17-Day Ultimate Family-Friendly Epic Journey in French Polynesia
Embark on a breathtaking 17-day journey across the Society Islands of French Polynesia, a destination that proves paradise is even better when shared with family. This itinerary balances the vibrant energy of Papeete with the emerald lagoons of Moorea and the world-renowned beauty of Bora Bora, all while maintaining a pace that accommodates little travelers and parents alike.
Focusing on accessible locations, short travel durations, and kid-approved activities, this guide ensures you experience the 'Mana' of the islands without the stress. From feeding sacred eels in Huahine to exploring paved botanical gardens in Tahiti, every day is designed for comfort, ease, and unforgettable memories.
Day 1: Papeete, Tahiti - Arrival & Island Welcome
Arrival at Faa'a International Airport
Touch down in paradise. The airport is small and manageable with strollers, featuring a traditional welcome band. Take a short taxi ride to your hotel to drop off bags.
Lunch at Marché de Papeete
The municipal market is a sensory delight. The ground floor is stroller-accessible and perfect for grabbing fresh tropical fruits and 'poisson cru' for a quick, healthy lunch.
Stroll through Paofai Gardens
This waterfront park features wide, paved paths perfect for strollers, plus a dedicated children's playground and beautiful views of the harbor.
Dinner at Les Roulottes
Head to Place Vai'ete for the famous food trucks. It is a casual, open-air environment where kids can enjoy crepes while parents sample grilled mahi-mahi.
Day 2: Papeete, Tahiti - History & Nature
Museum of Tahiti and the Islands
Located in Puna'auia, this recently renovated museum offers accessible galleries showcasing Polynesian history and culture in a kid-friendly, visual way.
Picnic at Vaipahi Water Gardens
Explore exotic flora on well-maintained paths. The lower loops are accessible and lead to a beautiful waterfall that provides a cool mist on warm days.
Marae Arahurahu
Visit this ancient stone temple site. It's an open, grassy area where kids can stretch their legs while learning about ancestral Polynesian traditions.
Sunset at Puna'auia Beach
Relax on the white sands of Plage Vaiava (PK18). The water is shallow and protected by a reef, making it very safe for toddlers.
Day 3: Tahiti Iti - The Wild Side
Scenic Drive to Teahupo'o
Take a relaxed drive to the smaller peninsula of Tahiti. The roads are paved and offer stunning coastal views of the lush mountains.
Boat Tour of the Peninsula
Charter a small, covered boat to see the famous surf break and hidden waterfalls. Many operators offer family-specific tours with life jackets for children.
Lunch at a Local Pension
Enjoy a home-cooked meal at a seaside guest house, focusing on fresh local ingredients and a relaxed 'island time' atmosphere.
Taravao Lookout
Drive up to the plateau for panoramic views that look like the Swiss Alps but with tropical palm trees. It's a great spot for family photos.
Day 4: Moorea - The Sister Island
Ferry to Moorea
Board the high-speed ferry for a scenic 30-minute crossing. The ships have air-conditioned cabins and elevators, making them very stroller-friendly.
Check-in at Cook's Bay
Arrive at your accommodation. Moorea is known for its dramatic peaks and calm bays. Spend the afternoon settling into your island home.
Moorea Tropical Garden
Drive up to this garden for a tasting of local jams. The view over Opunohu Bay is spectacular and requires very little walking.
Dinner by the Lagoon
Enjoy a quiet dinner at a beachfront restaurant where the sound of the waves provides a natural lullaby for the little ones.
Day 5: Moorea - Vistas & Flavors
Belvedere Lookout
A paved road leads directly to this viewpoint. You'll see both Cook's Bay and Opunohu Bay simultaneously—one of the most iconic views in the Pacific.
Rotui Juice Factory Tour
A great indoor activity if it gets too hot. Kids will love sampling the tropical fruit juices while parents can try the local spirits.
Pineapple Field Walk
Take a gentle stroll through the pineapple plantations at the base of the mountains. The paths are flat and easy for small children.
Sunset at Huruhi Bay
Watch the sky turn pink over the water as the local outrigger canoes return for the evening.
Day 6: Moorea - Marine Encounters
Moorea Lagoonarium
Take a short boat ride to a private 'motu' (islet). It is a safe, enclosed environment where even young kids can see fish and rays in shallow water.
Picnic on the Motu
Enjoy a traditional Polynesian lunch on the sand. The islets offer plenty of shade and calm water for splashing.
Rest & Nap Time
Return to the main island for some downtime. Maintaining a relaxed pace is key to a successful family journey.
Polynesian Dinner Show
Experience a cultural dance performance. Many resorts offer family-friendly buffet nights with traditional fire dancing.
Day 7: Moorea - Beach Bliss
Temae Beach
Visit the island's most famous public beach. It has a large shallow area perfect for kids and the sand is soft for building castles.
Lunch at Snack Mahana
A local favorite. This casual eatery offers outdoor seating right on the water. The portions are large and perfect for sharing.
Island Loop Drive
Rent a car for a slow drive around the 60km perimeter of the island. There are many scenic pull-offs and small craft shops along the way.
Fare Tutava Sunset
Grab a fresh fruit smoothie at this small roadside stall and watch the sun dip below the horizon.
Day 8: Huahine - The Garden Island
Flight to Huahine
Take a short 35-minute flight to the most authentic island in the Society group. The airport is tiny and very easy to navigate.
Fare Village Exploration
The main town is quaint and walkable. Visit the local supermarket to stock up on snacks and baby supplies for the next few days.
Check into Lakefront Lodging
Huahine is famous for its large internal lakes. Stay at a property overlooking the water for a peaceful, rural atmosphere.
Dinner at the Yacht Club
A very family-friendly spot in Fare with great views and a menu that caters to international tastes.
Day 9: Huahine - Myths & Magic
Maeva Marae Complex
Explore the highest concentration of ancient temples in Polynesia. The area is flat and easy to walk, located right by the water.
The Sacred Blue-Eyed Eels
Visit the village of Faie. Kids will be fascinated by the large eels that live in the stream. Local vendors sell small tins of fish to feed them.
Belvedere Lookout Huahine
A quick drive up the hill offers a stunning view of Maroe Bay. It's a great place to appreciate the island's 'double' structure.
Visit a Vanilla Plantation
Huahine produces world-class vanilla. A visit to a local farm is educational and smells wonderful for the whole family.
Day 10: Huahine - Lagoon Discoveries
Lagoon Boat Tour
Spend the day on the water. Many boats feature shaded areas and tables, making it easy to keep toddlers comfortable while exploring the bays.
Motu Picnic with a Twist
Enjoy lunch with your feet in the water. Most tours include a demonstration on how to make coconut milk and poisson cru.
Shell Collecting at Low Tide
Huahine’s beaches are known for their beautiful shells. Spend a quiet afternoon beachcombing with the kids.
Quiet Night In
Order a pizza from a local snack shop and enjoy a relaxed evening at your hotel watching the stars.
Day 11: Raiatea - The Sacred Center
Flight to Raiatea
A very quick hop across the water brings you to the administrative center of the Leeward Islands.
Uturoa Town Walk
The town has paved sidewalks and a lovely waterfront. It's the most urbanized spot outside of Papeete, making it very easy for strollers.
Check into a Lagoon Front Villa
Raiatea doesn't have many sandy beaches, so hotels focus on stunning lagoon access and pool facilities.
Dinner at Fish & Blue
A stylish but welcoming restaurant with great seafood and a view of the sunset over the lagoon.
Day 12: Raiatea - UNESCO Heritage
Marae Taputapuatea
Visit this UNESCO World Heritage site. It is an expansive, flat archaeological complex that is easy to navigate with children.
Lunch in Opoa Village
Enjoy a quiet lunch in this remote part of the island, experiencing the true, slow-paced lifestyle of the locals.
Faaroa River Cruise
Explore the only navigable river in French Polynesia by boat. It’s a calm, scenic trip through the jungle that kids will find adventurous.
Mount Temehani Viewpoint
Drive to the lower lookout points for a view of the mountains where the rare Tiare Apetahi flower grows.
Day 13: Taha'a - The Vanilla Island
Day Trip to Taha'a
Take a water taxi to Raiatea's sister island, which shares the same lagoon. Taha'a is even more quiet and traditional.
Champon Pearl Farm
Learn how the famous black pearls are cultured. The farm is located on the water and is a fascinating short stop for all ages.
Coral Garden Drift Snorkel
Near the Taha'a Island Resort, there is a natural coral garden. While older kids snorkel, younger ones can see fish from a glass-bottom bucket.
Return to Raiatea
Enjoy the boat ride back as the light begins to soften over the volcanic peaks.
Day 14: Bora Bora - The Dream Island
Flight to Bora Bora
The world's most beautiful descent. Sit on the left side of the plane for the best views of the lagoon.
Boat Transfer to Resort
Most resorts are on 'motus' and require a boat transfer from the airport—this is your first official tour of the turquoise lagoon!
Beachside Relaxation
Spend your first afternoon enjoying the softest white sand in the world. Matira Beach is the only public beach on the main island and is world-class.
Dinner at the Resort
Many resorts offer casual beachside dining where kids can play in the sand while waiting for their food.
Day 15: Bora Bora - Lagoon Safari
Lagoon Excursion
Book a tour to see stingrays and black-tip reef sharks. Operators are very experienced with children, often holding the rays so kids can touch them safely.
BBQ Lunch on a Private Motu
A classic Bora Bora experience. Enjoy grilled fish and local fruits on a secluded islet with plenty of shade.
Aqua Safari or Glass Bottom Boat
For families with non-swimmers, a glass-bottom boat tour provides a window into the underwater world without getting wet.
Stargazing
With very little light pollution, the Southern Cross and other constellations are brilliantly visible from your bungalow deck.
Day 16: Bora Bora - Island Culture
Vaitape Town Visit
Explore the main village. It's a great place to find high-quality local crafts and pareos (sarongs) for souvenirs.
Lunch at Bloody Mary's
An iconic Bora Bora restaurant. It has a sand floor (great for kids!) and a fun, tropical atmosphere that has hosted many celebrities.
Mount Otemanu Photo Op
Take a slow drive or taxi to various viewpoints of the island's famous jagged peak. The paved road around the island is easy to navigate.
Farewell Dinner
Celebrate your final night in paradise with a special dinner overlooking the illuminated lagoon.
Day 17: Papeete - Last Memories
Final Lagoon Swim
Take one last dip in the crystal-clear waters of Bora Bora before heading to the airport.
Flight back to Papeete
Return to the main island of Tahiti for your international connection.
Vaima Center Shopping
Pick up last-minute gifts at this modern, air-conditioned shopping center in downtown Papeete. It is fully stroller-accessible.
Departure from Faa'a
Head to the airport for your journey home, carrying the 'Mana' of the islands with you.
Best Time to Visit French Polynesia
The best time to visit French Polynesia is during the dry season, from May to October. During these months, the weather is sunny and the humidity is low, making it much more comfortable for families with young children. The 'Heiva' festival in July is a cultural highlight, though it can be busier. The shoulder months of April and November also offer great weather with fewer crowds and slightly lower prices.
Currency & Money
The local currency is the CFP Franc (XPF). While major resorts, restaurants, and shops on Tahiti, Moorea, and Bora Bora widely accept credit cards (Visa and Mastercard), it is essential to carry cash for smaller islands like Huahine or for purchases at local markets and food trucks (roulottes). Tipping is not culturally expected in French Polynesia, though a small tip for exceptional service at high-end resorts is always appreciated.
Getting Around French Polynesia
Inter-island travel is most efficiently handled by domestic flights operated by Air Tahiti. For families, the Air Tahiti Multi-Island Pass is the most cost-effective way to see several islands. On Tahiti and Moorea, renting a car is highly recommended for flexibility with strollers. Between Tahiti and Moorea, the public ferries (Aremiti or Terevau) are excellent, affordable, and very comfortable for children. On smaller islands, water taxis are the primary mode of transport to 'motu' resorts.
