2 Weeks In French Polynesia itinerary

Part 3: Bora Bora Or Maupiti (3-4 Days)

The third leg of our two weeks in French Polynesia itinerary calls for more decisions to be made. If you’re after a taste of the luxury life – head to Bora Bora and tick this off your bucket list. If you’re more of a laid-back traveler, head to the pretty little island of Maupiti.

* If you’re flying off to the Marquesas or Austral Islands, your trip has technically ended in the previous section unless you add another week and make it three weeks in French Polynesia (highly recommended).

Bora Bora

One of the most famous islands in the world, a visit to Bora Bora is a sure way to make your friends jealous. Bora Bora is the most visited island in French Polynesia, so it is well-geared to tourists. The island’s topography is simply stunning: a beautifully sculpted high island surrounded by a lagoon that is three times the size of the main island.  

Where to Stay in Bora Bora?

This could literally be the million-dollar question. Jokes aside, choosing where to stay in Bora Bora could make or break your experience. Why? You likely have this perfect vision of Bora Bora in your mind so it’s key to understand the ins and outs of Bora Bora’s accommodation scene to avoid disappointment. This is such a key decision, that I’ve written a special guide exactly on this topic. 

What to do in Bora Bora

If you invest your resources and stay at a luxury resort, there’s a good chance you won’t want to leave and just spend your time relaxing and enjoying some of the best real estate on the island. If you want to explore the main island, however, devote half a day to a guided 4X4 tour or quad bike adventure, or slightly longer if you rent a car and circle the island at your own pace.

Bora Bora is only about 32 kilometers in circumference. Among the main island’s top highlights, head to Fitiuu Point for great views, WWII relics, and snorkeling on a secluded beach. Wrap the tour at Matira Beach, the most famous beach in Bora Bora. There are several restaurants nearby for a fitting end to this road trip.

Don’t miss the chance to explore Bora Bora’s stunning lagoon. It’s a lot more impressive than Moorea’s lagoon, so if you have to choose, do your lagoon adventure in Bora Bora. Options are infinite, including classic lagoon tours (half-day or full-day tours including a BBQ lunch), jet ski tours, and other unique marine experiences. Expect to meet nurse sharks, feed stingrays, snorkel in a coral garden, and have close-up views of the island’s top resort.

Maupiti

Locals say that the island of Maupiti resembles Bora Bora before the tourist hype. Pretty Maupiti is so small that you can easily circle the island on foot. Maupiti is an authentic slice of paradise with no resorts, boutiques, or nightclubs. Come here for an extra dose of authenticity and Polynesian beauty before heading back home.

Where to Stay in Maupiti

Like on Bora Bora, choose to stay in Maupiti on the main island or the islets at the edge of the barrier reef (motu). On the main island, stay at Maupiti Residence, Pension Tereia, Pension Espace Beach, and Pension Tautiare Village, the friendly pension I keep returning to every visit to Maupiti. On the dream-looking motus floating at the edge of the barrier reef, stay at Pension Papahani. Pension Le Kuriri, or Pension Maupiti Holiday.

What to do in Maupiti

Rent a bicycle or bring comfortable walking and circle Maupiti in a single day. As you circle the island, take it extra slowly and digest life’s beautiful pace. You can also make a small detour and hike to the summit of Mount Teurafaatiu (380 m). This is one of the best hikes in French Polynesia, and it’s so beautiful up here, that you’ll want to stick around for a few hours. End your tour at Tereia Beach, the main island’s best (and only) beach.

Don’t even try to resist yet another lagoon tour. You don’t want to miss the treasures of Maupiti’s lagoon. Begin the day at the manta ray cleaning station, where you’ll snorkel with giant manta rays coming for their morning cleansing. From there, continue to snorkel in the coral garden, and cap the day off with a traditional Polynesian lunch on a private island.

If you’re really up for an adventure, cross the lagoon on foot to Motu Auira and spend the day in absolute bliss. The lagoon side is home to a few residents and a pretty beach, but the wild reef side will blow your mind!

Part 4: Raiatea Or Huahine (3-4 Days) / Rangiroa, Tikehau or Fakarava (4 Days)

Stick around the Society Islands and spend the last days of your two weeks in French Polynesia in Raiatea and Huahine (Option A), or head to the Tuamotu Atolls of Rangiroa, Tikehau, or Fakarava for world-class scuba diving and wild beaches(Option B).

* Like the previous section, this last leg only applies if you do not visit the Marquesas or Austral Islands unless you extend your trip by a few days.

Option A: Raiatea Or Huahine (3-4 Days)

It’s back to the Society Islands to explore more of this “classic” South Seas archipelago. This time, choose between the “sacred island” of Raiatea or the lush island of Huahine.

Raiatea

If you like nature, you’ll love Raiatea. The island may not have any beach to write home about, but its natural beauty makes up for it. And once you crave the beach, the lagoon it shares with neighboring Tahaa is sprinkled with small islets where you’ll indeed find that perfect beach.

where to stay in Raiatea

Raiatea has no resorts but only pensions, a couple of lodges, and self-catering options. For the luxury resort stay, base yourself in Tahaa’s lagoon at either Le Tahaa or Vahine Island. If you’re seeking a lodge-type experience, Opoa Beach is a pampering option on the south end of the island, and Raiatea Lodge, close to the main village of Uturoa, is highly acclaimed both for its accommodation and dining.

For a pension stay, check out Villa Ixora, Pension Temahani, Pension Les Trois Cascades, Pension Manava, and Pension Fare Vai Nui. Close to Marae Taputapuatea, Pension Opeha, and Hotel Atiapiti are solid options. For self-catering and camping, check out the Sunset Beach Motel.

What to do in Raiatea

The main reason to venture to Raiatea is its wild natural beauty. Venture into Raiatea’s rainforest with a guide and hike to the Three Waterfalls. If you’re up for the challenge, join a guided hiking excursion to the Temehani Plateau in search of the Tiare Apetahi. This is one of the world’s rarest flowers, and it only grows in this particular area in Raiatea.

On one of your days on the island, rent a car or join a guided tour and circle the island. Along the way, visit the botanical gardens and UNESCO World Heritage Site, the sacred marae Taputapuatea. You can also kayak or join a boat tour up the Faaroa River, French Polynesia’s only navigable river.

Raiatea shares the same lagoon with neighboring Tahaa, another great excuse for joining a lagoon tour. Tahaa is a beautifully wild island, marked by deep bays, few residents, and several farms where the finest vanilla in the world is produced. When you visit Tahaa on a day trip from Raiatea, you’ll visit vanilla and pearl farms on the main island and snorkel in the pristine coral garden at Motu Tautau before heading to a small islet at the edge of the reef for a BBQ lunch.

Huahine

Huahine is in the same category as Maupiti, an authentic and laid-back island that draws curious travelers seeking to sync their clocks with “island time”. It’s a great stop for any type of traveler, even families, except luxury travelers. Huahine is known as ‘the Garden of Eden’, thanks to its lush setting and abundant agricultural activity.

where to stay in Huahine

Huahine is a low-key destination, but it does have two excellent three-star hotels. The Maitai Lapita Village is ideally located in the outskirts of Fare, Huahine’s main village. For a more secluded stay, the Hotel Le Mahana is in Avea Bay, on the island’s far side. For a simpler stay, Pension Moana Lodge enjoys an ideal setting in Avea Bay; Fare Maeva is a good option, though lacking Polynesian charm, and Pension Tupuna has a cozy setting.

what to do in Huahine

Huahine comprises two separate islands connected by the highest bridge in French Polynesia. Spend one or two days exploring the main island, either on a guided tour or at your own pace with a rented car. Guided tours bring you to Huahine’s top highlights and usually include lunch at the guide’s home. Don’t miss visiting the dozens of ancient Polynesian temples dotting Lake Maeva and deep in the lush rainforest, such as the temples in Matairea Hill. Also, stop in Faie to feed the sacred blue-eyed eels that are said to hold the spirits of ancient islanders.

Like on every island with a sizeable lagoon, it’s a good idea to devote one day to exploring Huahine’s lagoon. You’ll visit a floating pearl farm and learn about the production of black pearls, swim with sharks and tropical fish, and enjoy a BBQ lunch on a motu facing the main island.

Option B: Rangiroa, Tikehau or Fakarava (4 Days)

Alternatively, bid farewell to the Society Islands and add diversity to your trip in French Polynesia by hopping to the Tuamotu Atolls, the largest chain of coral atolls in the world. The territory’s atolls especially appeal to serious scuba divers, but the islands also enjoy a magically calm vibe and are home to some of the best beaches in French Polynesia. Here’s a guide to help you choose the right atoll.

Rangiroa

Known as the ‘infinite lagoon’, Rangiroa is the second biggest coral atoll in the entire world. It is the archipelago’s main and most visited island, providing abundant tourist services despite its remoteness. Rangiroa is a sought-after stop for every serious scuba diver, with a high chance of encountering dolphins and various shark species beneath the waves. However, the massive atoll also offers boat excursions to beautiful beaches that are out of this world.

where to stay in Rangiroa

On the hotel front, the Kia Ora is the fanciest hotel on the island, also offering overwater bungalows, followed by Maitai Rangiroa. On the pensions front, the upscale Le Relais de Josephine sits right on Tiputa Pass, followed by Le Coconut Lodge. Simpler but excellent options include Va’a i Te Moana, Pension Cecile, and Pension Tapuheitini. For a budget stay, look towards Pension Teina & Marie.

what to do in Rangiroa

Scuba diving is the main activity in Rangiroa. Most of the dives take place in the legendary Tiputa Pass, with some dives ending in a thrilling drift back into the lagoon. Except to see sharks, large schools of fish, turtles, and dolphins if you’re lucky. If you get the chance to also dive in the Avatoru Pass, there’s a good chance of seeing silvertip sharks.

Apart from scuba diving, Rangiroa offers excellent snorkeling from just about every spot. And when you’re not exploring the main island, join a full-day excursion to the Blue Lagoon and, on the following day, to Reef Island. The Blue Lagoon is a small lagoon trapped inside the immense lagoon. In Reef Island, you’ll see raised fossilized coral that creates shallow pools in a tropical setting. Both tours include a BBQ lunch, with combo tours also available, albeit requiring a lot of time on the boat.

Fakarava

The second-largest atoll in the chain, Fakarava is much different than Rangiroa. It’s less busy and much less developed despite its immense size. The atoll’s two lagoon passes are located at opposite ends, turning Fakarava into two separate destinations. Fakarava North is where the airport and main village lie, while Fakarava South primarily exists as remote pensions catering to scuba divers.

Where to stay in Fakarava North

Most visitors only stay in Fakarava North, where the Havaiki Lodge is the most comfortable option. Other solid pensions include Pension Veke Veke, Pension Vaiama, Tokerau Village & Paparara (slightly remote but within cycling distance from the main village), and Kori Kori (very basic). The Fafapiti Lodge is further out but offers great comfort.

what to do in Fakarava north

Don’t miss the opportunity to scuba dive in Garuae Pass, more commonly known as the North Pass. Fakarava is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, so the abundance of marine life, including coral, is simply breathtaking. Expect to encounter the famous “shark walls”, cruise along pristine coral gardens, and ride the current back into the lagoon on exciting drift dives.

Apart from scuba diving and relaxing, grab a beach bicycle and explore the main island and its village. Slightly further out, PK9 Beach is one of the best beaches in French Polynesia. I recommend spending the bulk of one day in and around the beach.

On one of your days in Fakarava, join a boat tour to the south pass. After the long journey, enjoy some of the best snorkeling in French Polynesia at the mouth of the lagoon pass, explore the abandoned Tetamanu Village, and visit the pink sand beaches. Scuba divers might be able to swap the snorkeling for a single dive in the south pass.

where to stay in Fakarava South

If you’re staying at one of the pensions in the south pass, your hosts will arrange the transfers based on Air Tahiti arrival and departure. By far, the best pension in Fakarava South is Pension Raimiti. I stayed here for a couple of nights during my honeymoon in French Polynesia and wish I had a few more nights to stay here. If there’s no space at Pension Raimiti, check the vacancies at Pension Tetamanu Village and Pension Motu Aito. Due to their remoteness, pensions must be self-sufficient, so don’t expect luxury.

what to do in Fakarava south

Fakarava South is all about scuba diving. The South Pass is one of the world’s most famous dive sites, mostly due to large “shark walls” and grouper spawning. There’s less coral to speak of here compared to the North Pass, but the marine life and drift dives really set this place apart. When you’re not diving, your hosts will fill the day with activities such as fishing and visits to the pink sand beaches.

Tikehau

Rangiroa’s neighbor, Tikehau is a small coral atoll with a single lagoon pass. It holds the same vibe as you would experience in Fakarava but on a miniature scale. Apart from superb scuba diving, Tikehau’s lagoon is marvelous and filled with many surprises.

where to stay in Tikehau

Most accommodations on Tikehau consist of family-owned pensions, except for the Pearl Beach Resort and the Ninamu Resort. The former is located about 20 minutes by boat from the main village and boasts shallow overwater bungalows, while the former is located on a private islet (motu) just 10 minutes by boat from the main village.

For a pension stay, Tikehau Paradise (formerly the Relais Royal) is the best option for a high-end pension experience. It is located on a motu just across from the main village, but it’s not challenging to cross there and back. Next are the island’s most popular pensions, clustered around a long string of white sand. Worth mentioning are Pension Hotu and especially Tikehau Village, both solid options. Other options in this cluster include Pension Justine and Pension Aito Motel Collette. 

what to do in tikehau

Like most atolls, scuba diving is the main activity in Tikehau, and it takes place at the island’s only lagoon entrance. Expect to encounter dense schools of fish, nurse sharks, and perhaps even hammerhead sharks. Along with diving, circle the main motu (islet) on foot or by bicycle. You’ll enjoy the tranquility of Tikehau and its radiating colors throughout the day. Stop at Coconut Beach and snorkel to lonely sandbanks or the neighboring motu. 

Spending a day exploring Tikehau’s lagoon is simply a must. The tour begins with a visit to the manta ray cleaning station, a tiny islet in the middle of the lagoon that used to house a pearl farm. Under the water, giant manta rays gather every morning to get cleaned before “heading to work” by small fish that feed off the parasites on the manta’s skin. The tour then swings to “Bird Island”, where you’ll be able to get super close to birds nesting in the trees. For lunch, you’ll head to the famous pink sand beaches.

What’s Next?

This itinerary for spending two weeks in French Polynesia presents an optimal way to divide your time on the islands that suit you the most. Start planning your trip with the French Polynesia travel guide, and continue by exploring resources to islands in all five archipelagos. Get in touch if you need some help with planning your vacation to paradise.

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