Itinerary Papeete & Moorea & Bora Bora

April is a great month to visit French Polynesia—this is shoulder season, with pleasant temperatures (~28°C), less crowding, and lower rainfall. Perfect for exploring, relaxing on beaches, and water-based activities!

💰 Budget overview

Category	Amount
✈️ Transport	$1800
🏨 Accommodations	$1680
🧳 Gear	$320
🗺️ On-site	$1100
Total	$4900

🗺️ Activities & landmarks

🇵🇫 Papeete - 4 days

☀️ Daytime

• [ ] 🏙️ Papeete Market (Marché de Papeete) ⭐⭐⭐ (~2h)

  • The vibrant heart of Tahiti; explore local crafts, fresh produce, and food stands. Go early for the best experience.

• [ ] 🏛️ Tahiti Pearl Museum ⭐⭐ (~1h)

  • Unique museum dedicated to pearls; learn about Polynesian history and culture.

• [ ] 🌳 Paofai Gardens ⭐⭐ (~1h)

  • Waterfront park ideal for a relaxing stroll, sea views, and people-watching.

• [ ] 🏛️ Cathedral of Notre Dame ⭐ (~0.5h)

  • Historic Catholic cathedral in the city center.

• [ ] 🖼️ Museum of Tahiti and The Islands ⭐⭐ (~2h)

  • Comprehensive overview of Polynesian natural/cultural history; in nearby Punaauia.

• [ ] 🌊 Fautaua Waterfall ⭐⭐ (~2-4h)

  • Stunning 135-meter waterfall; moderate hike (go in group or with guide for safety).

• [ ] 🏕️ James Norman Hall Home ⭐ (~1h)

  • Historic home of the co-author of "Mutiny on the Bounty".

• [ ] 🏖️ Plage de la Pointe Venus ⭐⭐⭐ (~2h)

  • Famous black sand beach and lighthouse; great for swimming and local life.

• [ ] 🛶 Lagoon Excursion & Snorkeling Tour ⭐⭐⭐ (~4h)

  • Join a small-group tour to discover turquoise waters, tropical fish, and coral reefs. Social and safe way to explore!

• [ ] 🌄 Mount Orohena ⭐ (~6-8h, for serious hikers)

  • The highest peak on Tahiti; guided hiking is a must for solo travelers.

🌙 Evening & night

• [ ] 🍸 Les 3 Brasseurs ⭐⭐ (~2h)

  • Lively brewery with craft beer and music; safe, social spot to meet travelers.

• [ ] 🎶 To’ata Square ⭐⭐ (~2h)

  • Frequent open-air shows, local dance, music festivals (check schedule).

🍽️ Must-try food spots

• [ ] 🍜 Les Roulottes (Food Trucks at Vaiete Square) ⭐⭐⭐

  • Nightly gathering of food trucks; sample traditional Tahitian, French, and Chinese dishes ($8-20).

• [ ] 🍽️ Café Maeva ⭐⭐

  • Breakfast or lunch at the market; great for solo diners.

🔁 Optional if time permits

• [ ] 🛍️ Vaima Shopping Center (~1h)

  • Local boutiques and souvenirs.

• [ ] 🧖 Le Spa at InterContinental (~2h)

  • Relaxing massage with lagoon views.

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🇵🇫 Moorea - 8 days

☀️ Daytime

• [ ] 🏞️ Belvedere Lookout ⭐⭐⭐ (~1h)

  • Spectacular panoramic view over bays and mountains—must for sunset/rise.

• [ ] 🏖️ Temae Beach ⭐⭐⭐ (~2-3h)

  • White-sand public beach with calm, clear water; snorkeling hotspot.

• [ ] 🏙️ Maharepa Village ⭐⭐ (~2h)

  • Charming main town with boutiques and cafés; meet locals safely.

• [ ] 🏝️ Lagoonarium de Moorea ⭐⭐⭐ (~3h)

  • Floating platform to observe and swim with rays and small sharks (guided, safe).

• [ ] 🛶 Kayaking & Paddleboarding in Opunohu Bay ⭐⭐ (~2-3h)

  • Rent gear and explore—join a group for added social vibes.

• [ ] 🚲 Cycle around the island ⭐⭐ (~4-6h)

  • Well-maintained roads and jaw-dropping scenery. Use helmet, avoid late-night rides.

• [ ] 🏊 Snorkeling at Ta’ahiamanu Beach ⭐⭐ (~2h)

  • Excellent for coral reefs and marine life.

• [ ] 🌄 Hike to Three Coconut Trees Pass ⭐⭐ (~3h)

  • Popular hiking trail—always hike with others for safety.

• [ ] 🐢 Tiki Village Cultural Center ⭐⭐ (~2h)

  • Stunning Polynesian dance shows, traditional crafts, and dinners.

• [ ] 🐬 Dolphin and Whale Watching Tour ⭐⭐ (~4h)

  • Go with certified guides; whale season July–Nov, but dolphins year-round.

• [ ] 🚤 Jet Ski Tour ⭐ (~2h)

  • Guided group tours around dramatic coastlines.

• [ ] 🏠 Moorea Green Pearl Golf Course ⭐ (~2h)

  • For golf enthusiasts; beautiful Pacific views.

🌙 Evening & night

• [ ] 🍸 Rudy’s ⭐⭐ (~2h)

  • Bustling restaurant-bar popular with expats and travelers.

• [ ] 🎤 Coco Beach ⭐⭐ (~2h)

  • Chill beach bar on a private motu (islet), occasional live music.

🍽️ Must-try food spots

• [ ] 🍴 Snack Mahana ⭐⭐⭐

  • Legendary lunchtime spot—raw fish and seafood specialties ($15-25).

• [ ] 🍽️ Le Lezard Jaune Café ⭐⭐

  • Fresh fusion cuisine, solo-friendly.

🔁 Optional if time permits

• [ ] 🧑‍🎨 Artisan workshops in Paopao (~1-2h)

  • See traditional tattooing and crafts.

• [ ] 🧖 Spa Helene (~1h)

  • Affordable, relaxing massage therapies.

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🇵🇫 Bora Bora - 9 days

☀️ Daytime

• [ ] 🏝️ Matira Beach ⭐⭐⭐ (~3h)

  • Voted one of the world’s best white-sand beaches; safe to swim, gorgeous sunset.

• [ ] 🏊 Snorkeling with Rays & Sharks ⭐⭐⭐ (~3h)

  • Bucket-list activity—always book a guided tour for safety and company.

• [ ] 🏞️ Mount Otemanu ⭐⭐ (~4h)

  • Photo-op and guided hike to the island’s volcanic peak.

• [ ] 🛶 Lagoon Tour by Outrigger Canoe ⭐⭐⭐ (~4h)

  • Explore Bora Bora’s turquoise lagoon; group tours available.

• [ ] 🌊 Coral Gardens ⭐⭐ (~2h)

  • Snorkeling area teeming with colorful marine life.

• [ ] 🏙️ Vaitape ⭐⭐ (~2h)

  • Main settlement: local shops, casual cafés, and lively pier.

• [ ] 🏜️ Bora Bora Turtle Center ⭐⭐ (~1.5h)

  • Learn about conservation efforts and interact with rescued turtles.

• [ ] 🚲 Cycle the coastal road ⭐ (~3h)

  • Rent a bike for a laid-back, safe solo exploration.

• [ ] 🧖 Spa at St. Regis Bora Bora ⭐⭐ (~1.5h)

  • Luxurious wellness in a world-famous setting.

• [ ] 🚤 Jet Ski Around the Lagoon ⭐⭐ (~2h)

  • Group tours with incredible views and photo stops.

• [ ] 🏄 Introductory Diving Course ⭐ (~3h)

  • No experience needed—try it with a safe, friendly group.

• [ ] 🦈 Aquarium Snorkeling Spot ⭐ (~1h)

  • Rich coral ecosystem; join a tour for safety.

🌙 Evening & night

• [ ] 🍹 Bloody Mary’s ⭐⭐ (~2h)

  • Iconic, traveler-favorite beach bar and restaurant; great conversation starter.

• [ ] 🎶 St. James Bar & Restaurant ⭐⭐ (~2h)

  • Harborfront cocktails and live music nights.

🍽️ Must-try food spots

• [ ] 🥥 Mai Kai Bora Bora ⭐⭐⭐

  • Lagoon-side restaurant: fresh mahi-mahi, view of the mountains ($25-40).

• [ ] 🍴 Lucky House “Fare Manuia” ⭐⭐

  • Pizza, French cuisine, laid-back local hangout.

🔁 Optional if time permits

• [ ] 🛍️ Pearl shops in Vaitape (~1h)

  • Learn about and shop for Tahitian black pearls.

• [ ] 👩‍🍳 Cooking class (~2h)

  • Learn to prepare Tahitian specialties in a group setting.

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🎬 Films & series to watch

🇵🇫 Papeete

• [ ] 🎬 Moana (2016) — ⭐ 7.6 — Animated story inspired by Polynesian myths and landscapes — Disney+
• [ ] 🎬 Mutiny on the Bounty (1935/1962) — ⭐ 7.7/7.2 — Dramatization of the famous uprising aboard HMS Bounty filmed on Tahiti — Amazon Prime

🇵🇫 Moorea

• [ ] 🎬 Tabu: A Story of the South Seas (1931) — ⭐ 7.9 — Romantic drama set and filmed in French Polynesia — Criterion
• [ ] 📺 Tahiti Quest (2014) — ⭐ 6.5 — Adventure/reality competition filmed in French Polynesia — YouTube

🇵🇫 Bora Bora

• [ ] 🎬 South Pacific (1958) — ⭐ 6.7 — Classic musical set on a Polynesian island — Amazon Prime
• [ ] 📺 Expedition Unknown: Tahiti Legends (2020) — ⭐ 8.2 — Documentary adventure in the islands — Discovery+

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🍜 Local specialties

🇵🇫 Papeete

• [ ] Poisson cru (Tahitian raw fish salad in coconut milk)
• [ ] Firi firi (sweet coconut doughnuts)
• [ ] Chevrettes (river prawns)

🇵🇫 Moorea

• [ ] Ma’a tinito (Tahitian-Chinese pork & beans)
• [ ] Poulet fafa (chicken with taro leaves)
• [ ] Fei bananas with coconut milk

🇵🇫 Bora Bora

• [ ] Mahi-mahi with vanilla sauce
• [ ] Taro chips
• [ ] Poe (sweet pudding with tropical fruit)

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📍 Maps - places to pin

🇵🇫 Papeete

1. 🌤️ Papeete Market
2. 🌙 Les 3 Brasseurs
3. 🛍️ Vaima Shopping Center
4. 🏨 Hotel Tahiti Nui
5. 🍽️ Les Roulottes

🇵🇫 Moorea

1. 🌤️ Belvedere Lookout
2. 🌙 Rudy’s
3. 🛍️ Maharepa Village
4. 🏨 Hôtel Manava Beach Resort Moorea
5. 🍽️ Snack Mahana

🇵🇫 Bora Bora

1. 🌤️ Matira Beach
2. 🌙 Bloody Mary’s
3. 🛍️ Pearl Shops Vaitape
4. 🏨 Maitai Polynesia Bora Bora
5. 🍽️ Mai Kai Bora Bora

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✈️ Transport to book

• [ ] ✈️ Paris (CDG) → Papeete (PPT) (connect from Compiègne by train to airport)
• [ ] ⛴️ Papeete → Moorea (ferry, 35 min)
• [ ] ✈️ Moorea → Bora Bora (domestic flight, 50 min)
• [ ] ✈️ Bora Bora → Papeete → Paris (CDG)

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🏨 Accommodations

City	Nights	Accommodation	Price
Papeete	4	Hotel Tahiti Nui (comfort)	$420
Moorea	8	Manava Beach Resort Moorea	$960
Bora Bora	9	Maitai Polynesia Bora Bora	$1,170
Total	21		$2,550

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Solo traveler safety tips: French Polynesia is very safe, but exercise the usual caution—lock valuables in room safes, avoid walking alone on isolated beaches at night, join group tours for adventure activities, and socialize at lively spots like hotels and reputable bars. Meeting other travelers is easy through lagoon excursions and food truck gatherings.

Enjoy your Pacific paradise adventure!