In this blog, you’ll find the ultimate guide for a three-week journey through French Polynesia on a budget! This destination is perfect for island hopping, and we’ll provide essential tips and details on how we manage to visit this luxurious country on a budget. We are going to show you one affordable way so you don’t break the bank!
French Polynesia is a real paradise on earth, located in the heart of the Pacific Ocean. An official French overseas territory formed by 118 islands of various sizes, believe it or not French Polynesia has almost the same size of Europe counting the ocean that surround the island nation. During our 21-day visit, we explored five of these enchanting islands and they all have something very unique. French Polynesia is, without a doubt, one of the most beautiful places we have ever seen. In this blog, we will present the ideal three-week itinerary for exploring this stunning archipelago.
French Polynesia island groups
The French Polynesia islands are divided into five main archipelagos:
- Society Islands: The most famous group, home to the well-known islands of Tahiti and Bora Bora. This group is further divided into the Windward Islands (including Tahiti, Moorea, and Tetiaroa) and the Leeward Islands (such as Bora Bora, Huahine, Raiatea, and Tahaa).
- Tuamotu Archipelago: Known for its stunning atolls, this group includes Rangiroa, Fakarava, and Tikehau. It’s a paradise for divers and snorkelers due to its abundant marine life and coral reefs.
- Gambier Islands: A more remote group located southeast of the Tuamotus. Mangareva is the largest and most notable island here, known for its pearl farms.
- Marquesas Islands: Situated to the northeast, this group is rugged and less developed, known for its dramatic landscapes and rich culture. Notable islands include Nuku Hiva, Hiva Oa, and Ua Pou.
- Austral Islands: Located to the south, this lesser-visited group includes Tubuai, Rurutu, and Raivavae. These islands are known for their cooler climate and traditional crafts.
How to get to French Polynesia
Not many people are familiar with the name French Polynesia. However, when we mention Bora Bora, that may sound familiar. And yes, Bora Bora is in this itinerary too! French Polynesia is located in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, to reach this beautiful island you can take either a cruise ship around the Pacific Islands and stay for one or two days or take a flight. In our case, we flew from New Zealand directly to Tahiti (French Polynesia’s capital island), after completing A Complete New Zealand 5 Weeks Road Trip Travel Itinerary.
We paid 450 USD for a direct flight from Auckland to Pape’ete with Air New Zealand including luggage, we recommend you compare the prices in Kiwi, we always find very good offers and travel hack for all our trips.
Island hopping (How to get around)
Keep in mind that French Polynesia only has 67 islands that are populated and they are spread around the Pacific Ocean, to give you an idea of the distance, it is like driving from the United Kingdom to Turkey, very far right! However, with such vast distances and numerous islands, deciding which places to visit can be challenging. Additionally, there are limited flights between the islands, and these flights can be quite expensive.
That’s why you have to choose which group of islands you want to visit, in this trip, we decided to go for the most affordable option which was the Society Islands. You can buy a multi-island pass either with AirTahiti for travel by plane or Apetahi Express to travel by ferry (the most affordable option). The only con is that you can’t buy the pass online, only at the office in the ferry terminal. We didn’t buy the multi-island because we thought the ferry would be full by the time we arrive at the terminal, so we decided to buy the individual tickets online, which to be fair is still very affordable. You will receive a mobile ticket with a QR/Bar code that you show at the ferry terminal.
To give you an idea of how much the ferry costs in French Polynesia, below is the list of prices we paid in 2024 for each ferry of our itinerary:
- Tahiti – Moorea: 12 USD (30 min)
- Moorea – Tahiti: 12 USD (30 min)
- Tahiti – Huahine: 49 USD (3 hours)
- Huahine – Raiatea: 34 USD (1 hour)
- Raiatea – Bora Bora: 34 USD (2 hours)
- Bora Bora – Tahiti: 49 USD (7 hours 30 min)
Note that prices are dependent on demand and seasonality so prices may vary for your trip. Make sure you plan the ferries in advance as they don’t depart everyday.
Getting a Local SIM Card
As you will see in the itinerary below, Papeete is likely to be your first stop. Whilst here, we recommend taking the opportunity to get a local SIM card (unless you have e-sim) as this is where the official mobile operator stores are locatee. We got ours at the Vodafone store. It cost $25 for a month and it was enough for us to have data to get around the islands especially using Google Maps for navigation.
French Polynesia Itinerary
Picking an ideal itinerary in French Polynesia can be tricky at times, not just because of the number of islands you can go to but also for the distances and limited transportation to go there. In this itinerary, we are going to show you the Society Islands, they are the closest to the capital island Tahiti, which makes it more affordable and easy to reach.
Day 1-2: Papeete, Tahiti
Most flights arrive in the evening, requiring an overnight stay in Tahiti as onward travel to other islands isn’t possible immediately. Once you arrive in Tahiti, you’ll spend the night at a hotel near the airport or the ferry terminal so the next morning you can take the ferry to the next island as we did.
Keep in mind that you will come back to Tahiti at the end of the trip before leaving French Polynesia as that is the only international airport in the island nation.
Day 2-8: Mo’orea
Also called Adventure Island because of the many activities and things to do while you are there. No doubt this is one of our favorite places on the planet. This island is paradise. It is like having Hawaii and Maldives in one place!
Mo’orea is the closest island to Tahiti, you can go there either by ferry or by plane, we do recommend the ferry because is way cheaper and doesn’t take that long just 30 minutes and you get to see all the beautiful views of both islands Tahiti and Mo’orea.
Where to stay in Moorea
Alright! French Polynesia is a country where you can find a variety of accommodations from luxurious villas underwater in 5-star hotels that are worth the price but also apartments and beautiful villas lost in the middle of the vegetation. Where to stay in Moorea will be important because public transport is limited in the island.
In our case, we found a very modern villa with 4 private rooms only 10 minutes walk from the ferry. It has a pool, big kitchen, ping pong table, pool table, and TV area with Netflix. We went there during shoulder season so the other rooms weren’t rented some days and we got the place for ourselves. We paid 68 USD per night.
Things to do in Moorea
We said before that Mo’orea is also called the adventure island, well there are many things to do, we didn’t have enough time to do everything in 6 days so imagine how nice is that, let us share with you what we did in this stunning island:
1. Rent a scooter
This is essential on this island, believe it or not, public transport is rare to see around the French Polynesia islands. We didn’t see many buses and we got some taxi numbers given by our accommodation, but apart from that there are not many taxis on the streets and we believe could be pretty expensive. So we recommend either renting a scooter or a car.
We had never driven a scooter before, so it was a bit scary at the beginning. The scooter doesn’t go above 60 km/h and also there is not much traffic like in Tahiti. We paid 42 USD a day, we believe you could get a better price than that or even a car for that price. We arrived without any reservation and all car rentals were fully booked. If you are traveling in high season, try to make a reservation in advance. The scooter rental company we used are located just in front of the ferry terminal.
2. Drive around the island
We enjoyed driving around the island. We did the entire island multiple times. There are so many beaches, viewpoints, and cute cafes and restaurants around the island. It will take you maybe 2 hours to drive around the entire island with the scooter or perhaps 1.5 hours by car, not counting the time you spend stopping to admire the beauty of Mo’orea.
We recommend you stop at the Toatea Lookout just next to the Sofitel, it has a view of the water villa bungalows extending out into the ocean, which is like a postcard. You don’t need to walk far, just park beside the road and enjoy this view.
3. Visit public beaches
There are only three public beaches in Mo’orea (that we found), our favorite is Temae Beach is just beside the Sofitel is a public beach, accessible for everyone and also has the calmest and transparent water. You can spot huge stingrays and reef sharks from the shore. Is pretty safe to swim around just make sure you look where you step underwater.
This was our favorite beach in Mo’orea, it was never busy and the water was just clear enough to see your toes underwater. There were no waves, at least during the time we were there and the beach is surrounded by beautiful palm trees.
We also went to Ta’ahiamanu Beach just 20 minutes by scooter away from Temae Beach. This beach is great for snorkeling. We found lots of marine life when we were snorkeling here, we saw turtles, lots of fish, and lots of corals.
The third beach we visited is called Hauru Beach or Plage de Tiahura, it is located on the northwest side of the island, like the other two, it is stunning! White sand and pristine clear water. From here you can take a boat to the famous Coco Beach or even kayaking, but make sure you check the weather because if the weather is not good there is a strong current and there will be no boats going there and people will not rent you kayaks either. The beach is located inside a public park, it is free to enter but it closes around 5 pm.
4. Belvedere Lookout
Located in the center of the island, this is one of the island’s most famous viewpoints, the lookout provides spectacular sights of Opunohu Bay and Cook’s Bay. You can hike to the top of the lookout, but we drove with the scooter instead. The drive is beautiful, and you will pass by the agricultural school were the locals learn how to prepare the land for farming and more. The hill is very steep and also curvy so always be careful if you are planning to drive there.
5. Diving in Moorea
If you know us, we are big-time diving enthusiasts, wherever the weather is tropical we go and check what’s around in the underwater world! French Polynesia was not the exception.
We booked our dive experience with a company called Scubapiti, they were very professional, and all the equipment was in great condition. They offer a range of courses from Open Water all the way to Divemaster with either PADI or SSI. We paid 125 USD for 2 tanks including equipment, great price for being in a luxury destination like French Polynesia.
6. Grab some local food at Fare Maheata
This restaurant is located in the north part of the island. We found out about this restaurant from our friend Moana, who we met in Tahiti the day before. The restaurant is just next to the beach, so you could easily go for a swim while you wait for the food or even dip your toes in the water while eating their delicious food. We even spotted a few stingrays swimming around in the shallow, warm water.
7. Visit The Route Des Ananas (Pineapple Road)
Grab your scooter and make your way to this beautiful road located on the inner side of the island, you access this road by driving toward the Belvedere Lookout so you can enjoy both activities on the same day. You will drive on a road full of pineapples growing on the side of the road. You can literally pick up the pineapple from the road and take it home, if is the season.
As you can see Mo’orea is an island with lots of things to do, if you want to spend 15 days here, you’ll have things to do every single day.
Watch our video about Moorea Travel Guide
Day 8-12: Huahine
Ohh Huahine! We get goosebumps just pronouncing its beautiful name, there is little information about this slice of paradise on the internet. That’s why we are going to share our experience and our thoughts about this stunning island.
Also called Feminine Island, the island’s shape when viewed from a certain angle resembles a pregnant woman lying on her back, symbolizing fertility and the legacy of strong women.
How to get to Huahine
To visit this island by ferry, keep in mind that there are no direct ferries from Mo’orea to Huahine, and also the only ferry to come here departs Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays from Tahiti with one departure at 7am. Check schedules and buy tickets in advance on Apetahi Express. We took a ferry from Mo’orea to Tahiti at 5:40am (We chose Terevau ferry company as they have the earliest departure and gave us enough time to arrive in Tahiti and jump into the next ferry to Huahine).
Where to stay in Huahine
Huahine compared to the other islands is less touristic, here there are not many hotels, and you will have more luck finding guesthouses and getting a more local experience.
We stayed in this beautiful guesthouse run by a lovely lady called Flora, the house is just few steps from the beach, so you will listen the sounds of the waves all day and night. We paid $70 per night for a private room, including a delicious breakfast.
What to do in Huahine
Huahine offers the perfect blend of relaxation and adventure, ensuring that there’s always something to do for every kind of traveler. Here are some activities and experiences that balance the island’s breathtaking beaches with engaging activities:
1. Rent a scooter and drive around the island
Huahine scenic road is about 36km, so make sure you rent a scooter or e-bike so you can drive through the wonderful roads this island has to offer. If it is your first time driving a scooter (like us!) no worries there is very minimal traffic on this island so it makes it easier to learn, you might need to be more cautious about chickens or crabs crossing the roads than actual cars lol. We paid 45 USD per day, everything was arrange by our host at the guesthouse.
2. Visit The Sacred Blue-Eyed Eels
In the tranquil village of Faie on Huahine Nui (North Island), you’ll find one of the island’s most intriguing and mystical attractions: the sacred blue-eyed eels. These eels are revered by the locals and hold a special place in the island’s culture and traditions. The blue-eyed eels are considered protectors of the island, according to local people, the eels are sacred creatures blessed by the gods. It’s said that feeding them brings good luck and blessings. This activity is completely free and you can come and visit these beautiful creatures anytime during the day.
3. Check out the Panorama De Tefarerii Lookout
The Panorama De Tefarerii is one of the best spots on Huahine to see amazing views. Located on Huahine Iti, the smaller part of Huahine, from here you can see the beautiful lagoon and the islets around, giving you that paradisiacal feeling.
You can easily reach the panorama by driving or biking from the main village of Parea. The trip itself is enjoyable, passing through tropical landscapes and small villages.
4. Pièges à Poisson De Maeva
The fish traps of Maeva, known as Pièges à poisson, are a fascinating and historic site on Huahine. These ancient traps give you an idea of the traditional fishing techniques used by Polynesians for centuries.
The fish traps are stone structures built in the shallow waters of Lake Fauna Nui and its surrounding streams. These traps are designed to catch fish as the tide goes out, funneling them into enclosed areas where they can be easily collected. You can view these fish traps for free from the bridge.
5. Visit the public beaches
Huahine has everything you could possibly desire from a South Pacific island. You’ve got stunning palm trees lining every road and of course, white sand beaches in pretty much every corner, we are going to share with you our experience in every single one of them.
Let’s start with the Plage de l’ancien Sofitel this beach is located just near where we stayed on the north side of the island called Huahine Nui, this beach was part of the Sofitel hotel but for unforeseen reasons, the hotel had to close down, and left behind this beautiful beach open to the public. This beach is great for snorkeling, but be aware of some currents.
Our next stop was Avea Bay located west of the southern point on the island, this bay had picture-perfect white sand beaches and bright blue waters. The Mahana Hotel and Vairai Sunset Grill are two worthwhile stops in Avea Bay. This is so far our favorite beach in Huahine, we came here almost every day during our stay in the island. It is free to enter the beach, but it was very convenient to have drinks or lunch at Vairai Sunset Grill.
Just keep in mind that the water is very shallow you could probably walk a mile inside the water and it will reach until your knees. Be careful were you step, the sand is filled with sea cucumbers and sometimes there are stonefishes and eels peaking out of the corals. This place is fantastic for snorkeling.
The last stop was in Anini Mara’e which is the island’s main public beach, located just opposite Avea Bay (southeast side), this was our least favorite beach because the water was extremely shallow with lots of rocks, we even spotted an eel swimming on the shore, we recommend to bring reef shoes to avoid cutting yourself on the rocks.
6. Scuba diving or snorkeling
We love to do scuba diving everywhere we go, but unfortunately, when we arrived in Huahine the dive shop on the island was closed for the low season, so we didn’t have the chance to enjoy that activity during our stay, however, we did enjoy snorkeling in all the beaches listed above.
7. Try Poison Crú
If you come to Huahine don’t forget to try Poison Cru, a French Polynesia national dish very popular Tahitian dish but you can find it in any corner of the island country. Eating poisson cru is not just about the taste but also about experiencing a piece of Polynesian culture and tradition.
Poisson cru is more than just a dish; it’s a taste of Tahiti that brings together the freshness of the ocean and the richness of tropical flavours.
8. Watch the sunset
French Polynesia is one of the best places in the world to watch the sunset with never-ending ocean it is magical to watch the sun pass the horizon. You can watch the sunset anywhere facing west, we found this spot not far from town which was empty and with seats directly facing the sunset. We ended up going here every evening. This place is not on the map, closest I can find is an accommodation called The Mati House on Google Maps. You will see it on the side of the road where it is easy to stop and park your scooter.
Watch our video about Huahine Travel Guide
Day 12-15: Raiatea
Raiatea, a hidden gem in French Polynesia, is known as the “Sacred Island.” It offers a perfect mix of rich history, stunning landscapes, and vibrant marine life. Whether you’re an adventurer, history lover, or beach fan, Raiatea has something for everyone.
Raiatea was the first occupied island in the Central Pacific as people began migrating here from Southeast Asia. Also, Raiatea town called Uturo’a is the capital of the Society Islands, as well as the second biggest island from the group.
How to get to Raiatea
We arrived here from Huahine by ferry, and the ride was very short, just one hour. You can even see Raitea from Huahine on a clear day. The ferry departs every Wednesday, and Friday at 10:30 am and Sunday at 11 am, so make sure you plan accordingly. There are also day trips to visit Raiatea from Huahine if that better suits your schedule.
Where to stay in Raiatea
Raiatea provides a range of accommodations to fit various needs and budgets. Whether you prefer the luxury of a resort, the comfort of a mid-range hotel, the charm of a guesthouse, the convenience of a vacation rental, or the adventure of camping, Raiatea has something to offer.
We stayed in this beautiful guesthouse in a room with a shared kitchen, there was just one other person in the other rooms, so we got the space pretty much for ourselves.
We stayed on the east side of the island, near Uturoa. The unique thing about this place is that they provide kayaks for free to their guests. You just need to transport the kayak down to the ocean about 5 minutes walk from the house. From there you can kayak about 20 minutes to the best snorkel spot on the island, Motu Ofetaro.
Things to do in Raiatea
Raiatea is an adventurer’s paradise, offering a mix of natural beauty and cultural experiences. Whether you’re navigating its lush landscapes or diving into the vibrant underwater world, there’s always something to keep you engaged. The island’s rich history and unique environment make it a standout destination in French Polynesia. From scenic drives and panoramic lookouts, to snorkeling in pristine waters and exploring shipwrecks, Raiatea promises a blend of excitement and tranquility that will leave you wanting more.
1. Rent a Scooter and Drive Around the Island
Raiatea is a moderately sized island, and you can explore it in a day by scooter. The full loop around the island takes about 3-4 hours, depending on your stops. Make sure to bring extra fuel, as there are no gas stations on the south side of the island. We paid $34 for 24 hours rental. They picked us up from the accommodation and took us to their shop. Upon returning the scooter, they dropped us back at the accommodation.
2. Snorkeling at Motu Ofetaru
Motu Ofetaru is the best snorkeling spot on Raiatea, and possible the best one listed in this itinerary. Offering vibrant coral gardens and an abundance of marine life. It was our top highlight of the trip, with crystal-clear waters perfect for underwater exploration. You can get here by kayak as mentioned earlier, or you can hire a boat transfer.
3. Diving in Raiatea
Raiatea offers incredible diving experiences. We did a shipwreck dive, exploring the remains of a sunken vessel, and a passage dive where we encountered graceful rays and reef sharks. The underwater world here is truly spectacular. We paid $143 per person for 2 tanks.
4. Visit Belvedere Lookout
For breathtaking views of Raiatea, head to the Belvedere Lookout. The panoramic scenery is worth the short hike, offering a perfect spot to take in the island’s natural beauty.
Watch our video about Raiatea Travel Guide
Day 15-18: Bora Bora
Bora Bora, often hailed as the crown jewel of French Polynesia, is renowned for its turquoise lagoons, lush landscapes, and luxury resorts. While it’s famous for being a honeymoon destination and a playground for the rich and famous, Bora Bora can also be experienced on a budget. We discovered that you don’t need to spend a fortune to enjoy the island’s stunning beauty and vibrant culture. From affordable accommodations to free and low-cost activities, Bora Bora offers plenty of ways to explore and indulge without breaking the bank. Our only regret was not staying longer.
How to get to Bora Bora
Getting to Bora Bora can be part of the adventure, especially when you’re traveling on a budget. We made our way from Raiatea to Bora Bora using the Apetahi Express ferry. This affordable option departs on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays, costing around $34. The journey not only saved us money but also provided stunning views of the surrounding islands.
For those starting from Tahiti, flying is the most popular option. Regular flights connect Tahiti’s Faa’a International Airport to Bora Bora, offering quick and convenient travel. While flying is more expensive than the ferry, it’s a great option if you’re short on time or prefer the convenience. You are also in for a stunning flight with panoramic views over the island.
Where to stay in Bora Bora
Bora Bora is famous for its luxury hotels and iconic overwater bungalows, often found on the outer skirts of the island, offering unparalleled views and direct lagoon access. However, if you’re traveling on a budget, staying on the main island is a much more affordable option. Note that we were here during low season and prices may vary depending on seasonality and demand.
We found a cozy studio apartment with stunning views over the water for just $90 per night, proving that you can enjoy the beauty of Bora Bora without splurging on high-end resorts.
What to do in Bora Bora
Bora Bora may be known for its luxury, but there are plenty of budget-friendly activities that let you experience the island’s natural beauty and charm. From exploring the island on a scooter to snorkeling in vibrant coral gardens, there’s no shortage of adventures.
1. Rent a scooter and drive around the island
One of the best ways to explore Bora Bora is by renting a scooter, which costs around $56 per day. The main island is small enough that you can loop it in about 1-2 hours, depending on how often you stop to take in the stunning views. Riding a scooter gives you the freedom to explore at your own pace, discover hidden spots, and enjoy the breathtaking scenery.
2. Relax on a public beach
Plage Public de Matira is Bora Bora’s only public white sandy beach (that we found), and it’s a must-visit if you’re looking to unwind. Located near the Bora Bora Beach Club, this stretch of sand is easily found on Google Maps. In our opinion, it’s the best beach on the island – and possibly the best one listed in this itinerary. The soft white sand, crystal-clear waters, and peaceful atmosphere make it a perfect spot to relax.
3. Diving in Bora Bora
Diving in Bora Bora is an unforgettable experience that brings you up close to the island’s vibrant marine life. For $199 per person, you can enjoy a two-tank dive that takes you to some of the most thrilling underwater spots. One of the highlights was diving at a shark cleaning station, where we were surrounded by graceful black-tip reef sharks circling around us. We also visited a manta ray cleaning area, where we witnessed these majestic creatures glide effortlessly through the water.
4. Snorkeling in Bora Bora
As budget travelers, we brought our own snorkel gear and stopped along the side of the road on the main island to snorkel in the warm waters. While the experience didn’t quite compare to the snorkeling we had in Raiatea, it was still an exciting and easy way to explore Bora Bora’s underwater life. It’s a simple, free activity that allowed us to enjoy the island’s natural beauty without any extra costs.
5. Watch the sunset
One of the simple pleasures in Bora Bora was watching the sunset. With a view overlooking the water from our accommodation, we made sure to return every evening just in time to catch the sunset. Watching the sky transform into vibrant shades of orange and pink was a relaxing and beautiful way to end each day.
6. Lunch at the beach
The perfect place to have lunch with stunning views is Bora Bora Beach Club. Situated right in front of the beach and the crystal clear turquoise waters, the restaurant offers stunning views of the surrounding paradise. Whether you’re enjoying a grilled fish or a fresh salad, the relaxed atmosphere and breathtaking scenery create a truly blissful moment. It’s the perfect spot to unwind and soak in the natural beauty of this enchanting destination.
Watch our video about Bora Bora Travel Guide
Day 18-21: Tahiti
After exploring the outer islands, returning to Tahiti feels like coming back to the heart of French Polynesia. As the largest island in the archipelago, Tahiti offers a blend of natural beauty, rich culture, and modern amenities.
Getting back to Tahiti
The ferry from Bora Bora to Tahiti cost us $49 per person and took 7.5 hours. The ferry system in French Polynesia is very good quality it provides a restaurant where you can buy food and drinks, as well as toilets and very comfortable seats and you will get to enjoy the views of the different islands in French Polynesia.
Getting around in Tahiti
Renting a car in Tahiti proved to be the best decision for exploring the island at our own pace. Keep in mind that Tahiti is bigger than the other islands, the roads are bigger with a lot of traffic, and we felt that a small scooter will not get around this island.
For $97 per day, we rented a car for 4 days, which gave us the freedom to visit hidden beaches, scenic points, and cultural villages without relying on public transportation. We picked up the car in the city when we arrived with the ferry and conveniently dropped it off at the airport before our flight, making it hassle-free. With full insurance included, we had peace of mind the entire time, allowing us to fully enjoy the adventure without any worries.
Check rental options at Airport Rentals, this is where we find the best deals.
Where to stay in Tahiti
Since we rented a car, we decided to stay on the west coast of the island, 25 minutes drive from Papeete, in a town called Pā’ea, near Mahana Park. We got a studio apartment with parking for 85 USD per night.
Things to do in Tahiti
1. Visit the Black Sand Beaches
Tahiti’s volcanic origins have blessed it with stunning black sand beaches. Taharuu Beach is one of the island’s most popular, known for its dramatic coastline and strong surf. Whether you want to relax, swim, or watch surfers in action, this beach offers a beautiful spot to experience Tahiti’s unique landscape.
2. Explore Teahupo’o – The Olympic Surf Spot
Teahupoo is world-famous for its massive waves, attracting elite surfers from around the world. Hosting the 2024 Olympic surfing competition, this iconic surf spot is a must-visit, even if you’re not riding the waves. Watching surfers conquer the powerful breaks is an unforgettable experience.
3. Shopping in Papeete
The bustling Papeete Market is the ideal spot to shop for souvenirs, local crafts, and fresh produce. From Tahitian pearls and handmade jewellery to vibrant clothing and local delicacies, this market captures the vibrant spirit of the island.
4. Have Lunch at Lani’s BBQ
Stop by Lani’s BBQ for a hearty lunch filled with mouth-watering grilled meats and island flavors. It’s a local favorite, offering generous portions and a relaxed, casual atmosphere—perfect for refueling after a day of exploring.
5. Bonus: Map of Instagram Spots
Here are some of the most photogenic locations in Tahiti that will make your Instagram feed pop! These spots capture the island’s natural beauty and vibrant culture, offering picture-perfect moments around every corner.
Watch our video about Tahiti Travel Guide
How much it cost to travel French Polynesia for 3 weeks
You can experience the beauty of French Polynesia on a budget, even for a three-week adventure. By staying in AirBnB or Guesthouses, using affordable transportation, cooking your own meals, and choosing budget-friendly activities, it’s possible to explore these stunning islands without overspending. Here’s how much we spent for two people in February 2024:
- Accommodation: $1,613
- Transportation (ferry, scooter, car rentals): $1,339
- Petrol: $31
- Groceries and Shopping: $1,001
- Activities: $937
- Eating Out (Food & Drinks): $544
Total: $5,467 (around $249 per day for two people).
In comparison, a one-night stay in an over-water bungalow at a luxury resort in Bora Bora can easily cost $1,500 – $2,500 per night, depending on the season and resort. So for the price of just 2-3 nights in an over-water bungalow, you could fund an entire 3 weeks trip exploring multiple islands on a budget!
Summary
Our budget-friendly adventure through French Polynesia took us across 5 beautiful islands, starting with one night in Tahiti before heading to Moorea for six nights, where we enjoyed stunning beaches and relaxed vibes. From there, we continued to Huahine, discovering the island’s charm and local culture, before making our way to Raiatea, where we snorkelled at Motu Ofetaru. In Bora Bora, we stayed on the main island, enjoying budget-friendly activities like snorkeling, scooter rides, and relaxing on the public beach at Matira. Finally, we returned to Tahiti and rented a car to explore the island.
Our three-week trip for two people cost $5,467 (around $249 per day), covering accommodation, transportation, groceries, activities, and dining out. This total cost is less than a few nights in a luxury over-water bungalow, proving that you can experience the beauty and adventure of French Polynesia on a budget!
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