 Days – Tahiti
Finally, the main island of French Polynesia will be your primary airport hub. Most flights will require you to fly back to Tahiti between islands. Depending on your flight times, you may have to stay overnight on the island to make connections. We had an early flight back to LAX, so we stayed our last night on Tahiti.
Things To Do:
Tahiti offers adventure and is great for chasing waterfalls! For instance, there are many tours seeing these waterfalls. It is also a great island to do water activities like snorkeling. There are a couple black sand beaches worth visiting. If you enjoy exploring cities, Papeete is worth your time. They have markets to shop at.
Where To Stay:
Budget
Mid-Range/Luxury
InterContinental Resort Tahiti
Summary
French Polynesia has endless options for the perfect getaway. Each island is unique and offers something different than the next. Choose the islands best for you to have the best time! If you love “off-the-beaten-path” and rugged beauty, Nuku Hiva is perfect for you. Taha’a is the island to go to for those that love secluded luxury. And if you’re seeking adventure and luxury mixed into one, Mo’orea is the one stop you have to make! No matter where you travel, you will spend some time in Tahiti! Where are you going first?
