Undiscovered French Polynesia: Beyond Bora Bora
This French Polynesia island hopping journey takes you beyond the obvious, combining Tahiti, Raiatea, Taha’a and the remote Tuamotu atolls for a more unusual view of the South Pacific.
Begin in Tahiti before continuing to Raiatea, one of Polynesia’s most culturally significant islands, and neighbouring Taha’a, known for vanilla plantations, pearl farms and quiet lagoon life. From there, travel onwards to Rangiroa or Fakarava in the Tuamotus, where vast lagoons, coral passes, reef sharks and big blue horizons reveal a wilder side to French Polynesia.
The itinerary below is shown as an example route. Every journey we create is planned from scratch, and can be adapted — unless you like it exactly as it is.
- Day 1 - Overnight Flight
Begin your journey from the UK, travelling towards the South Pacific. This more adventurous French Polynesia itinerary takes you beyond the obvious, combining culture, lagoons and remote coral atolls.
- Day 2 - Raiatea
Arrive in Tahiti and settle in after the long journey. Fly to Raiatea, one of French Polynesia’s most culturally significant islands. Settle into your hotel and begin discovering a quieter, more authentic side of the Society Islands.
- Day 3 - Raiatea
Explore Raiatea’s sacred landscapes, including ancient marae sites and lush island scenery. Later, spend time beside the lagoon, where the pace is slower and the atmosphere feels wonderfully removed.
- Day 4 - Raiatea
Another day at leisure on beautiful Raiatea. Enjoy your resorts empty beach in one of the most remote and stunning beaches in the world.
- Day 5 - Taha’a
Cross to neighbouring Taha’a, known for vanilla plantations, pearl farms and gentle lagoon scenery. Spend the day learning about local island life, with time for swimming, snorkelling or a relaxed lunch.
- Day 6 - Taha’a
Spend today exploring the lagoon by boat, snorkelling in clear water and discovering the quieter beauty of the Tuamotus. This is French Polynesia at its most open, elemental and ocean-led.
- Day 7 - Taha’a
Today is left free to enjoy the atoll slowly. Perhaps cycle between villages, swim from the shore, visit a pearl farm, or simply enjoy the silence and endless blue horizons.
- Day 8 - Moorea
Today you head to Moorea. Settle into your hotel, slow the pace, and enjoy your first views of volcanic peaks rising above the lagoon.
- Day 9 - Moorea
Head out across Moorea’s lagoon by boat, looking for rays, reef sharks and colourful fish in the shallows. Stop beside a quiet motu for swimming, snorkelling and a relaxed island-style lunch.
- Day 10 - Moorea
Explore Moorea’s lush interior, where pineapple fields, forested slopes and dramatic viewpoints reveal a wilder side to the island. Belvedere Lookout offers sweeping views over Cook’s and Opunohu Bays.
- Day 11 - Overnight Flight
Depending on flight times, enjoy a final taste of Tahiti before your onward journey. Visit a waterfall, browse local shops, or simply unwind before beginning your journey back to the UK.
From £6890pp
Itinerary highlights
- Explore Raiatea, Taha’a and the remote lagoons of the Tuamotus
- Visit sacred Polynesian sites, vanilla plantations and quiet island communities
- Snorkel or dive coral passes rich with sharks, rays and reef life
- Experience French Polynesia beyond the classic Bora Bora honeymoon route