20-Day Ultimate Family-Friendly Epic Journey in French Polynesia
French Polynesia is often seen as a honeymooner's paradise, but it is equally enchanting for families seeking an epic journey. This 20-day route focuses on the Society Islands, offering a blend of accessible cultural sites, calm lagoon waters perfect for little swimmers, and comfortable inter-island travel. We have prioritized islands with developed infrastructure to ensure stroller accessibility and easy access to amenities.
Traveling with children in the islands requires a relaxed pace. We have designed this itinerary to avoid 'travel burnout' by spending multiple nights in each location and choosing activities that cater to all ages. From the bustling markets of Papeete to the crystal-clear shallow waters of Bora Bora, your family will discover the warmth of Polynesian 'Mana' at a comfortable, stress-free rhythm.
Day 1: Papeete, Tahiti - Arrival & Island Welcome
Arrival at Faa'a International Airport
Complete your entry formalities and receive a traditional flower lei welcome. The airport is small and easy to navigate with children.
Check-in at Waterfront Hotel
Choose a hotel with a pool near the city center to minimize travel time after your flight. Relax by the water to help the kids adjust to the time zone.
Dinner at Place Vai'ete (The Roulottes)
Visit the famous food trucks at the waterfront. It is a festive, open-air environment where kids can enjoy crepes or steak frites while parents try Poisson Cru.
Evening Walk on the Promenade
The waterfront walkway is wide, flat, and perfect for a stroller-friendly stroll before heading to bed.
Day 2: Papeete, Tahiti - Cultural Immersion
Marché de Papeete (Public Market)
Explore the vibrant two-story market. The ground floor is filled with colorful fruits and flowers, while the top floor has handicrafts and pearls.
Paofai Gardens
A beautiful green lung in the city with large playgrounds and paved paths. It is the perfect spot for kids to run around safely near the ocean.
Tahiti Pearl Museum
A small, air-conditioned museum that is easy to visit with a stroller. Learn about the unique black pearls of the region.
Sunset at Punaauia
Drive or take a short taxi to the west coast for a stunning view of Moorea across the sea as the sun dips below the horizon.
Day 3: Tahiti - Coastal Exploration
Venus Point & Lighthouse
Visit this historic site where Captain Cook observed the transit of Venus. The black sand beach is calm and great for families.
Lunch at a Local Snack
Enjoy a casual lunch at a 'Snack' (local diner) near the beach. Try the 'Casse-croûte' (local sandwich).
Arahoho Blowhole
A natural wonder where seawater blasts through the rocks. It is easily accessible via a flat path from the parking area.
Faarumai Waterfalls
A short, paved walk leads to impressive waterfalls. The path is manageable for sturdy strollers and provides a cool jungle atmosphere.
Day 4: Moorea - Ferry Crossing & Lagoon Life
Ferry to Moorea
Take the 30-45 minute ferry from Papeete. It is a scenic ride with indoor and outdoor seating, very comfortable for families.
Check-in at Moorea Garden Bungalow
Moorea offers many family-oriented pensions with kitchenettes, allowing you to prepare snacks for the children.
Temae Beach Relaxation
One of the most beautiful public beaches. The water is shallow and turquoise, making it safe for toddlers to splash around.
Family Dinner at Maharepa
The village of Maharepa has several child-friendly restaurants with varied menus including pizza and fresh fish.
Day 5: Moorea - Marine Encounters
Moorea Lagoonarium
Located on a small motu (islet), this is a protected area where you can see fish and rays in a controlled, safe environment.
Picnic Lunch on the Motu
Enjoy a traditional Polynesian lunch prepared by the Lagoonarium staff. Most tours provide shaded areas for kids.
Afternoon Nap & Pool Time
Keep the pace slow. Use the afternoon for a rest at your accommodation to avoid the peak heat.
Stargazing
Moorea has very little light pollution. Lay out a blanket and look for the Southern Cross constellation with the family.
Day 6: Moorea - Mountains & Pineapple Fields
Belvedere Lookout
Drive up to this famous viewpoint. It offers panoramic views of Cook's Bay and Opunohu Bay. The area is paved and safe.
Agricultural School (Lycée Agricole)
Sample locally made jams and sorbets. The paths through the fruit trees are educational and fun for children.
Lunch in Opunohu Bay
Find a quiet spot along the bay for a relaxed family meal with a view of the jagged green peaks.
Tiki Village Cultural Centre
Visit during the day to see traditional crafts being made. It is an interactive way for kids to see how pareos are dyed.
Day 7: Moorea - Tropical Gardens
Moorea Tropical Garden
A hillside garden featuring a wide variety of flowers and a vanilla plantation. The café offers great views and fresh juices.
Seaside Lunch at Les Tipaniers
This hotel restaurant is right on the sand. Kids can play in the shallow water while you wait for your food.
Kayak Rental
Rent a glass-bottom kayak or a stable family kayak to explore the inner lagoon. The water here is usually like a swimming pool.
Fare Departure Prep
Pack your bags for the flight to Huahine tomorrow. Ensure all electronic devices are charged for the travel day.
Day 8: Huahine - The Garden Island
Flight to Huahine
A short 35-minute domestic flight. Huahine is known for being quieter and more authentic than the more famous islands.
Check-in at Fare Guesthouse
Fare is the main village. Staying within walking distance of the shops and market makes family logistics much easier.
Fare Beach Exploration
The public beach in the village is perfect. It is sheltered and has plenty of shade for children.
Dinner with Locals
Join the locals at the Fare waterfront for a relaxed evening as the supply ships come into the harbor.
Day 9: Huahine - History & Sacred Eels
Maeva Village Marae
Visit the ancient stone temples. These archaeological sites are mostly flat and easy to walk through with kids.
The Sacred Blue-Eyed Eels of Faie
A highlight for children. You can buy a small can of sardines to feed these giant eels in the village stream.
Belvedere Lookout Huahine
Another stunning viewpoint that is easily reached by car, overlooking the bays of Maroe and Bourayne.
Fare Pote'e Museum
A small traditional house that serves as a museum, showing the history of the island in a kid-friendly, visual way.
Day 10: Huahine - Lagoon Safari
Full Day Lagoon Tour
Book a tour that includes snorkeling, a visit to a pearl farm, and a motu lunch. Many tours in Huahine are small and personalized.
Motu Picnic Lunch
The tour will stop on a private island. Kids can play in the sand while lunch is grilled on coconut husks.
Huahine Pearl Farm
Accessible only by boat, this pearl farm has an overwater pottery and pearl shop that is fascinating to see.
Quiet Evening in Fare
Pick up fresh pastries from the local bakery for tomorrow's breakfast.
Day 11: Huahine - Relaxed Village Life
Shell Museum (Gallery Umatatea)
A fascinating collection of local shells. It is a quick and interesting stop that children usually enjoy.
Lunch at Huahine Yacht Club
A very casual and iconic spot to eat. It is right on the water and very welcoming to families.
Handicraft Shopping
Browse the local pareos and wood carvings. This is a great time to buy authentic souvenirs without the Papeete crowds.
Sunset Beach Walk
A final walk along the Fare coastline to soak in the quiet atmosphere of Huahine.
Day 12: Raiatea - The Sacred Island
Flight to Raiatea
A quick 20-minute flight. Raiatea is the administrative center of the Leeward Islands and has excellent facilities.
Uturoa Market
Explore the second-largest town in French Polynesia. The town center is very walkable and has paved sidewalks.
Marae Taputapuatea
This UNESCO World Heritage site is the most important cultural landmark in Polynesia. It is a large, flat site easy for strollers.
Check-in at Raiatea Lodge
This lodge is family-friendly and offers a pool and a large garden area for kids to play.
Day 13: Raiatea - River & Jungle
Faaroa River Boat Trip
Explore the only navigable river in French Polynesia. A motorized boat tour is gentle and perfect for infants and young children.
Botanical Garden Visit
The Faaroa Botanical Garden is located at the river mouth and features flat, easy paths through tropical flora.
Snorkeling at Motu Ofetaro
A short boat ride from Uturoa takes you to this motu. The coral gardens here are excellent and easy to access from the beach.
Dinner in Uturoa
Try one of the local snack bars in the town center for an affordable and quick family meal.
Day 14: Taha'a - The Vanilla Island Day Trip
Boat Shuttle to Taha'a
Raiatea and Taha'a share the same lagoon. A 15-minute boat ride takes you to this fragrant island.
Vanilla Plantation Tour
Visit a family-run vanilla farm. Seeing how the beans are hand-pollinated is a great educational experience for kids.
Rum Distillery Visit
Visit the Pari Pari distillery. While the tasting is for adults, the facility is interesting for kids to see the sugarcane pressing.
Return to Raiatea
Enjoy the boat ride back as the sun begins to set over the lagoon.
Day 15: Bora Bora - The Dream Lagoon
Flight to Bora Bora
The most famous flight in the world. Sit on the left side of the plane for the best view of the island as you land.
Boat Transfer to Vaitape
The airport is on a motu. You must take a boat shuttle to the main island, which is an exciting start for the kids.
Check-in at Matira Beach Bungalow
For families, staying on the main island near Matira Beach is more convenient and budget-friendly than the overwater resorts.
Matira Beach Sunset
The only public beach on the island and one of the world's best. The sand is soft and the water stays shallow for hundreds of yards.
Day 16: Bora Bora - Glass Bottom Wonders
Glass Bottom Boat Tour
Ideal for families with very young children who aren't ready to snorkel yet. See the sharks and rays without getting wet.
Lunch at Lucky House Fare Manuia
A very popular spot with a swimming pool that diners can use—perfect for keeping the kids entertained.
Explore Vaitape Village
Visit the local boutiques and pearl shops. The village is small and easily navigated on foot with a stroller.
Stargazing at Matira
Walk the beach at night with a flashlight to look for ghost crabs—a fun and free activity for the kids.
Day 17: Bora Bora - Marine Conservation
Bora Bora Turtle Center
Located at the Meridien (now Westin), this center rescues and rehabilitates sea turtles. It is highly educational and engaging.
Island Circle Drive
Hire a driver or rent a small car for a 2-hour loop of the island. It is a relaxing way to see the various bays and WW2 cannons.
Shallow Lagoon Snorkel
Spend the afternoon at the Matira coral heads. Even toddlers with life jackets can see colorful fish just 10 feet from shore.
Dinner at Bloody Mary's
An iconic restaurant with a sand floor. Kids love the novelty of the environment and the fresh fish display.
Day 18: Bora Bora - Family Free Day
Beach Day at Matira
After 17 days of travel, take a day to just 'be'. Let the kids play in the sand while you enjoy the incredible views of Mount Otemanu.
Picnic from the Supermarket
The Tiare Market near Matira has great French cheeses and fresh baguettes for an easy beach picnic.
Souvenir Finalization
Last chance to pick up those Bora Bora t-shirts or vanilla extracts for friends back home.
Farewell Bora Bora Dinner
Enjoy a final seaside dinner, reflecting on the highlights of your family's epic journey.
Day 19: Return to Tahiti - The Grand Finale
Flight back to Papeete
Enjoy the final aerial views of the reefs. Upon arrival, take a taxi back to your hotel in the city.
Tahiti Iti Day Trip
If you have energy, drive to the smaller peninsula (Tahiti Iti) for a more rugged, wild look at the island.
Museum of Tahiti and the Islands
A recently renovated museum with excellent cultural exhibits and beautiful grounds overlooking the ocean.
Final Dinner at the Roulottes
Return to where you started at Place Vai'ete for one last festive meal with the family.
Day 20: Papeete - Departure
Last Minute Shopping
The waterfront shops are great for last-minute gifts. The 'Vaima Center' has a good bookstore with English titles.
Relax at the Hotel Pool
Most hotels offer late checkout or shower facilities for guests with evening flights.
Traditional Fare Farewell
Enjoy a final tropical fruit platter before heading to the airport.
Transfer to Faa'a International Airport
Arrive 3 hours early for international flights. The airport has a nice open-air departure lounge with snacks.
Best Time to Visit French Polynesia
The best time to visit French Polynesia is during the dry season, which runs from May to October. During these months, the weather is sunny and the humidity is lower, making it much more comfortable for children and for exploring on foot. July and August are the peak months with the most festivities (Heiva i Tahiti), but also the highest prices. The shoulder months of May, June, and September offer the best balance of great weather and fewer crowds.
Currency & Money
The local currency is the Central Pacific Franc (XPF), which has a fixed exchange rate with the Euro. While credit cards are widely accepted in hotels, larger restaurants, and supermarkets on the main islands, you will need cash (XPF) for smaller snack bars, markets, and smaller pensions on islands like Huahine. Tipping is not a standard part of Polynesian culture, though it is appreciated for exceptional service in high-end tourist areas.
Getting Around French Polynesia
Inter-island travel is most efficiently done via domestic flights with Air Tahiti. For families, the 'Multi-Island Pass' is the most cost-effective way to visit several islands. Between Tahiti and Moorea, the high-speed ferry is the best option—it is affordable and very comfortable. On the islands themselves, renting a small car is recommended for families to maintain flexibility, though bicycles are a fun and popular way to get around the flatter areas like Matira Beach in Bora Bora.
