Bora Bora · With kids

The one long public beach, waist-deep for a hundred metres, with white sand and shade trees but no facilities beyond the snack bars. All ages.

A half-day boat circuit with stops to snorkel over rays and reef sharks in chest-deep water; guides are used to nervous children. Ages 6+.

Thirty minutes by fast ferry from Papeete to public beaches at Temae and Ta'ahiamanu, pineapple farms and short easy walks. All ages.

The Marché de Papeete is two floors of fruit, flowers and vanilla, best early; the Arahoho blowhole and Faarumai waterfalls lie a short drive east. Ages 4+.

Coral cuts feet, so pack water shoes. Groceries are imported and dear, so pensions with kitchens and roulotte dinners save a family real money.