Why French Polynesia Belongs on Your Bucket List
French Polynesia is a dream made real. Turquoise lagoons ringed by lush peaks contrast with world-class wildlife encounters. We spent eleven days island-hopping between Tahiti and Moorea and discovered that even unexpected weather can’t dampen the magic.
Imagine waking up above the lagoon with reef sharks swimming below. We stayed in the King Panoramic Overwater Bungalow and it was worth every penny. The price may make you gasp but you can also redeem Hilton points here if you plan ahead. Book early to secure the best location toward the middle of the pontoon and enjoy private deck access for sunrise coffee and moonlit swims.
Dancing with Humpback Whales
Between August and October mother whales migrate from Antarctica to Moorea’s lagoons to calve. We were among only four swimmers in the water when a mother and her 30-foot calf glided toward us. They paused face to face and for thirty minutes we felt a silent connection as the calf rolled and slapped its tail in play. Book a private excursion early in the season to increase your chances of an up-close encounter.
Tahiti (5 days)
Half-overwater Airbnb in Papeete for easy airport access and beach days
Teahupoo boat excursion to watch giant waves break over the reef
Faarumai Waterfalls hike among tropical foliage
La Plage de Maui for sunset snorkeling
Kayaking in the Opunohu and Cook’s Bays
Snorkeling the coral gardens
Ferry to Moorea on the Terevau or Aremiti line
Moorea (6 days)
Overwater bungalow at Hilton Lagoon Resort & Spa
Belvedere lookout for panoramic island views
Swim with humpback whales and their calves with Moorea Expedition
Swim with sharks and stingrays on a guided tour
Paddle boarding and lagoon snorkeling
11-Day Itinerary
Flights:
LAX-PPT RT: 95,000 KLM miles + $326 (Air France)
Acommodation: Total $5447 (10 nights)
Airbnb Bungalow x 2 nights: $276/night
Boat Access Airbnb x 2 nights: $156/night
Hilton Moorea x 3 nights: $1,371.66/night
Moorea Airbnb x 2 nights: $164/night Manaeva Lodge x 1 night: $140/night
Transportation: $782 Total
Tahiti Rental Car: $202 (Hertz)
Moorea Rental Car: $524 (Avis)
Ferry Tahiti-Moorea RT: $28/person
Activities: $1100 Total
Faarumai Waterfalls Hike: Free Teahupoo Boat Taxi: $50/person
Private Whale Excursion: $1000
Miscellaneous: $36
Vodafone Sim Card x2: $18
Total: $7691
$699/day
$349/person/day
The Power of Teahupoo’s Waves
We hadn’t planned to go out that morning until local surfers told us the swell was firing. Within minutes we were in a local boat watching 18-foot walls of water barrel toward us. After we returned the area was closed for safety. The hour-long trip cost about USD 45 per person and included heart-pounding moments when our skipper gunned the engine three times just to clear each set. Bring your sea-sickness remedies and prepare to feel humbled by nature’s raw power.
11 Day Budget
Weather & Planning Tips
French Polynesia experiences a dry season from May through October with scattered showers even then. We chose September to avoid peak summer crowds and hit whale season. Expect sun-rain-sun cycles and pack quick-dry layers plus reef-safe sunscreen. Book an extra day if you need flexibility for boat tours or waterfall hikes.
We're the adventure-loving duo behind the lens and the keyboard, swapping nine-to-five predictability for jet lag, desert sunrises, and stories worth replaying. Follow our journey to 50 countries while we share all our tips, mistakes and hidden gems along the way. We love finding the world's most unique bucket list adventures and stays to share with you here!
We're Holly and luke
meet us
los angeles, usa
BAsed in:
Norway
