French Polynesia, Tahiti & Bora Bora with Kids: The Complete Family Travel Guide

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Scroll through any social media feed featuring French Polynesia and you’ll see the same images repeated: couples on private decks, honeymoon dinners at sunset, romantic overwater bungalows built for two.

The visual language of the destination is so thoroughly adult and romantic that many families never consider it. They assume French Polynesia, Tahiti, and Bora Bora exist exclusively for honeymooners, anniversary trips, and child-free escapes.

They’re wrong. French Polynesia is one of the world’s great family destinations, offering experiences that create lasting memories for children of all ages. The lagoons are natural aquariums where kids snorkel alongside sea turtles and reef fish. The culture is warm and welcoming, with Polynesian families often traveling multi-generationally themselves. The resorts, while romantic, increasingly cater to families with dedicated programming, spacious accommodations, and activities that engage everyone from toddlers to teenagers to grandparents.

This guide covers everything you need to know about traveling to French Polynesia, Tahiti, and Bora Bora with kids: the best islands, the most family-friendly resorts, age-appropriate activities, practical logistics, and sample itineraries that balance adventure, relaxation, and the kind of shared experiences that families talk about for years afterward.

Debunking the “Adults Only” Myth

The perception of French Polynesia as an adults-only destination stems largely from marketing. Resorts and tourism boards have historically emphasized romance because honeymoons and anniversary trips drive significant revenue. The overwater bungalow, French Polynesia’s most iconic accommodation, photographs beautifully with couples and less obviously with families.

But look beyond the marketing and the reality is different. Polynesian culture is deeply family-oriented. Children are welcomed, celebrated, and included in ways that some Western destinations struggle to match. The environment itself is extraordinarily child-friendly: warm, calm lagoons; abundant marine life visible from shore; beaches without strong currents or dangerous surf (in most locations); and a pace of life that doesn’t demand constant vigilance.

The resorts have followed. While some properties remain exclusively adult-focused, many of French Polynesia’s finest hotels now offer robust family programming, interconnecting rooms or multi-bedroom villas, kids’ clubs, and activities designed for younger guests. The destination works for families. It just requires knowing where to go and how to plan.

Best Islands for Families

Mo’orea: The Adventure Island

If you’re traveling to French Polynesia with kids and can only visit one island beyond Tahiti, make it Mo’orea. Just a 30-minute ferry ride from Papeete, Mo’orea delivers dramatic volcanic scenery, excellent snorkeling in protected lagoons, and a more laid-back vibe than Bora Bora. The island is compact enough to explore by car in a day, with pineapple plantations, juice factories (kids love the tastings), and belvedere viewpoints that offer panoramic photo opportunities.

For families with older children and teenagers, Mo’orea offers something even more extraordinary: swimming with humpback whales. During whale season (July through November), ethical tour operators lead small groups into the water for life-changing encounters with these gentle giants. It’s an experience that transforms young travelers and creates memories that last a lifetime.

Family-friendly resorts on Mo’orea include the Hilton Moorea Lagoon Resort & Spa, with its central location between two spectacular bays, and the Sofitel Moorea Kia Ora Beach Resort, featuring the island’s longest white-sand beach within a protected marine area perfect for young snorkelers.

Bora Bora: The Iconic Experience

Yes, Bora Bora works for families. The island’s legendary lagoon, calm and clear and teeming with marine life, is a natural playground. Children can snorkel off the beach, take glass-bottom boat tours, or join lagoon excursions to swim with rays and reef sharks in shallow, controlled environments. The dramatic silhouette of Mount Otemanu provides a backdrop that even young children recognize as special.

The key is choosing the right resort. The Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora stands out for families, offering beachfront villa estates that span over an acre with full outdoor kitchens, private pools, and space for extended families or multiple generations. The resort’s cultural programming engages kids with Polynesian storytelling, traditional crafts, and outrigger canoe paddling. For smaller families, the overwater bungalow suites offer more space than most competitors.

The Conrad Bora Bora Nui also deserves consideration. Located on a private cove with both overwater and hillside villas, the resort features Nani the resident entertainer, who keeps children engaged with face painting, activities, and performances while parents enjoy the spa or a quiet dinner. The Hina Spa’s hilltop location means parents can relax while kids play in supervised programs below.

Tahiti: The Cultural Gateway

Don’t skip Tahiti. While many families rush through to reach Bora Bora, spending a night or two on the main island offers cultural experiences unavailable elsewhere. The Marché de Papeete lets kids explore stalls of tropical fruits, vanilla, and local crafts. The Museum of Tahiti and Her Islands provides context for the Polynesian culture they’ll encounter throughout their trip. And the roulottes (food trucks) at Place Vaiete serve family-friendly meals where children can try poisson cru, grilled fish, and crêpes in a casual, local environment.

Tahiti also offers adventure activities for families with older kids: waterfall hikes, 4×4 excursions into the interior, and surfing lessons (for teenagers with some experience). Building in Tahiti time prevents the trip from feeling exclusively resort-focused.

Taha’a and Beyond

For families seeking a quieter alternative to Bora Bora, Le Taha’a by Pearl Resorts offers an intimate resort experience on its own private motu. The Vanilla Island lives up to its name: tours of vanilla plantations let kids see (and smell) how one of the world’s most popular flavors is cultivated. The resort’s coral garden, accessible directly from the property, ranks among the finest in Polynesia for snorkeling. Families who’ve already experienced Bora Bora on a previous trip often choose Taha’a for its authenticity and tranquility.

Family-Friendly Resorts: What to Look For

Not all French Polynesian resorts are equally suited to families. When evaluating properties, consider:

Accommodation configuration. Overwater bungalows are iconic but not always practical with young children (the open water access and lack of railings can create safety concerns). Many families prefer beach villas or garden bungalows for small children, transitioning to overwater once kids are strong swimmers and old enough to understand water safety. Properties like the Four Seasons offer both options, allowing families to split their stay.

Kids’ programming. Dedicated kids’ clubs with structured activities, supervised care, and age-appropriate programming let parents enjoy spa time or romantic dinners while children are engaged and entertained. The quality varies significantly between properties. Ask specifically about programming for your children’s ages.

Pool access. While the lagoon is the main attraction, pools matter for families. Young children tire of snorkeling, and a freshwater pool provides variety. Some overwater bungalows include private plunge pools, useful for families but requiring extra vigilance with small children.

Dining flexibility. Multi-course French dining at 8pm doesn’t work with toddlers. Look for resorts with casual dining options, room service, and flexible meal times. Some properties offer in-bungalow dining that lets families eat together without disturbing other guests.

Snorkeling access. Direct lagoon access from the beach or overwater bungalows lets families snorkel on their own schedule, without organizing excursions. Properties with healthy house reefs or coral gardens visible from shore keep kids entertained for hours.

Age-Appropriate Activities by Island

For Young Children (Ages 3 to 7)

Beach play and shallow lagoon wading. Glass-bottom boat tours (no swimming required). Fish feeding from overwater bungalow decks. Motu picnics with beach time. Resort kids’ club activities. Polynesian cultural demonstrations (flower crown making, coconut painting). Easy nature walks. Pool time.

For Older Children (Ages 8 to 12)

Snorkeling excursions (lagoon tours, coral gardens). Swimming with rays and reef sharks (supervised, in shallow areas). Kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding. Outrigger canoe paddling. Vanilla plantation tours on Taha’a. Pineapple plantation visits on Mo’orea. Beginner diving courses (some programs accept ages 10+). Polynesian dance lessons. Hiking to viewpoints with moderate difficulty.

For Teenagers (Ages 13+)

Scuba diving certification courses. Swimming with humpback whales (Mo’orea, seasonal). Jet ski tours. ATV/4×4 excursions on Tahiti or Bora Bora. Challenging hikes (Mount Aorai on Tahiti, Three Coconuts Trail on Mo’orea). Surfing lessons (Tahiti, certain beaches). Night diving. Deep-sea fishing. Private yacht charter experiences.

Multi-Generational Travel: Grandparents, Parents, and Kids

French Polynesia excels at multi-generational trips. The destination offers enough variety that each generation finds activities suited to their interests and abilities, while the relaxed pace allows for shared family time without constant activity.

Accommodation strategies: The Four Seasons’ villa estates accommodate extended families under one roof. Alternatively, book adjacent bungalows or villas at properties like Le Taha’a or the Conrad, allowing generations to have private space while remaining close. Some families charter catamarans, using the yacht as a floating family compound that moves between islands.

Activity balancing: Plan a mix of shared experiences (lagoon tours, motu picnics, cultural performances) and generation-specific activities. Grandparents might enjoy spa treatments or quiet beach time while parents take kids snorkeling. Teenagers can dive or jet ski while younger children attend kids’ club. Everyone comes together for sunset dinners and storytelling.

Private charter option: For multi-generational groups, a crewed yacht charter offers exceptional value and togetherness. At approximately $20,000 per week for a catamaran accommodating six to eight guests (plus provisioning), the per-person cost often matches or beats resort pricing while providing private, flexible, family-focused exploration. Grandparents relax on deck while kids swim off the stern and parents explore by kayak. It’s a format that suits multi-generational dynamics beautifully.

Practical Logistics for Families

Getting There

Most travelers reach French Polynesia via Air Tahiti Nui, which operates direct flights from Los Angeles (approximately 8 hours). The airline is family-friendly with kid-appropriate meals and entertainment. For families with young children, consider booking premium economy or business class for the extra space and recline. The overnight flight works well: children often sleep, and you arrive in Papeete ready to start your trip.

Inter-island travel on Air Tahiti requires advance booking during peak season. Flights are short (45 minutes to Bora Bora) but prop planes have limited baggage capacity. Pack light or confirm luggage allowances in advance.

Health and Safety

French Polynesia is safe for families. The U.S. Department of State rates it Level 1 (exercise normal precautions), the lowest advisory level. Crime rates are low, and violent crime affecting tourists is extremely rare.

Medical facilities on Tahiti are modern and adequate. Bora Bora and Mo’orea have basic clinics, but serious medical issues require evacuation to Tahiti or, for complex cases, back to the U.S. or Australia. Travel insurance with medical evacuation coverage is essential for families.

Sun protection matters enormously. Polynesia’s tropical sun is intense, and children burn quickly. Pack reef-safe sunscreen (required in marine areas), UV-protective rash guards for snorkeling, and sun hats. Reapply frequently.

Food for Picky Eaters

French Polynesian cuisine blends French and Polynesian influences, with abundant fresh fish, tropical fruits, and French bread and pastries. Most resorts offer international options alongside local fare. Children’s menus typically include familiar items: pasta, grilled chicken, fish fingers, and French fries. Pizza is widely available. Fresh tropical fruits (mango, papaya, pineapple, coconut) appeal to adventurous young eaters.

For families with children who have dietary restrictions or very limited palates, pack familiar snacks from home. Resorts can accommodate special diets with advance notice, but bringing backup options reduces stress.

Practical Gear

Reef shoes protect little feet from coral and rocks when wading. Children’s snorkel gear (bring your own or confirm availability with resorts) ensures proper fit. Waterproof phone cases let parents photograph underwater adventures. Mosquito repellent handles occasional bugs, particularly at dawn and dusk. Motion sickness remedies help sensitive children on boat excursions.

Sample Family Itineraries

7 Days: The Classic Introduction

Day 1: Arrive Tahiti, overnight at InterContinental Tahiti. Days 2 through 4: Ferry to Mo’orea, three nights at Hilton Moorea. Snorkeling, island tour, whale watching (seasonal). Days 5 through 7: Fly to Bora Bora, three nights at Four Seasons or Conrad. Lagoon tour, motu picnic, beach time. Day 8: Fly Bora Bora to Tahiti, connect to international departure.

10 Days: Adding Depth

Days 1 through 2: Tahiti: cultural exploration, market, museum, roulottes dinner. Days 3 through 5: Mo’orea: adventure focus, whale encounters (seasonal), ATV tour, snorkeling. Days 6 through 8: Bora Bora: lagoon exploration, resort relaxation. Days 9 through 10: Taha’a: vanilla island, quiet beach time, coral garden snorkeling. Return via Raiatea to Tahiti.

14 Days: The Comprehensive Family Adventure

Days 1 through 2: Tahiti immersion. Days 3 through 6: Mo’orea: extended stay for whale season or deeper exploration. Days 7 through 10: Private catamaran charter: Raiatea, Taha’a, Bora Bora. Multi-generational groups find this format ideal. Days 11 through 14: Bora Bora resort finish: Four Seasons villa estate for extended family time, or split between two properties for variety.

Creating Memories That Last

The families who return from French Polynesia with the strongest memories are those who embraced the destination’s full potential: not just the overwater bungalow photograph (though they have those too), but the first time their child swam with sea turtles, the afternoon spent learning to paddle an outrigger canoe, the evening when a Polynesian storyteller shared legends of ancestral navigators, the moment when a humpback whale surfaced beside the boat and everyone forgot to breathe.

French Polynesia, Tahiti, and Bora Bora offer families something increasingly rare: experiences that genuinely transform young travelers, that expand their understanding of the world, that create stories they’ll tell their own children someday. The destination requires planning and investment, but what it returns is immeasurable.

Planning a family trip of this significance benefits from expert guidance. Through Luxury Travel Clubs and Virtuoso partnerships, a dedicated travel advisor can access preferred rates, secure the best accommodations for your family’s configuration, coordinate complex multi-island logistics, and ensure every detail supports the experience you’re hoping to create.

Ready to plan your family’s French Polynesia adventure? Let’s talk about what’s possible.

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