What can you do on a family trip to French Polynesia?

La ora na to all,

Do you dream of discovering French Polynesia with your family? Sailing between the islands, enjoying unique experiences and spending quality time with your loved ones? At My Little Polynesia, we've designed an itinerary just for families: a journey through some of Polynesia's most beautiful islands - Tahiti, Moorea, Bora Bora, Taha'a and Raiatea.

Turquoise lagoons, a vibrant culture, unforgettable excursions and, above all, a pace to suit all the family. We take you on a step-by-step adventure.

🔗 Fancy discovering different combinations of islands? You can check out a 15-day to 3-week itinerary in Polynesia.

Stage 1: Tahiti as a family

Welcome to Tahiti, the gateway to French Polynesia. Too often reduced to a simple airport stopover, the island is well worth a visit. As a family, it offers the perfect blend of nature, culture and accessible adventure.

Here are our favourites to experience with your children:

1. Watching the Teahupo'o wave from a boat - Tahiti

When you think of Tahiti, you immediately think of beaches, mountains... but also the famous Teahupo'o wave, one of the most mythical in the world. To discover it with your family, there's nothing like a boat trip that takes you right up close to this monster of a wave, in complete safety. Children and adults alike will be fascinated by the power of nature. Even in calm seas, the sensation of standing at the foot of this wave breaking over the reef is breathtaking. It's easy to see why the world's top surfers come here every year. The boat's captain tells you with passion about the history of the spot, its links with local traditions and the challenges it represents. It's also a great opportunity to observe the wild coast of Tahiti Iti from the lagoon, far from the hustle and bustle of Papeete. A short but memorable excursion that appeals to all ages. If you want to experience a spectacular moment, without stress or complicated logistics, this is clearly not to be missed during your stay in Tahiti.

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2. Catamaran excursion to Tetiaroa from Papeete - Tahiti

If there's one day the whole family will remember, it's the excursion to Tetiaroa, Marlon Brando's private atoll. We set off early in the morning from the port of Papeete, aboard a large, comfortable catamaran, where we set sail for around 2 hours towards this jewel in the Pacific. As soon as you arrive, you'll be dazzled by the turquoise waters and white sand. The atoll, made up of small motu, is a sanctuary for birds, fish and coral. Children love to snorkel over the coral gardens, while parents enjoy the tranquillity of the lagoon. Lunch is often served on board or on a motu, in a simple, friendly atmosphere. Tetiaroa is not accessible every day or by every means, so this outing has a real taste of exclusivity. It's a heavenly interlude, perfect for a break in nature and luxury at the same time, without being out of reach.

3. Canyoning in the Lavatubes - Tahiti

Fancy a more original adventure with a touch of sport for the whole family? Canyoning in Tahiti's Lavatubes is a unique experience that makes a complete change from the turquoise lagoons. Here, you plunge deep into the island's interior, into a world of dense jungle, secret waterfalls and volcanic tunnels carved out by lava thousands of years ago. The tour is led by experienced guides who adapt the route to the level of the group, so even teenagers (usually aged 12 and over) can take part. As you wade through the water, go down natural slides and jump into crystal-clear pools, you feel literally out of time. It's fresh, it's green, it's alive. This activity also allows you to see another side of Tahiti, away from the beaches: that of raw, luxuriant, unspoilt nature. For those who like to get off the beaten track and experience something different, this is a real favourite. And after that, the children sleep very well!

Stage 2: Moorea, Tahiti's little sister

After Tahiti, head for Moorea, just 30 minutes away by ferry. Plan to spend 5 full days on this splendid island. It's the ideal spot for families: not too big, easy to explore, full of activities for all ages. Here you can enjoy the lagoon, the mountains and the relaxed Polynesian atmosphere.

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4. Excursion to swim with the whales in Moorea

It's undoubtedly one of the most moving experiences you can have in Polynesia... and even more so as a family: swimming with humpback whales in the waters off Moorea. Every year, between July and November, these majestic giants come to rest and give birth in the warm waters of Polynesia. Accompanied by passionate, certified guides, you set off by boat to meet them. The approach is always gentle, respectful and totally safe. When the conditions are right, you can get in the water with flippers, mask and snorkel, and hope to observe them below the surface... just a few metres away! Children are often amazed, silent, as if suspended in awe. Even without getting in the water, watching them from the boat is a real highlight. It's an outing that leaves a deep impression, an almost intimate bond with nature. And frankly, who can say they've swum with whales in their life?

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5. Jet ski tour of Cook and Ōpūnohu bays - Moorea

For a dose of adrenaline while discovering Moorea's most beautiful panoramas, nothing beats a jet ski ride in Cook and Ōpūnohu bays. It's a fun, refreshing activity, and ideal for families with children aged 6 or 7 and over (as passengers). You set off in a small group, accompanied by a guide, for a supervised ride between lush green mountains and a turquoise lagoon. We make several stops to admire the scenery, listen to local anecdotes, and of course to dive with stingrays and blacktip sharks in a magical setting. The contrast between the power of the machine and the serenity of the scenery makes for a unique experience. Teenagers love to drive (aged 16 and over) and the little ones get a real eyeful at the back. It's sporty, accessible and incredibly beautiful all at the same time. It's a real family moment... with the added bonus of a few memorable splashes!

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6. Excursion to discover the island of Moorea in a 4x4 vehicle

If you want to see Moorea's wild interior without too much effort, the 4x4 excursion is just perfect for the whole family. In an open-air all-terrain vehicle, you'll travel the island's trails with a passionate local guide who shares Moorea's stories, legends and secrets with humour and authenticity. You'll cross pineapple fields, climb to the lookout point of the Magic Mountain, explore hidden valleys and discover marae (ancient Polynesian sacred sites). Children love the chaotic forest passages - it's an adventure! - and parents will enjoy the breathtaking views over Cook and Ōpūnohu bays. It's a friendly outing, full of discoveries, where you really get to experience the island from the inside. A good balance of culture, nature and fun for young and old alike.

Stage 3: Bora Bora - The most beautiful lagoon in the world

The dream continues with Bora Bora, undoubtedly the most mythical island in Polynesia. As a family, it may seem exclusive, but there are plenty of accessible and unforgettable activities to enjoy together. With its translucent lagoon, marine life and breathtaking views, Bora Bora promises truly exceptional memories.

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7. Eco-safari with rays, sharks and snorkelling in the coral garden - Bora Bora

Welcome to Bora Bora's natural aquarium! The lagoon eco-safari is a must-do family activity, both fun and magical. Embark on a pirogue or motorboat with a local guide for a half-day of exploration. First stop: a swim with the curious and harmless stingrays that glide around you. Next, head for a spot where blacktip sharks swim in the shallow, crystal-clear water - an impressive but safe experience. Finally, you can explore the coral garden, a veritable festival of colours where children can marvel at the tropical fish. The guides are often funny and educational, putting everyone at ease, even the most hesitant. We learn to respect the fauna, to observe without disturbing, and to marvel together. It's a life-size lesson in nature, and one of the best memories of a trip to Bora Bora.

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8. Microlight flight over Bora Bora

If there's one experience that sends shivers down everyone's spine, it's flying over Bora Bora in a microlight. As soon as you take off, the emotion is palpable. The plane rises slowly, then suddenly... the picture postcard comes to life. Seen from the sky, the lagoon reveals unreal shades of blue, the volcanic island sits majestically in the centre, and the neighbouring heart-shaped atoll, Tupai, appears like a mirage. The flight lasts around twenty minutes, but leaves an impression of eternity. Even the children are speechless, captivated by this 360° view of one of the most beautiful landscapes in the world. The pilot comments on everything with gentleness and passion, adding an educational touch to the adventure. For families, it's an activity out of the ordinary that lets you see Polynesia from a totally new angle. If your budget allows, don't miss out: it's a suspended moment... literally!

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Stage 4: Taha'a & Raiatea, the shared lagoon

We end this trip on a gentle note with Raiatea and Taha'a, two more authentic and tranquil islands, perfect for a peaceful and immersive end to your stay. You can stay on one and visit the other by boat, enjoy cultural and natural activities, and feel the deep charm of the Leeward Islands.

9. Boat trip on the lagoon of Taha'a and Raiatea

Taha'a and Raiatea, two neighbouring yet very different islands, together offer one of the most beautiful days out on a boat for the whole family. From Raiatea, you'll embark on a leisurely trip across the lagoon to discover breathtaking scenery. We often start with a visit to a pearl farm, where young and old alike can learn how Tahiti's famous black pearls are produced. Then it's off to a vanilla plantation on Taha'a, nicknamed "Vanilla Island": children love the sweet smell wafting through the air. After that, it's time for snorkelling in Taha'a's coral garden, a gentle drift between multicoloured fish and living coral. We often finish with lunch on a motu, our feet in the water, facing Bora Bora in the distance. It's a full day out, a fast-paced but gentle mix of culture, nature and relaxation, ideal for reconnecting as a family while discovering the authenticity of the Leeward Islands.

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10. Kayaking up the Faaroa River - Raiatea

Last but not least on this family trip: kayaking up the Faaroa River on the island of Raiatea. It's the only navigable river in all of French Polynesia, yet it's still little-known. This kayak trip is a gentle interlude, ideal for slowing down after your sea adventures. As you glide slowly through the water, you are surrounded by lush vegetation, with mountains in the background. Children enjoy spotting tropical birds and wildflowers along the banks. The current is calm, accessible even to beginners, and you can take the trip with a guide or on your own. It's a soothing, timeless, almost mystical experience, where you discover another side of Raiatea, a more secret and intimate one. It's a simple activity, but one that will leave a lasting impression on your travel memories.

Travelling to French Polynesia with your family is much more than just a holiday: it's an experience of life, a real return to basics, between unspoilt nature, authentic encounters and daily wonder. This trip between Tahiti, Moorea, Bora Bora, Raiatea and Taha'a offers the perfect balance of discovery, relaxation and activities for all the family.

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Whether it's a microlight flight, a canyon descent, a face-to-face encounter with a whale or a gentle kayak trip on a tropical river, each activity has been designed to create links, share special moments and cultivate the curiosity of young and old alike.