French Polynesia is a warm and relaxing destination famed for its beauty, culture, food, and exciting activities, and this travel cost guide will help you plan the perfect trip without overspending. We've broken down average costs from past travelers, including where to stay, what to eat, and what to see, so that your trip is both affordable and unforgettable.
How much does it cost to travel to French Polynesia?
You should plan to spend around $195 (F21,706) per day on your vacation in French Polynesia. This is the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors.
Past travelers have spent, on average for one day:
- $78 (F8,710) on meals
- $54 (F5,972) on local transportation
- $165 (F18,358) on hotels
A one week trip to French Polynesia for two people costs, on average, $2,733 (F303,884). This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
All of these average travel prices have been collected from other travelers to help you plan your own travel budget.
Independent Travel
Traveling Independently has many benefits including affordabilty, freedom, flexibility, and the opportunity to control your own experiences.
All of the travel costs below are based on the experiences of other independent travelers.
Is French Polynesia expensive to visit?
French Polynesia is a moderately priced destination to visit. It's about average with most other countries for travel costs. The prices for food, accommodation, and transportation are all fairly reasonable.
Within the Pacific, which is known to be an expensive region, French Polynesia is moderately priced compared to the other countries. The overall cost of travel here is comparable to Australia or Fiji.
In French Polynesia, you can find activities and places to stay that fit any budget, from affordable options to high-end experiences. For travelers on a budget, there are affordable hotels, while those seeking luxury can enjoy high-end stays, with mid-range hotels also available for couples and families.
French Polynesia can be a pricey destination, but there are plenty of tricks to save money, like eating at less expensive restaurants and enjoying free activities.
On average, budget travelers spend $87 (F9,496) per person per day, mid-range travelers spend $198 (F21,706) per day, and luxury travelers spend around $378 (F41,477) per day. These costs are calculated from the expenses of previous travelers to French Polynesia.
For more details, see Is French Polynesia Expensive?
How much money do I need for a trip to French Polynesia?
The average French Polynesia trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these French Polynesia travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers. Also, you can see more details at How much does a trip to French Polynesia cost?
French Polynesia on a Budget
|
Category
|
Budget
|
Mid-Range
|
Luxury
|
Accommodation 1
For 1 person in double occupancy
|
$36
(F4,016)
|
$83
(F9,179)
|
$158
(F17,540)
|
|
Local Transportation 1
|
$23
(F2,613)
|
$54
(F5,972)
|
$103
(F11,411)
|
|
Food 2
|
$34
(F3,810)
|
$78
(F8,710)
|
$150
(F16,644)
|
|
Entertainment 1
|
$9.16
(F1,019)
|
$21
(F2,329)
|
$40
(F4,450)
|
|
Alcohol 2
|
$6-18
(F668-2,005)
|
$14-41
(F1,528-4,584)
|
$26-79
(F2,920-8,759)
|
Realistic Expectations for Your Travel Budget
Having realistic expectations about your travel budget is very important. While it's easy to think of yourself as a "budget" traveler who can see everything on a shoestring, most find this style of travel quite challenging. Think about what you truly enjoy and your previous travel experiences. Are you drawn to resorts and vacation rentals, or do you like the budget-friendly environment of hostels? How important is it for you to eat in nicer restaurants? The answers to these questions will influence your overall travel budget.
What Defines a Budget Traveler?
Many people hear that you can visit French Polynesia for $87 per day, but unless you're willing to eliminate a lot of comforts from your trip, prepare to spend a significant amount more.
Backpackers can often get away with this shoestring budget, but it usually involves staying in hostel dorms, eating at the cheapest restaurants or fast food places, taking public transit or walking, and only visiting free attractions.
What Makes You an Average Traveler?
Couples or families on vacation will probably choose mid-range hotels, popular dining spots, and visits to major museums and attractions that charge entry fees. Most visitors to French Polynesia will want to visit the major attractions, sights, and landmarks. Since most activities have a cost, you should realisticly plan for your budget to be closer to $198 per person, per day.
In French Polynesia, you'll find plenty of hotels and vacation rentals to suit your needs. If you're traveling with a partner, friends, or your kids, then hotel costs will be divided, making it easier on your budget. Family-friendly destinations like Raiatea and Taha'a offer hotels and restaurants with options tailored for kids. Some good places to stay are Hotel Raiatea Lodge in Raiatea or La Perle De Tahaa in Taha'a. For more family- and couple-friendly places to stay, check out our hotel guide for French Polynesia here.
Dreaming of a Stylish Getaway?
If you're planning a vacation with all the finer things in life, prepare for a budget that can reach $378 per day. If you want upscale hotels, world-class dining, premium excursions, and private drivers, this will put you firmly in the "luxury" category. Some of the more high-priced destinations include the major cities and resort areas. Or you could plan an multi-day adventure by booking a higher end tour such as Highlights of the South Pacific & French Polynesia - offered by Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours.
Accommodation Budget in French Polynesia
French Polynesia has a wide range of accommodation prices, and it can be surprising how much prices fluctuate. Budget hotels can often be much cheaper than higher-end places, and during peak season, everything costs much more. For a better deal, try visiting in the low season, and book early to save money.
Calculated from travelers like you
The average price paid in French Polynesia for two people for a typical double-occupancy hotel room is $165 (F18,358). For one person sharing a room, the average price paid for a hotel room is $83 (F9,179) per night. These costs are from the reported spending of actual travelers.
Looking for a hotel in French Polynesia? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.
Local Transportation Budget in French Polynesia
Calculated from travelers like you
-
On average, past travelers have spent $54 (F5,972) per person, per day, on local transportation in French Polynesia. The cost of a taxi ride or rideshare service (Uber/Lyft) in French Polynesia is significantly more than public transportation.
-
Local Transportation1
Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
$54
F5,972
If you're in French Polynesia, you'll find that public transportation is quite limited. It's probably a good idea to rent a car or organize some form of transportation ahead of time, like a tour or taxi service. However, this could reduce your overall trip budget.
Food Budget in French Polynesia
Calculated from travelers like you
-
While restaurant and meal prices in French Polynesia can vary significantly, the average cost of food in French Polynesia is $78 (F8,710) per day, per person, based on the spending habits of previous travelers.
-
Food2
Meals for one day
$78
F8,710
When dining out, the average daily cost for food in French Polynesia is around $79 (F8710) per person, with previous travelers spending from $35 to $152. Generally, breakfast and lunch cost less than dinner, but this will depend on the type of restaurant and what you order.
Typical meal prices in French Polynesia are as follows:
- Breakfast: $14 to $24
- Lunch: $12 to $40
- Dinner: $28 to $64
- Coffee: $7
- Fast Food or Street Food: $13
Cuisine of French Polynesia is dominated by seafood, both raw and cooked, fished from local lagoons and Pacific waters. They are prepared in a variety of ways-grilled, chaud-froid, carpaccio, tartare, sashimi, or sushi. In addition to fish, visitors will also find seafood varieties like giant clam, sea urchin, octopus, and squid. Other typical ingredients used in Polynesian cooking include things like suckling pig, fish (mahi mahi, tuna, other catches of the day), chicken, crab, fei (a Polynesian banana) and banana leaves, shrimp, taro, umara (sweet potato), uru (fruit of the breadfruit tree), ufi (a kind of yam), and fafa (Tahitian spinach). Many dishes combine ingredients like these to be wrapped in banana leaves and cooked inside a traditional underground over called the ahima'a. Skewers of grilled meats, like beef and lamb, are also common, often served with mustard and barbeque sauce. Much of the cuisine here will additionally have a French spin from the island nation's connections to France, as well as Chinese influence from immigration across the Pacific Ocean.
Traveling with kids? Check for restaurants that offer a childrens menu. It's a smart way to save money, as these meals are often more reasonably priced. And remember, some eateries don't advertise their kids' options, so asking the waiter is a good idea.
Most hotels include breakfast in their rates, though some add it as an additional cost. The price and quality can differ widely depending on the hotel. Knowing this in advance can help you determine if the hotel buffet is worth it or if a cheaper option at a nearby bakery or café is more suitable.
Carry a water bottle with you instead of buying drinks everywhere. It's also good for the environment.
Before going on a tour, confirm which meals are included in the package. If not all meals are covered, you may find yourself paying for some out of your own pocket, affecting your budget.
If you want to experience the culture in French Polynesia, a food tour or cooking class is a great way to do it. After all, cuisine is one of the reasons why so many people visit. A few of the best culinary activities here include:
- Moorea Street Food Tour for $126 details
- Bora Bora Sunset Cruise and Dinner at St James restaurant for $262 details
Sightseeing and Activities Budget in French Polynesia
Calculated from travelers like you
-
Sightseeing activities, entertainment, and entrance tickets in French Polynesia typically cost an average of $21 (F2,329) per person, per day based on the spending of previous travelers. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.
-
Entertainment1
Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
$21
F2,329
Local tours that last a few hours can be a great way to explore French Polynesia. Prices vary by the type of activity or tour, the dates, and the size of the group. Here are a few of the highest rated tours by previous visitors:
- Sea Scooter Snorkel Tour - Lagoon Discovery : Wrecks, Coral Gardens and Tropical Fishies for $99 details
- The Vanilla tour of Taha'a in a comfortable outrigger canoe for $138 details
- SHARED SUNSET LAGOON CRUISE - Bora Bora Cultural Lagoon Tour for $268 details
- Snorkeling Tour in Tahiti on Punaauia for $130 details
Nightlife Budget in French Polynesia
Calculated from travelers like you
-
The average person spends about $27 (F3,056) on nightlife and alcoholic beverages in French Polynesia per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.
-
Alcohol2
Drinks for one day
$27
F3,056
While the nightlife can be one of the best parts of traveling, cutting back on cocktails can make a big dent in your overall budget.
Traveling in French Polynesia
Bora Bora, French Polynesia
French Polynesia is an overseas country associated with France that consists of a set of islands in the South Pacific Ocean. Consisting of more than 100 islands and 5 distinct archipelagoes, the landscapes are defined by coral-lined lagoons, white and black sand beaches, volcanic mountains, rugged backcountry, and spectacular waterfalls.
As a whole, French Polynesia is divided into regions by groups of islands. The Society Islands are the most inhabited, and are surrounded by coral reefs and lagoons. They are further sectioned off into the Leeward Islands, which include Bora Bora, Huahine, Maupiti, and Raiatea, and the Windward Islands, such as Moorea and Tahiti, which is home to the capital Papeete. The next group encompasses the Tuamotu Islands, an expansive central archipelago, consisting of low reef islands or atolls, and notable for the island of Rangiroa. The Marquesas Islands are a smaller northeastern archipelago located near the equator. They are characterized by steep mountains inhabited by wild horses, goats, and pigs. Nuku Hiva and Hiva Oa are two of the better known islands in this group. Located to the southeast are the Gambier Islands, which are rarely visited and some of the least inhabited. Mangareva is the largest and only island in this group that is developed for tourism. With its smaller surrounding islands, this island makes up the remains of gigantic crater. The final group consists of the Austral Islands to the southwest. These are further divided into the Tubuai Islands and Bass Islands, and feature ancient volcanoes.
The islands and the surrounding waters have many beautiful features that can be explored in a variety of ways. There are a number of small boat cruises off of the main tourist-friendly islands that offer activities like snorkel, scuba, and Jet Ski in the open Pacific waters as well as in the quieter reefs and lagoons. Some boat tours are even specialized, such as excursions for snorkeling with sharks and stingrays, deep-sea fishing, or sunset and dinner cruise packages. Other seaside activities consist of beachside fun, sunbathing, swimming, and snorkeling on your own along white sand or volcanic black sands on any of French Polynesia's island coasts. Opportunities to be had inland are abundant as well, including hiking to towering waterfalls, exploring the rugged island terrain with 4WD vehicles, biking, wildlife-watching, and stargazing in the evenings.
Top Tourist Attractions
Each of French Polynesia's islands is characterized by beautiful South Pacific ecosystems, surrounded by turquoise waters, lagoons, coral reefs, and consisting of volcanic beaches, rugged backcountry terrain, and lush greenery. Some of the islands are more visited than others, depending on accommodations for tourists.
One of the most popular is Bora Bora. At the center of the island is the dormant volcano Mount Otemanu, which rises above the aqua-blue waters over 700 meters. The island is then surrounded by calm lagoon waters at its base, which are protected by a coral reef and surrounding sand islets. Many visitors come to enjoy Bora Bora's luxury resorts where some guest bungalows are perched over the water on stilts.
Another well-visited destination is Tahiti, the main island of French Polynesia. Here, like on most of the islands, main attractions include the spectacular coastline and natural island features of the South Pacific. Being a well-inhabited island, however, there are also opportunities to experience local culture. In Papeete, visitors might want to explore Le Marche, a large, two-story marketplace selling local goods, clothing, and souvenirs like postcards, shell necklaces, soaps, and more-all enveloped in tropical scents and vibrant colors. For those who wish to learn about Polynesia art and culture, guests can also visit sites like the Robert Wan Pearl Museum (dedicated to pearl legends and jewelry-making) or the Musee de Tahiti et des Iles (which features exhibits and artifacts on local history and culture).
Other attractions on these and surrounding islands include additional museums, resort bungalows, lighthouses, parks, botanical gardens, waterfalls, shops, galleries, ethnic villages, and more.
Check out this great honeymoon guide to Bora Bora.
We've been gathering travel costs from tens of thousands of actual travelers since 2010, and we use the data to calculate average daily travel costs for destinations around the world. We also systematically analyze the prices of hotels, hostels, and tours from travel providers such as Kayak, HostelWorld, TourRadar, Viator, and others. This combination of expenses from actual travelers, combined with pricing data from major travel companies, gives us a uniqe insight into the overall cost of travel for thousands of cities in countries around the world. You can see more here: How it Works.
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.