best islands to visit tahiti

• Search Please fill out this field.
• Manage Your Subscription
• Give a Gift Subscription
• Newsletters
• Sweepstakes
• Island Vacations

10 Best Islands in French Polynesia to Visit for the Bluest Waters and Overwater Bungalows

Snorkel with humpback whales, spot sharks in pristine lagoons, and dive deep into local culture on French Polynesia's best islands.

Matteo Colombo / Getty Images

When most people think of the French Polynesia islands, honeymoon favorite Bora Bora and its overwater bungalows perched on a shimmering lagoon likely spring to mind. But this South Pacific archipelago — an overseas territory made up of 118 islands and atolls that's part of France and covers an area of water roughly the size of western Europe — encompasses so much more.

From the far-flung islands of the Marquesas, with their rich cultural heritage and tattoo lore, to world-renowned surf breaks on the island of Tahiti and legendary scuba diving alongside walls of sharks in the Tuamotu Archipelago, here's a look at 10 of the best islands in French Polynesia, some of which you might not have had on your radar.

M Swiet Productions / Getty Images

The largest atoll in the French Polynesia islands and the second-largest atoll in the world, Rangiroa looks like a donut tossed across the ocean as you come in for a landing from Papeete in Tahiti, a full hour's flight (on Air Tahiti ) away. Most of the hotels here are located near the tiny, thatched-roof airport, with Mai Tai Rangiroa and Hotel Kia Ora Resort & Spa among the favorites for oceanfront villas — and overwater bungalows at the latter.

Scuba divers can fill their tanks and check out Tiputa Pass with the Rangiroa Diving Center , where even snorkelers can get in the water with the resident dolphins that make frequent passes on the ocean side of the atoll. For the perfect day trip, head out with family-owned Tereva Tana e Vahine . After an hour-long boat trip across the lagoon's interior, you'll arrive at the Blue Lagoon, a placid and protected oasis where baby sharks frolic and you can enjoy a seafood lunch on the sand before snorkeling with larger reef sharks and lemon sharks (if you dare). Looking for a pearl souvenir? Take a tour at Gaugin's Pearl Farm , then save money on some black beauties to take home by stopping at the small shack called Pearly, located right across from the Mai Tai Rangiroa hotel.

You're really off the beaten path in the Tuamotus when you stay on the gorgeous atoll of Tikehau , where a rustic spin on an overwater bungalow stay awaits at Le Tikehau by Pearl Resorts , situated on its own private motu , or islet. Just a short boat ride from the resort, you can head out for a day of snorkeling with Tikehau Diving from a location known as a "cleaning station" for manta rays, a place where the winged giants regularly arrive to get their gills detailed by smaller fish, who in turn get a fear-free feed.

For a day trip with a local that's a real learning experience about ocean life in the Tuamotus, head out on a private boat tour with Tikehau Ocean Tour . Owner Denis Grosmaire is an accomplished free diver and will spear-fish for your lunch — and show you the ropes if you want to try — after a trip to L'île aux Oiseaux, a fascinating little island in the lagoon full of nesting boobies, frigates, and terns. Tikehau is best tacked on with an itinerary that takes in Rangiroa, too, just a 20-minute flight away. Papeete is also roughly 55 minutes by air from Tikehau.

CampPhoto / Getty Images

It's just a half-hour catamaran ferry ride from bustling Papeete —Tahiti's main city, where you first land in the French Polynesia islands — to Moorea , located right across the channel. As the boat pulls in to dock, its jagged peaks, carpeted in shades of emerald, rise sharply from the shoreline and beckon for adventure.

Follow scenic driving routes through the middle of the island that thread through pineapple fields to the incredible lookout at Belvedere, where you can bask in bewildering views of Mt. Totui, Opunohu Bay, and Cook's Bay. Or take the coastal route to hit the hidden beach of Tipaniers, at the end of a sandy path in Moorea's northeast corner. Just a few minutes down the road from there, the Moorea Island Beach Hotel has comfortable bungalows lining a beach with vibrant corals and complimentary kayaks you can use to explore the area. For the chance to see migrating humpback whales and their babies just offshore, plan to visit between July and early November, when Tahitian-owned outfitters such as Enjoy Boat Tours Moorea can put you in the water alongside the behemoths for the eye-to-eye encounter of your life.

Neil Rabinowitz / Getty Images

Tahiti , the largest and one of the best islands in French Polynesia, is where you first land after most international flights. Tourists who only use Tahiti as a jumping off point for heading elsewhere throughout the islands are sure to miss out on some serious natural beauty and true Tahitian hospitality. Book a room with views of Moorea at the Hilton Hotel Tahiti , which opened in 2021 just a few minutes from the airport. Then, get your bearings by walking around bustling Papeete and its central market, where everything from flopping fresh tuna to black pearls from the Tuamotus and handprinted pareos are sold, before renting a car to check out the rest of the island.

Keen surfers — and those who just like to watch monster waves ridden by the pros, including many a Tahitian surfer raised on these killer island breaks — beeline it to the southwest coast and Teahupo'o, a small village where one of the heaviest waves in the world barrels near a channel just offshore. For more leisurely explorations, take your time road tripping along Monoï Road, which rings the island and is named after Tahiti's famed infused coconut oil, to visit tiare (flower) plantations, perfumeries, and other iconic spots.

It's impossible to mention the best islands in French Polynesia without talking about Bora Bora , which is also located in the Society Islands and is about a 50-minute flight from Papeete. Its name alone conjures swaying palms, calm lagoons and, of course, canoodling couples who flock here for romantic getaways in the ubiquitous overwater bungalows. Competition in the romance category is stiff in these paradise-made-reality parts, but one of the finest places to sleep with the water lapping the stilt structure beneath your bed is The St. Regis Bora Bora Resort , with its famed waterfront restaurant Lagoon by Jean Georges. Its latest bar, 727, opened at the hotel in 2022, offering swoon-worthy views of Mount Otemanu.

For something a bit out of the box in Bora Bora, drag yourself from your resort beach to check out the lagoon and surrounds by traditional Polynesian pirogue during land and sea outings with Bora Bora Cultural Lagoon Tour . You'll visit the owner's family motu and learn about medicinal plants. And it wouldn't be a trip to Bora Bora if you didn't get in the water to snorkel with blacktip reef sharks and manta rays, an activity that can easily be worked into any lagoon itinerary.

Stuart Westmorland / Getty Images

The second-largest atoll in the Tuamotu Archipelago, Fakarava reveals itself in layers, making it more interesting with every return visit as you peel another aspect of the atoll back. Most visitors come here with scuba diving the famous south pass, Tetamanu, at the top of their wish list. The reward? A wall of hundreds of grey reef sharks patrolling the entrance to the atoll lagoon as soon as you enter the water. But the atoll's north pass, Garue, is less visited and just as exciting for an underwater adventure with an outfitter like O2 Fakarava , which also makes regular trips to the south pass. It's common to see huge Napoleon wrasse in addition to scores of sharks at both sites, and most other places around Fakarava, for that matter.

For an interesting education on land, Fakarava local Enoha Pater can teach you all about the medicinal plants growing here on a low-tide walk on the ocean side of the atoll at night, where you'll discover creatures you'd never spot snorkeling during the day. To stay in a sweet little bungalow right on the beach surrounded by flowering hibiscus and frangipani, you can't go wrong booking in at Havaiki Lodge , which also has an onsite black pearl farm and resident nurse sharks that frequent its pier.

Alexis Goubert / Getty Images

One of French Polynesia's Society Islands (along with Tahiti and Moorea), Huahine is considered more off-the-beaten-path and requires a 40-minute flight from Papeete to reach. Come for an Eden-like ambiance of gardens bursting with hibiscus and bougainvillea, fields of vanilla and bananas, and atmospheric villages where traditional Tahitian hospitality prevails (get ready to hear the local greeting, "Ia Orana!," absolutely everywhere you go).

Hotel Le Mahana is an idyllic place to stay along the island's south coast, with thatched-roof bungalows fronting a white-sand beach. Make a pilgrimage to see Huahine's sacred blue-eyed freshwater eels and try your hand at feeding them mackerel snacks. If you do just one thing on land here, visit Maeva village to see two important cultural sites — the Marae of Maeva and The Fare Pōte'e Maeva Huahine — where you can delve into the significance of Polynesian ceremonial activities.

Yachties love Raiatea , another Society Island that's a 45-minute flight from Papeete, for its deepwater bays and bountiful beautiful and safe anchorages. Visitors without sails to sleep under can bed down in atmospheric pensions like Opoa Beach Hotel , with just nine bungalows fronting a stunning beach on the island's southeast corner. For something even more secluded, Motu Nao Nao (accessed via a 20-minute flight from Raiatea) has just three bungalows on its own 75-acre private island.

If you're looking for adventures inland, pick up a paddle to try kayaking along the only navigable river in the French Polynesia islands — Raiatea's palm-lined and lovely Fa'aroa River. Challenge yourself to an 11-mile hike to Mount Temehani for views that extend beyond the beautiful lagoon below to take in Huahine, Bora Bora, Taha'a and Maupiti in the distance.

homertov / Getty Images

If you know the lyrics from "Southern Cross," you'll remember Crosby, Stills, and Nash mentioned the Marquesas Islands along with the "downhill run to Papeete." And if you're coming to the Marquesas by air, it takes over three hours to reach Nuka Hiva (the largest island in the chain) from Papeete. It's not about snorkeling in sparkling clear lagoons here — they don't exist in the Marquesas, where the waters are darker and rich with nutrients. Rather, come for rich Polynesian cultural encounters and forays into lush rainforests to hike to thundering waterfalls.

Get your bearings with a stay at Le Nuka Hiva by Pearl Resorts , the nicest place to stay on the island — with some of its very best views, too, from the sprawling infinity pool. Then, take a boat with Cannibal Art to reach the Hakaui Valley and hike to Vaipo Waterfall, one of the tallest in all of French Polynesia. The sight of the single cascade plunging down from 1,148 feet is well worth the 1.5 hour return hike to reach it. Speaking of art, Marquesans are known as some of the most talented artists, and their traditional wares extend from jewelry and carvings to tattoos. Don't be surprised if you're tempted to come home with a souvenir in the form of body art. You won't be the first one. That's for sure.

Hdeane / Getty Images

Popular with French families looking for a little escape from Papeete on mainland Tahiti, Maupiti (a 50-minute flight from the capital) is revered for its utterly relaxed vibe and pristine — and for the moment, overwater bungalow-free — lagoon. There are no big hotels here, only Tahitian guest houses for a stay that promises lots of local culture and hospitality as welcoming as the flower leis that greet you on arrival nearly everywhere you venture in the French Polynesia islands.

Visitors come to Maupiti to snorkel and scuba dive with manta rays with Maupiti Diving at a cleaning station in the turquoise lagoon near Maupiti's south pass, and to stroll the shallow waters along the white sands of Tereia Beach. Natural beauty is all around in these parts. And your only mission is to soak it all in.

Related Articles

Island Hopping in Tahiti: The best islands to visit in Tahiti

Tahiti is to me a place so exotic that I never would have imagined I would step foot on the iconic black sand beaches. Made up of many islands, I soon discovered that the best way to experience Tahiti is to see and do as much as you can on your visit, as each island has its own unique offerings. To help you plan your own visit (which I highly recommend you do, this place is incredible), here’s a guide to the best islands to visit in Tahiti… you’re welcome!

First stop: Tahiti

International flights into Tahiti arrive at Faa’a International Airport, a short drive from the main city of Papeete. As all of the flights land here first, I would suggest taking a short one or two-night stopover to enjoy what the main island of Tahiti has to offer.

Arriving on a late flight from New Zealand, my first point of call was to check-in, sleep, and awake refreshed for a full day of adventuring by 4WD, way up in the mountains in search of waterfalls. I took this tour with Iaorana Tahiti Expeditions , which included local guides, a full day of sightseeing, lunch and discovering hidden waterfalls (something I would not have been able to do on my own!)

From Tahiti, the islands are plentiful and many travellers choose different combinations based on their personal interests, as I soon found that each island has its own attitude and way of life. My absolute favourite island of the trip was Moorea, just a 7-minute flight from Tahiti or a 30-minute ferry ride. While the ferry ride was much cheaper, you will need to factor in the price of a taxi to the terminal (thus I would recommend flying if you do not stay overnight in Tahiti; ferry if you do stay overnight in Tahiti, as you’ll need a taxi regardless of the transportation you choose).

This island is best for outdoor adventures, dramatic landscapes and authentic local culture (by which I mean there is much less build-up/outside influence on this island). As soon as you approach Moorea by land or sea, you will immediately notice the shift in the way of life here. Unlike the accommodation areas of Tahiti, Moorea offers a much more laid back way of life… evident mostly in what you will soon come to learn as “island time”.

My favourite day in Moorea was filled with adventure – driving up into the mountains and to pineapple farms on ATV’s (we call them four-wheelers in Australia). On this day we were meant to go horse-riding which would have also been really fun, but due to torrential rain we had limited options by way of activities. If you enjoy hikes I would strongly recommend spending at least a week here, as there is so much of this island to discover on foot – I definitely feel as if I only scratched the surface!

Many travellers coming to Tahiti only intend to visit Bora Bora, known for its’ overwater bungalows and luxury resorts. While Bora Bora is beautiful (crystal blue waters, incredible cuisine, loads of reefs to discover), it is still just one “side” to Tahiti. Whilst in Bora Bora we spent much of our time enjoying resort activities, however many of our options were significantly limited with torrential rains again during our entire stay (for which reason I would never suggest you visit in January!!!)

There are a number of luxury hotels in Bora Bora so you won’t struggle for choice. For a more local experience, we checked in to the Bora Bora Pearl Beach Resort , which offers a very Polynesian experience, although certain aspects were a real let down (the day time food was anything but local and cockroaches in the bungalows were a bit of a downer!) Alternative options are International brands such as the Four Seasons Bora Bora or St Regis Bora Bora… depending on your taste (and how badly you despise creepy crawlies!)

While there are still many more choices of islands to visit in French Polynesia (The Marquesas, Society Islands, Huahine to name a few), the last island I will mention in terms of top experiences is one that I myself missed out on, but having heard such great things from a group of friends who travelled there, I feel as if it cannot go without mention! This island is also packed with adventure like Moorea and is notoriously good for diving. Thus if you are someone who likes more of an active vacation, then this would be the perfect island to add to your trifecta (Moorea, Bora Bora, Rangiroa) of islands to visit away from the main island of Tahiti.

Getting there

I flew to Tahiti with Air Tahiti Nui from Australia. While this did involve a transit in Auckland, it was a pretty seamless flight path and if you live in one of the major cities (unlike me from Tasmania!), then you will reach Tahiti within the same day you begin flying.

As mentioned throughout this post, my visit to Tahiti was during the rainy season in January. If you find yourself on a budget then you can certainly save some dollars by visiting at this time, however, I would highly advise against it if you have sunshine and outdoor activities on your mind! While the whole trip was still amazing, continuous rain certainly put a dampener (pun intended) on the trip and reduced selection of activities. May-October is winter in Tahiti, meaning that with a tropical climate this is the best time to go!

Thanks to Tahiti Tourism for making my visit to Tahiti possible and so memorable!

Brooke Saward founded World of Wanderlust as a place to share inspiration from her travels and to inspire others to see our world. She now divides her time between adventures abroad and adventures in the kitchen, with a particular weakness for French pastries.

Find me on: Twitter | Instagram | Facebook

Los Angeles

Plan a trip

First trip solo

Packing guide

20 Best Places for Solo Female Travel

Travel after a break up

20 Places in your 20’s

WAYS TO TRAVEL

Solo travel

Adventure travel

Luxury travel

Learn a language

Become a blogger

• French Polynesia
• Travel Guides

The 8 Best Islands In Tahiti That You Should Visit Once

Tahiti And Her Islands, Which French Polynesian Island Is Your Perfect Getaway Destination?

When one mentions Tahiti, they’ll envision life on dreamy, secluded beaches, sharing space on the soft, white sand with palm trees and the odd errant coconut. French Polynesia or the Islands of Tahiti is a collection of 118 islands and situated halfway between Los Angeles, California, and Sydney, Australia. While each of the Islands of Tahiti has its own identity, they all complement one another. All the islands are postcard-worthy, with barrier coral reefs and blue lagoons. Each island allows a different kind of experience, so where you should go depends on what you wish to experience. To help you plan your visit here’s a guide to the best islands to visit in Tahiti.

List Of Islands In Tahiti You Must Visit

Tahiti is where the international flights land at Faa’a International Airport hence no matter which island you’re planning to visit this is where you will start your French Polynesian adventure. This island is the most developed in French Polynesia and its capital Papeete is vibrant and bustling. Make sure you have a stopover here and spend a day or two here it would be a wonderful experience. Tahiti is worth seeing, especially for its fine museums devoted to the painter Paul Gauguin, the writer James Norman Hall, and the islanders themselves. The island also has many secluded areas, but since more than 60 per cent of the country’s population lives on it, the rings roads connecting various villages can have slow-moving traffic. 

Located just 20km west of Tahiti, is the island of Moorea. One of the best islands for snorkelling, thanks in large part to the nine ocean passes that draw cold water into the lagoon, the water here is water is rich in oxygen aiding the coral to grow brighter and more colorful than anywhere else. You can spot stingrays and blacktip reef sharks whose curiosity tends to make them gather around you as you jump into the lagoon. Moorea also has numerous white sand beaches, in comparison to the other Islands in Tahiti, where most of the beaches have black sand of the volcanic variety.  The most realistically priced resorts are located here, making it a perfect choice for a serene experience of the Polynesian Islands without breaking the bank. 

Probably the most popular island in French Polynesia and many travellers visit the islands of Tahiti with the intent of only visiting Bora-Bora. One of the world’s top honeymoon destinations with its secluded over-water bungalows and hidden beaches, Bora-Bora is more than just a postcard-worthy romantic escape. Actually a volcano, the island is set in a stunning lagoon surrounded by gleaming white sand beaches. Filled with marine life makes the lagoon a perfect place to don your snorkelling mask explore the waters. You can also spend the day exploring the main town of Viatape, where you can browse shops selling local wares and visit local bars and cafes as well. 

Covered with dense tropical forests, as well as banana groves, watermelon fields, and coconut plantationsHuahine is rightfully known as the Garden Island. Huahine is two islands connected by a small bridge: Huahine Nui to the north and Huahine Iti to the south and is a 40-minute flight from Tahiti. Almost as beautiful as Moorea and Bora-Bora, the island only has a few hotels and barely any urban footprint enabling the island to maintain its Polynesian charm. Visitors have their pick of white sandy beaches, as well as the chance to dive and snorkel, kite surf, hike, and even explore one of the largest archaeological areas of French Polynesia, near the village of Maeva.

Also known as Pink Sand Island, Tikehau is a tiny island that consists of countless white and pink sand islets which make it a unique destination for a getaway. Aptly named as “peaceful landing” Tikehau is home to a lagoon formed by a ring of coral, making it an ideal home for marine life waiting to be explored on a dive trip. A boat can be taken to the middle of the lagoon to visit Motu Puarua at the northeastern end, Bird island a small islet, and a natural aviary for numerous colonies of nesting sea birds including the rare Blue Footed Booby.

Rangiroa is one of the largest atolls in the world and the largest in French Polynesia. Also known as the Endless Sky the atoll’s lagoon is a diver’s paradise and it’s so large that it could swallow the main island of Tahiti. This island has over 200 islets surrounding the lagoon and you can explore it on a secluded afternoon have a phenomenal snorkelling experience. Rangiroa also has a vineyard and winery and you can visit here to awaken your inner wine connoisseur. The Dominique Auroy Winery Located in the main village of Avatoru produces French Polynesia’s only wine label, Vin de Tahiti, and is a must-try. 

Taha’a 

Known as the Vanilla Island, Taha’a grows close to 80 per cent of all vanilla produced in French Polynesia. only accessible by a short boat ride from sister island Raiatea, you will have access to see how the fragrant spice is cultivated at the Vallee de la Vanille vanilla farm located here. Taha’a like many islands in French Polynesia offers the chance to snorkel in the calm, marine-rich waters. The island has a relaxed vibe and allows you to relax and stretch in its sandy beaches. You can also visit the Champon Pearl Farm, where Tahiti’s famous pearls are cultivated and harvested.

Known as the Sacred Island, Raiatea is the second largest island in French Polynesia. said to be the first Polynesian island to be populated Raiatea shares its lagoon with its sister island, so when you visit one you can include the other. The large lagoon located here is one of the best islands in French Polynesia for sailing, deep-sea fishing, and scuba diving. Here you can also visit Taputapuātea, a sacred meeting ground that has recently been named a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Dreamy Island Groups With Perfect Beaches And Beautiful Lagoons

With every island offering a unique experience, yet something that compliments each other island hopping in French Polynesia is special in every way. So make sure you visit a few of them to have a well-rounded vacation. The more islands you visit, the more varied, beautiful, and memorable your holiday will be. Do let us know of your island hopping experience in the comments below. 

Also Read: The Finest Form Of Paradise In The Best Islands In Maldives

LEAVE A REPLY Cancel reply

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Unveiling the wonders of culture and tradition!

Are you ready to embark on a journey filled with adventure, culture, tradition, and exciting attractions? Let your explorer's spirit soar and make unforgettable memories as you explore the beauty of our diverse world.

• February 2023
• December 2022
• November 2022
• August 2021
• October 2020
• Family Friendly
• French Polynesia
• Scuba Diving
• Entries feed
• Comments feed
• WordPress.org

Subscribe to our mailing list

Get the news right in your inbox!

Search the blog

Input your search keywords and press Enter.

Tropical Go!

Your guide to tropical travel and beach destinations

The Ultimate 14 Days Islands of Tahiti Itinerary

Tropical Go is supported by its audience. When you purchase through links on our website, we may earn affiliate commission. 

The Islands of Tahiti encompass 118 islands and atolls spread throughout an incredibly large archipelago. You’ll find barely-there atolls in the Tuamotus, hues of every shade of blue and emerald peaks in the Society Islands, remote landscapes and ancient culture in the Marquesas… no matter where you go, beauty and adventure abound.

After traveling throughout French Polynesia while researching the Moon Tahiti and French Polynesia guidebook , these are the islands I recommend if you only have two weeks in French Polynesia.

Table of Contents

The Air Tahiti Air Pass

Getting around the Islands of Tahiti is no easy feat. Before you do anything, it’s worth booking your flights with Air Tahiti (if you plan on visiting more than three of the islands). Air Tahiti has a Multi Islands Air Pass which offers you a major discount on flights around French Polynesia. The only catch is you’re fixed to their flight routes.

For this two-week itinerary, we recommend purchasing the Bora-Tuamotu Pass .

The Bora-Tuamotu Pass covers flights to Moorea, Huahine, Raiatea, Maupiti, Bora Bora, Rangiroa, Tikehau, and Fakarave. For this itinerary, we’ll be flying to Moorea, Huahine, Bora Bora, and Rangiroa. This itinerary is easily adapted to suit your interests.

Two-Week French Polynesia Itinerary: At a Glance

• Day 1 : Arrive in Tahiti and transfer to Moorea
• Day 2 : Moorea beach day
• Day 3 : Moorea whale swim or scuba dive
• Day 4 : Moorea’s interior
• Day 5 : Huahine beach day
• Day 6 : Huahine lagoon tour
• Day 7 : Huahine cultural sights
• Day 8 : Arrive in Bora Bora
• Day 9 : Bora Bora ATV tour
• Day 10 : Bora Bora beach bliss
• Day 11 : Arrive in Rangiroa
• Day 12 : Rangiroa dolphin dive
• Day 13 : Rangiroa Blue Lagoon Tour
• Day 14 : Arrive in Tahiti
• Day 15 : Depart from Tahiti

French Polynesia Itinerary Planning Tips

Plan your weather-dependent activities at the beginning of your stay . Whale swims, snorkel tours, scuba dives, ATV tours, hikes, etc., are all at the mercy of the weather. Being the tropics, these could be cancelled or changed. Book your weather-dependent activities on the first or second day of arrival of each island. That way, if it’s cancelled, you still have a chance of doing these activities the next day.

Book your flights, then your accommodation . My friend and I thought we had our trip planned out to a T. But, when we went to book our flights with Air Tahiti, we discovered there were none for the dates we’d wanted. It’s best to lock-in your flights, then your accommodation, then your activities–in that order.

Accept that travel days are half days . By the time you check out of your accommodation, check-in to the airport, arrive, collect your luggage, and transfer to check in at your new accommodation, you’ll be burned out. Plan flights either early in the morning or late in the day to preserve precious daylight hours in transit.

Two Week Islands of Tahiti Itinerary: In Depth

Day 1: arrive in tahiti and transfer to moorea.

Welcome to the beautiful island of Tahiti! All international flights arrive at Faa’a Airport, found just outside central Papeete, the largest city in French Polynesia. Some might call it the only city in French Polynesia.

If you’ve arrived early and have some energy, consider strolling through Papeete Market , the largest municipal market in French Polynesia. You’ll find woven goods, hand-painted sarongs called pareau, fresh fruits, vegetables, wooden sculptures, pearl jewelry, and more.

Papeete tours for if you have a full day:

• Day trip to Teahupoo and Tahiti’s western coastline
• Day trip into Tahiti’s interior with waterfalls
• Private island tour for up to six people

Then, transfer to the island of Moorea . It’s a quick flight on Air Tahiti or the Apetahi Express .

Day 2: Moorea beach day

After a long day of travel, kick back and relax on Moorea’s beautiful beaches. You’ll love lingering on Temae Beach , a stretch of sugar sand on Moorea’s eastern coastline. Or, opt for Ta’ahiamanu Beach , a small beach overlooking Opunohu Bay with a grassy area, food truck, public parking, and coral bommies perfect for snorkeling. Tipaniers Beach is tucked behind Hotel Les Tipaniers, a tiny sliver of sand with palm trees and a kayak rental stand.

For a mix of beach and adventure, paddle or catch a ride to Coco Beach Moorea , a lunchtime spot where you’ll dine on Polynesian classics with black tip reef sharks and stingrays circling the shallows.

Recommended places to stay on Moorea:

• Luxury : Sofitel Kia Ora Moorea for luxurious overwater bungalows near Temae Beach
• Mid-range : Linareva Moorea Beach Resort for quiet bungalows near a sandy beach
• Budget : La Maison Orange for access to a communal kitchen, shared bathroom, and clean rooms near Tipaniers Beach

Day 3: Moorea whale swim or scuba dive

Every year from July to November, humpback whales migrate along Moorea’s coastline to mate and give birth in the warm, tropical waters. Coming eye to eye with one of these gentle giants is an experience you’ll never forget.

We recommend traveling to Tonga over French Polynesia for ethical whale swims. In our experience there’s little regulation when it comes to swimming with whales off Moorea … and it lacks the intimacy that Tonga’s whale swim industry has, where only five swimmers are allowed to be with a whale at a time. But, if this is your only opportunity, we recommend spending your second day on Moorea swimming with the whales.

Whale swim operators often stop at ‘Stingray City’ off Les Tipaniers Beach, a hub for pink whip stingrays and reef sharks.

If the whale’s aren’t around, spend the day on an ocean adventure tour sailing, snorkeling, or scuba diving.

Moorea ocean tours:

• A full day swimming with whales tour with Moorea Moana Tours
• Six-hour snorkeling tour with lunch
• Three-hour snorkel and glass bottom boat tour

Day 4: Explore Moorea’s interior

Now that you’ve taken a look at Moorea’s lagoon, it’s time to head into the emerald peaks and valleys of Moorea’s interior. Book an ATV tour or a Jeep tour with Franckyfranck Tours, led by Franck, who is truly one of the most hilarious guides in French Polynesia (be ready for some offbeat jokes). You’ll top at Magic Mountain , the Belvedere Lookout , rumble along Pineapple Road , taste pineapple liquer at the Moorea Distillery , and visit a tropical fruit farm . Some of these would be challenging with your own set of wheels (Magic Mountain and Pineapple Road).

Alternatively, hike the Tres Coconut Trees trail , which starts at the Belvedere Lookout.

Moorea interior tours:

• Laugh on a 4×4 tour of Moorea with Franck
• Venture along dirt roads on a quad tour
• Combine a quad trip with a snorkeling tour

Day 5: Huahine beach day

Head to Huahine, one of the most tranquil and culturally significant of the Society Islands, as it’s home to hundreds of ancient Polynesian temples, called marae.

Spend the day sipping cold drinks and relaxing at the Huahine Yacht Club . Stroll the tiny town of Fare for souvenirs, as there are a few boutiques along its main road. If you want to taste local liquer, visit Distillerie Huahine Passion .

Recommended places to stay on Huahine:

• Luxury : Le Mahana for a remote retreat on Huahine’s best beach
• Mid-range : Pension Ariitere Huahine is a family-run pension with simple rooms
• Budget : Camping Hiva Plague is basic but affordable campsites and rooms

Day 6: Huahine lagoon tour

Don’t skip Huahine’s lagoon tour . If you just do one lagoon tour in the Society Islands, pick the one with Huahine Nautique . We liked it more than the lagoon tours on Bora Bora and Moorea. It’s one of our largest highlights on this Islands of Tahiti itinerary. You’ll stop at a snorkeling spot with reef sharks and rays, a pearl farm , another snorkeling spot with coral bommies , and a tiny white-sand motu for a buffet lunch. Charismatic guides will teach you how to tie sarongs in so many ways.

Day 7: Huahine cultural sights

You’ll need your own rental car or a guide (usually arranged through your accommodation) to enjoy a day out and about on Huahine. Start early and venture clockwise around the island. In this case, we’ll assume you’re starting from Fare. First, stop in at the Fare Pote’e Maeva , a traditional building with a museum inside. Then, drive east towards the Huahine Fish Traps . When you see a small bridge, cross and visit the ancient marae of Marae Manunu .

Back on the main road, continue south towards the settlement of Faie , where you’ll see blue-eyed eels in the river. They’re considered sacred. If you didn’t visit it on the lagoon tour yesterday, you could also stop at the Huahine Pearl Farm . La Masion du Pareo shows how traditional sarongs are painted.

To round-out the day and unwind stop for a lunch and drinks at Avea Bay next to Le Mahana Hotel.

Day 8: Arrive in Bora Bora

Flying into Bora Bora is an experience in itself, and many travelers see it as a ‘must-see’ in itself on a Tahiti itinerary. You’ll never forget the view as you descend over the powder blue lagoon surrounding Bora Bora’s main island. All flights arrive on a motu (small island) off of the mainland. From here, you’ll either be picked up by your accommodation or you’ll take the public ferry to Bora Bora’s main town, Vaitape . Because this tends to be somewhat of a long day of travel, we advise taking it easy.

The Bora Bora Market at Vaitape is one of the best places to buy souvenirs. If you have it in you, grab a drink at Bloody Mary’s or at the Bora Bora Yacht Club . Restaurant Saint James is also a fine pick to spend the evening.

If you’ve come early and are ready to explore, then book an afternoon scuba dive with Topdive to Anau Dive Site , a hub for manta rays.

Recommended hotels on Bora Bora:

• Luxury : Embrace the overwater bungalow life at Four Seasons Bora Bora or St. Regis Bora Bora
• Mid-range : Oa Oa Lodge has a handful of overwater bungalows on the main island
• Budget : Sunset Hill Lodge has simple but clean rooms, a good location, and kitchen

Day 9: Bora Bora ATV and snorkel tour

Hop on a quad and head out on a Bora Bora ATV tour to see Bora Bora’s island highlights like old canons from WWII , stunning lookout points, and stops at the island’s iconic beaches. Then, get ready to venture into its signature blue lagoon. Most trips run three-hour ATV tours, lunch, then a three-hour snorkeling tour.

Bora Bora day tours:

• Combo of ATV and jet ski tour
• Bora Bora ATV day tour
• Bora Bora cruise and 4WD tour

Day 10: Bora Bora beach bliss

We wouldn’t blame you if you wanted to scrap days 8 to 10 and simply lounge your day away on Bora Bora. Tours tend to be better value on other islands, anyways! If you’re staying at a private island resort, we recommend checking out the hotel’s spa, pool, and beaches. Maybe it’s time for breakfast delivered by an outrigger canoe?

Over on Bora Bora’s main island, check out tranquil Matira Beach . It’s a lovely little stretch of sugar sand within walking distance of a few bars like Bora Bora Beach Club . For a romantic dinner, dine at La Villa Mahana , a romantic and intimate restaurant with a set menu each evening.

Day 11: Arrive in Rangiroa

French Polynesia is unique in that its one of the few places in the world where you can stay on an atoll, a nearly sea-level ring of land that once was a volcanic crater rim. Inside the atoll is a tranquil lagoon, a haven for all types of sea life.

Once you arrive on Rangiroa, venture to Relais Josephine and grab a glass of chilled wine from Vin de Tahiti . Rangiroa is home to the only winery grown on an atoll. From Relais Josephine, peer out over Tiputa Pass to look for Rangiroa’s resident pod of bottlenose dolphins .

Recommended hotels on Rangiroa:

• Luxury : Live the overwater bungalow lifestyle at Hotel Kia Ora Resort and Spa
• Mid-range : Hotel Maitai Rangiroa is in a prime location and overlooks the water
• Budget : Va’a i te Moana offers a spacious stay with wifi and a decent location

Day 12: Rangiroa dolphin dive

Ready to meet the locals of Rangiroa? Tiputa Pass , the pass entering Rangiroa’s lagoon, is famous for seeing gray reef sharks, groupers, barracudas, sea turtles, dolphins, and more swimming along its incredible coral reefs. Book a scuba dive trip with Topdive or Rangiroa Plongee .

Day 13: Rangiroa Blue Lagoon Tour

Venture to Rangiroa’s Blue Lagoon, a lagoon within a lagoon where you’ll find baby blue water teeming with black tip reef sharks. Put on a mask and you might also see lemon sharks, gray sharks, rays, and sea turtles.

Tours typically include a Polynesian buffet served on a white sand beach with no shortage of palm fronds to hang out under. If you’re a photographer, pack along your camera!

Rangiroa ocean tours:

• Day trip to the Blue Lagoon
• Private 8-person tour to the Blue Lagoon
• Venture to Rangiroa’s limestone Reef Island

Day 14 & Day 15: Tahiti Adventure

Make your way back to the main island for your last day(s) of your Tahiti itinerary. If you have a full day, you could head to Tahiti’s interior of Papenoo Valley, take a surf tour out to Teahupoo, drive along the coast on a circle island tour, or simply kick back and rest up for your journey ahead at a luxury hotel.

Read more Tahiti travel tips:

• What to pack for your Tahiti vacation
• How to choose the best Tahiti travel insurance

SHOP OUR TROPICAL TRAVEL ESSENTIALS

Chantae Reden

Chantae is the Coconut in Chief at Tropical Go. She is the author of Moon Bali & Lombok and lives in Suva, Fiji. She is a freediver, scuba diver, and surfer who loves surfing without a wetsuit. Her drink of choice is a margarita.

Related posts

The Best Overwater Bungalows in French Polynesia

• 7 Awesome Things to do on Fakarava

11 Awesome Things to do On Bora Bora

No comments, leave a reply cancel reply.

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

I accept the Privacy Policy

Recent Posts

• 10 Awesome Things to do on Hiva Oa
• 7 Awesome Things to do on Tikehau
• 7 Awesome Things to Do on Rangiroa
• 10 Awesome Things to do on Raiatea and Taha’a

Recent Comments

• Stephan on 7 Awesome Things to do on Tikehau

10 Best Tahiti Islands To Visit (Out Of All 115)

Here are 10 of the best Tahiti Islands you should visit for an unforgettable holiday experience.

People who want to plan a perfect holiday in Tahiti tend to include idyllic, private beaches populated only by palm palms and the occasional wayward coconut. Tahiti, often known as French Polynesia, is an archipelago of 118 islands located roughly midway between the coasts of California and Australia.

While each of Tahiti's islands has its own character, they're better as a whole. Barrier coral reefs and turquoise lagoons make all of the islands seem like they belong on a postcard. Because each island offers a distinct possibility for adventure and many iconic hotels in Tahiti , the visitors' choices when they plan a trip to Tahiti should be guided by the kinds of activities they are interested in participating in.

Raiatea is the second largest island in French Polynesia and is commonly referred to as the Sacred Island. Due to its proximity across a lagoon, tourists visiting either Raiatea or Taha'a may easily visit the other. The expansive lagoon that can be found on this island makes it a top destination in French Polynesia for water sports, including deep-sea fishing, scuba diving, and sailing. To top it all off, Taputapuatea, a holy gathering site, and a new UNESCO World Heritage Site , is located right here.

RELATED: This UNESCO Island In Tahiti Is At The ‘End Of The World’

9 Taha’a

Taha'a is the Vanilla Island because it produces about 80% of French Polynesia's vanilla . Visit the Vallee de la Vanille vanilla estate, only reachable by boat from the sister island Raiatea, to learn about the cultivation of aromatic spice. There are opportunities to go snorkeling in the clear, marine-rich seas of Taha'a, as there are many islands in French Polynesia. The island has a chill atmosphere, and its sandy beaches are perfect for stretching out and unwinding. The Champon Pearl Farm is open to tourists, and it is there that Tahiti's renowned pearls are grown and collected.

One of the world's largest atolls, and the largest in French Polynesia, is called Rangiroa. Rangiroa is the world’s largest natural aquarium . The atoll's lagoon, which is so enormous it could swallow Tahiti's main island, is a scuba diver's paradise and goes by the name "Endless Sky." Visitors may spend a quiet afternoon exploring the island's approximately 200 islands that encircle the lagoon and enjoy some fantastic snorkeling. Visitors to Rangiroa may indulge their inner oenophiles by seeing the island's vineyard and winery. The Dominique Auroy Winery, located in the middle of Avatoru, is responsible for creating the wonderful and one-of-a-kind French Polynesian wine known as Vin de Tahiti.

Tikehau Island is one of the least frequented islands in the French Polynesians, despite its beauty and its reputation for having beaches with pink sand. Visitors may swim in the lagoon, where they may even spot a black tip reef shark, before laying out on the beach and soaking up some rays. Explore Rose Island to see the renowned pink sand beach and Bird Island to observe a plethora of avian life. Tourists may observe the sharks swimming with the birds they've come to see.

RELATED: Hawaii Vs. Tahiti: Do These Polynesian Islands Compare?

There is no doubt that this island is beautiful. Bicycles and canoes are the most common modes of transportation since people like to take in the sights while they ride. Fish hooks and other artifacts dating to around AD 850 have given researchers a glimpse into the rich cultural history of Maupiti. It is possible for tourists to ascend Mount Teurafaatiu and take in the breathtaking vista. At low tide, they may explore the cliffs and caves for some added sightseeing.

5 Nuku Hiva

Nuku Hiva, one of the Marquesas Islands, is known for its stunning natural beauty and friendly locals. Everyone on the island goes out of their way to make sure visitors see its hidden treasures. A canyon and waterfalls in the thick of the bush. The opportunity to go hunting with a local is also available on some of the tours. Hikers may enjoy magnificent excursions through the hills to the Vaipo Waterfall, the tallest waterfall in French Polynesia, where cows and goats graze along the wayside.

The word Fakarava can imply either "beautiful" or "making things wonderful." What this implies is that the Fakarava atoll is just as stunning above the ocean as it is below. Fakarava is a pristine part of French Polynesia that few people know about, despite the fact that it is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve . The vast coral atoll has a lot more to offer than simply excellent diving. Magical places like the "Alibaba Canyon" allow visitors to swim with shark walls first thing in the morning. Tourists may experience the beauty of the ocean and its abundant marine life with only the most basic snorkeling equipment.

RELATED: Bored In Tahiti? Try These Off-The-Beaten-Path Activities

Huahine, untouched by the passage of time, is a wonderful area to get some exercise and re-energize. Temples built by the island's former ruling dynasties may be found all across the island's landscape, from the shores of Lake Maeva to the foothills of the surrounding highlands. Huahine is the kind of island where visitors will want to take their time driving from one place to another. Travelers should see the holy blue-eyed eels, explore the desolate emerald bays, and relax on the long stretches of white sand beaches.

Moorea is a beautiful island that is close to Tahiti yet feels like a completely other place. The deep twin bays that form its heart shape likely contribute to its popularity, but the laid-back vibe of the area also plays a role. Hiking in the morning and lounging on the beach in the afternoon are two of Moorea's most popular activities. There is some of the best scuba diving in the world here, and it is common practice to provide food to sharks and stingrays.

Since all international flights into French Polynesia land in Tahiti at Faa'a International Airport, visitors to any of the islands must first make their way there. This island has seen more development than any other in French Polynesia, and its capital, Papeete, is a thriving metropolis. There are many ways to explore the island of Tahiti . Stopping by and spending a day or two in this city is highly recommended for every traveler. There are some excellent museums in Tahiti, including ones dedicated to the works of Paul Gauguin, James Norman Hall, and the island's native people.

10 Best French Polynesian Islands

Tiare Tuuhia is a freelance content writer and reporter based between Tahiti, French Polynesia and Brisbane, Australia. She writes about travel, culture, and the environment.

With friendly locals, pristine lagoons, and coconut-tree-lined beaches, French Polynesia is undoubtedly a blissful tropical paradise. But with 118 islands to choose from, it’s hard to narrow it down. Whether you're looking to get pampered on Bora Bora, snorkel with manta rays on Rangiroa, or explore archaeological sites on Nuku Hiva, there's something for every type of traveler. Read on to discover 10 of the best islands in French Polynesia.

Tahiti is the heart of French Polynesia, home to its capital city, Papeete , and more than 70 percent of the population. This is the island to visit for vibrant nightlife, shopping, and culture—all alongside sweeping black sand beaches and wild waterfall-filled valleys. Check out Papeete’s municipal market, Le Marché, for fresh produce and locally-made souvenirs. Spend a day taking it slow and driving around the island, stopping along the way to check out the beaches, waterfalls, and towns before eating out at a roulotte or food truck for giant portions of raw fish, a Tahitian favorite. 

TripSavvy / Claire Cohen 

Flying into Bora Bora is a dream—as your plane lands on a strip of long sand lined with coconut palms, you'll be greeted by jagged mountain peaks rising out of an aquamarine lagoon. There’s a reason why Bora Bora is considered the ultimate luxury island holiday destination: it’s stunning. Splurge and stay on a private motu (offshore islet) in an overwater bungalow with unforgettable views of the main island and lounge around on the white sand beaches. For a bit of adventure, Bora Bora offers fantastic snorkeling and diving opportunities. Expect to see rays, reef sharks, turtles, and endless varieties of colorful reef fish.

TripSavvy / Lauren Breedlove

Moorea island is Tahiti’s little sister, just a 30-minute ferry ride away from the main island. Laid-back and relaxed, time moves slower on Moorea, and in the best way possible. Taking a lagoon tour is a must-do, as you'll boat around the azure lagoon with a friendly guide, stop to snorkel with sharks and rays, and then eat a Polynesian-style BBQ lunch on one of Moorea’s picturesque motu . Back on land, head up to the Belvedere Lookout for a perfect view of the island's verdant valleys and mountain peaks.

Sundrenched Rangiroa, an atoll in the Tuamotu archipelago, is located just one hour by plane from Tahiti, and yet it feels like a world away. Rangiroa is French Polynesia’s biggest atoll, made up of a ring of smaller islands over 110 miles long that circle a massive lagoon. The famous Blue Lagoon is the atoll’s biggest drawcard, with manta rays, dolphins, sharks, whales, and other aquatic creatures calling the underwater wonderland home. For an insider’s look at one of French Polynesia’s biggest industries, visit one of the black pearl farms sprinkled around the lagoon.

Get off the beaten path with a trip to Nuku Hiva, in the wild Marquesas archipelago , located northeast of Tahiti. Nuku Hiva is a three-hour plane ride from Tahiti and has its own distinct culture and language. For an unforgettable day trip, head to Hakaui valley and hike to French Polynesia’s tallest waterfall, Vaipio, and be rewarded with a dip in the pool under the falls. Nuku Hiva’s archeological sites are among the best on the islands; take a guided tour of ancient Polynesian temples, tiki statues, and ceremonial sites, and learn about the island's intriguing history.

Located in the Society Island group, Tahaa is just 45 minutes by air from Tahiti. It’s well-known for producing three of French Polynesia’s most pleasing products: vanilla beans, black pearls, and rum. With its wide bays, pristine lagoon, and quiet villages, Tahaa is the perfect place for an even more relaxing island escape. Rent a scooter or a bike to explore the island at a leisurely pace, take a paddleboard out onto the lagoon, or book an excursion to your own private motu for lunch.

Owned by actor Marlon Brando, Tetiaroa is one of the world’s most beautiful and exclusive atolls. It’s home to the ultra-luxurious eco-resort The Brando , frequented by celebrities and the super-rich like Leonardo DiCaprio, Kim Kardashian, and Barack Obama. It’s now a protected nature reserve and home to a thriving seabird population. Tetiaroa is accessible by catamaran from Tahiti, and day trips are a popular way to experience the island. The excursions usually include short walking tours of the atoll, bird watching, and snorkeling. Bragging rights are guaranteed!

Dmitry Malov / Getty Images

Rimatara is one of French Polynesia’s hidden gems. The tiny island is located in the Austral archipelago, a one-hour, 45-minute flight from Tahiti. With only two small villages on Rimatara, it’s possible to ride around the entire island in just 30 minutes. Here you can experience authentic Polynesian culture and stay at a family-run guesthouse. Spot Rimatara's famous "rainbow" parakeets called Vini Ura, chill on white sand beaches, and learn to weave pandanus leaves from the island's expert artisans.

Fakarava means "beautiful," and with its pink sand beaches, endless coconut trees, and a massive cerulean lagoon, the name barely does it justice. The atoll of Fakarava, in the Tuamotu archipelago, is a one-hour, 10-minute flight from Tahiti. It’s home to some of the best drift dives and offers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to swim among hundreds of sharks. For those who prefer land, you can wander around sunkissed villages, chat with the friendly locals, and fish for dinner off the pier. Don’t miss the incredible sunsets!

For a true tropical island paradise, look no further than Maupiti, located in the Society Islands and just 50 minutes by plane from Tahiti. The stunning Terei’a beach is an idyllic place, where you can easily spend the day swimming in the azure lagoon and lazing about on the picture-perfect white sand. From the beach, it’s possible to walk to a nearby motu , spotting rays and sharks along the way. For the adventurous, go on a lagoon tour or hike to the top of Mount Teurafaatui for incredible 360-degree views of the island and its beautiful lagoon.

10 Top Things to Do in Tahiti

A Guide to the Best Beaches in Tahiti

What You Need to Know About Tahiti

A Complete Guide to Rangiroa, French Polynesia

Bora Bora Guide: Planning Your Trip

The 9 Best Scuba Diving Sites in French Polynesia

The 8 Islands You Need to Know in Tahiti

The Top 9 Things to Do in Huahine

Planning a Honeymoon in Tahiti

Tahiti on a Budget

What You'll See While Snorkeling or Diving in Tahiti

10 Best Things to Do on Bora Bora

Tips for Family Travel to Tahiti

5 Overwater Bungalows You Can Book With Points

All About Moorea, "Tahiti's Magical Isle"

15 Private Islands You Can Rent, From Budget-Friendly to Splurge-Worthy

Going Awesome Places

Detailed itineraries + travel guides

The Islands of Tahiti Travel Guide – What You Need To Know for French Polynesia

Last Updated January 31, 2023 William Tang

You are here: Home » Travel Guides » The Islands of Tahiti Travel Guide – What You Need To Know for French Polynesia

With 118 islands scattered across the South Pacific in 5 distinct archipelagos, a trip to French Polynesia is a paradise choose-your-own-adventure.  Turquoise-blue lagoons, palm-fringed beaches, romantic overwater bungalows, lush mountains, and unblemished coral habitats fill your days.  It’s what dream vacations are made of.

While the end-product is undeniable, the trip planning process to building your French Polynesia itinerary isn’t always as smooth sailing.  With so many islands to choose from and so many different ways to experience the country, you’ll be overwhelmed with information.  To help, I’ve put together The Islands of Tahiti travel guide to summarize the main things you need to know before you go and insider tips that only someone that’s been can tell you.

Read more about French Polynesia

• How to Plan A 2 Week Tahiti Itinerary
• The Islands of Tahiti Packing List
• Le Meridien Bora Bora Resort Review
• Best pensions in Rangiroa
• Where to stay in Fakarava

How to get the best deals in travel

• Hottest deals  – Bookmark the  travel deals page .
• Car rentals  – stop getting ripped off and  learn about car rental coupon codes .
• Hotels  – Use  corporate codes  or get  Genius 2 tier  with Booking.
• Flights  – Have you ever heard of the  “Everywhere” feature ?
• Insurance  – Make sure you’re covered and learn more about  where to buy the best travel insurance .

Table of Contents 

There’s a TONpoie of information here so if you have a specific question you had, feel free to jump to the topic you’re most interested in.

In This Article

French Polynesia geography

How do you decide where to go, ranking the top islands, getting there, getting between islands, moving within an island, health and safety, food you need to try before you leave, connectivity, how do you save money, what to pack for your trip, where to stay in french polynesia, best time to go, how much does a trip to french polynesia cost, 5 main take aways , things to know before going to french polynesia.

This is meant to be a comprehensive Islands of Tahiti travel guide of practical things you need to know before you go.  We’ll start from the basics and then dive into all facets of travel that you’ll encounter.

• 1 XPF = $0.009 USD = $0.013 CAD = 0.008€ EUR
• For North Americans, the easiest way to convert currency is to remove the last 2 zeroes to arrive at the USD equivalent.
• Timezone – 10 hours behind GMT.  This means 2 hours behind PST, 19 hours ahead of Tokyo and Australia’s east coast, and 22 hours ahead of New Zealand.
• ATMs are easy to find on Tahiti and near airports but more challenging on other islands.  You will need to plan your cash well.
• SIM card – The two main companies in The Islands of Tahiti are Vini and Vodafone .  All companies have pre-paid packages available.
• Alternative data options – Tahiti Wifi – If you’re looking for a hotspot device that you can share with your group, Tahiti Wifi is offered from Tahiti’s international airport and is quite affordable.
• Measurement system  – Metric scale for distance and the Celsius scale for temperature
• Tipping – Tipping is not expected or standard practice in the country.  That said, you can certainly tip for good service and in those situations 10% is the unspoken benchmark.
• Language – The official languages are French and Tahitian.
• Government – While part of French Republic’s overseas territories, French Polynesia is an independent country with its own government and legislative assembly.  However they do rely heavily on France for trade and protection.  Subsequently, much of the country’s laws and processes are French.

Back to the top

The first thing that I have to set the record straight on is the naming.  The official name of the country is French Polynesia when in 1957, the islands were reconstituted into a French Overseas Territory.  The name The Islands of Tahiti is often used as an alternate to describe the uniting of five distinct island chains.

However, I’ll be the first to admit that it does cause some confusion because 1) Tahiti itself is the name of the largest island and is home to the bustling capital of Papeete, 2) Tahiti is part of the travel marketing lexicon and what most people were raised with, and 3) the local people of the nation are known as Tahitian as opposed to French Polynesian.

For the purposes of this guide, I’ll be using both interchangeably.

When you think about French Polynesia, I guarantee you that most people will have a hard time pinpointing exactly where in the Pacific Ocean it’s located.  If you take a look at the map above, it’s comfortably nestled in the middle of the ocean and below the equator which puts it in the southern hemisphere.  You’ll also notice that it’s almost a straight shot south from Hawaii (Honolulu).

The 5 archipelagos

Sprinkled in the Pacific Ocean are 118 islands and they’re organized in 5 archipelago clusters – Society, Tuamotu, Austral, Gambier, and Marquesas .

The most well-known are the Society Islands which consists of popular destinations such as Tahiti, Moorea, and Bora Bora.  Next is the Tuamotu Islands which are technically all coral atolls that barely rise up a few meters above sea-level.  From there, you have those that are less-travelled.  Gambier Islands extend from Tuamotu Islands.  The Marquesas Islands the furthest away from the centre and remarkably more lush, rocky, and mountainous.  You then have the Austral Islands which are located the furthest south.

To put into perspective how expansive the islands are and how much distance they cover is when you superimpose a map of Europe over the region.  You’ll be surprised to hear that The Islands of Tahiti is a close equivalent to the size of Europe at 5.5 million km ².

Here are a few key points about each archipelago:

• Society Islands – Most central, international airport on Tahiti, location of the capital and Bora Bora.
• Tuamotu Islands – Where most Tahitian pearls are grown, atolls that best evoke Robinson Crusoe’s story, and best known for their scuba diving on Rangiroa and Fakarava.
• Gambier Islands – Another main centre for pearl farming, surviving examples of Catholicism, and home to more traditional Polynesian lifestyle.
• Marquesas Islands – A 3 hour 45 minute flight from Papeete, home of the tiki and haka, primal landscape with waterfalls, lush valleys, ancient sites, fjord-like bays, volcanic cliffs, and towering mountains.
• Austral Islands – Reputed for their crafts (weaving, hats, and patchwork), humpback whales from July to November, and overall remoteness.

With so many islands to choose from, you may feel overwhelmed but your trip will largely come down to how many days you have, your budget, travel style, and what you want to see.  To help with narrowing down what you fit in, let’s start off with a few questions you’ll want to ask yourself.

• Do you want to stay at an overwater bungalow?   If so, you’ll immediately narrow things down to a handful of islands and if you further filter this down to properties owned by large hotel brands to leverage your loyalty points, you’re looking at Tahiti, Moorea, and Bora Bora.
• Are you an avid scuba diver?   Some of the best scuba diving sites in the world are found here.  The top dive sites are located in Rangiroa and Fakarava.  Second to that, there is also good diving in Bora Bora, Tahiti, and Raiatea.
• Have you read the Air Tahiti breakdown yet?   That comes a little further down.  The logistics of island hopping isn’t as straight forward as jumping however you please and this will likely dictate how you put together your itinerary.
• Do you want to see the Marquesas?   Whether you’re a fan of Season 4 of Survivor, have fallen in love with its rugged landscape, or are serious into birding (we encountered one such couple), you’ll have to work it in (cost, accommodation availability, flight schedules, etc.)
• Have less than a week?  If you have 7 days or less, logistically it makes sense to focus on the Society Islands especially if Bora Bora is on your itinerary.
• Do you prefer staying in one place or jumping around?   Are you the type that wants to stay busy and see a ton of different places or just plant down for slow-paced travel?  This will dictate how many islands you go to.
• Is this your first time to French Polynesia?   Most likely it is which means it’ll be hard to break from the FOMO of Bora Bora.  Repeat travellers will typically be a bit more decisive about going to few places to have the best experience whether that be diving, resort-living, island-life, or something else.
• Are you interested in cruising or yachting?   This is a whole other way to see the islands and won’t be covered here but for instance, there’s a pretty epic cruise that goes up to Marquesas including the Aranui 5 .

To further help you decide what islands to add to your wish list, I’ve put together a completely subjective and unscientific list of the top 10 islands you should visit in French Polynesia.  For each one, I’ll explain my reasoning for the ranking.

• Bora Bora – Undeniably iconic and romantic and contrary to popular belief, can be done affordably.  This is the place to go for the overwater bungalow experience.
• Rangiroa – You can have a comfortable resort experience, see the dolphin show, while doing arguably the best diving in French Polynesia.
• Huahine – One of Tahiti’s best kept secrets as a place where you can live like a local and get away from most “crowds”.
• Fakarava – A must-do for any scuba divers with incredibly biodiversity that is unmatched anywhere else.
• Raiatea – A mountainous island with opportunities for hiking, superb scuba diving, and
• Maupiti  – You won’t find any resorts here but for anyone looking for an authentic Polynesian experience that ticks all of the boxes for island-aficionados while still staying in the Society archipelago, this one is highly rated.
• Tahiti – On the list because you have to fly through it and I think there’s value in going there to use as an orientation for French Polynesia and for stocking up on supplies.
• Moorea – While incredibly beautiful, I have a hard time recommending here if you’re already doing Bora Bora.  That said, there’s an incredibly balance of the lush outdoors, underwater, and resort-life here.
• Tikehau – You could call this the perfect example of an atoll with an almost unbroken ring of continuous coral, resulting in a lagoon that resembles a giant swimming pool.  You’ll also find great diving here along with a pink sand beach.
• Taha’a – This is a one-two punch because they share a lagoon with Raiatea.  The soft mountains here are known for their vanilla farms.  Come here for a slow-paced of island living.  It is also home to the luxury Le Taha’a Resort and Spa.

So how do you choose and which is the “best”?  Ultimately this is highly subjective but if you find that my style of travel is similar to yours, which for the newcomers means a blend of affordable luxury experiences and doses of outdoor adventure while also sprinkling in some off-the-beaten-path, you should head over to the 16 day itinerary of French Polynesia .  This breaks down exactly how my own trip was executed and gives you an idea of where we stayed, what we did, where we ate, and how the logistics worked out.

So let’s start off with transportation.  How do you get into The Islands of Tahiti ?

As an island nation, flying in is going to be your one and only way to get into the country.

The international airport is located on the island of Tahiti.  It’s name is Faa’a International Airport with code PPT which comes from the name of the capital, Papeete since it is located right adjacent to it on the island.

Which cities have direct flights to Tahiti?

• San Francisco – United Airlines
• Los Angeles – Air Tahiti Nui
• Paris – Air France, Air Tahiti Nui, and French Bee (all connect via Los Angeles)
• Auckland – Air New Zealand, Air Tahiti Nui
• Honolulu – Hawaiian Airlines
• Rarotonga, Cook Islands – Air Tahiti
• Nouméa, New Caledonia – Air Calin
• Santiago/Easter Island – LATAM Airlines Group
• Tokyo – Air Tahiti Nui

Of note on this list are French Bee which is a new low cost carrier from Paris and the new route from San Francisco with United Airlines which I took advantage of.  The United Airlines route is a great new addition because it is the only Star Alliance partner that operates there from North America.  Lastly, another route that is quite interesting is the Latam opportunity to route through South America (Chile specifically) and going through Easter Island.  They only fly once a week but would make for quite the ambitious trip.

I recommend using the Skyscanner to find the best prices on flight tickets and be able to put alerts and trackers if you’re starting to plan early.   The Skyscanner app is also super helpful.

Do I need a visa?

When it comes to visas, you almost have to treat French Polynesia as if you were entering France which is why there’s a special EU line at customs when you land in Tahiti.  In all likelihood you will be visa-exempt but make sure you check out the exhaustive list of countries where this is the case.  It will also be worthwhile to go through the entry rules for French Polynesia for anyone that needs more detailed guidance including their helpful checklist for short stays of less than 3 months .

Landing form

The immigration form and visitor forms are pretty standard but wanted to share with you what it looks like.

A few key points:

• If you’re from EU or Switzerland, you don’t need to fill it out.
• If you’re transiting to somewhere else such as Australia or New Zealand, you also don’t need to fill it out.

Once you’re in the country, how do you get to other islands from Tahiti?  Also, once you’re on an island, how do you get around?

With how geographically spread out the islands are, the easiest form of travel will be through flying.  This is completely serviced by Air Tahiti if you don’t include the private charter airlines.  They operate a fleet of 14 planes and effectively cover most of the country with the routes which you can see in the map below.

With the above, there should be a few questions you aren’t asking that need to be asked.

What makes Air Tahiti routing so challenging?

Looking at the route map, it looks like you can easily get anywhere but the truth is that once you dig deeper, it’s a bit more complex.  Without making this too complicated, here are a few key things you need to be aware of when

• You can’t book Air Tahiti through a flight booking aggregator like Skyscanner or Kayak, you have to book directly .
• Many of Air Tahiti’s flights are loops so if you want to go to Maupiti there’s a stop in Huahine and this is how they’re able to service some of the smaller islands.
• Most flights routes and their loops are designed to only hop between islands within an archipelago.
• Flights between archipelagos almost always have to go through Tahiti.  There are a few exceptions.
• Pay attention to the direction of travel.  For instance, if you want to hop around the Society Islands, the flights move from Tahiti westward and once you make it to the end (i.e. Bora Bora), you then have to fly back to Tahiti.  You can’t go backwards in this case.
• If you haven’t figured it out yet, all routes start and end in Tahiti and you can run into cases where you can’t connect two legs within the same day which forces you to stay a night in Tahiti.

How do you get from the Society Islands to the Tuamotu Islands?

This is a common situation for many that want to explore at least two of the archipelagos of French Polynesia.  For me, this caused a lot of frustration because originally I wanted to do Bora Bora at the very end of the trip but later realized that this wasn’t possible unless I did an unnecessary connection through Tahiti.

The most efficient way to explore both archipelagos is through the Bora Bora to Tikehau or Rangiroa, or the Raiatea to Tikehau connector.  What you need to know is that these only go one direction so you are physically not able to go from Tuamotu to Society Islands.  If you’re adamant about going this direction, you have go through Tahiti’s PPT airport.  This could mean you have to stay a night if the connection isn’t seamless and will definitely add to transit time.

Is there a way to save money with Air Tahiti?

Inter-island flying is not cheap and adds up quickly so how do you keep costs low?  One thing I suggest you take a look at are their multi-island passes .  There are many to choose from and what they do is allow you to pay a single price and gives you access to all the islands on the pass.  These passes are great for those that have a lot of time to work with and can hit up close to all of the islands on the pass.

Here are key rules to pay attention to:

• They do not sell passes to infants
• As a general rule, all passes start and finish in Tahiti or Moorea.
• You do not have to visit all of the islands included in your chosen Pass, but at least two islands must be visited.
• Each island may be visited only once and returning to Tahiti while using the Pass is not permitted (there are exceptions for the Lagoons Pass and when extensions are involved).
• All islands in one archipelago must be visited before moving onto the next one.
• Within a given archipelago, the islands may be visited in any order.

How do you book flights?

Generally everything can be done online through Air Tahiti but if the system spits out errors as it did for us, you’ll need to contact someone through their support service and handle everything through e-mail instead since most likely it’ll be difficult to call them directly.

In order to pay, they sent a secure link to my e-mail with the total amount and I was able to pay by credit card.

What is it like flying between islands?

This may seem obvious but inter-island flights are domestic so you won’t need to go through security.  Beyond this, there are a couple of other tips that aren’t really disclosed anywhere else.

• Camera gear – In my case, I was well over weight but after I mentioned it was camera gear, they seemed to be ok with it.  It’s hard to say whether this was agent-specific but this legitimate excuse seemed to work.
• Enforcement – At the gate, agents were actively patrolling and double-checking anyone that had carry-on that seemed too large or heavy.
• Bora Bora, Rangiroa, Fakarava – Not strict at all with carry-on luggage.  They might’ve done a quick eye-check for the number of pieces but they did not weigh any.
• Other islands – I’d like to say they operate the same as the other islands I visited but I can’t say for sure.
• No security means that you don’t have liquid restrictions so you can have bottles of water with you on the plane.

• Seats are comfortable and spacious with plenty of leg room and space for luggage under the seat in front.  Overhead bins are small which is why they have strict limitations on size.
• Drink service is available for flights that originate or end in Tahiti or Moorea.  Only cold drinks (juice) is available.

• For unobstructed views, sit in the first 3 rows or the rear 3 rows (see photo).  Pay attention to clarity of the windows and look out for coloured marks if you want the best window seat.
• For carry-on bags, I was able to have my Travel Backpack and 6L Sling work because my sling was collapsible and I could just pull it out on the plane if I needed to.

For islands or motu’s that are close to each other, there are local ferry services available but it’s not advisable because it’s very long and not comfortable since they’re operated by what’s essentially cargo ships.  You can use these ferries to get from Tahiti to other Society Islands (Raiatea, Taha’a, and Huahine).  To give you an idea of time, it takes 9 hours to get from Papeete to Huaahine and 13 hours to get to Bora Bora.

This option is great for those that have lots of time to work with and don’t mind roughing it in order to save money.  There are two services per week.

There is also ferry service between the islands of Bora Bora, Raiatea, Taha’a and Maupiti.  This is operated by aa 140-passenger high-speed boat, Maupiti Express II, and it runs on a loop three times a week.

Lastly, there’s a well-known service to go between Tahiti and Moorea which are very close to each other.  This ferry is only 30-40 minutes and this one actually makes a lot of sense because it’s quite scenic, much cheaper, comfortable, and has frequent service.

There are several companies that service this route.  One is Aremiti and the other is Terevau.  Aremiti boards operate from the dock on Motu Una which is an island that is connected to Papeete.  Terevau boats depart from a maritime station right in the heart of Papeete.  Both of them pull into the dock in Vaiare on the northeast side of the island.  Each company has 6-7 trips a day (5 on Sunday).

Cruise ship

An alternative way to see French Polynesia is through a cruise ship.  While you won’t be able to spend as much time on land, this is a great way to see many islands in one trip and is a popular way to see the Marquesas as well.

The two main cruise companies that do this route are Paul Gauguin and Aranui 5.

Paul Gauguin is a 5-star, 332-passenger cruise ship that’s all-inclusive and has itineraries ranging from 7 to 14 days, covering the Society Islands, Tuamotu Islands, and also other countries such as Cook Islands and Fiji.

Aranui 5 runs an all-inclusive 14-day trip from Papeete to the Marquesas Islands with their custom-built dual-purpose passenger/freighter.  They also have a new route that goes out to Pitcairn Island which is part of the Gambier Islands.

There are also larger cruise ships that go to French Polynesia including Holland America and Princess Cruises.

Once you’re on an island, there are a number of ways around but it will depend on what island it is.

On many islands including some of the smaller ones such as Rangiroa, it’s possible to rent a car but unlike travel in other countries, it doesn’t make sense in most cases while also being almost necessary in others.  Here’s what you need to know.

• Main international companies to book with are Avis , Hertz , and Europcar .  Their depots are usually located at the airport, and/or ferry quay or both.  Pay attention to whether your rental includes kilometers or not (i.e. Hertz).
• The secret though is that there are local car rental companies, Ecocar and Easycar , that service Tahiti and they have very competitive rates.
• You need to have a car while you’re in Tahiti if you’re planning on being there a couple of days especially if you’re not in the city of Papeete.  Taxi’s are expensive here and the island is much larger than most people realize.  The only exception is if you’re planning on leveraging excursions while you’re there and/or you’re staying at a resort where there’s no need or interest to go outside.  Another thing to think about is the cost of round-trip airport transfers and whether a car rental would still be cheaper.  This applies to Moorea as well.
• You do not require an international’s driver’s license here.  Your driver’s license from home is enough.

For the big companies, make sure you head over to the best car rental coupon codes to make sure you maximize on savings.

Ferry service is going to be critical especially for islands such as Bora Bora where there’s a main island in the middle accompanied by an outer motu ring.  Alternatively, atoll’s also require boat ferries if the airport is on one motu but you’re staying on a different motu.

Here are a few examples that we encountered:

• Bora Bora property ferry – 12,390 XPF per person for the round trip
• Bora Bora ferry to Vaitape – 3,045 XPF per person for the round trip
• Rangiroa ferry from Avatoru to Tiputa – 300 XPF per person each direction
• Shuttle between Bora Bora sister properties (i.e. Le Meridien and St. Regis) – Free with restaurant booking

Taxi/Shuttle

• Proper taxi service really only exists on Moorea and Tahiti.
• Beyond actual taxi’s, most islands have transfer/shuttle services which are in essence the same thing.  We ended up using Fetia-Ura Vahine for both our tours and transfers in Tahiti.  For other taxi and shuttle services, take a look here for recommendations.
• For the most part it seems like meters aren’t used and all companies charge a fixed rate.
• From the Puna’auia part of Tahiti, it will typically cost 1,500 to 2,000 XPF each way to Papeete.
• If suitcases are involved, it’s 200 XPF per piece.

TIP:  Many restaurants offer free shuttle service so it doesn’t hurt to ask.

Public Transportation

To a certain extent, public transit exists on all islands but for any that you’d realistically take, you’d be looking at Moorea and Tahiti.

Public buses are known as Le Truck and are a cheap way to get around.  On Tahiti and Moorea, buses either run in clockwise or counterclockwise location.  The central station on Tahiti is in downtown Papeete while in Moorea it’s at the ferry port.  Buses will have their route number and final destination marked.  Around the island there are bus stops but if you’re in a remote area, you can always hail it and they will usually stop.

The most handy route in Tahiti is the one that runs between Papeete and Faa’a International Airport.

On Tahiti, buses cost 200 XPF near the Papeete area however fares do go up as you get further away (up to 600 XPF).  Children and students are half price.

The main problem with these buses are that 1) the schedule is unreliable (weekends are very infrequent) and 2) they shut down at 5 to 5:30PM.   Ultimately, it’s not a method of transportation of choice if you’re on a schedule and definitely not if you plan on any evening activities.

The best way to get around is perhaps the simplest.  The joys of being on the smaller islands of French Polynesia is that you can easily hop on a bike and ride around whether for fun or to pick up supplies that you need.

When picking your accommodations, it may not be one of your first priorities but it turned out to be quite important to have free bike rentals.  This was sorely missed when we got to Pension Paparara in Fakarava because it became really difficult to go out on our own to explore.

French Polynesia is as safe as countries come.  Here’s why.  With the exception of Tahiti, all islands are very small with a tiny population to match them.  From my conversation with a local, the reality is that everyone knows everyone else on the island.  As a result, crime rate is very low and for travellers is very safe to walk around whether day or not.

In terms of other aspects of travel safety, here are a few other points to take note of:

• Water – Locals do drink from the tap but we were advised to either drink bottled water or drink tap water that has been boiled.
• Uncooked vegetables – No issues here.

• Natural dangers – Cyclone season is between November and April which corresponds to rainy season.  In talking to locals, there hasn’t been a major cyclone in a long time but that doesn’t mean that it won’t happen.  Stay up to date with tropical storms and cyclones by checking weather forecasts.  When it comes to dangers under water, be smart and wear the appropriate footwear when heading into the water as there is a lot of sharp coral (check my French Polynesia packing list ).  Be careful around coral as well for moray eels that will bite.  Sharks and rays in the lagoon are not aggressive so no need to panic if you encounter them.

Mosquito protection

This is a perfect segue to what you can do to reduce bites on The Islands of Tahiti .  From personal experience, mosquito’s aren’t a serious problem in overwater bungalows during our stay at Le Meridien Bora Bora .  However, the same cannot be said for Tahitian guesthouse stays on islands such as Rangiroa and Fakarava.  Of course, this will vary property to property and will be related to variables such as whether it’s rainy season or whether there is standing water nearby.

I recommend that you buy mosquito repellant before you leave home but if you’re looking for something local, find a pharmacy in Tahiti and look out for Moustidose which we found quite effective.  It’s a product of France and does not have deet.

If mosquito nets are included in your accommodations, there’s probably a good reason for it.  Here are a few tips that’ll make sure you use it properly:

• When setting up the net, make sure to tuck it under the mattress.  This is an important step because if you don’t, mosquito’s can come up from any gaps on the ground.
• Especially with circular nets, pull it tight at the edges of the bed to give you as much space inside as possible.  Otherwise you’ll feel like you need to sleep it fetal position.
• When sleeping, make sure your head, feet, and arms aren’t touching the net.  If it’s not too hot, bed sheets can help here.
• When entering or exiting the mosquito net, make sure you have your headlamp/flashlight turned off.  Also, pat the net before entering/exiting to make sure there are no mosquito’s nearby.
• Inspect the net for holes and plug them with something like scrunched up toilet paper
• Before sleeping, turn on your headlamp/flashlight and inspect the inside of the net to make sure none got in somehow.
• Bring mosquito repellant and toilet paper into the bed in case especially if you’re not good at catching them in flight with your hands.  I found that one way to kill them inside the net is to spray them directly while they are resting on the net and then killing them with toilet paper after they are stunned and land on the mattress.

Travel insurance

I highly recommend getting travel insurance for a trip like this, not because it’s dangerous, but because you never know.

In the case something does go wrong, expenses will rack up very quickly when you factor in the fact that there is only one hospital on Tahiti and medical evacuations easily cost $10,000 or more.

Don’t cheap out.  Get travel insurance and make sure you get a policy that covers your needs (especially if you scuba dive or plan on doing any extreme sports).  From my experience, most policies cover scuba diving if you are certified.

If you’re in Canada, check RATESDOTCA to make sure you get the best rates.  If you’re anywhere else in the world including the United States,  World Nomads is worth getting a quote from.

What you have to remember is that French is the primary language alongside Tahitian that’s spoken in The Islands of Tahiti .  Therefore, it shouldn’t surprise you that once you go outside the comforts of a resort, and tourism-related services, English isn’t going to carry you that far.

Drawing from my experiences in Rangiroa and Fakarava, we really struggled to communicate with anyone that only spoke French.  In these situations, you just have to do your best by pulling whatever knowledge of French you might have, figure out what English words the other person understands, and throw in a bit of charades as well.  If that fails, you can always pull out the Google Translate app which is precisely what we did with our hosts at Pension Paparara.  We also had some challenges at Snack Reimanutea in Rangiroa but luckily there were a few other travellers there that could help translate for us.

If you don’t read or speak French, it’s not a problem but come here with an open-mind when speaking with locals and communicate in a respectful way if you come across this language barrier.

There are a couple of must-try dishes when you’re in French Polynesia.  These are traditional Tahitian dishes that you’ll find almost everywhere.  What I really loved about our meals on The Islands of Tahiti was just how fresh and well-balanced they are.  I came back from my trip feeling healthier than ever because of how much fish and vegetables I had.

Poisson cru

This is French Polynesia’s signature dish.  It’s sweet, refreshing, and exotic.  It consists of raw tuna marinated in lime juice and mixed with a blend of diced vegetables and coconut milk.  It is typically served with a bed of rice.  In many ways it’s similar to ceviche where the acidity of the lime also cooks the fish just slightly.

You can find this on almost every menu but the best place to have it is in restaurants like Cafe Maeva in Papeete.

Chaud froid de thon

This literally translates to “hot cold tuna” and when we first saw this on a menu we gave it a puzzled look but then realized that this is seared tuna.  It can be prepared in many ways but it’s the combination of fresh tuna, perfectly seared on the outside, topped with sesame, and served with rice or fries, and a bowl of thick soy-based sauce.

This dish features thinly sliced tuna but what really makes it special are the sauces they use.  Even from the little snack bar on Rangiroa, we were blown away by their mix of soy, capers, tomatoes, and green onions.

Any grilled fish

If you haven’t figured it out yet, there’s a wealth of fish and everything is freshly caught.  For those that aren’t fans of raw fish, most restaurants will also serve grilled catches of the day and these will always be incredible.

There are 4 ways you can stay connected on your trip to The Islands of Tahiti .

As you look through the options below, you’ll naturally come to the question of whether you need to purchase data access or not.  Personally, I found that free wifi coverage was so good that for 90% of cases, I was fine.  For the 10% of cases where we were walking on the streets of Papeete and needed to use Google Maps or when we needed to do an on-the-fly Google Translate, it was definitely handy to have the wifi hotspot on so we always had internet coverage everywhere we went.

Where we found internet connectivity to be severely limited was in Fakarava when Tahiti Wifi stopped working and Pension Paparara only offered wifi in their lounge area and not at the bungalows by the beach.

Roam with home data plan

If you have a data plan from your home country, you can choose to enable international roaming.  However, one thing you will need to be aware of is that you may not get coverage on the islands once you leave Tahiti.

From personal experience, I could not connect to any signal once we left the main island so I would not recommend this option.

Wifi hotspot

There’s one main company that has wifi hotspot rental services and that’s Tahiti Wifi .   They have a very convenient booth at Faa’a International Airport connected to the car rental companies and the idea is that you pick up your unit once you arrive and you return it at the end of your trip.

Their pricing structure is pretty simple and comes with an Android-based hotspot that’s a simplified smartphone with a touchscreen.

• 7.90 EUR/day – 1GB per day and then throttled to 512 kbps afterwards
• 24.90 EUR/day – Unlimited high speed 4G/3G
• 49.90 EUR – 5GB for 30 days

Something you need to take into consideration is their coverage map.  All of the islands here (all Society Islands) has solid 4G connection down to 3G.  All other Society Islands and archipelagos have 2G or no coverage at all.  For our islands of Tahiti itinerary , there was coverage in Rangiroa but nothing in Fakarava.  I spoke to the Tahiti Wifi staff about this and they said they are adding Fakarava later in 2020.

If you already have a hotspot device or are looking to get one, Pok e Fi has service in French Polynesia for highly competitive rates.  You purchase their device and top it up with a data package.  For instance, 5GB of data is $15 USD.  This is slightly more expensive than Tahiti Wifi but may be worth it for the convenience of being ready once you land and not having to deal with device drop off.

Use the code GAP24300 to get $200 HKD or $25 USD off the starter package which comes with an extra battery

During my testing, I did however notice that their speeds were mostly in the 2G range so keep that in mind.  Also, there was little to no coverage outside of Tahiti and Bora Bora.

Local SIM card

For those that prefer swapping SIM cards, there are options for you here.  Tahiti Wifi is a reseller of Vodafone SIM cards and you can actually reserve cards on this site but there’s no real need.  Their rates are:

• 5GB, 30 minutes local calling, 30 minutes international calling – 5,000 XPF

Vini is another cellular provider and there are other booths that sell their SIM cards.  The Vini international visitor packages are:

• 3GB, 30 minutes local calling – 4,000 XPF
• 10GB, 30 minutes local calling – 8,000 XPF

When you compare these rates with the Tahiti Wifi hotspot it is almost identical or slightly cheaper but an advantage of the hotspot to the SIM is that you can share it with others that you’re travelling with.

Perhaps the most important of all is that every single resort, hotel, apartment rental, and Tahitian guesthouse are going to have free wifi.  Knowing this, all of the above options may be a moot point if you plan on staying at the property for a majority of the day.  This means that you’ll never need to use your SIM card data or hotspot.

Of course, signal coverage and speed will of course vary wildly from place to place so you can’t rely on it 100% but if you’re the type of person that just needs to check e-mails a few times a day, and update the news, you might not need to buy any additional access.

The good news though is that Le Meridien Bora Bora had incredible speeds and coverage throughout the entire resort.  Whether in the overwater bungalow or on the beach, the wifi was very good.

A trip to The Islands of Tahiti will be a delicate balance of credit card and cash spend.  It’s not as easy as you think and will require some strategizing.  Here’s what you need to know.

The local currency in French Polynesia is the Pacific franc or XPF .  Banknotes come in denominations of 500, 5000, 1000, and 10000 francs.  Coins come in 1, 2, 5, 10. 20, 50, and 100 francs.  When you first see the bills, you’ll have the feeling that something about them is familiar and that’s because they use the same colours as the Euro which France uses.

While many places accept credit card in the country, it is still important to have cash on you.  For instance, some Tahitian guesthouses only take cash and these are usually large sums of money.  Ferries, shops, and restaurants can also be cash-only.  Advanced preparation is required here because there aren’t exactly ATM and exchange centres everywhere.

How much XPF should you exchange?

This’ll really depend on what your trip itinerary looks like.  My recommendation is to tally up all of your known costs that will  be cash-only such as the remaining balance on a Tahitian guesthouse, shuttle transfer, ferry, etc.  Once you have that fixed figure, add another 15,000 to 20,000 XPF per person.

Where can you exchange for XPF?

Money Changers 

The most convenient place to exchange money is at the airport in Tahiti.  They have the best hours as they open on weekends as well (Monday to Sunday 8:30AM- 11:30AM and 3 hours before each international departure) but they do charge a 700 XPF transaction fee.  Their maximum transaction is also 500 EUR.  The rate here is reasonable so you don’t need to worry about being scammed.

There are money changers in Papeete as well but this is only convenient if you’re staying downtown.

This was not easy to do surprisingly.  Yes, banks can exchange money however not all of them have this capability.  For example, we went to a Banque de Polynesia near our apartment but we found out that they don’t carry cash.  Instead, we needed to find one of their central banks in Papeete.

Another disadvantage of changing money at the bank is that they don’t operate on the weekends so if you happen to be in Tahiti on Saturday or Sunday, you’re out of luck.

If you’ve missed your chance changing money in Tahiti or using the bank, your last solution is going to be the ATM.

ATM’s here can be picky when it comes to debit cards but from my experience my Canadian debit card didn’t have any issues with Banque de Polynesia, Office des Postes et Télécommunications or Banque de Tahiti.  Banque Socredo is also easy to use.

ATM’s here do not charge a withdrawal fee which is good but one thing to note is that they do have withdrawal limits and each bank/machine is different.

• Office des Postes et Télécommunications – 25,000 XPF
• Banque de Tahiti – 30,000 XPF
• Banque de Polynesia – 100,000 XPF

Where are credit cards accepted?

Every proper establishment should take credit card.  You’ll be surprised how many do take them.  As an example, even one of the small convenient stores in Rangiroa accepted credit card when I didn’t expect it.

I’m not going to lie, The Islands of Tahiti isn’t known as a budget destination.  That said, there are smart ways to travel through French Polynesia affordably.  It comes down to some travel hacking smarts, careful planning, and reading a guide like this.

This is why a trip to Bora Bora on a budget is possible but this applies to anywhere in French Polynesia.

Start collecting hotel and airline points

Two of your biggest costs for a trip like this is going to be the flights and accommodations.  If I told you that you could lower these costs to practically free, would you believe it?  That’s exactly what we were able to do for our 16 day French Polynesia itinerary .

Le Meridien Bora Bora with Marriott Bonvoy Points

For a 5 night stay, it costs 240,000 Marriott Bonvoy points and 1,000 XPF ($10 USD).  If you were to book this directly without points, it’s 432,239 XPF ($3,878 USD).  How you do it is simple but you just need to know how to strategically collect these points.

• Sign up for the Marriott Bonvoy American Express where you earn a 50,000 welcome bonus after you spend a minimum of $1,500 in your first 3 months.  This Card has a $120 CAD annual fee.
• Spend on the above Card to earn 2 points for every $1 on all card purchases or 5 points for every $1 spent at Marriott properties.
• Stay at Marriott properties to build up your Marriott Bonvoy balance and take advantage of quarterly promotions that you have to explicitly sign up for.

BEFORE YOU CONTINUE 

If you want to know how to go to Bora Bora for free, you’ll definitely want to read this.

How to Travel Bora Bora on a Budget

United Airlines flight from Toronto with Aeroplan points

Similar to hotel loyalty points, airline loyalty points more or less work the same way.  The goal is to spend a few years to build up your cache of points by leveraging of credit cards, promotions, flying, and other special programs.

To give you an idea of what it cost us, a round trip flight from Toronto to Tahiti with a transfer in San Francisco with United Airlines only required 180,000 points for the two of us and $315.92 CAD in taxes and fees.  Contrast this to $2,766 CAD if you had to pay full fare in Economy.

Here’s what I recommend if you’re with Aeroplan.

• Sign up for the American Express Gold Rewards Card which has a welcome bonus of 25,000 Membership Rewards points.  These points can be converted to Aeroplan 1:1.  This has an annual fee of $150.
• For those wanting to accelerate even faster, there’s The Platin u m Card where you can get up to 25,000 bonus Membership Rewards points.  The annual fee is $699.
• Lastly, the latest helpful Card to think about is the American Express Cobalt Card where you can earn up to 30,000 Membership Rewards points.  This Card has a monthly fee of $10.
• Spend on the Cards you sign up for, meet their minimum spend thresholds to receive the welcome bonuses, and quickly you’ll have enough points with Aeroplan to redeem flight rewards.

It is also good to know here that Membership Rewards points can also be transferred to Marriott Bonvoy if you’re short.

Pack food and snacks from home

This may sound silly but this is a great cost-cutting measure that we always do.  These are food items that you can keep in your day pack or in your accommodations to help curb your hunger as an alternative to ordering food.  Snacks make great meal replacements in a pinch.  Bringing food for dinner is also a great option especially for expensive resorts.

These don’t need to take up a lot of space but here are a few ideas for things to bring.

• Candy (chocolate not recommended especially in hot climates where it might melt)
• Cup noodles

While this isn’t necessarily food, bring a re-useable bottle that you can fill with boiled water or transfer from larger bottles of water so you make a smaller impact on the environment.

Tahitian guesthouses

Most of us think about the large fancy resorts and overwater bungalows but these are vastly outnumbered by local accommodations that dot each of the islands.

The Tahitian guesthouse experience is one that is not only authentic, “ocean to table”, experiential, but also incredibly affordable.  Locally, these are called pensions .

These properties range vastly and can cater to any travel preference.  You can find ones that have dozens of rooms, others with a few bungalows by the beach, or others up in the mountain.  Some are all-inclusive private houses and others can be guest rooms offered by a local family where you get to have shared meals with them.

When planning your trip, don’t just go straight to the big hotel chains.  Take a look around on platforms like Booking.com and see if there are Tahitian guesthouses or pensions that can help you save money and give arguable an even better experience.

On islands such as Fakarava and Rangiroa , I’ve put together a collection of the best pensions.

Hotel status matters

Don’t overlook hotel loyalty program status.  One key feature of the Marriott Bonvoy Platinum status is that you’re eligible for free breakfast.  For resorts such as Le Meridien Bora Bora , this is critical because breakfast alone can cost $50 USD or more per person.

One travel hack is to eat late breakfasts everyday to turn it into brunch.  This makes a huge difference in cutting down your expenses while staying at resorts.

Save on foreign transaction fees

You might not know this but when you use your credit card overseas, they add a hidden 2.5% rate charge on the exchange rate.  To avoid this, think about a card like the Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite Card which doesn’t charge foreign transaction fees.  There are only a few cards with this feature so it is definitely handy to have this one in your wallet.

I do a full breakdown in the Tahiti Packing List article so find out more there.

In many ways, how you plan your trip will depend on the accommodations you want to stay at especially if a big resort in Bora Bora is in the mix.  As I mention above in the “How do you save money?” section, don’t forget about Tahitian guesthouses.

Here are my recommendations for properties on each of the islands that were part of our 2 week Tahiti itinerary .

WE STAYED HERE

BALCONS DU LOTUS

This is a unit in a gated residential apartment complex that is super private and complete with an ensuite bathroom and kitchen, making it a perfect apartment rental.  It has a beautiful sunset view of Moorea from the window.

TripAdvisor

Booking.com

TAHITI LODGE

TARA TAHITI LODGE

This is a super modern lodge with spacious rooms and shared bathrooms in Papeete.  The rooms are a bit barebones but you get breakfast included and large lounge/kitchen area.

GUESTHOUSE IN THE CITY

FARE SUISSE TAHITI

This is a lovely guesthouse in Papeete that is highly rated and very reasonably priced (under $100 USD).  Guests have access to a shared lounge area and terrace to relax on.  They also have free airport shuttle and free parking.

INTERCONTINENTAL TAHITI

This is probably the best resort on Tahiti with a mix of overwater bungalows and traditional hotel rooms.  The rooms are luxurious with excellent views and on-site is the highly rated Lotus restaurant , dive centre, and spa services.

LE MERIDIEN BORA BORA

While I will say it’s half a star away from the top luxury resorts, for the points and cash you have to spend to secure a reward stay here, you really can’t beat Le Meridien for its strategic position in Bora Bora and amazing views of Mt. Otemanu.

Book Direct

VAIOTAHA LODGE

This is a Tahitian guesthouse and perfect for those wanting to a local/budget experience.  This property is located by Matira Beach, main town centre, and the dock.  Pick up is free from the airport.

CONRAD BORA BORA

Cream of the crop of properties in Bora Bora and a top choice for anyone with Hilton Honors points.  Price wise, they’re actually comparable to Le Meridien surprisingly.  Suites are massive but only knock is that it doesn’t have Mt. Otemanu views.

Hilton Direct

INTERCONTINENTAL BORA BORA

This 5-star resort is arguable the top property in Bora Bora.  From the massive suites, the amenities, the spa, restaurants, and private beach, everything is of the highest standard.  The staff will often go out of their way to make sure you’re taken care of.

These are the top 4 properties I’d recommend but also make sure to read the full listing of Rangiroa pensions to know all of your options.

CHEZ TAIA ET VERO

Modest Tahitian guesthouse accommodations amongst a local neighbourhood that is quiet and secluded.  Wifi is strong and basic breakfast supplies are provided.  Get a real sense of what it’s like to live in Rangiroa here.

ANOTHER PENSION

PENSION TURIROA

Located in the Avatoru motu and near the airport, this is a beachside guesthouse with shared lounge and kitchen, bbq, free parking, garden, and private beach.  Dorms and suites are available.

MID TO UPPER-RANGE

MAITAI RANGIROA

If you fancy living in a Polynesian-style bungalow on the Avatoru motu, this is a perfect resort property that includes a weekly activity program including Poisson Cru show, flower crown presentation, and Tahitian dance lessons.

HOTEL KIA ORA RESORT & SPA

The top property in Rangiroa with a complement of both overwater bungalows, villas with private pools, and beach bungalows.  Bordered by white sandy beach and a turquoise lagoon, expect the highest quality of service here.

I recommend that you head over to the best pensions in Fakarava to see a comprehensive look at all of the properties available.

PENSION PAPARARA

This is a property that is broken up into many small bungalows along the beach, each of varying sizes and some which are en-suite and budget ones that aren’t.  Wifi is available but only at the dining/lounge area.  Breakfast and dinner is included and bundled in the price.

NEW PENSION

KAIPOLANIE GARDEN

Two new and modernly built bungalows by the beach and located in the village of Rotoava.  Rooms are air conditioned which is a key feature.  Breakfast, dinner, and round trip airport transfers are included.

CLASSIC PENSION

PENSION VAIAMA VILLAGE

All-inclusive family guesthouse that is right by a sandy beach and fringed by coconut palm trees that includes breakfast and dinner..  There are 6 bungalows total and 4 types.  Airport transfers are not included but they do include bikes, kayaks, and a visit to a pearl farm.

HAVAIKI LODGE

This is the only proper resort with a collection and beach and garden bungalows, a full restaurant, gym, bikes, kayaks and canoe, snorkels/fins, table tennis, table football, and library.  Being an old pearl farm, there’s also a chance to visit a pearl farm and open an oyster as well.  Units all have air condition.

From all of our stays, here is what I learned:

• Air condition makes a difference.  Many Tahitian guesthouses don’t have this so if you have difficulty sleeping in heat, make sure it’s one of your search parameters.
• For stays on atolls, pay attention to whether a ferry is required to get to a guesthouse.  If this is a dealbreaker, don’t book those that aren’t connected by land to the airport.

• While it may feel like you have less control, we learned that having meals included at our Tahitian guesthouses to be advantageous because on smaller islands, it’s not easy to order/pick up food.  We enjoyed these benefits at Pension Paparara .
• Free bicycle rentals are pretty important especially if you’re not staying on a resort.  If they are not included, find out how much it costs to rent.
• Only resorts have complimentary snorkel rentals.  If you’re lucky, Tahitian guesthouses might have a few lying around but there’s no guarantee that they’ll fit you.  If you’re serious about snorkelling on your own, make sure to pack them in your suitcase.
• Packing a headlamp or flashlight is a good idea as there might not be good lighting outdoors at night between bungalows.

French Polynesia has two primary seasons – wet and dry season.

Dry Season (May – October)

This is the most pleasant time of the year to come with averages of 28°C (82°F), and early mornings dropping to 20°C (68°F).

This season is also known as austral winter as you have to remember that French Polynesia is located in the southern hemisphere.

While the weather is more pleasant, the months of July and August are the busiest with tourists since it coincides with holidays in France and Heiva Nui , the territory’s largest annual festival.

If you’re looking for the best weather overall, June to September is the most optimal since it is the coolest and least rainy.

Wet Season (November – April)

Also known as austral summer, this is when the rainy period of the year where average temperatures sit at 30°C (86°F) and evenings drop to 22°C (72°F).

While there are chances of rain during these months, typically these are tropical storms which means they come and go quickly.  Even though forecasts will show rain, on average these are light showers that pass through between intense sunshine.

From December to April there are risks of cyclones.  That said, French Polynesia is less affected by these cyclones in the Pacific because they usually form on the western side of the ocean.

Differences between archipelagos

Another factor to consider is that the weather varies as you go from archipelago to archipelago.  Starting from the Society Islands, this belt usually sees more rainfall during the wet season.

The Tuomatus have warmer temperatures and less rainfall since all the islands here are atolls and there are no mountains to create the cooling effect and formation of clouds.

The Marquesas as the closest to the equator so temperatures and humidity are higher than the rest.  Their rainy season is actually the opposite from the rest of the country with most of it dropping from June to August.

The islands to the south, Austral and Gambier islands are cooler all year round.

Best times for scuba diving

The “best time to go” equation becomes drastically different when you think about spotting certain wildlife.  Here are a few notable species that many will often be seeking:

• Whales – July to November.  The best island to spot humpback whales is Rurutu.
• Hammerhead Sharks – These are more of a rare sighting but are present mostly in the Tuamotu Islands.  The Marquesas Islands highlights hammerheads between July and September.
• Manta rays – They can be seen all year round but they’re even more present in the months of July to September

If you’ve come from the  16 Day French Polynesia Itinerary , you’ll know that I didn’t do a breakdown of total costs so to give a frame of reference for what to expect when planning a trip, this is a breakdown of how much we spent after employing a bunch of those cost saving tricks.

To give you an idea of how much a 16 day trip costs for two people converted to $USD , I’ve broken down the costs by category.

This breaks down to $5,689.43 total, $2844.72 per person or $177.79 per person per day .

What’s crazy about this is that compared to the cost of the trip for Egypt or Greece (cost breakdowns inside), this vacation was actually more affordable.  Now that came to me as a big surprise.

How did we do?   I’d say that we had a good balance of a trip that combined the luxuries of Bora Bora with off-the-beaten-path and roughing-it adventure elements of the atolls.

In this things to know before you go to Tahiti travel guide, we hope you’ve come away with a ton more information than you were looking for or thought you needed to know.

Here’s our 30 second pitch for the 5 key takeaways from our trip.

• The scuba diving here is some of the best in the world.  Sharks galore!
• We absolutely loved Le Meridien Bora Bora and the overwater bungalows were ridiculous but so worth it.
• There’s an energy and spirit about French Polynesia that you’ll embrace.
• While not as posh, our life on Rangiroa and Fakarava were some of the most memorable experiences, living that simple island life.
• We would go back.

Have specific questions about building your own French Polynesia itinerary?  Drop a comment below in this things to know before you go to The Islands of Tahiti travel guide!

What you should read next

• An Epic 2 Week Islands of Tahiti Itinerary | French Polynesia
• Islands of Tahiti Packing List – French Polynesia including Bora Bora, Rangiroa, and Fakarava
• How to Travel Bora Bora on a Budget – Tips to keep Bora Bora trip costs low
• Best Pension in Fakarava
• French Polynesia Rangiroa Pensions – Where To Stay Guide

About William Tang

William Tang is the Chief of Awesome behind the award-winning Going Awesome Places which is focused on outdoor adventure, and experiential travel. His true passion lies in telling stories, inspiring photography and videos, and writing detailed itineraries and travel guides. He is a member of Travel Media Association of Canada (TMAC), Society of American Travel Writers (SATW), Adventure Travel Trade Association (ATTA), and Travel Massive. He has also been featured in publications such as Reader's Digest, Entrepreneur, Men's Journal, and Haute Living. Make sure to learn more about William Tang to find out his story and how Going Awesome Places started.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Anna Pons says

October 27, 2021 at 11:32 PM

Thanks for this very comprehensive guide to traveling in Tahiti. We are actually going to be there next week! Reading up as much as I can and all the info you have here is great!

William Tang says

October 28, 2021 at 9:37 AM

You’re welcome! I’m glad this helped. Which islands are you going to??

July 21, 2021 at 12:18 AM

Are there all-inclusive resorts in the French Polynesian islands?

Will Tang says

July 21, 2021 at 10:32 AM

Many can be converted to being all-inclusive although it’s slightly different than what you expect in say the Caribbean. In most resorts in French Polynesia there’s essentially a “full-board” or even “half-board” option. If you go full-board, it includes breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Half-board is just breakfast and dinner. That said, I know it’s not quite the same as that just covers off the food but it gets you close.

Marti Hildebrandt says

March 15, 2021 at 9:08 PM

This is amazing and really helpful. We are beginning plans for our 2022 trip.

March 17, 2021 at 10:34 AM

You’re welcome! I can’t wait for you to go and visit. It’s truly a magical place. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to reach out to us via e-mail!

Blog voyage Tahiti says

March 13, 2021 at 2:33 PM

Thanks for all of your advices.

March 13, 2021 at 3:36 PM

You’re welcome!

Find us on social media

Review your cart

Free Shipping for orders over $100

Most Searched

• Accessories
• Best Sellers

Recommended For You

Can't decide which one to buy? Why not try our best-sellers?

Featured Products

Pohnpei State Premium Blanket Lauhala Gold Circle Style

Pohnpei State Premium Blanket Lauhala Gold Circle Style DETAILS: Our Premium Blankets are made of 100% Polyester manufacturing high-quality thermal-transfer printed products bringing...

Papua New Guinea T-Shirt - Custom PNG Independence Day With Raggiana Bird-of-Paradise Polynesian Grunge Style T-Shirt

DETAILS: Our T-Shirts made of 85% Polyester and 15% spandex manufactures high-quality thermal-transfer printed products and keeps you comfortable, cool, and dry while you work and play

Papua New Guinea T-Shirt - Custom PNG Independence Day With National Emblem Polynesian Pride T-Shirt

Papua New Guinea T-Shirt - Custom PNG Map Polynesian Flag Color Style T-Shirt

Polynesian Samoa Car Seat Covers - Summer Plumeria (Red)

Polynesian Samoa Car Seat Covers - Summer Plumeria (Red) DETAILS: Our Car Seat Covers are made of 100% Polyester manufactures high-quality thermal-transfer printed products that help protect a nice...

Hawaii Custom Personalised T-Shirt - Hawaii Women Volleyball Team Supporter Polynesian Tattoo

Hawaii Custom Personalised T-Shirt - Hawaii Women Volleyball Team Supporter Polynesian Tattoo DETAILS: Our T-Shirts made of 85% Polyester and 15% spandex manufactures high-quality thermal-transfer...

Samoa Polynesian Baseball Shirt - Gold Tribal Wave

Samoa Polynesian Baseball Shirt - Gold Tribal Wave All of our Polynesian Baseball Shirt with Polynesian designs are custom-made-to-order and handcrafted to the highest quality standards. Crafted in...

The Best 8 Islands You Need to Know in Tahiti

Posted by Maris on 10th Oct 2023

Most people imagine life on idyllic, isolated beaches, sharing space on the soft, white sand with palm palms and the occasional stray coconut. In actuality, they would not be altogether incorrect. French Polynesia (also known as the Tahiti Islands) is a group of 118 islands and atolls located midway between Los Angeles, California and Sydney, Australia. This postcard-perfect paradise is actually a lot more accessible than many people know, and it provides so much more than just a spot to honeymoon.

Are you wondering which Tahiti islands are best for you? Here are eight of Tahiti's most gorgeous islands to visit, as well as why they are worth your time.

Whatever island you choose to call home (at least for a few days), your French Polynesian experience will begin with a flight into Faa'a International Airport on Tahiti's main island. The name can be applied to either the main island or the entire location. However, flying in and out would be a mistake because this is a large island with a lot to offer.

The island is divided into two halves, the larger Tahiti Nui and the smaller Tahiti Iti, and is home to the dynamic capital city of Papeete. Visit the Pearl Museum, the Gauguin Museum, and the nearby Botanical Garden, shop at the 155-year-old public market, swim or dive the stunning lagoon, and take a guided hike or 4x4 journey into the island's interior to see dramatic waterfalls and verdant valleys.

It's easy to see why Huahine is nicknamed "the Garden Island." Much of the island is covered in dense tropical vegetation, with banana trees, watermelon fields, and coconut plantations - there are lots of photo opportunities here. Huahine is a 40-minute flight from Tahiti, and it consists of two islands linked by a tiny bridge: Huahine Nui to the north and Huahine Iti to the south. The former is home to Fare's main settlement, where the most of the action takes place, albeit at a pleasantly sluggish pace.

Visitors to Huahine have their pick of white sand beaches, as well as the opportunity to dive and snorkel, kite surf, walk, and even tour one of French Polynesia's greatest archeological locations, located near the settlement of Maeva.

Bora Bora is generally the first place that springs to mind when visitors think of French Polynesia, conjuring up images of isolated over-water villas and hidden beaches ideal for honeymooning couples. But Bora Bora is more than simply a picture-perfect romance getaway. The island is actually a volcano situated in a beautiful lagoon surrounded by sparkling white sand beaches. The lagoon is teeming with aquatic life worth exploring with a snorkel mask and fins, or you may spend the day aimlessly walking the main town of Viatape, shopping stores and stopping for refreshments at local bars and cafes. Bora Bora is located just northwest of Tahiti and is less than an hour by plane from Papeete.

Tikehau, popularly known as the Pink Sand Island, is difficult not to fall in love with. The little atoll is made up of numerous white and pink sand islets that are ideal for getting away from it all. Tikehau, which means "peaceful landing," is home to a lagoon formed by a coral ring, which means it's teeming with marine life ready to be discovered on a snorkel or dive tour. You may also take a boat into the lagoon and explore Motu Puarua, a small islet known as Bird Island and a natural aviary for various colonies of nesting marine birds, including the rare Blue Footed Booby. Bring your camera and strong shoes for traversing the rough terrain if you spend the afternoon on Bird Island.

Taha'a is only accessible by a short boat journey from sister island Raiatea, yet it is a must-see on any vacation to French Polynesia. Taha'a, sometimes known as the Vanilla Island, produces over 80% of all vanilla produced in French Polynesia. Arrange a visit to the Vallee de la Vanille vanilla farm through your lodging to observe how the aromatic spice is grown and harvested and to purchase some to take home.

Taha's gives the opportunity to snorkel the quiet, marine-rich waters surrounding it, and if you just want to relax on a beautiful stretch of sand, this is a fantastic place to do so. Champon Pearl Farm is also worth a visit if you want to observe how Tahiti's famous pearls are grown and collected. Daily tours are available by appointment from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Raiatea, often known as the Sacred Island, is French Polynesia's second largest island after Tahiti. Raiatea refers to "faraway heaven," and it is thought to be the first Polynesian island to be settled. Raiatea shares a lagoon with sister island Taha'a, so if you visit one, you can easily incorporate a visit to the other. If you want to tour the islands of Tahiti by boat, there are various sailboat and yacht charter firms on the island, including Tahiti Yacht Charter. Raiatea is one of the best islands in French Polynesia for sailing, deep-sea fishing, and scuba diving due to its wide, protected lagoon. Taputaputea, a sacred meeting place recently designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is also located here.

Moorea, along with Bora Bora, is one of Tahiti's most popular honeymoon locations. The island is known as the Island of Artists because it is home to many artists, including painters, carvers, jewelers, and tattooists. Moorea is also great for water sports, from paddle boarding to canoeing to kite surfing, thanks to the trade winds that blow from April to October. Divers and snorkelers will enjoy the tranquil waters of Moorea's marine-rich lagoon. If you get wet, the island has a mountainous side that is ideal for hiking, riding, and even 4WD activities.

Rangiroa, often known as the Endless Sky, is one of the world's largest atolls and the largest in French Polynesia. The lagoon on the atoll is a diver's paradise and is so large that it could swallow Tahiti's main island in one mouthful.

There are numerous world-class diving spots nearby, but even if you don't want to spend time beneath, there is much to do. The snorkeling around Rangiroa is spectacular, and the lagoon is surrounded by over 200 motu (islets), many of which you may explore or even picnic on for a private afternoon. Surprisingly, Rangiroa has its own vineyard and winery. The Dominique Auroy Winery, located in the main settlement of Avatoru, produces French Polynesia's only wine label, Vin de Tahiti (the rose is exceptional). Inquire with your lodging about visiting the winery for a sampling.

Related Posts:

• 12 Hawaii Traditions That Make Hawaii’s Culture Truly Unique
• 15 Traditional Samoan Food You Must Try
• Explore About Polynesian Tattoo Symbol: Breath

• Inspiration
• Destinations
• Places To Stay
• Style & Culture
• Food & Drink
• Wellness & Spas
• News & Advice
• Partnerships
• Traveller's Directory
• Travel Tips
• Competitions

5 ways to explore the real Islands of Tahiti

The Islands of Tahiti are often wrongly written off as a destination of solely sun, sand and sea – every travel cliché in the book has been used to describe this jagged collection of 118 islands and atolls. But it’s a spot that deserves so much more than platitudes; from immersive guesthouse stays to authentic cultural experiences, here’s how you can discover the real Islands of Tahiti.

Step off the typical tourist trail

There’s no denying that Bora Bora and Tahiti are incredible spots; their coral reefs teeming with wildlife, sleeping volcanoes, and otherworldly coastline draw in hundreds of thousands of visitors each year. But beautiful as they are, they’re just a fraction of the 118 Islands of Tahiti , which are scattered through 2,000 kilometres of the South Pacific like so many pieces of coral flung into the waves. There are five distinct groups; the Society Islands, where you’ll find tourist hotspots Bora Bora and Tahiti; the Tuamotu Archipelago, home to deep lagoons and wild waves; the Gambier Islands, is a spot where pristine pearls are farmed and historic buildings take on their iridescent shine; the remote Austral Islands, where whales frolic before ancient cliffs; and the Marquesas Islands, with its black sand beaches, green forests and mountain peaks bursting through soft cloud. It would take a lifetime to explore them all, but the Marquesas Islands are a good place to start. Travel from Nuku Hiva, the largest island which is said to be the ‘big house’ of God in local mythology, to the smallest inhabited island Tahuata, where artisans have created intricate rosewood carvings and brewed perfumes for thousands of years. Take in the lush greenery, countless archaeological sites and ancient Tiki statues of Hiva Oa, the little villages and huge columns bearing the names of famous warriors in Ua Pou and Ua Huka, where you can join goats and wild horses in exploring the crescent-shaped coastline.

Island-hop to your heart’s content with a private yacht charter

It would be impossible to discover all of The Islands of Tahiti in a single trip, but there’s one way to tick a good number of islands off your wishlist without relinquishing ontrol to a tour guide or joining a cruise – and that’s with a private yacht charter. A professional skipper may take the helm, but you’re still the master of your fate when you climb aboard a bespoke catamaran for a jaunt through the smooth waters of the South Pacific. Whether a romantic honeymoon trip or an action-packed getaway with family and friends, yacht charter means you set the pace and, most importantly, the destinations, granting the opportunity to explore the lesser-known corners of the Islands of Tahiti with ease. Design your dream diving trip from the decks of the small 4-berth Niyati Croisiere-Plongee, bask beneath the bright white sails of Huahine Voile, or drift serenely into an ocean sunset with Dream Yacht Charter .

Experience a traditional welcome with a guesthouse stay

Sustainable travel doesn’t begin and end with climate-friendly transport and recycling – one major aspect of responsible tourism that’s all too often overlooked is the impact your visit has on the local community. Small decisions, such as having supper in a family-owned restaurant or booking an activity through an independent local guide, can have a massive effect on the communities you’re visiting. But they’re not just good for the local economy – foregoing the typical tourist route and seeking out local foods, activities and experiences will make for an altogether richer and more rewarding holiday. One of the best ways to discover a more authentic side to The Islands of Tahiti is to skip over grand hotels and imported luxury in favour of booking a stay in a guesthouse. Also known as pensions these lodgings are found all over the islands, from Raiatea’s Chambre D’hôtes Temehani, a bright wooden bungalow steps away from a shimmering sea, to the smart Le Coconut Lodge in Rangiroa’s tropical coconut grove. Usually family-owned, they’re an immersive (and more affordable) way to see the islands and bring you into contact with those who know the area best. Here, you’ll find communal tables groaning beneath the weight of traditional dishes, the insider’s lowdown on the best beaches, activities and events on the island, and that world-famous welcome. The people of The Islands of Tahiti have been named the friendliest in the world, and after a few days in one of the pensions you’ll understand why.

Plunge into a world of outdoor adventure

As with any island group, the ocean is held in reverence in The Islands of Tahiti and so activities such as diving and snorkelling become almost mystical, an entry into something sacred rather than a simple holiday pastime. Swim with the turtles who bury their eggs in the sand of deserted archipelagos, go whale-watching off the island of Rurutu to witness majestic humpback whales on their return journey from the frozen Antarctic to birth and raise their young in the warm South Pacific, or kayak through a tranquil cove to spot darting clownfish, manta rays and sharks beneath the surface. On land, intrepid hikes such as the family-friendly Papenoo Valley trek into the (thankfully dormant) volcanic crater of Mt. Orohena and the trail to Moorea’s crashing Afareaitu Waterfall will have your muscles burning and your camera roll full of spectacular views. Thrillseekers, meanwhile, should fasten themselves in for a zip-lining adventure high above the trees with Tiki Parc Moorea . Mountain bikes are a great way of covering ground, as the smaller islands can be explored in a day’s ride, and a horseback canter along the beaches and through the valleys of the islands would be the perfect end to the afternoon’s adventures.

Embrace cultural traditions in The Islands of Tahiti

Around 4000 BC, the first seafarers pulled their boats ashore on The Islands of Tahiti after a journey only guided by the stars, the birds and the ocean currents. Today their spirit of discovery and determination still moves through the islands as surely as any tide, and despite centuries of colonialism, the islands have kept alive a strong and distinct cultural heritage. The concept of Mana (an almost untranslatable idea of power and magnificence) is expressed through music and dance; attend a festival or gathering and watch as performers practise traditional moves such as tamure (shaking hips) to the rhythm beat out on the pahu (drums made from wood and sharkskin) to tell ancient stories and welcome newcomers. Tattoos also hold great cultural significance, and for centuries skin adorned with sacred creatures and recurring patterns has signified strength and beauty. Traditional crafts are still practised, and make for a memorable souvenir; perhaps pick up a basket of plaited reeds from the skilful woman weavers of the Austral Islands or an intricately carved wooden bowl from the craftsmen of the Marquesas Islands . Find a knowledgeable guide to introduce you to the traditions, customs and culture of these little atolls, and you’ll leave with a much better understanding of what makes The Islands of Tahiti so special.

For more information, please visit www.tahititourisme.uk

• Work With Me

Home » Blog » How To Plan A Trip To Tahiti: Ultimate Tahiti Travel Guide

How To Plan A Trip To Tahiti: Ultimate Tahiti Travel Guide

We’ve all seen the photos of Tahiti while scrolling through social media. Impossibly blue water, palm trees lining deserted beaches, and lush mountains that reach far down to the ocean below. Well, all of it is real, and the photos might not even being truly doing the Island of Tahiti justice!

I have visited French Polynesia twice now, and both times I felt like I was constantly having to pick my jaw up from the ground. The beauty is hard to beat, and there are just SO many fun things to keep you busy during your time on the islands. Or, just put on your favorite bathing suit and relax by the beach, I won’t judge.

In this blog post, I’m sharing everything I have learned about planning a trip to the Islands of Tahiti . Including how to get there, tips for choosing where to stay, what to pack, and more. Planning a trip to Tahiti can be a little logistically confusing at first. So let’s clear that up and have you begin your trip of a lifetime!

Disclaimer: This blog post is in partnership with Tahiti Tourisme and Air Tahiti Nui . As always, all opinions are my own . This article also features some affiliate links, which means I get a small commission if you make a purchase (at no extra cost to you). Learn more about my affiliate policy  here . Thank you for the support!

How To Plan a Trip To Tahiti

There are a few things you need to know when planning a trip to Tahiti. Firstly, people often don’t realize that Tahiti is just one of over 100 islands in a region of the South Pacific that make up the country of French Polynesia . Technically, French Polynesia (sometimes also known as “The Islands of Tahiti”) is a collectivity of France, although it does have its own branches of government. You will find that I use the terms Tahiti , Islands of Tahiti , and French Polynesia interchangeably throughout this blog post.

Secondly, the national currency of French Polynesia is the Pacific Franc, also known as CFP Franc or XPF. Although US dollars are accepted in some of the more western establishments, it is important to carry local currency for smaller vendors and tour operators where US currency may not be accepted.

Finally, tipping is not standard practice in French Polynesia like it is in the United States. Yes, you are free to tip if you feel someone has given you exceptional service, but they will not be expecting it.

Now that we have covered the basics, let’s jump into some more specific information about planning your trip to Tahiti!

How To Get To Tahiti

The best way to get to Tahiti from the mainland of the United States is taking a non-stop flight from Los Angeles or San Francisco. From Los Angeles it will take you less than 8 hours to fly there with Air Tahiti Nui . This is the option my husband and myself chose for our most recent trip, and it was a great experience all-round.

We have flown Air Tahiti Nui’s premium economy and business class and these were two of the most comfortable flights I’ve ever taken! I’m sure many of you out there are like me and despise airplane food, but the food with Air Tahiti Nui was actually great, and the customer service was top-notch. Another good thing about flying with Air Tahiti Nui is getting access to a lounge at both LAX and also at Faa’a International Airport in Tahiti.

Alternatively, you can also fly non-stop from San Francisco, which will take a little over 8 hours. These flights are operated by French Bee and United Airlines. Keep in mind that Tahiti can also be accessed via cruise ship , either arriving from international seas or departing from within the country itself.

One thing to note is that many people think you can just fly to Bora Bora and the other French Polynesian islands directly from mainland USA. This is incorrect, as all flights from the United States must first pass through Faa’a International Airport on the island of Tahiti before continuing on to other islands.

TRAVELING TO TAHITI DURING THE PANDEMIC

As of May 1st 2021 , the following entry and stay protocols are in place for travel to the Islands of Tahiti. More information can be found via the Tahiti Tourisme website and this fact sheet . Note that this information is relevant to US travelers, as currently, only people who have been in the US for 30 consecutive days prior to departure can enter Tahiti for tourism purposes.

Vaccinated travelers

• Receive your COVID-19 vaccine dose(s). If you have a two-dose vaccine then you won’t need to wait to travel, though the Johnson and Johnson vaccine requires you to wait two weeks after to travel (at the time of writing, please research this prior to planning your trip) .
• Complete an online ETIS form* before departure, including an upload of your vaccination certificate and your itinerary details. Once completed a receipt with an ETIS number will be issued by email. Print this and bring it to the airport.
• Obtain a negative RT-PCR COVID-19 test within three days of your international flight to Tahiti (any RT-PCR test listed on this FDA  site  is allowed). Print your negative results and bring them to the airport. If the result is not obtained in due time, a certificate of completion of the RT-PCR test must be presented to the airline company, together with a negative result to an antigen test performed on the day of boarding. Any antigen test listed on this FDA  site  is acceptable for the same-day test in the event the RT-PCR test result was not received. Self-tests are not accepted.
• Upon arrival in Tahiti, you will receive an antigenic test at the airport. On day 4 after your arrival, you will be required to take a self-administered virological test (you can give this to hotel reception). Total costs for both tests will be 5 000XPF for vaccinated travelers (about $50 USD).

travelers With Proven Immunity

• Obtain a Serology Test that proves positive for COVID-19 antibodies between 30-15 days prior to departure.
• Complete an online ETIS form* before departure, including an upload of your serology test, immunity justification (proof of positive PCR test dated between 15 days and 6 months prior to departure date, or a doctor’s note), and your itinerary details. Once completed a receipt with an ETIS number will be issued by email. Print this and bring it to the airport.
• Upon arrival in Tahiti, you will receive an antigenic test at the airport. On day 4 after your arrival, you will be required to take a self-administered virological test (you can give this to hotel reception). Total costs for both tests will be 5 000XPF for immunized travelers (about $50 USD).

Other Travelers

• Complete an online ETIS form* before departure, including an upload of your itinerary details. Once completed a receipt with an ETIS number will be issued by email. Print this and bring it to the airport.
• Upon arrival in Tahiti, you will receive an antigenic test and will be required to quarantine for 10 days , no matter what your test results are. Travelers under 6 years old will are not subject to quarantine. Children over 6 years of age who are unvaccinated, not immune, or tested positive to COVID-19 are subject to quarantine which will be imposed on the entire family. Testing is at your own expense and will cost 12 000XPF.

*Note that to travel to Tahiti you will need to have travel insurance . If you do not have travel insurance, you will have to tick a box on the ETIS form that says you personally assume all expenses related to cost of care including hospitalization, confinement, or repatriation, should the visitor fall ill during their stay.

usa Testing Requirements

On return to the USA , you will need to show a negative COVID-19 test as per a CDC order on January 26, 2021. The order states that all air passengers arriving to the US from a foreign country are required to get tested no more than 3 days before their flight departs. Documents showing a negative result will need to be shown to airlines before boarding a flight to the USA. Antigenic tests will also be available at Faa’a International Airport each day that there is a flight (3 pm – 7 pm).

Where To Stay in Tahiti

When deciding where to stay in French Polynesia, most people will think of those beautiful overwater bungalows that are all over your favorite travel influencer’s social media pages. Yes, these places are absolutely magical, but they make up just a small fraction of accommodations across all of the islands!

You will find that each island has its own character . Bora Bora for example is known for its many luxury options such as the overwater bungalows, while more remote islands such as the Marquesas Islands will have more local style guesthouses. There is something for everybody in French Polynesia, and in my opinion, the best way to truly experience it is to stay in a variety of different places.

Tahiti Resorts

Resorts are the most common way for international travelers to experience French Polynesia. French Polynesian resorts usually have everything a visitor would need including restaurants, tour options, a pool, shuttles to/from the airport, etc. In fact, a great place to look for a resort is TripAdvisor as you will be able to see reviews, prices, availability, etc.

Some of my favorite resorts across the Islands of Tahiti are:

• Conrad Bora Bora Nui
• Le Taha’a Island Resort & Spa
• Four Seasons Bora Bora
• InterContinental Bora Bora Resort
• Bora-Bora Pearl Beach Resort & Spa

Tahiti Vacation Rentals

A vacation rental will immerse you more in the local culture and allow you to have a more homestyle experience. These often aren’t decked out with all the extra amenities of a resort (e.g. restaurants, tours), so you will have to head out to find your own food and activities. Typically you will also find vacation rentals on Airbnb or similar sites.

Tahiti Guesthouses

Staying at a Tahitian Guesthouse is a unique experience . Often this entails staying at a local’s home/property that they have set up specifically to host guests. Think of it kind of like an Airbnb, but with a local there to make your stay as enjoyable as possible. At a guesthouse, the host will often cook your meals for you (so good!), show you around their local area, and teach you about Tahitian culture. You can also find guesthouse stays on sites like Airbnb, or via the Tahiti Tourism website here .

WHEN IS THE BEST TIME OF YEAR TO VISIT TAHITI?

French Polynesia has a tropical climate , with warm temperatures year-round and a short “wet season”. The hottest months are December-March, with an average high of 83 ° Fahrenheit (28 ° Celcius). These warmer months also get more rain on average than other months, especially December and January. Excluding the Christmas and New Year period, this is typically a great time to visit for smaller crowds.

The “coldest” months on the Islands of Tahiti are June-August, which average a high of 79 ° Fahrenheit (26 ° Celcius). These months are usually the safest bet for optimal weather, as they have the lowest amount of rainy days per month. This also happens to be the high season for tourism, so expect more crowds and higher prices during this time.

The shoulder seasons of April-May and September-November will give you a middle-ground between the warm and cool months. In my opinion, these months are a great time to visit because there will be fewer crowds, a high chance of beautiful weather, and booking accommodation/tours won’t be as challenging as the high months.

With all that said, French Polynesia is an amazing year-round destination . I’ve been twice, once in December and once in May, and we had plenty of sun on both trips. I also didn’t really notice the few degrees difference in temperature. We did have more rain in December for sure, but it never held us back and didn’t affect our activities too much. We even went out for a nice swim in the middle of a rainstorm one day and had a blast!

WHAT TO BRING TO TAHITI

I have an in-depth packing guide for Tahiti that I recommend you checking out. It also includes a free printable packing checklist that will make life a lot easier as you prepare for your trip. Below are some items I would highly recommend you pack:

• Swimsuits + rashguard
• Towel/sarong
• Sandals + water shoes
• Reef-safe sunscreen *
• Sun hat + sunglasses
• Lightweight clothing
• Water bottle
• Waterproof bag
• Walking shoes
• Camera equipment
• Travel first aid kit
• Snorkel gear (if your accommodation doesn’t supply)

* Using reef-safe sunscreen is so important when swimming in the waters of French Polynesia. Do not use sunscreens containing oxybenzone and octinoxate as these are proven to cause coral bleaching. You can also choose to leave a positive imprint during your visit by joining the  Coral Gardener  program where you can actually adopt your own coral and place it back into its environment. You receive a certificate with your adopted coral’s GPS location and your chosen name (also makes for a great gift!)

Recommended camera equipment

I’ve had a lot of questions about what camera equipment is required to get beautiful photos in Tahiti, including underwater captures ! I know most people these days typically take the majority of photos and videos on their phones. I am personally the same, though I do also take photos on my professional cameras for work. If you are looking to take fun photos and videos for travel memories then I would highly recommend investing in the AxisGo Underwater Phone Housing . I used it non-stop on my most recent Tahiti trip and was so impressed with what it allowed me to capture!

AxisGo Underwater Phone Housing

AquaTech Camera Underwater Housing

If you’re more of a professional photographer then you may want to consider purchasing an AquaTech Camera Underwater Housing . I have used their housings for years now and love the quality they allow you to capture. Click here for a full list of my camera gear .

WHAT IS THE CURRENCY IN TAHITI?

As mentioned earlier, the national currency of French Polynesia is the Pacific Franc, also known as CFP Franc or XPF. Although US dollars are accepted in some establishments, it is important to carry local currency for smaller vendors and tour operators where US currency may not be accepted. Most places accept credit cards, but again, having cash is important for small vendors like market stalls.

HOW TO VISIT DIFFERENT ISLANDS IN TAHITI

All flights out of the United States will fly into the Faa’a International Airport on the island of Tahiti before continuing on to other islands. From here, you will typically board a smaller domestic plane for your journey onwards. Try to get a window seat for these flights, because the views of the coral reefs and mountains below can be jaw-dropping!

It’s easy to fly to Bora Bora and other Society Islands (the island chain Tahiti is a part of) as there are multiple flights from Tahiti each day. More remote islands such as the Marquesas Islands only have one flight per day. Another popular island, Mo’orea, is right next to Tahiti and is usually accessed via a ferry which runs many times each day not far from Faa’a airport.

Air Tahiti offers domestic flights within French Polynesia to 47 of the islands. Keep in mind that they offer Air Tahiti Passes that allow you to travel to multiple islands in one trip for a packaged price.

Interested in traveling to Mo’orea, Raiatea, or Taha’a? Check out my blog post featuring our trip itinerary .

HOW TO PLAN FUN ACTIVITIES IN TAHITI

French Polynesia’s diverse mix of ocean and mountain landscapes provide a wide array of outdoor recreation opportunities. The coral reefs surrounding many of the islands keep the rough ocean waves away from the mainland. This means there are often huge areas of water that have crystal clear and calm water. In contrast, the mountains feature lush forests, waterfalls, and unique views of the islands you won’t see from sea level.

The best way to explore French Polynesia is with a local guide . They know all the best spots. And will often get you to some amazing places you will have never heard of. There are so many different activities to do in French Polynesia. And most resorts will have partnerships with tour operators who will be able to pick you up directly from the resort. Just ask reception about your options and they’ll run you through everything. Tahitian guesthouse hosts will often have similar arrangements with local tour guides as well. Alternatively, if you’d like to do some research and choose your tour operator yourself, TripAdvisor or a Google search will give you plenty of information.

Some of my favorite activities in French Polynesia include:

• Local food tours
• Sunset boat cruise

There are many more activities I personally have not done, but French Polynesia is famous for. These include:

• Scuba diving

I also recommend attending a Polynesian cultural show during your visit to the Islands of Tahiti. I have attended quite a few of these and each time I am blown away by the beautiful music, dancing, and storytelling.

HOW TO PLAN A HONEYMOON IN TAHITI

The Islands of Tahiti are the perfect destination for a honeymoon ! There’s just something so romantic about being by the ocean, walking barefoot on the sand, and enjoying beautiful Polynesian culture together. Most people think of Bora Bora when they picture a honeymoon in French Polynesia, and I would say that it’s a great choice. But keep in mind that many of the other islands also make for romantic honeymoon destinations. In my opinion, visiting 2-3 islands in one trip is often the best way to get a feel for the country and try out a range of activities. Honeymooners should check out my guide to the Ultimate Romantic Couples Getaway to Bora Bora .

IS TAHITI SAFE?

French Polynesia is one of the safest places you can travel, and the French Polynesian people might be the most friendly I have ever had the pleasure of interacting with. The highest potential for danger in French Polynesia would be with whatever activities you choose to do while there. Obviously, any interaction with the ocean comes with some risk, but as long as you don’t put yourself in situations you aren’t comfortable with, you will be fine. The tour guides are also great at making sure guests have an amazing time without putting them in danger.

Final Thoughts on traveling to Tahiti

The Islands of Tahiti will always hold a special place in my heart and I hope to visit many more times in the future. Leave a comment below if you have visited and share your favorite memory!

PIN for later planning

Related guides.

10 Incredible South Australia Road Trips

2019 Reflections and 2020 Intentions

Join our mailing list for exclusive resources, events, and more.

Thank you for subscribing!

Hi Renee! This guide is stunning!! Would you recommend stopping in Papeete for 3 days on the way back to Seattle from New Zealand? We are trying to decide if that would be enough time to enjoy the best parts of Tahiti, or if we should book a separate trip to Tahiti and visit Bora Bora and other islands! Thanks!

Wow, first of all your article is very complete and interesting. But if I wanted to leave a comment, it’s to say that your photos are just gorgeous. Simply awesome!

This is a great guide! What do you think is the cost to go for a couple? Maybe in the medium to high range?

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

Follow Along on Instagram

your ultimate guide to Tahiti

Getting there.

There’s a reason pictures of islands in French Polynesia are so often used as computer screensavers. The images of turquoise water, sand the colour of champagne and bungalows with thatched roofs are the stuff daydreams are made of. Spread across four million square-kilometres in the South Pacific, French Polynesia is the home of 118 eye-popping islands and atolls. Welcome to our Tahiti travel guide.

Tahiti is the largest of the islands – while it is beautiful itself (and certainly worth spending some time exploring), it’s also the jumping off point for a range of luxe locations such as Bora Bora, Moorea, Rangiroa and the Marquesas.

An enticing blend of Tahitian and French culture exists in this part of the world – residents speak French and Tahitian, French cuisine is served alongside local Polynesian specialties, and resorts mix European luxuries with relaxed South Pacific style.

The warm nature of the Tahitian people and their rich culture is also something you’ll never forget. Taking in some of the traditional music, dance, storytelling and art (especially the tattooing practices ), is a truly special experience.

sponsored post

Islands of Tahiti: what you don’t know will charm you

When it comes to French Polynesia, it’s often these little-known gems that captivate the seasoned traveller.  The Isl...

International flights arrive at Faa’a Airport, located near the city of Papeete on the main island of Tahiti. It’s around a nine-hour flight from the east coast of Australia (via Auckland).

Air Tahiti Nui is the national airline that brings most passengers into Papeete.

A number of cruise companies also take in Tahiti as part of their voyage of the South Pacific.

Things to Do in Tahiti

Maybe you simply want to relax and soak up the sun, but if you want to get out and about there is no shortage of activities on offer in this part of the world . Spend your days snorkeling, whale watching, cycling through villages, canoeing, paddle-boarding, quad-biking along forested ridge lines, fishing, cruising on luxury yachts, indulging in a spa experience, sampling wine from a tropical vineyard, hiking, shopping for a Tahitian pearl, or surfing one of the world’s best-known breaks.

Swimming in Tahiti

Tahiti is home to some of the world’s most beautiful beaches on offer in the world, so swimming here really is one of the most memorable experiences you’ll have. Whether it’s jumping off the back of a sailboat or wandering straight into the water each morning from your beach-front accommodation, the water here really does cleanse the soul.

For a more adventurous swimming experience, take a lagoon tour from the island of Moorea with Moorea Mahana Tours through stunningly blue waters, before dropping anchor to swim with sting rays and reef sharks. After working up an appetite you’re treated to a beach picnic on a deserted motu (island). Bliss.

Snorkelling and Diving in Tahiti

This is one of French Polynesia’s biggest drawcards – each island is home to a vibrant underwater world teeming with marine life.

The islands of Rangiroa and Fakarava are two of the most popular spots if snorkeling and diving is your thing.

The Aquarium is arguably one of the most popular sites, which you reach from the island of Rangiroa . The coral reef set inside a picturesque lagoon is teaming with tropical fish, as well as two sunken schooners and a Cessna plane wreck to explore (it’s a great dive for beginners).

Divers also travel to Rangiroa to “shoot the pass” – a process where they are dropped off to the ocean side of Tiputa Pass and are sucked through by the current on a thrilling manta, dolphin, turtle and shark-filled journey to the other side. A similar experience can be found at Fakarava’s Tetamanu Pass .

If diving is a little too hairy for you, there is also exceptional snorkeling.

Almost everywhere in this archipelago will offer sensational opportunities, though many say the island of Moorea is considered to have some of the best in the world. The sandy lagoon surrounding the island boasts dolphins, blacktip reef sharks and stingrays. The northwest tip of the island is considered the best spot.

If you take a boat tour in the Austral Islands between July and August you may have the rare opportunity to snorkel with humpback whales, (just make sure you book your tour well in advance, as they sell like hotcakes).

Shopping in Tahiti

Just try and resist the temptation of the many unique Tahitian crafts on offer. If you visit the Austral Islands, the art of plaiting is particularly popular here – local women produce beautiful hats, bags baskets and mats from various natural fibres.

Tahitian woodwork and sculpture are also magnificent. The Marquesans are particularly adept at working with wood and produce beautiful spears, puzzles and umete (fruit bowls). You can also pick up intricate hand-sewn bedcovers and mother of pearl jewellery, which are both popular souvenirs.

Five reasons Tahiti is officially heaven on earth

The results are in... and Tahiti's got it in the bag... French Polynesia, as Tahiti is officially known, is flung across an immen...

Best Places to Visit in Tahiti

Tahiti is the largest island in French Polynesia and home to the capital Papeete, the entry point for international visitors. There’s plenty of activity on this island, with funky food trucks, a wealth of accommodation options and great shopping.

After Tahiti many people tend to opt for another spot in the Society Islands archipelago, due to its heady beauty and proximity to the hub of Tahiti.

Of the Society Islands Moorea is a great option . The lush mountainous island is just a 30-minute ferry ride from Tahiti and offers a relaxed island lifestyle and sensational snorkeling opportunities.

If you wish to go a little further afield, it’s a 45-minute flight into Raiatea, which is a great spot if you’re a history buff. Here you can visit a vanilla plantation to see how Tahitian vanilla pods are painstakingly cultivated by hand and also visit the UNESCO World Heritage site of Taputapuatea marae, an ancient sacred site estimated to be thousands of years old.

If you really want to spoil yourself, head to Bora Bora, undoubtedly the most famous of Tahiti’s Society Islands. It’s located just a 50-minute flight from the main island of Tahiti and is home to those iconic overwater bungalows.

But if that’s out of your price range, travellers often rave about the small island of Huahine as an alternative, which is described as “Bora Bora without the tourists… or the $2000 per night hotel tariffs”.

If you want to break out of the Society Islands, the Austral Islands are a bit more off the beaten track. Offering breathtaking landscapes, from sheer mountains to valleys and high plains, these islands are famous for their farming activities and local crafts.

Best Time to Visit Tahiti

  This part of the world really is blessed with year-round sun, however there are two main seasons: dry and rainy. Dry season lasts from March to November and has temperatures between 21-27 degrees celsius. The rainy season, (December to late February), is slightly warmer with temperatures between 25-35 degrees celsius, though this time of year is also subject to brief tropical showers. The vegetation is particularly lush during the rainy season, making this the best time to indulge in the islands’ tropical fruits.

In general, the archipelagos furthest to the south, the Austral and Gambier Islands, have cooler temperatures than the Society and Marquesas Islands. As for the Tuamotu Islands, they enjoy record-breaking sunshine, reaching nearly 3,000 hours of sun per year.

Tahiti Tours and Deals

It wouldn’t be a trip to the Tahitian islands without a boat trip. Tahiti Lagoon Paradise is one of the most highly regarded companies, with private tours that that allow you to cruise and snorkel around the islands.

If you’d prefer to head for the hills, Tahiti Safari Expedition offers an array for 4×4 adventures that explore the rivers, waterfalls and mountains of the hinterland. You’ll find yourself swimming in beautiful remote locations and having lunch in a volcano crater.

The island of Tahiti is known for the iconic Teahupoo surf break, and Tahiti Surfari offers guided tours to this thumping break (don’t worry if you’re not a surfer, Teahupoo also offers beautiful waterfalls, natural swimming pools, hidden caves, and towering cliffs).

To explore a little French Polynesian culture, travellers love Iorana Tahiti Expeditions. These 4×4 safaris give you the opportunity to explore Tahiti with a local guide , getting a unique glimpse of island life.

Must-visit Pacific Islands: The Gambier Islands

Welcome to The Gambier Islands in French Polynesia. Here's why you need to visit... Where is it and how to get there The Gambier...

Choosing Where to Stay in Tahiti

From pitching a tent in a local camp ground to blowing the budget with an overwater bungalow, the accommodation options in Tahiti are expansive.

Local Pensions

At the cheaper end of the scale is Fare Pea Iti , but don’t be fooled into thinking this family-run pension is not luxurious – there’s a lovely in-ground pool and you’ll be treated to traditional home-cooked meals. You’ll find it on Taha’a island.

Pension Motu Iti is a great cheap option if you’re heading to Moorea. Set in an incredible location on the lagoon and nestled in a garden of exotic flowers are these Polynesian style bungalows that won’t break the bank.

The island of Huahine offers luxury safari tents on the beach as an accommodation option. There’s a self-catering kitchen as well, which will help you keep costs down if you’re travelling on a budget.

Hotel Raitea Lodge is an intimate boutique hotel with just 15 rooms. It’s a great base to explore all the traditional charm of Raitea island. You can enjoy a rain shower and fresh fruit for breakfast each day after watching the sun rise over the lagoon from your balcony.

Opoa Beach Hotel , also on Raitea is also gorgeous. A collection of cottages in a garden setting, this hotel oozes traditional laid-back charm.

Maitai Lupita Village on the island of Huahine also gets rave reviews. The tastefully designed bungalows are set around a lake filled with water lillies, which gives a truly zen ambience.

If you can’t treat yourself to a little luxury in Tahiti, where can you?

On the main island of Tahiti, the Intercontinental Tahiti Resort and Spa is a luxe option with a truly excellent day spa for a little pampering.

The Four Seasons in Bora Bora is home to those iconic overwater bungalows. Designed in Polynesian style, the bungalows feature an outstanding level of comfort in a picturesque setting, with special glass panels offering a view to the lagoon floor. The bungalows also provide an ideal platform to watch an unforgettable Polynesian sunset or enjoy an intimate stargazing experience unlike any other.

If the Bora Bora price tag is out of your comfort zone, head to Moorea and the beautiful Sofitel Moorea Ia Ora Beach Resort , which has overwater bungalows at a fraction of the price.

What to Eat in Tahiti

featured post

The food tour that really gives you a taste of Tahiti

If you want to know what’s what in the Islands of Tahiti, take a food tour says intrepid epicurean Carla Grossetti. H...

As the name suggests, the food in French Polynesia is a delicious mix of French and traditional island cuisine – which makes eating here a culinary adventure.

As in France, it is easy to find bouillabaisse (fish soup), creperies, boulangeries, sandwich shops and pizza places, while local supermarkets stock pate, baguettes, cheeses and plenty of French wine.

But then the next day you’ll find yourself sampling a traditional local dish called poisson cru – raw tuna marinated in lime juice, mixed with tomato and cucumber and drenched in freshly squeezed coconut milk.

As with any tropical island, the fresh fruit on offer is also magic.

If you want to know what’s what in the Islands of Tahiti, take a food tour says intrepid epicurean Carla Grossetti. Heimata Hal...

Tahiti and Her Islands: Which French Polynesian Paradise is for You?

• All Regions
• Australia & South Pacific
• Caribbean & Atlantic
• Central & South America
• Middle East & Africa
• North America
• Washington, D.C.
• San Francisco
• New York City
• Los Angeles
• Arts & Culture
• Beach & Water Sports
• Local Experiences
• Food & Drink
• Outdoor & Adventure
• National Parks
• Winter Sports
• Travelers with Disabilities
• Family & Kids
• All Slideshows
• Hotel Deals
• Car Rentals
• Flight Alerts
• Credit Cards & Loyalty Points
• Cruise News
• Entry Requirements & Customs
• Car, Bus, Rail News
• Money & Fees
• Health, Insurance, Security
• Packing & Luggage
• -Arthur Frommer Online
• -Passportable
• Road Trip Guides
• Alaska Made Easy
• Great Vacation Ideas in the U.S.A.
• Best of the Caribbean
• Best of Mexico
• Cruise Inspiration
• Best Places to Go 2024

Tahiti   Travel Guide

Courtesy of CampPhoto | Getty Images

Best Times To Visit Tahiti

The best time to visit Tahiti is between May and October. Although the temperatures are balmy year-round, Tahiti's winter season enjoys less humidity. Tahiti really only experiences two distinct seasons: Winter brings less rain and pleasant temperatures while the summertime – November through April – can be quite hot and humid (especially December), not to mention rainy. But regardless of when you travel, you can expect hotel rates to be high. A simple hotel room runs between $100 to $250 per night, and resorts can start anywhere from $400 per night and go much higher. Vacation rental stays, both private rooms and entire homes, typically cost a minimum of $100 to $200 per night.

Weather in Tahiti

Data sourced from the National Climatic Data Center

Find Flight and Hotel Deals

Navigate forward to interact with the calendar and select a date. Press the question mark key to get the keyboard shortcuts for changing dates.

Navigate backward to interact with the calendar and select a date. Press the question mark key to get the keyboard shortcuts for changing dates.

Popular Times to Visit Tahiti

Tourism volume is estimated based on in-market destination search query interest from Google and on travel.usnews.com in 2015-2016. Hotel prices are sourced from a sample of U.S. News Best Hotels rates through 2015-2016.

Explore More of Tahiti

Things To Do

Best Hotels

You might also like

# 1 in  Best Beaches in the World for 2024

# 1 in  Best Places to Visit in Australia and The Pacific in 2023

# 15 in  Best Places to Visit in Australia and The Pacific in 2023

If you make a purchase from our site, we may earn a commission. This does not affect the quality or independence of our editorial content.

Recommended

The 28 Best Water Parks in the U.S. for 2024

Holly Johnson|Timothy J. Forster May 8, 2024

The 18 Best Napa Valley Wineries to Visit in 2024

Lyn Mettler|Sharael Kolberg April 23, 2024

The 25 Best Beaches on the East Coast for 2024

Timothy J. Forster|Sharael Kolberg April 19, 2024

The 50 Best Hotels in the USA 2024

Christina Maggitas February 6, 2024

The 32 Most Famous Landmarks in the World

Gwen Pratesi|Timothy J. Forster February 1, 2024

9 Top All-Inclusive Resorts in Florida for 2024

Gwen Pratesi|Amanda Norcross January 5, 2024

24 Top All-Inclusive Resorts in the U.S. for 2024

Erin Evans January 4, 2024

26 Top Adults-Only All-Inclusive Resorts for 2024

Zach Watson December 28, 2023

Solo Vacations: The 36 Best Places to Travel Alone in 2024

Lyn Mettler|Erin Vasta December 22, 2023

26 Cheap Beach Vacations for Travelers on a Budget

Kyle McCarthy|Sharael Kolberg December 4, 2023

12 Things You Should Know Before Visiting the Island of Tahiti

The island of Tahiti, often referred to as the “Queen of the Pacific,” is the largest island in French Polynesia, situated in the South Pacific Ocean.

Known for its breathtaking landscapes, vibrant culture, and crystal-clear waters, Tahiti is a dream destination for travelers seeking paradise.

From lush mountain peaks to pristine beaches and vibrant coral reefs, Tahiti offers a unique blend of natural beauty and cultural richness that captivates visitors from around the globe.

Preparing for a trip to Tahiti is essential to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience.

As a remote island destination, Tahiti presents unique challenges and opportunities that travelers should be aware of before embarking on their journey.

From understanding the local customs and traditions to knowing the best time to visit and how to navigate the island’s transportation system, being prepared can greatly enhance the overall travel experience and help visitors make the most of their time in Tahiti.

In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into 14 essential things you should know before visiting the Island of Tahiti.

From practical travel tips and cultural insights to recommendations for accommodation, dining, and activities, we’ll cover everything you need to know to plan an unforgettable trip to this tropical paradise.

Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, this article will equip you with the knowledge and resources you need to make the most of your Tahitian adventure

1. Geography and Climate of Tahiti

Tahiti is situated in the South Pacific Ocean, approximately halfway between California and Australia.

It is part of the French Polynesia archipelago, which consists of 118 islands and atolls spread across an area roughly the size of Europe.

Tahiti itself is divided into two main parts: Tahiti Nui, the larger western section, and Tahiti Iti, the smaller eastern peninsula.

Tahiti’s climate throughout the year

Tahiti enjoys a tropical climate characterized by warm temperatures and high humidity year-round.

The average temperature ranges from 70°F (21°C) to 85°F (29°C), making it an ideal destination for beach lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.

The climate is influenced by the trade winds, which blow from the southeast for most of the year, bringing pleasant breezes to the island.

Tahiti experiences two distinct seasons: the wet season (November to April) and the dry season (May to October).

During the wet season, the island receives occasional heavy rainfall and tropical storms, which can result in high humidity levels and brief periods of discomfort.

However, the rain showers are typically short-lived, and the sun quickly returns to illuminate the lush landscapes of Tahiti.

Best times to visit based on weather patterns

The best time to visit Tahiti largely depends on personal preferences and travel priorities.

For travelers seeking sunny skies and minimal rainfall, the dry season (May to October) is considered the ideal time to visit. During this period, the weather is generally more predictable, with clear skies, warm temperatures, and lower humidity levels.

Alternatively, the wet season (November to April) offers its own unique charms, including lush greenery, fewer crowds, and lower accommodation rates.

While there is a higher chance of encountering rain showers and tropical storms during this time, many travelers find the occasional rainfall to be a refreshing break from the heat, and it adds to the island’s natural beauty.

Ultimately, the best time to visit Tahiti depends on individual preferences and interests.

Whether you prefer basking in the sun on pristine beaches or exploring the island’s lush rainforests and waterfalls, Tahiti offers something for everyone, regardless of the season.

2. Culture and Customs

Tahitian culture is deeply rooted in Polynesian traditions and heritage, reflecting a rich tapestry of history, mythology, and artistry.

From ancient rituals to modern-day celebrations, Tahitian culture is celebrated and cherished by both locals and visitors alike.

The essence of Tahitian culture can be experienced through its music, dance, language, and cuisine, all of which play integral roles in shaping the island’s identity and spirit.

Key customs and traditions to be aware of

• Respect for Elders: In Tahitian culture, elders are revered and hold a special place of honor within the community. It is customary to show respect and deference to older individuals, whether through gestures of kindness or by following traditional protocols.
• Gift-Giving: Gift-giving is a common practice in Tahitian culture and is often used to express gratitude, respect, and friendship. When visiting someone’s home or attending a special event, it is customary to bring a small gift, such as flowers, fruit, or locally crafted items.
• Tattooing: Tattooing holds significant cultural importance in Tahitian society and is considered a sacred art form. Traditional Tahitian tattoos, known as “tatau,” feature intricate designs and symbols that convey stories, heritage, and spiritual beliefs. Tattoos are deeply respected and are often seen as symbols of strength, courage, and identity.
• Respect for Nature: The Tahitian people have a profound connection to the natural world and place great importance on preserving the environment for future generations. It is customary to show respect for nature by practicing sustainable living, participating in conservation efforts, and observing traditional beliefs and rituals that honor the land and sea.

Etiquette for interacting with locals

• Greetings: When meeting someone for the first time, it is customary to exchange a warm greeting, such as “Ia ora na” (hello) or “Maeva” (welcome). A handshake or a gentle hug is often used to express friendship and goodwill.
• Politeness: Politeness and courtesy are highly valued in Tahitian culture. It is important to use polite language, maintain a respectful demeanor, and show consideration for others at all times.
• Dress Code: While Tahiti is known for its laid-back atmosphere, it is important to dress modestly and respectfully, especially when visiting religious sites or participating in cultural events. Avoid wearing revealing clothing or attire that may be considered inappropriate in local customs.
• Learning Basic Tahitian: While English and French are widely spoken in Tahiti, learning a few basic phrases in Tahitian can go a long way in building rapport with locals and showing appreciation for their culture and language.

3. Language

Tahiti is a linguistically diverse destination, where several languages are spoken, reflecting its multicultural heritage and colonial history.

The two official languages of French Polynesia, including Tahiti, are French and Tahitian.

French serves as the primary language of administration, education, and business, while Tahitian holds significant cultural importance and is widely spoken among the local population.

In addition to French and Tahitian, English is also spoken and understood, particularly in tourist areas and among younger generations who have been exposed to English through media and education.

Visitors will find that many Tahitians are eager to communicate and interact with tourists, regardless of language barriers, and will often go out of their way to assist and accommodate them.

Basic Tahitian phrases for travelers

• Ia ora na – Hello
• Maeva – Welcome
• Mauruuru – Thank you
• Nana – Goodbye
• Aroha nui – Much love
• Fa’aitoito – Good luck
• ‘Aita pe’a-pe’a – You’re welcome
• Noa’ia’e mauruuru – Please
• Noho maeva – Sit down, please
• Manuia – Cheers!

Learning a few basic Tahitian phrases can enhance the travel experience and help visitors connect with the local culture and community.

Tahitians appreciate the effort made by visitors to learn and speak their language, and even a simple greeting or expression of gratitude can go a long way in fostering goodwill and building rapport during your stay in Tahiti.

4. Visa and Travel Requirements

For many travelers, one of the most important considerations before visiting Tahiti is understanding the visa requirements.

Fortunately, Tahiti operates under relatively lenient visa policies for many countries.

Visitors from the United States , Canada, the European Union, Australia, New Zealand, and several other countries can enter Tahiti without a visa for stays of up to 90 days for tourism purposes.

It’s essential to check the specific visa requirements based on your nationality and the purpose of your visit.

Travelers should verify visa regulations well in advance of their trip to ensure compliance and avoid any potential complications upon arrival in Tahiti.

Necessary travel documents and permits

While a visa may not be required for short-term tourism visits, travelers to Tahiti must ensure they have the necessary travel documents and permits before departure. These may include:

• Passport: All travelers to Tahiti must possess a valid passport with an expiration date that extends beyond the duration of their intended stay. It’s advisable to check your passport’s expiration date well in advance of your trip and renew it if necessary.
• Return Ticket: Immigration authorities in Tahiti may require travelers to show proof of onward or return travel, demonstrating that they intend to leave the country within the permitted visa-free period.
• Customs Declaration Form: Upon arrival in Tahiti, travelers may be required to complete a customs declaration form, declaring any items of value they are bringing into the country, including currency, electronics, and gifts.
• Travel Insurance: While not mandatory, travel insurance is highly recommended for all visitors to Tahiti. Travel insurance can provide coverage for medical emergencies, trip cancellations, lost baggage, and other unforeseen events, offering peace of mind and financial protection during your travels.

Health and vaccination recommendations

Before traveling to Tahiti, it’s important to consult with your healthcare provider or a travel medicine specialist to receive up-to-date health and vaccination recommendations.

While Tahiti is not associated with any specific health risks, travelers should be aware of the following:

• Routine Vaccinations: Ensure that your routine vaccinations, such as measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis, varicella (chickenpox), polio, and influenza, are up to date before traveling to Tahiti.
• Hepatitis A and Typhoid: Vaccinations for hepatitis A and typhoid are recommended for travelers to Tahiti, particularly those planning to visit rural areas, explore local cuisine, or engage in outdoor activities.
• Mosquito-Borne Diseases: While cases of mosquito-borne diseases such as dengue fever, Zika virus, and chikungunya are rare in Tahiti, travelers should take precautions to prevent mosquito bites by using insect repellent, wearing long sleeves and pants, and staying in accommodations with screened windows and doors.

5. Currency and Money Matters

The official currency of Tahiti, as well as the wider French Polynesia, is the French Pacific Franc (XPF), abbreviated as “CFP” or “XPF” (Currency code: XPF).

The CFP franc is pegged to the Euro, with a fixed exchange rate.

While Euros are also accepted in some tourist areas and larger establishments, it’s advisable to have CFP francs for smaller purchases and transactions.

Banking facilities and ATMs availability

Banking facilities and ATMs are readily available in major towns and tourist areas throughout Tahiti.

Visitors can find ATMs operated by local banks, as well as international networks such as Visa and Mastercard.

It’s advisable to notify your bank of your travel plans before departing for Tahiti to prevent any issues with using your debit or credit cards abroad.

Most major credit cards, such as Visa and Mastercard, are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, shops, and tourist attractions in Tahiti.

However, it’s recommended to carry some cash for smaller purchases, as well as in more remote areas where card payment facilities may be limited.

Tips for managing money while in Tahiti

• Currency Exchange: Exchange currency at authorized banks or currency exchange offices for the best rates. Avoid exchanging money at hotels or airports, as they often charge higher fees and offer less favorable exchange rates.
• Budgeting: Plan your budget carefully and consider the cost of accommodations, meals, transportation, activities, and souvenirs when estimating your expenses in Tahiti. It’s advisable to carry a mix of cash and cards for flexibility and security.
• Emergency Funds: Carry a small amount of emergency cash in a secure location, such as a money belt or hidden pocket, in case of unexpected situations where card payments may not be accepted or ATMs are unavailable.
• Tipping: Tipping is not a common practice in Tahiti, as a service charge is often included in restaurant bills. However, it’s customary to round up the bill or leave a small gratuity for exceptional service, particularly in upscale establishments or for tour guides and drivers.
• Safety Precautions: Exercise caution when withdrawing money from ATMs, especially at night or in secluded areas. Be vigilant and shield your PIN from view to prevent unauthorized access to your accounts.

6. Accommodation Options

Tahiti offers a diverse range of accommodation options to suit every traveler’s needs and preferences.

From luxurious resorts and overwater bungalows to cozy guesthouses and budget-friendly hostels, visitors can find a variety of lodging choices throughout the island.

• Luxury Resorts: Tahiti is home to numerous luxury resorts and hotels that offer world-class amenities, including private beaches, infinity pools, spa facilities, gourmet dining, and breathtaking ocean views. Many luxury resorts also feature iconic overwater bungalows, allowing guests to immerse themselves in the beauty of the surrounding lagoon.
• Boutique Hotels: Boutique hotels in Tahiti provide a more intimate and personalized experience, often showcasing local art, culture, and design elements. These smaller properties offer unique accommodations, personalized service, and a tranquil ambiance, making them ideal for couples and honeymooners seeking a romantic getaway.
• Guesthouses and B&Bs: For travelers seeking a more authentic and immersive experience, guesthouses and bed-and-breakfast establishments offer a warm welcome and personalized hospitality. These family-run accommodations provide comfortable rooms, home-cooked meals, and insider tips on exploring the local area.
• Vacation Rentals: Vacation rentals, including apartments, villas, and beachfront cottages, are popular options for families and larger groups looking for spacious and private accommodations. Vacation rentals often come equipped with kitchen facilities, living areas, and outdoor spaces, providing the comforts of home away from home.

Recommendations for different budgets and preferences

• Luxury: For travelers seeking luxury accommodations, resorts such as The St. Regis Bora Bora Resort, InterContinental Bora Bora Resort & Thalasso Spa, and Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora offer unparalleled luxury and service.
• Mid-Range: Popular mid-range options include Le Taha’a Island Resort & Spa, Sofitel Moorea Ia Ora Beach Resort, and Manava Beach Resort & Spa Moorea, which offer excellent amenities and value for money.
• Budget-Friendly: Budget-conscious travelers can consider staying at guesthouses, pensions, or backpacker hostels, such as Fare Suisse Tahiti, Moorea Surf Bed & Breakfast, and Fare D’hotes Tutehau.

Booking tips and considerations

• Book in Advance: Tahiti is a popular tourist destination, especially during peak seasons, so it’s advisable to book accommodations well in advance to secure your preferred dates and rates.
• Flexible Dates: Consider traveling during the shoulder seasons (April-May and September-October) to take advantage of lower rates and fewer crowds.
• Package Deals: Look for package deals that combine accommodation, meals, and activities to save money and simplify your travel planning process.
• Cancellation Policies: Pay attention to the cancellation policies of your chosen accommodation, especially if your travel plans are subject to change.
• Local Taxes and Fees: Be aware of any local taxes, resort fees, or service charges that may be added to your final bill at check-out.

7. Transportation

Navigating Tahiti and its surrounding islands is relatively easy, thanks to a variety of transportation options available to travelers.

From public buses and taxis to rental cars and scooters, visitors can choose the mode of transportation that best suits their preferences and itinerary.

Public transportation system

Tahiti’s public transportation system primarily consists of buses that serve major towns and tourist areas across the island.

The bus network is operated by the Office des Postes et Télécommunications (OPT), and routes are relatively comprehensive, covering most popular destinations and attractions.

While public buses provide an affordable and convenient way to get around Tahiti, they may not always be the fastest or most efficient option, especially for travelers with limited time or specific schedules.

It’s essential to check bus timetables and plan your journey accordingly, as services may be less frequent on weekends and public holidays.

Renting a car or scooter for exploring the island

Renting a car or scooter is a popular choice for travelers who wish to explore Tahiti at their own pace and discover its hidden gems off the beaten path.

Several car rental agencies operate on the island, offering a wide selection of vehicles ranging from compact cars and SUVs to jeeps and vans.

Renting a car allows travelers the flexibility to visit remote beaches, scenic viewpoints, and cultural sites at their leisure, without having to rely on public transportation schedules or taxi services.

Most major towns and airports in Tahiti have rental car offices, making it easy to pick up and drop off vehicles upon arrival and departure.

For those seeking a more adventurous mode of transportation, renting a scooter or motorcycle can be an exhilarating way to explore Tahiti’s winding coastal roads and lush interior landscapes.

Scooter rentals are available in major tourist areas and offer a fun and economical way to get around the island, especially for solo travelers and couples.

Before renting a car or scooter in Tahiti, it’s essential to familiarize yourself with local traffic laws and road conditions, as well as obtain the necessary permits and insurance coverage.

Additionally, be mindful of driving on the right side of the road, as per French regulations, and exercise caution, particularly on narrow and winding roads in rural areas.

8. Cuisine and Dining

Tahitian cuisine reflects the rich cultural heritage and abundant natural resources of the islands, blending traditional Polynesian flavors with influences from French, Chinese, and Southeast Asian culinary traditions.

Fresh seafood, tropical fruits, root vegetables, and coconut milk are staple ingredients in Tahitian dishes, creating a diverse and flavorful culinary landscape.

Must-try dishes and local specialties

• Poisson Cru: A signature Tahitian dish, poisson cru is a refreshing salad made with raw fish marinated in lime juice, coconut milk, onions, tomatoes, and cucumbers. It’s a light and flavorful dish that perfectly captures the essence of Tahitian cuisine.
• Firi Firi: These deep-fried doughnuts are a popular Tahitian treat, often enjoyed for breakfast or as a snack. Firi firi are light and airy, with a hint of sweetness, and are typically served with jam or coconut milk for dipping.
• Pua’a Roti: Pua’a roti, or roast pork, is a savory dish that features marinated pork cooked in an underground oven called an “umu.” The pork is seasoned with local herbs and spices, giving it a smoky and succulent flavor that is beloved by locals and visitors alike.
• Po’e: Po’e is a traditional Tahitian dessert made from mashed taro or banana mixed with coconut milk, sugar, and vanilla. The mixture is steamed or baked until firm and then topped with coconut cream or fruit puree, creating a decadent and satisfying treat.

Dining etiquette and restaurant recommendations

When dining in Tahiti, there are a few customs and etiquette guidelines to keep in mind:

• Respect: Tahitians place great importance on hospitality and respect for others. It’s customary to greet your hosts and fellow diners with a warm “Ia ora na” (hello) and “Mauruuru” (thank you) after the meal.
• Seating: In Tahitian culture, elders and honored guests are typically given priority seating and served first. It’s polite to wait for your host to indicate where you should sit before taking your place at the table.
• Tipping: Tipping is not expected in Tahiti, as a service charge is often included in restaurant bills. However, if you receive exceptional service, it’s appreciated to leave a small gratuity for the staff.

As for restaurant recommendations, Tahiti offers a wide range of dining options to suit every taste and budget. Some popular restaurants and eateries include:

• Le Coco’s Restaurant: Located in Papeete, Le Coco’s Restaurant is known for its exquisite French and Tahitian cuisine, elegant ambiance, and waterfront views.
• Snack Mahana: This casual beachside eatery in Moorea is famous for its fresh seafood, grilled specialties, and laid-back atmosphere. It’s the perfect spot to enjoy a delicious meal while soaking up the island vibes.
• Roulotte Food Trucks: For a taste of authentic Tahitian street food, head to one of the many roulotte food trucks scattered across the islands. These mobile eateries offer a variety of delicious dishes, from grilled fish and meat to crepes and pastries, at affordable prices.

9. Safety and Health

Tahiti is generally a safe destination for travelers, with low crime rates and a welcoming local population.

However, like any travel destination, it’s essential to be aware of potential safety hazards and take precautions to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.

Common safety considerations for travelers in Tahiti include:

• Water Safety: While Tahiti boasts pristine beaches and crystal-clear waters, it’s important to exercise caution when swimming, snorkeling, or participating in water activities. Be mindful of strong currents, reef formations, and potential hazards such as jellyfish or sea urchins.
• Natural Hazards: Tahiti is prone to occasional natural hazards, including tropical storms, cyclones, and heavy rainfall, particularly during the wet season (November to April). Stay informed about weather conditions and heed local authorities’ advice in the event of severe weather warnings.
• Sun Protection: Tahiti experiences strong UV radiation due to its proximity to the equator. Protect yourself from sunburn and heatstroke by wearing sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat, seeking shade during peak sun hours, and staying hydrated.

Health precautions and medical facilities availability

Prior to traveling to Tahiti, it’s advisable to consult with your healthcare provider or a travel medicine specialist to receive up-to-date health recommendations and vaccinations.

While Tahiti does not pose significant health risks for travelers, it’s important to be aware of the following:

• Mosquito-borne Diseases: While cases of mosquito-borne diseases such as dengue fever and Zika virus are rare in Tahiti, travelers should take precautions to prevent mosquito bites by using insect repellent, wearing long sleeves and pants, and sleeping under mosquito nets, especially in rural areas.
• Medical Facilities: Tahiti is equipped with modern medical facilities and hospitals, particularly in urban centers such as Papeete. However, medical care in remote areas may be limited, and travelers with pre-existing medical conditions should ensure they have adequate medication and travel insurance coverage.

Tips for staying safe while exploring Tahiti

• Stay Informed: Stay informed about local customs, traditions, and safety guidelines before and during your trip to Tahiti. Familiarize yourself with emergency contact numbers and procedures, including how to reach local authorities and medical services in case of emergencies.
• Travel with a Companion: Whenever possible, travel with a companion or in a group, especially when exploring remote or unfamiliar areas. Use reputable tour operators and transportation services, and avoid traveling alone at night or in isolated areas.
• Respect Local Customs: Show respect for Tahitian culture and traditions by dressing modestly, adhering to local customs and etiquette, and seeking permission before photographing or entering sacred sites.
• Secure Your Belongings: Keep your belongings secure and valuables out of sight, particularly in crowded areas and tourist hotspots. Use hotel safes or secure lockers to store important documents, passports, and cash while exploring Tahiti.

10. Activities and Attractions

Tahiti offers a plethora of activities and attractions that cater to every traveler’s interests and preferences.

From exploring pristine beaches and lush rainforests to immersing yourself in vibrant cultural experiences, there’s something for everyone to enjoy in this tropical paradise.

Some popular activities and attractions in Tahiti include:

• Matira Beach: Located on the island of Bora Bora, Matira Beach is renowned for its powdery white sands, turquoise waters, and stunning sunsets. It’s the perfect spot for swimming, snorkeling, and sunbathing against the backdrop of Mount Otemanu.
• Belvedere Lookout: Situated in the heart of Moorea, the Belvedere Lookout offers panoramic views of Cook’s Bay and Opunohu Bay, framed by lush green valleys and towering peaks. It’s a popular spot for hiking, photography, and enjoying the natural beauty of the island.
• Water Activities: Tahiti’s crystal-clear waters are a playground for water enthusiasts, offering a wide range of activities such as snorkeling, scuba diving, paddleboarding, kayaking, and jet skiing. Explore colorful coral reefs, swim with sharks and rays, or embark on a sunset cruise to experience the magic of the South Pacific.

B. Adventure sports and outdoor experiences

For adrenaline junkies and outdoor enthusiasts, Tahiti offers a host of thrilling adventure sports and outdoor experiences that showcase the island’s rugged terrain and natural beauty.

Some adventure sports and outdoor experiences to enjoy in Tahiti include:

• Hiking: Lace up your hiking boots and explore Tahiti’s lush interior landscapes on foot. From scenic trails and mountain peaks to hidden waterfalls and ancient archaeological sites, there’s no shortage of hiking opportunities for all skill levels.
• Surfing: Tahiti is world-renowned for its epic surf breaks, including the legendary waves of Teahupo’o. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a novice surfer, you can catch some of the best waves in the world and experience the thrill of riding the Pacific swells.
• ATV Tours: Embark on an exhilarating ATV tour and explore Tahiti’s rugged terrain, volcanic craters, and remote valleys. Ride through lush forests, cross mountain streams, and discover hidden treasures off the beaten path on an adrenaline-fueled adventure.

Cultural events and festivals to attend

Immerse yourself in Tahitian culture and traditions by attending one of the many cultural events and festivals held throughout the year.

From traditional dance performances and music concerts to culinary festivals and artisan markets, there’s always something happening in Tahiti to delight and inspire visitors.

Some cultural events and festivals to attend in Tahiti include:

• Heiva i Tahiti: Held annually in July, Heiva i Tahiti is the island’s most celebrated cultural festival, featuring traditional dance competitions, music performances, sporting events, and artisan exhibitions. It’s a vibrant celebration of Tahitian culture and heritage that attracts visitors from around the world.
• Tahiti Pearl Regatta: The Tahiti Pearl Regatta is a premier sailing event that takes place each year in May, bringing together sailors and yachting enthusiasts from across the globe. Enjoy thrilling races, lively parties, and cultural festivities against the backdrop of Tahiti’s stunning lagoons and islands.
• Vanilla Festival: Held in Taha’a, known as the “Vanilla Island,” the Vanilla Festival celebrates the island’s rich vanilla heritage with guided tours of vanilla plantations, tastings of vanilla-infused dishes and desserts, and cultural performances showcasing the importance of vanilla in Tahitian cuisine and culture.

11. Environmental Considerations

Tahiti’s natural environment is a precious and fragile ecosystem that plays a vital role in sustaining the island’s biodiversity, cultural heritage, and way of life.

From pristine coral reefs and lush rainforests to crystal-clear lagoons and endemic wildlife, Tahiti’s natural beauty is a source of wonder and inspiration for visitors and locals alike.

Preserving Tahiti’s natural environment is essential for maintaining ecological balance, protecting endangered species, and ensuring the long-term sustainability of the island’s ecosystems .

The health of Tahiti’s environment is closely linked to the well-being of its people, economy, and future generations, making conservation efforts a top priority for residents, businesses, and policymakers.

Responsible tourism practices

As stewards of Tahiti’s natural environment, travelers have a responsibility to practice sustainable and responsible tourism behaviors that minimize their impact on the delicate ecosystems and cultural heritage of the islands. Responsible tourism practices in Tahiti include:

• Respecting Wildlife: Avoid disturbing or feeding wildlife, including marine animals such as sharks, rays, and sea turtles. Keep a safe distance from nesting birds and refrain from touching or handling coral reefs and marine life while snorkeling or diving.
• Reducing Waste: Dispose of trash properly and recycle whenever possible. Bring reusable water bottles, shopping bags, and containers to minimize single-use plastics and reduce waste generation during your travels.
• Conserving Water: Be mindful of water consumption and take shorter showers, turn off taps when not in use, and report any leaks or water wastage to hotel staff. Conserve water resources to help preserve Tahiti’s freshwater ecosystems and support sustainable water management practices.
• Supporting Local Conservation Efforts: Contribute to local conservation projects, marine protected areas, and environmental initiatives that promote the preservation of Tahiti’s natural resources and cultural heritage. Participate in beach clean-up events, tree planting activities, and educational programs to make a positive impact on the community and environment.

Tips for minimizing environmental impact while visiting Tahiti

• Choose eco-friendly accommodations: Stay at hotels, resorts, and guesthouses that prioritize sustainability, energy efficiency, and environmental conservation practices. Look for eco-certifications and green initiatives such as solar power, water conservation measures, and waste recycling programs.
• Explore responsibly: Respect local customs, traditions, and natural environments when exploring Tahiti’s landscapes and attractions. Stay on designated trails, follow signage and guidelines at protected areas, and avoid removing or damaging plants, rocks, or artifacts.
• Conserve energy: Conserve energy by turning off lights, air conditioning, and electronics when not in use. Opt for energy-efficient transportation options such as walking, cycling, or using public transportation to reduce carbon emissions and air pollution.
• Support sustainable tourism operators: Choose tour operators, restaurants, and businesses that prioritize sustainable practices, ethical sourcing, and community engagement. Seek out eco-friendly tours and activities that promote environmental education, conservation, and cultural exchange.

12. Communication and Connectivity

Tahiti offers relatively good connectivity in terms of internet and mobile networks, especially in urban areas and popular tourist destinations.

Most hotels, resorts, restaurants, and cafes provide Wi-Fi access to guests, allowing travelers to stay connected and access the internet for communication, navigation, and entertainment purposes.

As for mobile networks, Tahiti is served by several telecommunications providers, including Vodafone, Digicel, and VINI, offering comprehensive coverage across the islands.

Travelers can purchase prepaid SIM cards or data plans from local stores and kiosks to access mobile data and make phone calls during their stay in Tahiti.

Tips for staying connected while in Tahiti

• Purchase a local SIM card: Consider purchasing a local SIM card upon arrival in Tahiti to access mobile data and make local calls at affordable rates. SIM cards can be easily obtained from telecommunications providers and convenience stores throughout the island.
• Use Wi-Fi hotspots: Take advantage of free Wi-Fi hotspots available at hotels, cafes, restaurants, and public areas to stay connected without incurring additional data charges. Many establishments offer complimentary Wi-Fi access to patrons, allowing travelers to browse the web and check emails on the go.
• Download offline maps: Download offline maps and navigation apps such as Google Maps or Maps.me before arriving in Tahiti to navigate the island’s roads and attractions without relying on mobile data. Offline maps can be particularly useful for exploring remote areas and hiking trails where internet connectivity may be limited.

Communication options for international travelers

For international travelers visiting Tahiti, there are several communication options available to stay connected with friends, family, and colleagues back home:

• International roaming: Check with your mobile carrier about international roaming options and rates for using your phone and data plan abroad. Keep in mind that international roaming charges can be expensive, so consider activating a travel plan or purchasing a local SIM card for more affordable rates.
• VoIP and messaging apps: Use Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) apps such as WhatsApp, Skype, and Viber to make free or low-cost calls and send messages over Wi-Fi or mobile data. VoIP apps are convenient and cost-effective alternatives to traditional phone calls, especially for international communication.
• Email and social media: Stay connected with loved ones and share your travel experiences through email, social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. Post updates, photos, and videos of your adventures in Tahiti to stay connected with friends and followers around the world.

Visiting Tahiti promises an unforgettable experience filled with natural beauty, cultural richness, and adventure.

Throughout this guide, we’ve explored essential aspects to consider before embarking on your journey to this enchanting island paradise.

From its stunning beaches and lush landscapes to its vibrant culture and delectable cuisine, Tahiti offers a myriad of attractions and activities for travelers of all interests and preferences.

Understanding the geography, climate, language, and customs of Tahiti enhances your appreciation and enjoyment of this unique destination.

As you embark on your adventure to Tahiti, embrace the spirit of exploration and discovery that defines this tropical paradise.

Immerse yourself in the beauty of its turquoise lagoons, embark on thrilling outdoor adventures, savor the flavors of Tahitian cuisine, and connect with the warmth and hospitality of its people.

Take time to wander off the beaten path, engage with local communities, and create memories that will last a lifetime.

Whether you’re seeking relaxation, adventure, or cultural immersion, Tahiti offers endless possibilities for discovery and enrichment.

FAQ’s About the Island of Tahiti:

Is tahiti very expensive.

Tahiti can be considered relatively expensive compared to many other travel destinations.

The cost of accommodation, dining, and activities in Tahiti tends to be higher due to its remote location and popularity as a tourist destination.

However, there are options available for travelers with various budgets, and careful planning can help mitigate expenses.

Is Tahiti closer to Hawaii or Australia?

Tahiti is closer to Hawaii than Australia.

While Tahiti is located in the South Pacific Ocean, approximately 4,000 kilometers southwest of Hawaii, it is much farther from Australia, which is located to the southwest of Tahiti, across the Tasman Sea.

Which is better Bora Bora or Tahiti?

The comparison between Bora Bora and Tahiti depends on individual preferences and travel objectives.

Tahiti is the largest island in French Polynesia and offers diverse experiences, including cultural attractions, lush landscapes, and vibrant markets.

Bora Bora, on the other hand, is renowned for its iconic overwater bungalows, crystal-clear lagoon, and romantic ambiance.

Both destinations have their unique charms, and the choice between them ultimately depends on the traveler’s preferences.

What country does Tahiti belong to?

Tahiti is part of French Polynesia, which is an overseas collectivity of France.

French Polynesia consists of 118 islands and atolls, with Tahiti being the most populous and well-known island in the archipelago.

Is Fiji more expensive than Tahiti?

In general, Fiji is considered to be more affordable than Tahiti in terms of accommodation, dining, and activities.

While both destinations offer stunning natural beauty and a range of tourism experiences, Fiji tends to have more budget-friendly options for travelers, making it a popular choice for those seeking a tropical getaway without breaking the bank.

Is Tahiti expensive for Australians?

Tahiti can be relatively expensive for Australians due to factors such as distance, exchange rates, and the cost of living in French Polynesia.

However, Australians who plan their trip thoughtfully, research affordable accommodation and transportation options, and take advantage of travel deals and packages can still enjoy a memorable and rewarding experience in Tahiti.

How far is the flight from Australia to Tahiti?

The distance between Australia and Tahiti varies depending on the departure city in Australia and the destination airport in Tahiti.

On average, direct flights from major Australian cities such as Sydney or Melbourne to Tahiti’s capital, Papeete, take approximately 8 to 9 hours.

How safe is Tahiti for travel?

Tahiti is generally considered safe for travel, with low crime rates and a welcoming local population.

Like any destination, travelers should exercise caution and remain vigilant, particularly in crowded areas, tourist hotspots, and at night.

It’s advisable to take common-sense safety precautions, such as safeguarding valuables, avoiding isolated areas after dark, and staying informed about local customs and regulations.

Are there direct flights from Australia to Tahiti?

Yes, there are direct flights from Australia to Tahiti.

Several airlines, including Air Tahiti Nui and Qantas, operate direct flights from major Australian cities such as Sydney and Melbourne to Tahiti’s Faa’a International Airport in Papeete.

These flights offer convenient options for travelers seeking direct access to Tahiti from Australia.

(Island Expert)

Christian is a dynamic serial entrepreneur and a licensed real estate agent with a relentless passion for unlocking the potential of island real estate. Christian's expertise extends beyond entrepreneurship and property transactions. He possesses a profound expertise in crafting captivating content and persuasive copywriting tailored exclusively to the enchanting realm of island real estate.

We're a licensed real estate marketplace, enabling island owners to rent and sell their private islands to a global audience seeking to buy, book a holiday, or hire a unique event venue.

Contact Us:

• [email protected]
• Island Buyers Guide
• List an Island for Sale
• Book an Island Holiday
• Plan an Island Event
• Privacy Policy
• Terms & Conditions

Destinations

• Central America
• South America
• South Pacific
• United States

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

To stay informed and be the first to know about our latest updates and exclusive offers, be sure to subscribe to our newsletter.

© 2024. All rights reserved. Isle Keys Pty Ltd.

Thanks for your enquiry.

Check your email shortly for the ebook download link.

Download Island Buyers Guide Ebook

Please fill in your details below and we will send you this ebook via email

Email Address

Phone Number

22 of Tahiti’s Best Things to Do

11/16/2021 by Kristin Addis 4 Comments

Tahiti is the first stop when you come to French Polynesia. Many tourists consider it to be a pass through on their way to Bora Bora, but I think it’s worth exploring more.

Tahiti has lush jungles and abundant waterfalls, plus opportunities to swim with Humbpack whales, and witness the world’s heaviest surf wave – Teahupoʻo.

I admit, I didn’t think much of Tahiti the first time I visited, but after staying and exploring more, I have come to appreciate that Tahiti has a lot to offer. I have rarely seen an abundance of so many waterfalls, and with enough that if you’re willing to hike over rocks and through rivers, you can get one all to yourself.

It is worth spending a few days, or maybe just one, to see the jungly interior. If you do, these are some of the best things to do in Tahiti: 

Table of Contents

22. Stay in an Overwater Bungalow (or on the Beach)

I’ve stayed in many places on Tahiti over the years and while there is plenty of variety, the Intercontinental Tahiti Resort and Spa has the hands-down, most beautiful view. Their pools are reminiscent of a lagoon with sandy bottoms and salt water, it’s perfectly situated for the sunset over Mo’orea, and you can see outrigger canoers paddling by all day long.

The rooms are comfortable as well, with gorgeous views:

Their breakfast is also spectacular, with tons of options from an entire table devoted just to cheese, to another with fruit, eggs cooked to order, and of course all kinds of delicious French pastries. You can book it here.

Get Free Perks and Upgrades at Luxury Hotels!

I can help you get extra perks like free room upgrades, $100 resort credits, free breakfast, and late checkout at no extra cost to you! Click here to email me your trip desires!

*Full disclosure, Intercontinental offered my stay FOC. The positive review is my own.

21. Half-day Tahiti Tour

If you are in Tahiti as a stop-over like so many other travelers, make the most of the little time you might have with a half-day tour of the island. You’ll get a lay of the land and stop at some of the island’s best spots, all in just 4-5 hours. See Tahiti’s botanical gardens, the Grottos of Maraa, and other notable sites with an experienced local guide who promises to make the most of the little time you have.

20. Papeete Market

Whether you’re coming in by plane or cruise ship, you’re going to pass through the capital, Papeete. At the market you can find local fruits, veggies, vanilla, and can see people playing music. Eating there is cheaper than in other parts of the city, and it can be a good place to buy souvenirs. You’re also pretty close to the pearl markets. It’s open every day: Mon: 5 AM – 6 PM, Tues-Sat: 4 AM – 6 PM, Sun: 3 AM – 9 AM.

From there, you’ll make your way south past Fa’a’ā and down to the next stop.

19. ‘Ārahurahu Marae 

This one’s a quick stop off of the main road, about half a kilometer down a dirt road, to some old Polynesian ruins.

Most of the statues are replicas, but much of the grounds is authentic. The best way to get a good sense of it is to go with a guide because there are not many signs, but if you’re just popping by on your way around the island, it will give you a bit of history.

18. Maraa Grotto

I have no doubt this place used to be cool. It looked absolutely beautiful in photos, which is what motivated me to visit. It’s pretty easy to access, is well-marked, and is just off the road. It’s also free to visit, which is a plus.

However it’s totally blocked off! I believe, due to falling rock, you can no longer walk up to the grottos and instead have to view them from behind a fence. That kind of ruins it for me, although there was a guy there who kept offering to let me take pictures of him and his tattoos, which I politely declined.

17. Water Gardens Vaipahi 

From there the next major stop is the Water Gardens, which are also free.

You can walk through the palm forest, check out the lotuses, and there are even some waterfalls along the trails, which range from 1-2.5 km long. Bring bug spray! That advice goes for all of Tahiti.

16. Teahupo’o

Teahupo’o is one of the world’s most famous surf breaks – the one you’ve seen on dorm walls (or was that just me going to school in California?), and in surf videos. It’s known as the most dangerous break in the world due to the unique combination of size, power, and speed, not to mention it breaks on a coral reef. If you’re there at the end of August, you can catch the Tahiti Pro Teahupo’o surf competition.

In case you’re not ready to shred that way, you can see from the shore with binoculars, or take a water taxi over from the town by the same name. We just flew the drone over to get a closer look, which felt like cheating but also like winning.

From there you’ll need to backtrack a bit back to where the island narrows and feeds back into the larger circle. Heading north you’ll pass by a couple of roadside waterfalls. They are not that amazing, I would suggest you keep going or make it a very quick stop. You can’t miss them.

15. Faarumai Waterfall

When you pull off for this waterfall, you’ll notice that there are three others in the same area, all of which are big and beautiful. At the time of this writing, only one is open due to rockfall at the other two trails.

Like most of this list, they are free to visit and not much of a deviation from the route, so it’s worth pulling off to see if they’re open when you visit. They look best after rainfall.

14. Papeno’o Valley

This is where Tahiti really shines. The uninhabited interior of Tahiti is full of waterfalls, the famous Lac Vaihiria, impossibly green jungle, and jade-colored water.

Most people book a 4 x 4 tour to see this part of Tahiti, as it’s not possible to go all the way unless you have a 4 x 4 vehicle. While you can book those at the airport, they are all stick shift.

That said, we were able to book an SUV and still get pretty far into the valley. There are plenty of trails with waterfalls that you can hike to if you’re feeling adventurous, or just drive as far as you’re comfortable and take in the amazing views.

The best way to make sure that you see everything is probably to book a 4×4 tour (here’s a list of the best-rated ones on Tahiti). However if you can drive a stick, and are feeling adventurous, it’s fun to do independently.

13. Mount Aorai 

This is the third highest peak on Tahiti at 2066 meters tall and though it’s a tough, slippery hike, the reward is stunning. There are sharp drop offs and breathtaking views all along the way.

The trail begins at Le Belvedere restaurant, a fantastic spot for views, and continues upward for 5.5 miles. Since low-hanging clouds often compromise visibility, more time, two days, is often necessary to complete the hike.

There are apparently huts along the way, but this is one might be best organized with a local guide, unless you’re feeling particularly adventurous.

12. Te Pari

This trail is in the southernmost part of Tahiti and is only accessible by boat. Taking you along the coast and into the dense uninhabited jungle all the way to the Te Pari Cliffs, the Te Pari trail is one of the best ways to see what untouched Tahiti has to offer.

Along the way you’ll find the Vaipoiri Cave, Queen’s Bathing Pool, lava tubes, and even some white sandy beaches. Since this is such a rugged adventure, it’s best to tackle the Te Pari trail with an experienced guide. You can book a full day guided Te Pari adventure here .

11. Fara’ura Valley

Known as the “valley of waterfalls,” the Fara’ura Valley is one of the best places in Tahiti to hike. There are four waterfalls, plus natural pools to swim in along the well-marked trail. Along the way you’ll see lush vegetation with plants that you won’t see anywhere else in the world. Enjoy the incredible views, cooling off with a dip in each of the hidden pools along the trail.

10. Fautaua Waterfall 

This is supposed to be one of the most famous and beautiful waterfalls in Tahiti, inclusive of a somewhat long but nice hike to get there.

Nowadays, you’re required to obtain a permit before hiking to this waterfall. You can get it at city hall in Papeete, but there’s a catch, as it’s only open on weekdays until 5 PM. So if you’re only there over a weekend, unfortunately you won’t be able to go to this waterfall, as word on the street is there is a gate preventing you from continuing. This is what kept me from visiting Fautaua.

9. Marae Arahurahu Temple & Waterfall

The Marae Arahurahu Temple is a restored ancient place of worship which is surrounded by beautifully landscaped gardens. The site has a magical and serene atmosphere and there’s a trailhead at the edge of the gardens which leads to a breathtaking 100-meter waterfall. To get to the waterfall, you’ll proceed through thick jungle for about 1.5 miles. The whole hike should take about an hour, depending on how long you plan to hang out at the waterfall.

8. Swim with Sea Creatures

French Polynesia experiences several migrations throughout the year. In the months of August through October, humpback whales migrate through and Tahiti and neighboring Mo’orea – two of the best spots to swim with them.  You can read more on swimming with whales here.

There are also many stingrays and sharks in the area. Both are friendly and amazing to swim with. You can also see turtles and all kinds of colorful fish on both diving and snorkeling tours, almost all of which take place in nearby Mo’orea.

7. Private Humpback Whale Swim Tour

If swimming with humpback whales is on your Tahiti bucket list, private tours are available with a marine biologist and cameraman who are experts in finding these incredible creatures. These tours are available from mid-July to mid-November with Tahiti.com .

6. Moorea Ocean Adventures

Another great option for whale swimming is booking with Moorea Ocean Adventures. This company offers humpback whale swims from July to November, including honeymoon tours and half-day or full-day tours . Moorea Ocean Adventures only offers private tours for groups of 6 or less, so you’re sure to have a more personalized and safer experience. This is also to the benefit of the marine life as smaller groups are less likely to scare or disturb the animals.

5. Pop over to Mo’orea

Tahiti’s neighbor is stunning and also easy to access via ferry from Papeete. This is where more of the snorkeling and diving excursions take place. While it can be done as a day excursion, do yourself a favor and spend some time on Mo’orea as well .

4. Sea scooter snorkeling

If you’re scratching your head wondering what on earth a “sea scooter” is, you’re not alone. With the help of this small-yet-mighty device, you can easily propel yourself through the water as you explore reefs and check out the marine life under the water’s surface.

This tour will take you on a snorkeling adventure in Temae Bay with the help of a sea scooter. With the added power of the scooter, you can get around more easily and cover more ground; more fish and corals to see!

3. 4×4 safari tour

Seeing the best of Mo’orea requires a 4×4 vehicle as the terrain can be wild and rugged in the island’s interior. Consider a 4×4 safari tour that takes you to the island’s best spots: Magic Mountain, the crater of the old volcano, and many more. The tour includes a stop at a distillery to try locally-made juices and liquors as well.

2. Kayak the Lagoon of Mo’orea

This is a kayaking adventure unlike any other. Why? This one involves kayaks that are totally transparent! On this unique tour , you’ll be able to see stingrays, blacktip reef sharks, and other amazing marine life up close as you gently paddle through the Lagoon of Mo’orea.

As you drive on the southeastern part of the island there will be several places where you can pull off and explore some black sand beaches.

There’s also a public beach at Mehana Park, which you will pass before the grotto coming down from Papeete.

Pin me for later:

I hope as you make your way to Bora-Bora or wherever your next destination is in French Polynesia, you’ll give Tahiti a proper exploration. If you only have one day, my favorite of all the things mentioned here was the Papeno’o Valley and sunset at the Intercontinental. Even if you don’t end up staying there, head over for dinner and watch the gorgeous sunset unfold.

About Kristin Addis

Kristin Addis is the founder and CEO of Be My Travel Muse, a resource for female travelers all around the world since 2012. She's traveled solo to over 65 countries and has brought over 150 women on her all-female adventure tours from Botswana to the Alaskan tundra.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

 subscribe to our newsletter

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

Sidney Lebowitz says

12/16/2020 at 5:05 am

Should I book an overwater bungalow at the Manava on Moore’a or at the intercontinental on Tahiti? Should I stay 3 nights in moorea or just visit for the day? Should I stay at the black sand pearl hotel ? Please assist with these inquiries Thanks

Kristin says

12/17/2020 at 8:05 am

I’d give Mo’orea more than just one day. I’m not sure that the Manava is open still. It may just be the Hilton on Mo’orea now, but both look nice honestly!

Alysse says

12/29/2022 at 11:00 am

Can you link the 4×4 companies you recommend on Tahiti?

12/30/2022 at 10:12 am

Probably one of these: https://www.iaoranatahitiexpeditions.com/ https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g309679-d2643065-Reviews-Patrick_Adventure_Day_Tours-Tahiti_Society_Islands.html

• Responsible Travel
• Middle East
• Indian Ocean
• City Vacations
• Amusement Parks
• Los Angeles
• San Francisco

The 5 Best Islands for Families in Tahiti

Over 118 islands make up The Islands of Tahiti , each filled with stunning landscapes and plenty of adventure, making it hard to choose which ones to visit during your family vacation. Whether you’re looking for the ultimate relaxing beach getaway or a trip filled with outdoor escapades, there’s an island to suit your style. And while you really can’t go wrong visiting any of the islands in this French Polynesian paradise, here are our top family picks in The Islands of Tahiti .

Adrian Doza

Home to the international airport, all travelers funnel through the island of Tahiti, and it’s one of the best for families — from the capital city of Papeete to the rugged landscapes beyond. Families can easily spend an entire week exploring the largest island in French Polynesia, from the pearl markets and food trucks in the city center to the sacred waterfalls hidden in the Papenoo Valley. Get a taste of Tahitian culture and history on a tour with Tahiti Discovery, where you’ll not only be able to explore some of the best hidden gems on the island, but you’ll also get a history lesson along the way and a fresh-cooked traditional lunch. You can also take a trip to the other side of the island with Teahupoo Adventures to see one of the most famous waves in the surfing world and enjoy a day bouncing over the waves on jet skis and rafts. Once you’re on the water, make sure everyone keeps their eyes peeled for dolphins who occasionally like to play around passing tour boats.

Just across the way from Tahiti, Moorea makes quite the impression from a distance, with its dramatic mountain skyline and lush landscape. Moorea is the only island accessible from the main island of Tahiti by ferry, rather than inter-island flight, making it an easy and ideal option for families. On the island, you’ll find a very local vibe with markets and fruit stands, perfect for families in want of fully-stocked kitchens. Moorea is an island best appreciated in motion, so when you’re ready to get out and explore it, you’ll find a number of activities you can sign up for. Wind through pineapple fields to scenic viewpoints on an ATV tour with Moorea Activities Center, swim with humpback whales on a once-in-a-lifetime outing with Corallina Tours or teach kids about the delicacies of our ecosystem and help save the reefs by planting your own coral with a visit to Coral Gardeners .

3/5 Taha’a

If you’re looking for a more relaxed vacation, Taha’a is a small island made for families who want to take things slow. It has that laid-back local vibe, but that doesn’t mean there isn’t plenty to do. Like most of The Islands of Tahiti , you’ll find a lagoon full of colorful coral right in your front yard, as well as Tahitian cultured pearl farms and vanilla plantations where kids can have a hands-on learning experience and adults can do a little souvenir shopping. Champon Pearl Farm , in particular, is ideal for families, since you can not only get an up-close view of how the pearls are created and harvested, but kids can also enjoy running around on the large lawn, playing on the swing set and climbing up to the treehouse while parents admire the finished pearl jewelry inside. Be sure to make a trip to the snorkeling spot near Le Taha’a Island Resort & Spa , where you can enjoy an incredible view of Bora Bora on the horizon.

4/5 Bora Bora

Being one of the most beautiful and popular islands, Bora Bora provides families their pick of resorts with a lagoon full of overwater bungalows and a handful of more affordable villas and lodges closer to the mainland. The island is well set up for visitors, so you’ll find luxury boutiques, pearl markets and unique shops like Coqui Coqui , a beautifully designed perfumery and spa on Matira Beach. Escape your bungalow for the day with Moana Adventures . They’ll take you snorkeling with stingrays and small blacktip reef sharks and set up a picnic on your own private motu (island) for a truly memorable dining experience. For a truly bucket-list experience, nowhere on the planet is better than Bora Bora for a helicopter tour. Tahiti Nui Helicopters takes you high above the sparkling waters for the view of a lifetime.

5/5 Tikehau

This atoll may appear flat from above, but there’s a wealth of adventure going on under the water. With Tikehau Ocean Tour , you can hop off the boat and snorkel or dive in some of the fishiest waters in the Pacific, where it’s possible to see huge schools of barracuda, squadrons of manta rays and maybe even a tiger shark if you’re lucky (and brave!). Back on land, families will never want to leave the bungalows of nearby Ninamu Resort , which are covered in sustainably recycled coral. This intimate retreat is located on a private island and surrounded by a calm, shallow lagoon, so you can feel comfortable letting the kids run about and relish waking up every morning to a stunning sunrise and the sound of the water gently lapping against the shore. Plus, with limited WiFi and cell service, the whole family can ditch technology and bond over the special moments the island has to offer, like taking a paddleboard out over the crystal-clear waters for a view of the abundant sea life below.

By Jamie Ditaranto

Love To Travel With Your Family?

Get vacation inspiration straight to your inbox!

Hello traveller!