Itineraries — Society Islands

The Society Islands archipelago organises around the capital Papeete on Tahiti and two coherent geographic groups: the Windward Islands (Tahiti, Moorea, Tetiaroa) to the east and the Leeward Islands (Bora Bora, Raiatea, Tahaa, Huahine, Maupiti) to the west. For a classic trip to French Polynesia, a 10-14 day itinerary in this archipelago is the standard formula, capable of condensing all the destination's signature experiences.

For a short stay (8-10 days), the efficient formula combines: 2 nights in Tahiti (acclimatisation, Papeete market, island loop, Pointe Vénus), 3 nights on Moorea (immediate escape, Cook and Opunohu bays, humpback whales in season), and 3-4 nights in Bora Bora (overwater bungalow, turquoise lagoon, Mont Otemanu). This formula is the backbone of most trips to French Polynesia.

With two weeks (14-16 days), the itinerary naturally extends to the less-visited Leeward Islands: add 3 nights on Huahine (the natural and authentic island, wild bays, preserved archaeological sites) or 3-4 nights in the Raiatea-Tahaa combination (UNESCO Taputapuātea marae, Tahaa vanilla plantations, black pearl farms). This extension delivers a more authentic and culturally richer experience than the Tahiti-Moorea-Bora Bora triangle alone.

A particularly popular formula for couples is to organise a catamaran or sailing-yacht cruise in the Leeward Islands (Raiatea, Tahaa, Huahine, Bora Bora) over 6-7 days, paired with a few days on Tahiti and Moorea. Operators (Dream Yacht Charter, The Moorings, Sunsail) offer skippered or bareboat charters from Raiatea. Allow €2,500-5,000 per couple for a week's cruise depending on comfort and season.