Ultimate French Polynesia Honeymoon Guide

What’s the best time to visit French Polynesia? How much does a French Polynesia honeymoon cost? How do you get to French Polynesia? Can you go all inclusive in French Polynesia?

We’ve got all the essential information you need to plan the perfect honeymoon in French Polynesia

Let’s take you to paradise with our Ultimate French Polynesia Honeymoon Guide!

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However, the country experiences a ‘rainy’ and ‘dry’ season.

The rainy season is from November to May. However, the wettest months are from December to February when you can expect occasional short downpours but plenty of sunshine too.

However, during the rainy season, occasional strong tropical storms and cyclones can occur.

The best time to visit French Polynesia for a honeymoon is from June to October during the dry season.

The shoulder months of March, April, May & November are good times to visit too, because of the lower risk of adverse weather and better prices.

Air Tahiti (not to be confused with Air Tahiti Nui – the international airline) has a handy flight air pass if hopping around multiple destinations with French Polynesia.

While there are multiple daily flights from Tahiti to the Society Islands (the most popular islands), for more off-the-beaten-track islands, there may only be a service a few times per week or even once a week.

Be sure to check the schedule and book the less frequent routes early. Many islands will not have a direct flight between them, so you may also have to backtrack to Tahiti or connect on another island.

Getting around French Polynesia is not too difficult, but it can be expensive. You can arrange airport-to-hotel transfers through your hotel/resort or travel agent.

There is no Uber and although taxis are available in top tourist destinations like Tahiti, Moorea and Bora Bora, they are expensive. Plus, if your resort is across a lagoon, you’ll need to arrange with the hotel to get you there.

Most couples will base themselves in their hotel or resort and take excursions.

However, hiring a vehicle gives you more freedom and on most of the Society Islands, you’ll find branches of Avis and Europcar which you can book with RentalCars.com.

The islands are so small you’ll only need a car for a short period – usually 24-48 hours to see most of the top sites.

Tahitians drive on the right side (so the same as the USA, Canada and mainland Europe).

A pension is a locally owned boarding house, similar to a guesthouse or bed & breakfast. The quality if pensions can vary in terms of service and are usually basic and these are where you’ll stay on the lesser-explored islands.

They are a fraction of the cost of a luxury resort. You’ll also find villa and bungalow accommodation available on VRBO.

Many resorts have the option to stay in a cute beach bungalow but for a truly romantic experience, we recommend at least a few nights in a magical overwater bungalow that Bora Bora is famous for.

This heavenly room category is probably the reason you’ve been dreaming about a French Polynesia honeymoon, after all!

French Polynesia honeymoon resorts are a little different to the all-inclusive honeymoon package destinations in the Caribbean and the Indian Ocean.

The resort/hotel costs are usually based on a bed & breakfast, half board of full board*.

*Half Board – breakfast and dinner. Full board – breakfast, lunch and dinner.

If you’re staying on the popular tourist islands in a luxury resort, you may find eat mostly in your hotel, but there are local restaurants to explore too.

We’d recommend just booking a bed & breakfast or a half board rate if you want to explore.

On lesser-visited islands, there will be small traditional restaurants and pensions will often provide some meals too.

However, there are other islands and island chains for intrepid honeymoon explorers who have a bit more time and want to dive deep into Polynesian culture and get off the beaten track.

Where it’s a five-start luxury honeymoon getaway, a private island or Robinson Crusoe, back-to-nature experience, you’ll find it in these heavenly islands.

Let’s explore…

Society Islands
Other Island Groups

Moorea, Tahiti and Tetiaroa make up the Windward Islands and Bora Bora, Huahine, Maupiti, Raiatea and Taha’a make up the Leeward Islands.

Jump to:

Tahiti
Moorea
Tetiaroa
Bora Bora
Raiatea
Taha’a
Other Society Islands

It is the largest island and the administrative and economic centre. It’s home to 70% of the population and the capital Papeete.

Tahiti is a lush island with beaches, palm trees, lagoons and waterfalls, plus plenty of accommodation options.

On a Tahiti honeymoon, you can take a 4×4 tour, go hiking and whale watching and take a half-day tour to Moorea.

However, while it’s nice to spend a day or two on Tahiti to recover from your flight, most couples will want to get straight to the veritable paradises of the other islands, including Moorea and Bora Bora and beyond.

The overwater bungalow concept originated at the Club Bali Hai Moorea in the 1960s (learn more about the history in this fascinating Conde Nast article).

Enjoy days of pure relaxation. The marine life is some of the best on the planet so scuba divers will be in heaven.

If you prefer to snorkel, you can spend your days splashing around the crystal-clear waters of the South Pacific’s warm lagoons. Swim with wild dolphins and go whale watching.

The hiking opportunities are worth tearing yourself away from your luxury resort. Explorers will love the trails through the green volcanic mountains with incredibly scenic views over the beautiful rainforests.

Visit cascading waterfalls like Afareaitu. Take a 4×4 tour. Don’t miss Paopao Bay (or Cook’s Bay) and Opunohu Bay. Visit a pineapple plantation.

From fresh seafood caught right off the coast to traditional Tahitian dishes, a delight for your taste buds!

Brando bought the island in the 1960s while filming Mutiny on the Bounty. His family opened the resort in 2014.

You may or may not care about public figures, but it’s where Kim Kardashian had her 40th birthday party and where Barack Obama retreated to write part of his memoir. So if it’s good enough for Kim and Barack, right?

This unspoiled, private, stunning atoll is just a 30-minutes on a private plane from Tahiti or just 1-hour from Bora Bora. The resort will arrange this flight for you.

Go biking, snorkelling, bird watching, scuba diving, kayaking and paddle boarding. Swim with sea turtles, reef sharks and a dazzling array of tropical fish. The villas are heaven. You have an outdoor bathtub and your own pool. Bliss!

This extraordinary paradise, known as the Pearl of the Pacific is an island 270kms from Tahiti.

It’s surrounded by islets, i.e. small islands, more commonly known as motus. With Mount Otemanu in the background, the glittering warm lagoon and dazzling white sand, there aren’t enough superlatives to describe this iconic destination.

Many of the luxury resorts are on their own private motu with overwater bungalows and a private beach. Many couples will stay in one of these in an iconic overwater villa. Bora Bora is where you’ll find some of the best resorts.

You’ll need to take a boat ride to your resort from the airport, too. Once you arrive, it’s all about relaxing and having fun in paradise.

You don’t have to do a lot of anything except enjoy your newly wedded bliss as you marvel at the shades of blue in the lagoon and sky with the emerald green mountainous peaks.

At night, opt for a romantic dinner and marvel at the constellation of stars, French Polynesia is one of the earth’s best honeymoon destinations for star gazing.

There is plenty to do if you choose. You can go snorkelling and scuba diving amongst the rich marine life. Take a lagoon cruise (or opt for one of the beautiful sunset cruises). Bora Bora is a great place for water sports like wakeboarding and jet skiing.

In the morning have your breakfast delivered by outrigger canoe. Take a helicopter tour over the heart-shaped atoll of Tūpai. Explore Viatape and pick up some souvenirs. Go sailing on a catamaran ship or go jet skiing.

Take the hike to Mount Otemanu (or take a 4×4 or ATV tour if you the jetlag is too much). Mount Otemanu is one of the two volcanic peaks that make up Bora Bora’s iconic landscape. It’s about 727 meters high so it’s quite a challenging hike, but it’s definitely worth it for the breathtaking views at the top!

Most couples will eat at their luxury resort, but there are some famous spots like Bloody Marys and Saint James. Feast on the most divine seafood and discover cocktails made of exotic fruits you’ve never heard of!

One thing is for sure, Bora Bora has to be on your honeymoon itinerary!

Previously known as Hava’i, it’s now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It’s also the administrative island of the Leeward Islands, so it’s an ideal place to experience authentic Polynesian life.

Raiatea wouldn’t have the luxury overwater bungalows, but it has a jungle interior ideal for exploring.

You can go hiking in search of waterfalls and river kayaking. Raiatea is a jump-off point to Ta’haa island. It’s also the centre of sailing in French Polynesia with many companies basing themselves here.

Don’t miss the secluded villas on Motu Nao Nao Ile Privée, a secluded nearby private island.

Known as Vanilla Island because it produces 80% of Tahitian Vanilla. You can tour one of the vanilla plantations and learn all about vanilla production.

Similar to Bora Bora, there is the main island and surrounding tiny motus with stunning mountain peaks jutting out of the turquoise lagoon with magical coral reefs.

It’s one of the most beautiful parts of the Society Islands and a lovely island to include with Bora Bora.

Known as the Garden of Eden, Huahine is in fact two islands, Huahine Nui (big) & Huahine Iti (small) which are connected by a bridge.

It’s covered in lush green rainforest and vegetation and you’ll find coconut plantations and vanilla orchards, wilder beaches and ancient and sacred Polynesian ruins (known locally as marae).

Maupiti is a tiny, secluded island. Accommodation is more rustic with family pensions or guesthouses.

In fact, the locals have resisted big hotel names and mass tourism in their slice of paradise. Most people get around by bike. Explore the unspoiled aquamarine coral reef.

Hike to the summit of Mount Teurafaatui, for the most magical views in French Polynesia.

How to get to Huahine: You can fly to Huahune (airport code: HUH) from Tahiti (PPT – 40 minutes) or Bora Bora (BOB – 25 minutes) and Raiatea (RFP – 20 minutes)

How to get to Maupiti: You can fly to Maupiti (MAU) from Tahiti (PPT – 50 minutes) and Raiatea (RFP – 25 minutes)  

Where to stay:
Hotel Le Mahana Huahine

It’s important to note that it’s not always possible to hop between the islands, as there may be only a cargo ferry system and limited flights between them. Check Air Tahiti for flights routes.

Jump to:

Tuamotu Atolls
Marquesas Islands
Gambier Islands
Austral Islands

With white sand beaches, turquoise waters, and lush vegetation, Tuamotu is perfect for an idyllic off the beaten track honeymoon getaway in paradise.

One of the Tuamotu Atolls is a great option for those who want to explore beyond the Society Islands. Made up of 78 coral islands that stretch for nine hundred kilometres across the Pacific Ocean – about the length of Western Europe.

The atolls were first settled by Polynesians about 3,000 years ago. Much of the atoll chain is still uninhabited and the resorts are more limited than the Society Islands.

You’ll find pearl farms and even a winery.

There are less than a handful of hotels and they won’t be as polished or luxurious as those found in Bora Bora & Moorea.

However, this is one thing that makes the Tuamotus so special; with miles of pristine beaches and deserted islands, you’ll often feel you have the whole place to yourself.

If you’re looking to relax, it’s the perfect honeymoon destination. Spend your days lounging on powdery white-sand beaches or swimming in tranquil lagoon waters.

Rangiroa and Fakarava are two of the top French Polynesia honeymoon destinations for scuba diving. You will be in underwater heaven with colourful marine life like manta rays and sea turtles.

It’s hard to pick a favourite of the Tuamotus, but Tikehau, known as Pink Sand Island, is definitely a contender. With white and pink sand islets, lush coconut palms and a real Robinson Crusoe feel. There are also tiny atolls like Mataiva.

How to get to the Tuamotu Atolls: You can fly from Tahiti (airport code: PPT) in 1 hour to Tikehau (TIH), Rangiroa (RGI), Mataiva (MVT) and Fakarava (FAV).

There are also direct flights from Rangiroa (RGI) to Tikehau (TIH – 20 minutes) and Fakarava (FAV – 45 minutes). You can also fly from Bora Bora (airport code BOB) to Rangiroa (RGI – 1 hour 15 minutes).

Where to stay:
Le Tikehau Pearl Beach Resort
Hotel Kia Ora Resort & Spa

Of the 12 islands in this chain, only 6 are inhabited. The main islands are Nuku Hiva in the Northern Marquesas and Hiva Oa in the Southern Marquesas.

You won’t find luxury resorts or lagoons and coral reefs. The islands are volcanic and covered in dense, lush, emerald rainforest. The internet will be patchy and tours are informal.

What you will get is one of the world’s most remote island chains, truly get off grid and discover Polynesia’s abundant beauty and ancient culture.

Polynesian culture here has been less influenced by European colonialism than other parts of French Polynesia.

On Nuku Hiva, the population is currently less than 3000 and tragically went from six figures to just four figures from the 18th to 20th century.

Island life has changed little in The Marquesas over the decades and centuries. They get around on 4×4 or horseback and make a living hunting and fishing.

You can find many Polynesian archaeological sites, hike to Vaipo Waterfall on Nuku Hiva, explore the wild untouched brown and black sand beaches and see the wild horses on Hiva Oa.

Hiva Oa is also where the famous impressionist painter, Paul Gauguin, lived and died.

How to get to the Marquesas Islands: Fly from Tahiti (airport code: PPT) to Nuku Hiva (NHV – 3 hours 15 minutes) and Hiva Oa (AUQ – 3 hours 20 minutes). You can also fly between Nuku Hiva and Hiva Oa.

Where to stay:
Le Nuku Hiva by Pearl Resorts
Hanakee Hiva Oa Lodge

The main island is Mangareva with around 1400 inhabitants living in or near Rikitea, the main village.

In Polynesian mythology, Mangareva was lifted from the ocean floor by the demigod Maui. It’s also one of the biggest producers of black pearls in French Polynesia.

One of the cultural and historical highlights is the architectural remnants of European religion imported by colonists. These days, Polynesians of The Gambier follow their more ancient ways. There are no hotels here, only basic pensions.

Have an unforgettable honeymoon adventure snorkelling in the crystal clear lagoon. Hike Mount Duff. Stargaze under the incredible Pacific night sky.

Take a boat trip to discover uninhabited islands and deserted coves and hidden beaches.

How to get to Gambier Islands: Fly from Tahiti (airport code: PPT) to Totegegie Airport (GMR – 5 hours).

Where to stay:
Pension Maro’i

European travellers have had less influence, and native culture is relatively untouched. Tubuai is the island in the story of the Mutiny of the Bounty.

Rurutu island is one of the best destinations to go whale watching in the world, without the crowds and you can even swim with them! The season is usually from July to October.

On Tubuai, hike to Mount Taita and swim amongst the coral reefs in the lagoon. Go windsurfing or kayaking.

Raivavae is not to be missed if you’re adding the Austral islands to your itinerary. It’s home to one of the most beautiful turquoise blue lagoons in the world.

How to get to Austral Islands: Fly from Tahiti (airport code: PPT) to Rurutu (RUR- 1.5 hours), Tubuai (TUB – 1.5 hours), Raivavae (RUR – 2 hours)

Where to stay: There are no hotels and only very modest family-run pensions.
Vaitumu Village Rurutu
Tavaetu Guesthouse by Tubuai Plongee – Tubuai Island
Pension Vaimano – Raivavae

Most of the big cruise companies will have ships that sail to French Polynesia on a Pacific Ocean cruise itinerary.

They’ll start on the west coast of the United States or from Honolulu in Hawaii and sail to New Zealand or Australia and take in a couple of islands and some will start at Papeete, too

To dive deeper into French Polynesia, Paul Gauguin Cruises provides authentic itineraries on a small ship.

Not only do you get to explore the popular islands of Bora Bora and Moorea, but you get to visit some of the more off-the-beaten-track islands.

You could also try Variety Cruises which has some incredible itineraries.

A unique way to see the Marquesas if you’re not short on time is the part cruise/part freighter ship, Aranui 5.

If you want to charter your own yacht, consider Tahiti Yacht Charter, who is based on the island of Raiatea.

These are actually islands that are part of the French Polynesia archipelago. In short, Tahiti and Bora Bora are separate islands, part of the country French Polynesia.

The islands lie between Australia and South America in the South Pacific Ocean, south of Hawaii and northeast of New Zealand.

Spread across two thousand kilometres, they comprise five island groups – The Society Islands, Tuamotu Archipelago, The Gambier Islands, The Marquesas Islands and the Austral Islands.

• Weather Vulnerability: While you would be unlucky to encounter a cyclone, French Polynesia does have a cyclone season which can occasionally lead to regular heavy rains and winds which could spoil your honeymoon.
  
• Cost: French Polynesia is a remote destinations with high costs for luxury accommodation, dining, and activities, which might not suit your budget.
  
• Distance: French Polynesia is far away and if you only have a short time for your honeymoon, it may not be worth travelling so far away. You don’t want to have to deal with jet lag for your whole honeymoon!
  
• Food: While French Polynesia is a paradise, it may not be the ideal spot for foodies. Couples seeking extensive gourmet experiences may find the options more limited. As always, we recommend exploring local dishes for the most authentic taste of the islands’ culinary culture!