Honeymoon: Tahiti, Moorea, Bora Bora
Duration : 12 days
Route : Tahiti / Papeete (1 night) → flight Moorea (3 nights, Cook Bay) → flight Bora Bora (6 nights, overwater bungalow) → return flight Tahiti (1 night)
Custom travel to French Polynesia
French Polynesia is one of the world's most legendary paradises — 118 islands scattered across 5.5 million km² of Pacific Ocean (equivalent to Europe), 5 archipelagos (Society, Tuamotu, Marquesas, Austral, Gambier), 280,000 inhabitants. Bora Bora and its turquoise lagoon, considered the world's most beautiful by James Michener. Eden-like Moorea, Tahiti and its lively market. Tuamotu and Fakarava (UNESCO Biosphere, diving among gray sharks). Marquesas, wild lands where Gauguin and Brel lived and rest. Mahohi culture (Polynesian) — ori tahiti dances, traditional tattoos, vahinés and tané, Hina and Maui myths. The quintessential honeymoon destination, but it offers much more to those who take time: inter-island cruise, humpback whale diving, hikes in Hiva Oa valleys.
Highlights
- Bora Bora: world's most beautiful lagoon and overwater bungalows
- Moorea: cathedral mountains and iconic Temae Beach
- Tahiti: Papeete market and Mahohi culture
- Fakarava and Tuamotu: diving with gray sharks (UNESCO)
- Marquesas Islands: lands of Gauguin and Brel
- Humpback whales in Rurutu (Austral, August-October)
Sample itineraries
Society and Tuamotu: diving and lagoons
Duration : 14 days
Route : Tahiti (1 night) → flight Moorea (3 nights) → flight Tahaa-Raiatea (3 nights, vanilla) → flight Bora Bora (3 nights) → flight Fakarava (3 nights, diving) → return Tahiti (1 night)
Marquesas: wild lands of Gauguin and Brel
Duration : 16 days
Route : Tahiti (2 nights) → Aranui 5 cruise (12 days, 6 Marquesas islands: Hiva Oa, Tahuata, Fatu Hiva, Nuku Hiva, Ua Pou, Ua Huka) → return Tahiti (2 nights)
When to go
French Polynesia offers two distinct seasons. Dry season (May-October, austral winter): the perfect season — pleasant climate (24-28 °C), little rain, clear sky, clear lagoon water (30 m+ diving visibility), refreshing trade wind. Wet season (November-April, austral summer): hotter (28-32 °C), frequent rain (short but intense tropical showers), 80% humidity, sometimes cyclones (rare but possible January-March). However, colors are more intense and hotels cheaper. For Rurutu humpback whales: August-October only (migration). For Fakarava diving: June (record shark concentration during reproduction).
- Dry season (high season) (May – October) — Bora Bora, Moorea, Fakarava, Rurutu whales (Aug-Oct)
- Transition (April – May and October – November) — All archipelagos, more accessible prices
- Wet season (low season) (November – April) — Honeymoon with tighter budget
- Whale peak (August – October) — Rurutu (Austral), Tahiti, Moorea (occasional)
Practical information
French Polynesia is very safe. No visa for French citizens (French overseas territory). Card accepted in resort hotels, but cash (XPF) recommended in family pensions and markets. Tap water drinkable in Tahiti and Moorea, avoid on atolls (use filtered water). Tipping not mandatory (but appreciated). Tropical climate: high sunscreen (sensitive reefs, choose reef-safe without oxybenzone), hat, mosquito repellent. Cyclones rare but possible January-March. Significant time difference (−12 h in French summer) — 1-2 days of adaptation at start and end of trip.
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time for a French Polynesia trip?
May-October (dry season) is ideal — pleasant climate (24-28 °C), little rain, clear water. November-April (wet season) is hotter and humid but cheaper. For Rurutu whales: August-October only.
How long for a Polynesia trip?
Minimum 12 days for Tahiti + Moorea + Bora Bora (given the 12 h time difference, 14 days recommended). 14-16 days to add Fakarava or Tahaa. 16+ for Marquesas or Austral.
What budget?
As a guideline, €5,800-€8,000 per person for 12-14 days in comfort, excluding flights. For a premium honeymoon with Bora Bora overwater: €9,500-€14,000. Exclusive (Brando, Four Seasons): €18,000-€30,000. Paris-Tahiti flights: €1,800-€3,000.
Do I need a visa?
No for French citizens — Polynesia is a French overseas territory (Overseas Country). ID card or passport sufficient. For foreigners: visa depending on nationality.
How to get between the islands?
Air Tahiti domestic flights essential (47 destinations, Tahiti-Bora Bora 50 min, Tahiti-Fakarava 1 h 30, Tahiti-Marquesas 3 h 30). Ferry Tahiti-Moorea (30 min, scenic). Aranui 5 cruise (Marquesas, 12 days) or Paul Gauguin (Society-Tuamotu).
Should I choose overwater or beach bungalow?
Overwater is the iconic experience — direct lagoon access, total intimacy, panoramic view. But expensive (€1,500-€3,000/night in season). Beach bungalow: 50-70% cheaper, direct sand access, but without the aquatic magic. My advice: 2-3 overwater nights + rest in beach or garden bungalow.
Bora Bora or Moorea: which to choose?
Ideally both! Moorea for dramatic landscapes (cathedral mountains), more authentic and affordable. Bora Bora for overwater luxury and legendary lagoon. Advice: 3 nights Moorea + 5-6 nights Bora Bora for complete experience.
How to swim with whales in Rurutu?
Only August-October (humpback whale migration from Antarctica). Very strict regulation: maximum 10 per group, minimum distance, limited duration, certified guide supervision. Tahiti-Rurutu flight (1 h 30), family pension on-site.
How to dive in Fakarava?
Intermediate+ level required (open water + 30-50 dives) due to strong currents in passes. Dive centers in Tetamanu (south, gray sharks) and Rotoava (north). 2 dives/day. Peak gray shark concentration: June (reproduction).
Should I plan for tips?
Not mandatory (Polynesian culture doesn't value tipping). But 5-10% appreciated for exceptional service in resort hotels.