11-Day Ultimate Family Travel Guide Route in French Polynesia
French Polynesia is often seen as a honeymooner's exclusive haunt, but its calm lagoons and warm culture make it an extraordinary destination for family travel. This 11-day itinerary focuses on the 'Classic Route'—covering the Society Islands of Tahiti, Moorea, and Bora Bora—while adapting the pace for families with children, ensuring short travel times and plenty of beach-centric relaxation.
By choosing local 'Pensions' (family-run guest houses) and enjoying the famous 'Roulottes' (food trucks), you can experience the high-end beauty of these islands while staying within a reasonable budget. Every stop on this journey is selected for its accessibility, safety, and ability to entertain travelers of all ages.
The Itinerary
Day 1: Papeete, Tahiti - Tropical Arrival
Arrival at Faa'a International Airport
Complete your arrival rituals with a traditional flower lei greeting. The airport is small and easy to navigate with strollers.
Check-in at Boutique Hotel Kon Tiki
Located across from the ferry terminal, this hotel offers family suites and easy access to the waterfront boardwalk.
Paofai Gardens Stroll
Walk along the waterfront to these beautifully manicured gardens. They feature large playgrounds, wide stroller-friendly paths, and views of the harbor ships.
Dinner at Place Vai'ete
Visit the famous food trucks (Roulottes). Kids will love the crepes and the lively, casual atmosphere where they can move around freely.
Day 2: Papeete, Tahiti - Culture and Colors
Papeete Municipal Market (Marché de Papeete)
Explore the vibrant stalls filled with tropical fruits and local crafts. The ground floor is flat and easy for strollers.
Lunch at Café Maeva
Located on the upper floor of the market, this cafe offers fresh poisson cru and healthy options for children.
Notre Dame Cathedral
A short walk from the market, this yellow-hued cathedral provides a quiet, cool space to admire colonial architecture.
Sunset at Waterfront Park
Watch the sun dip behind Moorea from the pier while the kids enjoy the open green spaces.
Day 3: Tahiti, French Polynesia - Island Circle Drive
The Water Gardens of Vaipahi
Lush, accessible botanical paths featuring waterfalls and exotic flowers. Perfect for a family nature walk without heavy hiking.
Picnic at Venus Point
A historic beach with a lighthouse and black sand. The water is shallow and calm, ideal for young children to splash safely.
Arahoho Blowhole
An easy-to-access roadside stop where the ocean spray shoots through the rocks, much to the delight of kids.
Taharuu Black Sand Beach
A wide, spacious beach perfect for building sandcastles and watching local surfers.
Day 4: Moorea, French Polynesia - Crossing to Paradise
Ferry to Moorea
Take the high-speed ferry for a scenic 30-minute ride. The large decks are great for kids to watch for dolphins.
Temae Beach Relaxation
One of the most beautiful public beaches. The water is crystal clear and the white sand is soft for toddlers.
Check-in at Moorea Beach Lodge
A family-friendly lodge with individual bungalows right on a private stretch of sand.
Local Village Walk
Explore the nearby shops in Hauru for souvenirs and local snacks like coconut bread.
Day 5: Moorea, French Polynesia - Pineapple Valleys
Belvedere Lookout
Drive up to this viewpoint for a breathtaking panorama of Cook's Bay and Opunohu Bay. The road is paved and easy to drive.
Moorea Tropical Garden
A hillside farm where you can taste local jams. It's accessible and offers a great educational look at how pineapples grow.
Rotui Juice Factory Tour
A short and sweet visit to see how island fruits are bottled. Includes free tastings of fresh juices for the kids.
Opunohu Bay Beach Time
A quieter, shaded beach area that is perfect for escaping the afternoon sun.
Day 6: Moorea, French Polynesia - Lagoon Life
Moorea Lagoonarium
A protected marine area where kids can see rays and sharks in a safe, guided environment. Life jackets are provided.
Lunch at Snack Mahana
A legendary local eatery on the water's edge. Very casual and welcoming to families.
Tahiti Mix Shopping
Find authentic Moorea pearls or colorful pareos in the small boutiques of Maharepa.
Quiet Evening at the Lodge
Enjoy a beachfront dinner at your lodge while the kids play in the shallow tide.
Day 7: Bora Bora, French Polynesia - The Dream Destination
Flight to Bora Bora
A short, incredibly scenic domestic flight. Sit on the left side of the plane for the best lagoon views!
Boat Transfer to Vaitape
The ferry from the airport islet to the main island is a beautiful introduction to the blue hues of Bora Bora.
Matira Beach Sunbathing
The only public beach on the main island and arguably the world's best. The water stays waist-deep for hundreds of yards.
Sunset Dinner at Lucky House
A kid-friendly restaurant with a pool and a diverse menu ranging from pizza to fresh fish.
Day 8: Bora Bora, French Polynesia - Underwater Wonders
Glass Bottom Boat Tour
Perfect for families with very young children who aren't ready to snorkel yet. See the coral gardens without getting wet.
Beachside Picnic
Enjoy a lunch of fresh tropical fruits and baguette sandwiches on the white sands of Matira.
Vaitape Village Explorations
Walk through the main town to see the local church and browse the small craft markets.
Relaxed Resort Evening
Take advantage of resort facilities or enjoy a quiet night at your pension.
Day 9: Bora Bora, French Polynesia - Lagoon Adventures
Family Snorkel Session
Visit the 'Aquarium' snorkeling spot, which is shallow and filled with colorful tropical fish that are used to humans.
Motu Lunch
Many tours offer a lunch on a 'Motu' (small islet), where kids can explore the tiny island safely.
Coconut Husking Demonstration
Many local guides show how to open coconuts—a fascinating and fun activity for school-aged children.
Stargazing
With very little light pollution, the Southern Cross is easily visible from the beach at night.
Day 10: Bora Bora, French Polynesia - Leisure & Peaks
Mount Otemanu Photo Op
Take a slow drive or taxi to various lookout points to see the island's iconic jagged peak.
Fare Manihi Lunch
Enjoy local Tahitian specialties at this family-run spot known for its hospitality.
Canoe Breakfast Prep
If staying at a resort, book a 'Canoe Breakfast' for the next morning—a classic Bora Bora experience kids love.
Final Island Sunset
One last evening to enjoy the calm waters of Matira Beach.
Day 11: Papeete, Tahiti - Fond Farewells
Fly back to Tahiti
Catch your morning flight back to the main island for your international connection.
Final Souvenir Shopping
Visit the shops near the Papeete waterfront for any last-minute vanilla beans or monoi oil.
Relax at the Airport Lounge
Faa'a airport has a comfortable lounge area to wait for your long-haul flight home.
Departure
Board your flight home, carrying the 'Mana' of the islands with you.
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 low, making it much more comfortable for children. July and August are popular due to the Heiva festival, but it is also the peak tourist season. The 'shoulder' months of May, June, September, and October offer the best balance of great weather and fewer crowds.
Currency & Money
The local currency is the CFP Franc (XPF), which has a fixed exchange rate with the Euro. While credit cards are widely accepted in major hotels, shops, and restaurants on Tahiti, Moorea, and Bora Bora, you should carry cash for the 'Roulottes' and smaller market stalls. Tipping is not a standard part of Polynesian culture, though it is appreciated for exceptional service in high-end resorts.
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 much more cost-effective and family-friendly. On the islands, renting a car for a day or two is recommended for families, as public transport (the 'Le Truck') is infrequent and often doesn't accommodate strollers easily. In Bora Bora, many resorts are on private 'motus' and require boat transfers to reach the main island.
