7-Day Ultimate Family Travel Guide to French Polynesia
French Polynesia is often seen as a honeymooner's paradise, but its gentle lagoons, welcoming culture, and slow pace of life make it an incredible destination for families. This classic route connects the most accessible islands—Tahiti, Moorea, and Bora Bora—using reliable transport and focusing on activities that children and parents alike will adore.
By choosing stroller-friendly paths in Papeete and shallow, crystal-clear waters in the lagoons, this itinerary ensures a stress-free experience. Travel comfortably between islands while keeping daily costs manageable by utilizing local markets and family-run guesthouses (pensions).
Day 1: Papeete, Tahiti - Island Arrival & Waterfront Walks
Arrival at Faa'a International Airport
Touch down at the gateway to the islands. The airport is small and manageable for families, offering a warm welcome with live local music.
Marché de Papeete
Explore this vibrant two-story market. The ground floor is filled with colorful tropical fruits and fresh fish, while the top floor offers local handicrafts, perfect for souvenirs. It is wide enough for strollers during the early afternoon.
Jardins de Paofai
A beautifully landscaped waterfront park. It features wide paved paths perfect for strollers, large grassy areas for kids to run, and a playground overlooking the harbor.
Dinner at Les Roulottes
Visit Place Vaiete for the famous food trucks (roulottes). It's an affordable, casual outdoor dining experience where kids can enjoy everything from crepes to chow mein in a lively atmosphere.
Day 2: Moorea, French Polynesia - The Island of Beauty
Ferry to Moorea
Take the high-speed catamaran ferry from Papeete to Moorea. It’s a short, scenic 30-45 minute ride with indoor air-conditioned seating and outdoor decks for whale watching (in season).
Public Beach at Temae
Relax at one of the most beautiful public beaches. The water is shallow and protected by the reef, making it safe for children to splash around while parents enjoy the view of Tahiti across the channel.
Tiki Village Cultural Center
Learn about Polynesian history through family-friendly demonstrations of weaving, dancing, and cooking. It's an interactive way for kids to connect with the local culture.
Sunset Dinner in Maharepa
Enjoy a relaxed meal in the village of Maharepa, which hosts several kid-friendly cafes and boutiques within walking distance of local guesthouses.
Day 3: Moorea, French Polynesia - Pineapple Valleys & Viewpoints
Belvedere Lookout
Drive or take a shuttle to this famous viewpoint. It offers stunning panoramas of Cook’s Bay and Opunohu Bay. The area is paved and accessible for a quick photo stop with the family.
Agricultural School (Lycée Agricole)
A great stop for kids to see pineapple plantations and taste fresh jams made from tropical fruits. The walk through the orchards is gentle and educational.
Moorea Dolphin Center
Located at the InterContinental, this center allows families to observe dolphins and learn about marine conservation in a natural lagoon setting.
Opunohu Bay Walk
Enjoy a quiet stroll along the shores of the bay as the sun begins to set, watching the sailboats bobbing in the water.
Day 4: Bora Bora, French Polynesia - The Pearl of the Pacific
Flight to Bora Bora
Take a short domestic flight. Sit on the left side of the plane for the best views of the Bora Bora lagoon as you land on the motu (islet) airport.
Boat Shuttle to Vaitape
Experience the unique airport transfer by boat. The ride across the turquoise lagoon to the main village of Vaitape is an adventure in itself for children.
Vaitape Village Exploration
Browse the small shops in the main village. It's a great place to pick up pearls or local 'pareos' (sarongs) while exploring the island's hub.
Matira Beach Sunsets
Head to Matira Beach, the only public beach on the main island. The water is incredibly shallow for hundreds of yards, making it the safest spot in the world for kids to play.
Day 5: Bora Bora, French Polynesia - Lagoon Discoveries
Lagoonarium Visit
This natural aquarium allows kids to see sharks, rays, and turtles in a safe, fenced-off portion of the lagoon. It’s an educational and thrilling experience for young explorers.
Motu Picnic
Enjoy a traditional Polynesian lunch on a private islet. Many tours offer kid-friendly food like grilled chicken and fresh coconut bread, eaten with your feet in the sand.
Coral Garden Snorkeling
Visit the shallow coral gardens where even beginners can see hundreds of colorful tropical fish just a few feet below the surface.
Family Dinner at Lucky House
A local favorite in Matira known for its wood-fired pizzas and relaxed atmosphere, making it perfect for families with tired kids.
Day 6: Bora Bora, French Polynesia - Island Relaxation
Mount Otemanu Photo Ops
Take a gentle drive around the island (only 20 miles total) to find different vantage points of the iconic volcanic peak. The road is flat and easy to navigate.
Lunch at Bloody Mary's
Visit this world-famous restaurant for lunch. Its sand floors and exotic decor are always a hit with kids, and the lunch menu is very accessible.
Resort Activities
Most family-friendly resorts offer cultural activities like palm leaf weaving or coconut husking demonstrations that are perfect for afternoon relaxation.
Traditional Fire Dance Show
End the day with a spectacular fire dance and Polynesian buffet, usually hosted at the larger resorts on the island.
Day 7: Tahiti, French Polynesia - Final Farewells
Flight back to Tahiti
A final chance to see the islands from above as you return to the main island for your international connection.
Museum of Tahiti and the Islands
Located in Punaauia, this recently renovated museum offers stroller-accessible galleries and beautiful oceanfront gardens that explain the history of the Pacific.
Punaauia Beach Park
Spend your final hours at this modern park. It has clean facilities, a snack bar, and a protected swimming area for a last dip in the ocean.
Departure from Faa'a
Check in for your flight home, bringing back memories of a tropical family adventure.
Best Time to Visit French Polynesia
The best time to visit is during the dry season, from May to October. During these months, the weather is sunny and the humidity is lower, making it much more comfortable for families to explore. The peak of the 'Heiva' cultural festival occurs in July, offering incredible performances, though booking in advance is essential. The wet season (November to April) is warmer and more humid, with frequent but short tropical rain showers.
Currency & Money
The local currency is the CFP Franc (XPF), which has a fixed exchange rate with the Euro. While major hotels, restaurants, and shops on Tahiti, Moorea, and Bora Bora accept credit cards (Visa and Mastercard), it is essential to carry cash for smaller islands, local markets, and the food trucks (roulottes). Tipping is not a standard part of Polynesian culture, though a small amount for exceptional service at high-end resorts is appreciated.
Getting Around French Polynesia
Inter-island travel is most efficiently done via Air Tahiti, the domestic carrier. For the short hop between Tahiti and Moorea, the Aremiti or Terevau ferries are the most cost-effective and scenic options. On the islands, renting a car is the most comfortable way for families to get around, as public transport (Le Truck) is infrequent and not always stroller-friendly. In Bora Bora, many resorts are located on islets (motus) and require boat transfers to reach the main island.
