Seven days in French Polynesia works best with two islands: Moorea, reached by ferry from Tahiti, plus either Bora Bora or a Tuamotu atoll such as Tikehau or Rangiroa. That gives you three nights in each place and only one domestic flight each way, so you spend the week on the lagoon rather than in airports.
Trying to fit a third island into a week usually costs a full day in transit and leaves no room for weather. Below is a day-by-day plan with both versions, plus the logistics that make it run smoothly.
Why two islands is the right number for a week
Every island change uses half a day or more: checkout, a transfer to the dock or airport, the trip itself, and a transfer at the other end. On Bora Bora the airport sits on a motu and transfers are by boat, according to Tahiti Tourisme, which adds time on both arrival and departure. With two islands, you make one hop between them and one back toward Tahiti, which is manageable.
Pairing Moorea with a second island also gives contrast. Moorea is a high, green island of mountains, bays and valleys; Bora Bora is a lagoon-and-motu experience; the atolls are flat rings of coral around a lagoon. Choose the second island for what you want most from the trip.
Days 1 to 3: Tahiti arrival and Moorea
Day 1. Arrive at Tahiti-Faa'a International Airport. If you land in daylight with time to spare, transfer to the Papeete ferry terminal and cross to Moorea; Tahiti Tourisme gives the crossing as 25 to 45 minutes. If you land late, stay one night near the airport or in Papeete and take a morning ferry.
Day 2. Explore the interior. Drive around Opunohu Bay and Cook's Bay, then up through the pineapple fields to the Belvédère lookout over both bays. Stop at the Opunohu archaeological sites and walk part of the ancestors' trail in the valley.
Day 3. A lagoon day: a half-day boat tour with snorkelling, a visit to a motu, or time at Temae or Tahiamanu public beaches. From July to November, consider a licensed whale-watching outing instead.
Stay on the north coast or the north-west for this plan; see our Moorea guide for the areas.
Days 4 to 7, version A: Bora Bora
Day 4. Fly to Bora Bora. Tahiti Tourisme lists the flight from Tahiti as about 50 minutes. Depending on the day's schedule, you may fly from Moorea or return to Tahiti by ferry and fly from there, so check the routing before you book Moorea nights. Your hotel's boat or the airport shuttle boat takes you across the lagoon.
Day 5. A full lagoon excursion with snorkelling stops and a motu picnic. Book it for this day, not the last one, so a windy day can be moved.
Day 6. The main island: Matira beach, the view of Mount Otemanu, and the American cannons left from Bora Bora's role as a support base in the Second World War. Vaitape, the main village, has the island's banks and shops.
Day 7. Fly back to Tahiti and connect to your international flight. Leave a generous gap between the two; if your international flight is early the next day, stay a final night on Tahiti.
More on the island in our Bora Bora travel guide.
Days 4 to 7, version B: an atoll instead
Swap Bora Bora for a Tuamotu atoll if you care more about fish, diving and quiet than about the famous mountain view. Both options below are about 55 minutes by air from Tahiti, according to Tahiti Tourisme.
- Tikehau: a small, peaceful atoll of about 560 people with pink-sand beaches, a lagoon rich in fish, bird islets and manta rays. Best for snorkellers and couples who want to slow right down.
- Rangiroa: one of the largest lagoons in the world, with two passes known for diving and two villages. Best for divers and for travellers who want a few more services.
The rhythm is the same: fly out on Day 4, spend Days 5 and 6 on the lagoon (a boat trip to a lagoon-within-the-lagoon or a pass drift on Rangiroa, a motu and bird-island day on Tikehau), and fly back to Tahiti on Day 7. Flights to the atolls can be less frequent than to Bora Bora, so check operating days before you fix the rest of the trip. Our Tikehau guide has more detail.
Which second island suits you
| Priority | Bora Bora | Tikehau | Rangiroa |
|---|---|---|---|
| Scenery | Mountain and lagoon views | Flat atoll, pink sand | Vast lagoon, open horizons |
| Snorkelling | Lagoon tours with several stops | Fish-rich lagoon, manta rays | Good in sheltered spots; stronger near the passes |
| Diving | Available | Available | A main reason to go |
| Pace | Resort-focused, busier | Very quiet | Quiet, with two villages |
| Honeymoon feel | Classic overwater stays | Small and secluded | Relaxed, less polished |
Adjusting the week for couples and families
Honeymooners often prefer to end on the most romantic stay, so they keep Moorea first and finish in an overwater bungalow on Bora Bora or a small lagoon-front property on Tikehau. If the budget only stretches to a few overwater nights, book those for the second island and choose a garden or beach room on Moorea.
Families do well with a kitchen on Moorea, where self-catering is easy, and with Bora Bora's main island beaches, such as Matira, where children can paddle from the shore. On the atolls, check the minimum ages for boat excursions and diving before you commit. With younger children, consider four nights on Moorea and two on the second island to reduce packing and transfers.
Logistics that keep the week on track
- Tickets. With only one island beyond Moorea, separate tickets are often simpler than a multi-island pass. Price both, since passes do not allow a return to Tahiti mid-trip.
- Ferry. Buy the Moorea ferry separately; it is not part of any flight booking.
- Buffers. Put the most important excursion on the middle day of each stay.
- Luggage. Check domestic baggage allowances, which can be lower than international ones, and pack light enough for boat transfers.
- Money. Carry some local francs for small guesthouses, snack stands and markets.
For a longer trip with three islands, see our flexible 10-day itinerary.
Planning notes
Fix your international flight times first, then decide between Bora Bora and an atoll, then match the domestic flight to the right day. If you would like us to check the schedules and price both versions of this week for your dates, send us your travel window and we will do the routing.
Frequently asked questions
Can I do Tahiti, Moorea and Bora Bora in 7 days?
Yes, if Tahiti is limited to your arrival and departure. Treat Tahiti as the gateway and give the nights to Moorea and Bora Bora.
Is four nights on Moorea and two on Bora Bora better?
It can be if budget matters, since Moorea has more mid-range and guesthouse options. Two nights on Bora Bora leaves only one full day, so keep the lagoon tour flexible.
Use this guide for trip ideas, not a current quotation or a guarantee of access, safety, inclusions or availability. Confirm the requirements and conditions for your dates, destination and provider before booking.