Lonely Planet™ · Thorn Tree Forum · 2020

Advice 9 days in French Polynesia

Country forums / Pacific Islands & Papua New Guinea

Hi there!
I hope you guys have some advice on FP for a couple of backpackers. Our RTW ticket will bring us to Tahiti late (10pm) on December 19, and we will fly out to Easter Island at 1am on the 29th. Thus, after 1 night on Tahiti after the flight, we have 9 days and 8 nights to enjoy French Polynesia. Any advice on how to fill this in best is appreciated. We realise that Christmas time will be extra busy and expensive. As said, we are two young backpackers, and are more interested in seeing/doing things (snorkelling,diving,hiking,cycling, etc.) than lying on the beach.

It seems our best best is to visit two islands for 4 days, or at most 3 islands? We are currently considering skipping Tahiti itself and selecting 2 of Bora Bora, Maupiti, Moorea, Huahine, Raiatea. I've read a lot about Maupiti being the less touristy version of Bora Bora and absolutely fantastic, but it seems there are less AirTahiti flights available in that period. Would it be possible to visit Maupiti by boat (for a day or perhaps more), coming from Bora Bora?

Finally, some (budget) accommodation tips on any of the islands are also very welcome. Any input is appreciated. Thanks, and happy travelling!

How much do you know about French Polynesia? I cannot imagine what would make you think Bora Bora "touristy." It isn't. It is a tiny island with a non-tourist population of less than 10,000. It's beauty is iconic. The accommodations are sold to rich tourists. Maupiti is tinier with a non-tourist population of less than 2000. It is also beautiful and the accommodations are sold to extremely rich tourists. I hope one of you can speak French. Speaking Tahitian wouldn't hurt either. Otherwise, you are going to have trouble making yourselves understood. What are you budgeting for your 9 days in paradise? The Hotel Maitai Bora Bora, “the backpacker’s hostel by the sea,” will run close to $180/night in December. Their overwater bungalows are over $400/night. Boat charters, the water taxi from the airport to Viatape - it's the water taxi or swim on Bora Bora, Air Tahiti flights between islands, and food are similarly expensive. Air Tahiti may impose serious weight limits on luggage on the commuter flights between islands. Be sure you can stay within them.
Have a great time.

1

This topic has been automatically locked due to inactivity. Email community@lonelyplanet.com if you would like to add to this topic and we'll unlock it for you.

2