tahiti tour guide

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What Tahiti lacks in wide white-sand beaches, it makes up for in waterfall-laden, shadowy mountains, unpretentiously beautiful black-sand beaches, sheltered blue lagoons and a distinctly Polynesian, modern buzz. This is the heart of the islands, where the cultures from all the archipelagos are mixed in the cacophonous, dusty, yet smiling and energetic capital of Pape'ete. Outside the city, explore the majestic, mountainous interior on a 4WD tour, learn to dive in the translucent lagoon, wander amid mystical archaeological sites, and from July to October go whale-watching. In July, catch the country’s most spectacular festival; the percussion and dance-heavy Heiva. Stay at a resort or head to Tahiti Iti to experience a more traditional pace of life – all international air travel goes through Tahiti, and it would be a shame to miss such an essential part of this region's cultural puzzle.

Attractions

Must-see attractions.

Marché de Pape’ete

Pape'ete

A Pape'ete institution. If you see one site in town, make it this market, which fills an entire city block. Shop for colourful pareu (sarongs), shell…

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Pointe Vénus & Matavai Bay

Part of Captain Cook’s mission on his three-month sojourn in 1769 was to record the transit of Venus across the face of the sun in an attempt to calculate…

Administrative District

The Territorial Assembly and other government buildings occupy Place Tarahoi, the former site of the Pomare palace. The termite-riddled 1883 palace was…

Bain de Vaima & Vaipahi Spring Gardens

Bain de Vaima (Vaima Pool) is where locals come from all over to bathe in the icy but exceptionally clear waters that are thought to have healing…

Strategically situated at the narrow isthmus connecting Tahiti Nui with Tahiti Iti, the town of Taravao has been a military base on and off since 1844,…

Faarumai Waterfalls

Through the village of Tiarei where the road swoops around a black-sand beach, you’ll see a sign on the mountain side of the road for the exceedingly high…

Jardins Botaniques

The 137-hectare Jardins Botaniques has walking paths that wind their way through the garden past ponds, palms, a massive banyan tree and a superb mape…

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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!

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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?

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3 Days in Tahiti Itinerary: The Best Things to Do & See

If it’s a white sand beach experience on a beautiful island you seek, it’s a great idea to start planning your Tahiti itinerary.

This South Pacific wonderland is known as the “Gateway to French Polynesia,” and it’s not hard to see why with its beautiful botanical gardens and stunning scenery.

While many travelers just fly into Tahiti and simply jet off to popular tourist destinations like Bora Bora, I’d say that is a HUGE mistake! Complete with amazing accommodations, incredible scuba-diving, world-renowned surfing, jaw-dropping landscapes, and wondrous coastlines, there’s definitely something for everyone on idyllic Tahiti.

Although this is a coastal oasis, the island’s interior felt to me like an untouched paradise, so much so that it felt like I was in Jurassic Park or Avatar. Some argue 4 days in Tahiti is better, but I found 3 days in Tahiti perfect for seeing the main island’s top attractions, tours and destinations.

Who knows, you may even extend your French Polynesia itinerary by island hopping to majestic Moorea or the Marquesas or Society Islands. This may sound too good to be true, but that’s the reality of a visit to Tahiti. Dreamy. 

Tahiti Itinerary Overview

Welcome to my 3 day Tahiti itinerary, your go-to for the best tips to maximise your time in this idyllic island nation. The region of French Polynesia is packed with incredible experiences, and my itinerary includes everything that you could possibly hope to see and experience while here. Exploring lush valleys, diving with tropical marine life and world renowned surfing await, as well as delectable local cuisine. I’ve also included some handy Tahiti FAQs at the top and bottom of this itinerary, designed to streamline your trip to ensure it is even more blissful.

What To Do In Tahiti

Before we jump into the full itinerary, I thought it would be helpful for you if I broke down the top things to do in Tahiti. Most of these make an appearance on my itinerary, and having experienced them myself, I can highly recommend each and every one!

Here are just a few highlights…

• Explore the Papenoo Valley in a 4×4.
• Make the trek to the Pito Iti volcano. 
• Explore Tahiti’s many captivating waterfalls. 
• Dive at world renowned marine spots. 
• Take a self-guided road trip around the island. 
• Get lost in the capital, Papeete.
• Take a dip in Tahitian grottos. 
• Wander along black sand beaches.
• Hit the waves at surfing paradise, Teahupoo.
• Indulge in authentic Tahitian cuisine.
• Partake in R&R with an island spa session.

How To Get Around Tahiti

In Tahiti, you’re a little limited with how you can get around. Taxis and rental cars are the primary mode of transport for visitors. Taxis are great for those who simply want to get from A to B without the hassle of renting a car or the anxiety of driving in a new country. Your accommodation can easily call a taxi for you, to make things easier. If you’re more game and want to see a lot of the island without racking up cab fares, you can easily rent a car. There are no rideshare companies on Tahiti. Papeete also has a handy bus service that connects many districts of the island with the capital. 

If you intend on heading out to the outer islands of this magnificent French Polynesian destination, there are many ferry companies that offer these services and that depart from the main wharf in Papeete, or you can take a sea plane! Air Tahiti also has a great range of passes that you can choose from, that include flights to multiple islands in French Polynesia on the same ticket, including the Marquesas Islands, Bora Bora and more. Check out the Air Tahiti Multi Islands Pass .

Tahiti Itinerary Day 1: Full Day 4×4 Valley Tour

First things first – if there is one tour/day trip you MUST experience while in French Polynesia – THIS IS IT!

Channel your inner Indiana Jones and embark on this bumpy 4×4 adventure through Tahiti’s iconic largest valley with towering mountains, massive waterfalls, and lush scenery. It’s not only about the scenery, though, as you’ll also learn all about the history of Polynesian culture, medicine, flora and so much more.

Several companies offer expeditions through the Papenoo Valley, but I recommend booking a trip with Iaorana Tahiti Expeditions . I was fortunate enough to spend eight hours on a private tour with the company’s founder and main tour guide, Teuai Lenoir. He is an absolute legend! Teuai is incredibly knowledgeable and passionate about everything to do with French Polynesia, and will show you the time of your life.

After a brief introduction to the tour, and a look at a map to understand where we’d be heading, our crew began an expedition into the valley’s depths. Making various stops along the way, you’ll learn about the plants used for many different medicinal and cultural purposes. You’ll also discover the history of the Polynesian people, which is as interesting as it sounds.

Enjoy the scenery as you drive in the back of the open-air 4×4 vehicle, and snap photos of the beautiful landscape, colorful flowers, and unbelievable waterfalls you’ll be blessed with along the way. 

If you book a full-day tour that includes lunch, you’re in for a real treat! The tour guide Teuai prepared (in front of us) a delicious buffet, and it was a fantastic and personal way to learn about Tahitian cuisine.

The real highlight for me was yet to come. The final 2-3 hour portion of the drive takes you along winding roads with stunning 360° views of the valley. You’ll pass through a tunnel and come out on the other side of the mountain, in the Mataiea District.

Here, you can admire the tropical paradise that lies before you, and admire the ancient volcano of Pito Iti. While the roads might be a little scary at times, it’s an adventure I’ll never forget.

Reach out to Teaui at Iaorana Tahiti Expeditions before your trip to Tahiti, and make sure you book one of his full-day valley tours!

What to See in Tahiti On Your 4×4 Valley Tour

There are endless things to do in Tahiti Island’s eastern region, but here’s a brief recap of all the sights you’ll see as you explore the Papenoo Valley:

• Topatari Falls: As you drive south through the valley, you’ll come across this majestic waterfall that crashes out of the side of the mountain.
• Nyahururu Falls: This is a thin and tall waterfall that carves a space along the valley walls. If you ever find a waterfall that looks more like a thin white veil in the landscape than this, please let me know.
• Puraha Falls: Take in the views of this glorious waterfall that spills into the crystal-clear waters of a manmade lake.
• Mount ‘Orohena: Considering this mighty mountain dominates the beautiful island, it’s a pretty difficult landmark to miss. That said, don’t pass up the opportunity to snap some magi al photos of this mysterious mountain amongst the clouds.
• Pito Iti: Before you think you’ve seen it all, get ready to admire the ancient volcano of Pito Iti. It’s the second-highest peak on the island (after Mount ‘Orohena), so expect unparalleled views of the other Tahitian islands. 

Tahiti Itinerary Day 2: Snorkeling / Scuba-Diving & Self-Guided Road-Trip

If you’re not scuba-certified before coming to French Polynesia – you’re doing it wrong!

One of the main reasons travelers come all the way to the islands of Tahiti is to explore its beautiful coral reef in the most up close and personal manner possible – diving! I was fortunate to experience a few of the most jaw-dropping dives of my life out there, and so will you!

What to Expect On A South Pacific Scuba Dive

On the main island of Tahiti, I joined Top Dive , who are conveniently located inside the iconic InterContinental Resort. It’s also a great excuse to visit the InterContinental Resort and explore the upmarket property, home to many outstanding restaurants and bars. 

I explored the dive site “The Spring,” and I would recommend it to every diver. The colors of the coral garden along the massive underwater mountains were stunning, and we were fortunate enough to encounter around 5-6 different native turtles. It’s also common to spot reef sharks, lemon sharks and Humphead wrasses, especially if you do a night dive. A night dive is one of the absolute best things to do in Tahiti at night. Don’t miss out! 

If you’re not a certified scuba diver but still want to explore the Tahitian waters, I’d still recommend one of the many snorkeling tours on the island. That’s right; they even cater to novice divers! There are popular shipwrecks to explore — I’m looking at The Aquarium — and it’s awesome to get out on the water and look at Tahiti’s coastline from the sea. You’ll get a much better appreciation for the sheer size of the landscape. The pristine waters and clear visibility also make it worth the experience.

Top Tip: If you visit Tahiti between August and October, you have a great chance of watching humpback whales migrate. You’re most likely to see them if you join a whale-watching tour like the one I did with Top Dive.

Best Things to Do in Tahiti on a Self-Guided Road Trip

For the rest of your second day, hit the road and drive around Tahiti. While Tahiti may be the largest island of French Polynesia, driving around the picturesque coastline takes only a couple of hours. That said, you’ll want to take longer than that, due to the sheer number of sights you’ll want to stop by and take in. 

Here are some of the top stops to add to your Tahiti travel itinerary:

• Papeete: The bustling capital of French Polynesia should not be missed! Boasting lively markets, unique restaurants, pearl shops and boutique stalls — spend an hour or so walking around town before starting your drive. I also enjoyed visiting the Papeete Market!
• Plage de la Pointe Venus & Lighthouse: A beautiful black sand beach with stunning panoramic mountain views. This is also one of the best sunset vantage points on the island. You may even get to spot the sunset over the Magic Mountain on Moorea in the distance.
• Faarumai Waterfall: Located on the northeastern coast of Tahiti, this is a great stop along your road trip that offers easy hikes to three different waterfalls. There’s free parking at the entrance, and Vaimahuta Falls is only 0.3 miles from the road – not far at all!
• The Maraa Grottos: Located in Paea on the southwest coast, these two scenic grottos make for a memorable road trip stop. Bring your bathing suit and take a dip in this unique lava cave with hanging ferns. The site has free parking, toilet facilities and a gift shop, and I’m sure you’ll pick up a one-off handmade souvenir to take home with you. 
• Taharuu Beach & Restaurant: Another of Tahiti’s iconic black sand beaches, Taharuu is great for swimming and photo opportunities. You can also get your fill of fantastic French and local cuisine at Restaurant Taharuu .
• Teahupoo: This is the main focus for the 3rd day of this itinerary, but it’s worth including on any Tahiti road trip. While there’s not THAT much to do here when simply visiting as part of a road trip stop, it’s still a nice destination to drive to.

Tahiti Itinerary Day 3: Teahupoo Surfari Full-Day Tour

Come and explore the “wild side” of Tahiti!  

For the third and final day in Tahiti, venture down to the quiet surf town of Teahupoo for the incredible Teahupoo Tahiti Surfari Tour . Trust me – this is an experience you’ll never forget!

I had never heard of Teahupoo before making my way to Tahiti, but it ended up being a major highlight of my trip. Teahupoo is renowned within the surfing community for its massive waves, breathtaking white sand beaches and as a locale for major surfing competitions. 

It’s so idyllic and offers such a gnarly surf that it’s even comparable to the best waves in Hawaii. So visiting Teahupoo and getting out on the water to sail along the coastline is a Tahiti must-do! Be ready to get wet though, as it’s one of the wettest areas in French Polynesia. Locals love explaining to visitors that they have their own sub-climate, so make sure you bring a warm rain jacket.

Unfortunately, on my scheduled day here, the weather was a bit too rough to do the complete tour. Some of the things I missed out on, which you can enjoy, include visits to various local waterfalls and swimming stops, cliff jumping, a lava tube, a blow-hole, coastline sails and lots more. There are a few different tours to choose from, so look at all the Teahupoo Excursions for an idea of what to expect.

I had the pleasure of meeting the company’s owner, Cindy, and she’s such a joy to be around. If you can, I’d do the full 8+ hour day trip, but if you don’t have a whole day to spare, they also offer a half-day trip. 

While I didn’t get to explore everything Teahupoo had to offer, my day sailing along the Tahitian coastline was truly spectacular! Starting off our day, we cruised out for just a few minutes to witness the iconic Teahupoo swells that surfers travel from all over the world to experience.

The image of the crashing waves with the Tahitian mountains as a backdrop is a sight you need to experience for yourself to understand how impactful it is! From there, we continued past “the end of the road.” This is the southwestern tip of the island and is only accessible by boat, so the valleys, mountains and beaches remain as untouched and pristine as possible.

The sheer size of the landscape is jaw-dropping and will have you feeling you’ve journeyed into the fictional land of Avatar. As you pass Faaroa Bay, you’ll see dozens of epic waterfalls flowing from the mountainsides. Tahiti truly is a magical island unlike anywhere else. 

During my Teahupoo Surfari excursion experience (which ended up being a customized private tour), we did a 2km walk through the jungle and along the rivers towards the mini lava-tube Puna. Here, we indulged in a delicious lunch in the waterside picnic area. The food was all local Tahitian food prepared right in front of me, and it was a truly authentic, home-cooked meal. 

The highlight of the day (which was a massive surprise to me) was that the company organized a masseuse to meet us at the picnic area. We started the treatment by preparing our own body scrub using local ingredients like coconut, turmeric and vanilla. I thoroughly enjoyed a 30-minute body scrub/ massage and then rinsed it off by taking a dip in the nearby river. As if that wasn’t sublime enough, this was followed by a heavenly “4-Hands” (two masseuses) 90-minute massage. I was left truly blissed out!

While this portion of the tour is not included in the usual package, I’d recommend contacting Cindy at Teahupoo Excursions to see if you can organize a similar experience. It was the icing on the cake of an amazing day. 

Teahupoo is not on every Tahiti traveler’s radar, but it 100% should be! I spent a few nights down here at an Airbnb homestay and had such an unique and memorable experience. If you’ve got 3 days in Tahiti, make sure you head down to Teahupoo and book one of the excursions.

Teahupoo is such a jewel in the crown of Tahiti, and my time spent here was an adventure that’ll live long in my memory. 

Where To Stay in Tahiti For 3 Days

Now that you know what to do in Tahiti, let’s talk about my top accommodation recommendations. Tahiti is packed with accommodation offerings for any style of traveler and any budget, but there’s a clear winner in my book. 

Ninamu Pearl Resort Tahiti

During my three weeks in French Polynesia, I was lucky enough to stay at some amazing places — but the Ninamu Pearl Resort was my absolute favorite. Seriously, stop what you’re doing and book your stay here ASAP, because it’s the perfect place to stay in Tahiti. The hotel is luxurious yet affordable, has some of the best views on the island, kind and welcoming staff and an incredible on-site restaurant. Ninamu Pearl Resort is also located just a 4.5-mile drive from the Fa’a’ā International Airport, which is a bonus. The Tahitian resort offers sweeping views of the ocean and coastline, and even the island of Moorea in the distance.

Several different types of rooms are available, but I highly recommend booking one of their suites on the top level of the resort. These rooms include a Santorini-inspired bathroom leading to your own private infinity pool. The bedding is high-quality and comfortable, and the suites come with a fully-equipped kitchen and other handy inclusions. 

Teahupoo Airbnb Homestay Experience – A Hi’o To Mou’a

Looking for a unique Tahitian homestay experience during your extra time in Tahiti? I’d encourage you to spend a few nights in Teahupoo (after your Surfari trip) and stay with Aimatarii and her family. They were such excellent hosts with a beautiful property, and comfortable private rooms open to travellers. The experience staying here was so quiet and relaxing that it really taught me a lot about the local way of life down in Teahupoo. The property is just steps away from the ocean, with an array of animals running around and fantastic hikes to waterfalls on the property.

This Tahiti accommodation offering is ideal for solo travelers or couples seeking a unique and budget-friendly experience. Either book through Airbnb or go through their official website at A Hi’o To Mou’a .

InterContinental Resort Tahiti

Last, but certainly not least, is the pièce de résistance of a stay on Tahiti. The InterContinental Resort would be my choice for travelers looking for a 5-star luxury stay on the island. This iconic hotel has a lush garden and a fantastic pool with a turquoise lagoon that you can snorkel in! The restaurant’s food is tasty (although more on the expensive side), and its proximity to the airport makes it wildly popular for travelers beginning or ending their French Polynesia adventure in style.

The InterContinental Resort Tahiti is also one of the only accommodation options on the island that offers overwater bungalows. If that’s something you want to experience, but don’t want to pay Bora Bora prices, you can realise that dream right here in Tahiti. 

The best restaurants in Tahiti

Before we wrap up this itinerary, I wanted to leave you with some final tips on eating and drinking in Tahiti. Starting with everyone’s favourite topic – food! One of the real treats of visiting Tahiti – pun intended – is the opportunity to sample the bliss of French Polynesian cuisine. I can attest to it myself! Tahiti is packed with amazing restaurants, and here are a selection of my favourites: 

• Hei Restaurant – A Trip Advisor award winner, Hei Restaurant is a high-end eatery right on the oceanfront in the Tahitian capital, Papeete. 
• Le Grillardin – Another Papeete standout, Le Grillardin is a gourmet restaurant that serves up traditional French cuisine – with a beautiful Polynesian twist!
• Le Lotus Restaurant  – Located within the aforementioned Intercontinental Resort Tahiti, Le Lotus is a beautiful overwater dining experience with lagoon views. They even have a swim up bar! 
• Urban Cafe – Urban Cafe is a chilled out little spot that serves up exceptional meals, and should be your go-to for a boho brunch in paradise!
• Le Sully – Le Sully is one of Tahiti’s most popular restaurants, serving up delicious Polynesian fare from Paris-inspired interiors. 

The best bars in Tahiti

The thought of enjoying a drink in Tahiti will likely conjure up mental images of delicious, fruity cocktails sipped on from cool beachfront bars, and all that and more awaits you on this unforgettable island! The bars in Tahiti are everything from fun and tropical to classically stylish and high-end. Here’s a few of my top picks: 

• Hotel Le Royal Tahitian   – The bar at the retro-inspired Hotel Le Royal Tahitian, on the island’s eastern coast, is the place to be on Friday and Saturday nights, when you’ll enjoy Tahitian music and dancing and tons of fun!
• Tiki Bar – Tiki Bar is located within the InterContinental Resort Tahiti and even non-guests can enjoy a drink here. Enjoy exceptional oceanfront views while sipping poolside cocktails. 
• Club Le Velvet  – Hidden inside the Hotel Tahiti Nui, Club Le Velvet is a stylish bar and restaurant serving up French-inspired meals and beverages. 
• Heiva Lounge Bar  – Located in Papeete’s Hilton Hotel, Heiva Lounge Bar is one of the most popular bars in Tahiti and offers unparalleled views to Moorea and beyond. 
• Bora Bora Lounge  – If you’re killing time before your cruise or ferry leaves, Bora Bora Lounge’s location right near Papeete’s wharf makes this a cheap and cheerful place to enjoy a quick bite, or a refreshing drink. 

Tahiti Travel Insurance

I never travel anywhere without booking a travel insurance policy , and buying a policy should be a non-negotiable. While French Polynesia is a very safe country with not much crime, there’s always potential for flight delays, accidents while hiking, medical emergencies, car rental issues or other holiday-derailing events. 

While you obviously hope you won’t need it, if something happens you’ll be so glad you’re fully covered to avoid any financial burdens that could ruin your trip to this idyllic island. 

I highly recommend  HeyMondo  due to their extensive range of cover for all situations and trip lengths, their fair pricing, and their handy app which allows you to not only manage any claims right from your phone, but also access free assistance online so you don’t need to rack up an expensive phone bill while abroad!

Tahiti Travel Tips

To conclude this article, I’ll break down a few essential travel tips to help you out before embarking on your journey to Tahiti…

• Rent a car – While car rentals in French Polynesia can be expensive, budget options/deals are often available. It makes any trip so much more enjoyable when you have the freedom to explore and to get to places easily and on your own time. While two days on my Tahiti itinerary are for guided tours, you’ll be glad you had a rental car for impromptu trips. 
• SIM card / Internet – For those travelers who don’t have an international phone plan, you’ll want to make sure you pick up a local SIM Card at the airport. I used the company Vini and was happy with their services.
• Mosquito repellant – Just a friendly reminder to use bug spray every day on Tahiti, as this is a tropical destination and mosquitos are prevalent. While I found mosquitos MUCH worse on Moorea than Tahiti, they’re still buzzing around everywhere. 
• Cash / ATM – Many people told me to bring local currency (CPF) from home, but I don’t think that’s necessary. There were plenty of ATMs in Tahiti and most places accepted credit cards, so I rarely paid for things in cash.

Am I Missing Anything From My 3-Day Tahiti Itinerary?

Have you recently visited Tahiti and think there’s something important I didn’t mention or should check out next time I’m in town? Please, do let me know. 

Keep in mind that this is a beachside paradise, so how about reading my review of the best sand-free beach towel ? After all, the last thing you want is sand stuck all over you when you’re going straight from the beach to the bar!

Looking for more island getaways to add to your bucket list?

My blog is chock-full of amazing island vacation inspiration. Here’s just a few posts on some of the world’s best island destinations…

• 10 Incredible California Islands to Visit
• Top 14 Things To Do In Thulusdhoo Island, Maldives
• Best Islands In Italy To Visit | 13 Stunning Places To Explore
• Best Islands In Spain To Visit | Your Guide To 16 Spanish Islands
• The 14 Best Islands in Portugal For Your Bucket List
• Best Greek Islands To Visit | 11 Most Beautiful Isles To Explore
• Top 25 Islands in Southeast Asia: Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia + More
• A Backpackers Guide To The Perhentian Islands
• A Weekend Trip To Tioman Island, Malaysia
• 20 Best Beaches In Malaysia: Beach Resorts & Islands

THANK YOU FOR READING THIS EPIC 3 DAY TAHITI ITINERARY!

SHARE THIS ITINERARY OF TAHITI WITH YOUR FAMILY AND FRIENDS, AND FOLLOW MY ADVENTURES ON FACEBOOK & INSTAGRAM !

That is such an extensive Tahiti travel guide. I loved reading it.

Wow, you did sooo much in such a short time! Again, thanks for sharing. I really want to go back.

Bro! Awesome content thank you for inspiration. Hope I can visit Tahiti this year.

Best wishes :-)

Hi Dave, I really likes your articles very informative for travel enthusiast likes me, thanks and keep sharing such article. Such an incredible Tahiti itinerary.

From the pictures Tahiti looks absolutely amazing. Thanks for sharing.

Great article for Tahiti travelers!

I really enjoyed this post. Thank you so much for sharing this. Let’s hope I get to go to Tahiti this year.

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Why Go To Tahiti

Miles of shoreline, dozens of resorts , French cuisine to die for – Tahiti has all the makings of a honeymoon destination . But beach bums often pass over Tahiti's sands in favor of  Bora Bora 's ivory shores. Despite its idyllic reputation and accessibility, Tahiti is often more of a stopover point en route to romantic getaways on smaller islands. However, that doesn't mean Tahiti should be ignored.

Leafy forests sit beside sandy shores, while French crêpes are served alongside Tahitian  poisson cru (raw fish). If there ever was a place that embodies the beautiful duality of the French Polynesian archipelago, it's Tahiti. Here, the quirky, often chaotic atmosphere of the island's capital,  Papeete , rubs elbows with uncorrupted natural beauty.

In fact, Tahiti – the largest of French Polynesia's 118 islands – is often referred to as two separate islands despite them being joined by a tiny land bridge. Tahiti Nui is the larger, northwestern section where Papeete can be found. Tahiti Iti (the smaller, southeastern half) is less accessible, although many visitors make the trek here for the seclusion. Just note that spending a week on either part of Tahiti will cost you quite a chunk of change. Regardless, travelers agree that the warm waters, lush jungles and luxurious resorts are worth the splurge.

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• # 3 in Best Places to Visit in Australia and The Pacific in 2023
• # 4 in Best Beach Honeymoons
• # 8 in Best Islands in the World for 2024

See All 7 Rankings

Best of Tahiti

Best hotels in tahiti.

• in Sofitel Moorea Ia Ora Beach Resort
• in InterContinental Resort Tahiti
• in Manava Suite Resort Tahiti

Best Things to Do in Tahiti

• # 1 in La Plage de Maui
• # 2 in Explore Papeete
• # 3 in Papenoo Beach

Popular Tours

Moorea 6-Hour Snorkeling and Lunch Shared Tour

(1204 reviews)

from $ 124.44

Grand Tour Quad 3h30 Quad excursion in Moorea (single or two-seater)

(304 reviews)

from $ 120.11

Crossing the island of TAHITI in a 4x4 safari (mountain, waterfall, river, basins)

(295 reviews)

from $ 130.00

Tahiti Travel Tips

Best months to visit.

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

What You Need to Know

The languages French is the official language, but you may hear local languages, such as Tahitian. English is also widely spoken.

The food trucks The food truck craze has hit Tahiti. Catch the  roulottes  – or food trucks – with everything from Chinese fare to French crepes, lined up along Papeete's waterfront in the evenings.

The sharp sand Sandals or water shoes are a must at the beaches. These shorelines are speckled with jagged shells, along with waves that hide barbed coral.

How to Save Money in Tahiti

Head to the supermarket  Restaurants are quite expensive, so save cash by purchasing breakfast and lunch items at the supermarket. Then, you can splurge on dinners.

Stay at a guesthouse  Tahitian guesthouses, also referred to locally as pensions (pronounced pone-see-on), are typically family-operated accommodations that range from dormitory-style lodging to individual bungalows and villas. They often cost less than a hotel . Tahiti Tourisme offers a comprehensive list on its website .

Go for a cruise  Taking a cruise that stops in Tahiti and other islands in French Polynesia can be more affordable than flying in and reserving accommodations on the island. Cruise lines like Princess Cruises and Oceania sail to this island paradise.

Bring your own snacks Food is costly in Tahiti. To save a little money, pack snacks from home instead of purchasing them on the island.

Culture & Customs

French is the official language of French Polynesia, though you'll find that many locals (especially those who work in the tourist industry) speak English. That said, it is more common to use the Tahitian greeting "La ora na," over the French "Bonjour."

Also, bear in mind that for most Tahitians, English is a second language. Be patient and courteous when conversing with locals. You may also hear bits and pieces of Tahitian, the local island language, but most residents will promptly switch to French or English when communicating with you.

The currency is the French Polynesia franc (XPF). The exchange rate fluctuates, so be sure to  check it before you go . Tipping is not customary on the islands – gratuities are included in hotel and restaurant bills, but like anywhere else, a little extra for excellent service is always appreciated.

Tahiti is a safe place for tourists. Generally speaking, there are only a couple of dangers to watch out for: pickpockets in Papeete and moray eels in the coral reefs on scuba dives. Most visitors soon discover that Tahiti is warm and welcoming to foreigners. In fact, locals have a philosophy: " aita pea pea " (which translates to: "not to worry"), which results in a very laid-back and affable culture. Don't be surprised when strangers greet you on the street. 

What to Eat

Surrounded by the South Pacific Ocean and blessed with ample sunshine and rain, Tahiti is an ideal spot to harvest seafood and grow fresh produce. Fish reigns supreme on menus in the restaurants in this French Polynesian island, with mahi mahi, grouper and tuna undoubtedly the most popular. You'll be remiss if you don't sample Tahiti's national dish,  poisson cru , which is raw tuna marinated in coconut milk and lime juice, similar to a ceviche. When it comes to fruit, the island grows some of the tastiest pineapples, coconuts and bananas.  Roulottes  (food trucks) are also a staple in Tahiti, dishing out a variety of quick (and cheap) eats like pizza, crepes and burgers all packed with flavor.

Many of the island's top resorts house some of the best restaurants in Tahiti – they're also some of the most expensive. However, experts, visitors and locals suggest at least one meal at one of the upscale eateries; favorites include the overwater  Le Lotus  at InterContinental Tahiti Resort & Spa and French and Polynesian fusion restaurant  Le Carré  at the Tahiti la Ora Beach Resort. Downtown Papeete is home to some standout restaurants as well, according to recent travelers. They say those looking for a decadent French meal should look no further than Le Grillardin or Restaurant Le Sully.

Getting Around Tahiti

The best way to get around Tahiti is by taxi or rental car. If you're planning on doing a lot of traveling throughout the island, a rental car is a good option. A bike is an option, too. For journeys to other French Polynesian islands, you'll have to book passage on a boat or airplane. Most travelers arrive into Faa'a International Airport (PPT), which is an approximately 4-mile drive west of the capital city of  Papeete . If a representative from your hotel isn't picking you up at the airport, you can hop into a taxi to your destination (though the short ride will likely be quite expensive). From the airport, you can also hop on flights to Bora Bora or nearby Moorea .

Entry & Exit Requirements

To visit French Polynesia, you'll need a U.S. passport valid for six months beyond the duration of your trip. If you're planning to stay in the country for more than 90 days, you'll also need to acquire a visa. For more information, visit the U.S. State Department's  website . 

La Plage de Maui dazzles with pearly white sand.

Explore More of Tahiti

Things To Do

Best hotels.

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THE 10 BEST Tahiti Tours & Excursions

Tahiti tours.

• Ports of Call Tours
• Sightseeing Tours
• Cultural Tours
• Private Tours
• Historical & Heritage Tours
• Archaeology Tours
• Walking Tours
• Beer Tastings & Tours
• Self-Guided Tours & Rentals
• Hop-On Hop-Off Tours
• Photography Tours
• Vespa, Scooter & Moped Tours
• Up to 1 hour
• 1 to 4 hours
• 4 hours to 1 day
• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 2.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• Likely to Sell Out
• The ranking of tours, activities, and experiences available on Tripadvisor is determined by several factors including the revenue generated by Tripadvisor from these bookings, the frequency of user clicks, and the volume and quality of customer reviews. Occasionally, newly listed offerings may be prioritized and appear higher in the list. The specific placement of these new listings may vary.

1. 5 Hours Tahiti Island Tour - West and East Coast

2. Grand Tour Quad 3h30 Quad excursion in Moorea (single or two-seater)

3. Moorea 6-Hour Snorkeling and Lunch Shared Tour

4. Moorea Street Food Tour

5. Crossing the island of TAHITI in a 4x4 safari (mountain, waterfall, river, basins)

6. Moorea Solo or Twin 3 hours Jet Ski Tour

7. Half Day Tour : Moorea Snorkeling & Sailing on a Catamaran named Taboo

8. Half-Day Guided Hike to Afareaitu Waterfall

9. 3-Hour Snorkeling Tour

10. Grand Magic Combo Jetski 3h00 + Quad 3h30

11. Papeete and Tahiti Historical and Cultural Tour

12. Unique Tahiti Tour - private, personalised, small group, east coast tour

13. Discover Mana during the crossing of Tahiti in a 4x4 Safari

14. private Tahiti island discovery

15. Best Way to Interact with Ocean Wildlife with Lunch. 6H

16. 4 Hours of Humpback Whale Watching in Tahiti

17. Private Island Tour

18. PRIVATE Half Day Tour : Moorea Snorkeling & Sailing on a Catamaran named Taboo

19. Franckyfranck Tours Moorea - Tours en demie-journée // Half day Tours

20. Unique Tahiti Tour - private, personalised, small group, west coast tour

21. Moorea Solo or Twin ATV Tour

22. Snorkeling picnic in 5 hours with lunch in Tahiti

23. Sunset Cruise : Moorea Sailing on a Catamaran named Taboo

24. Papeete Food & City Tour

25. 3-hour Lagoon Snorkeling Tour - Shared Tour

26. Half Day Snorkeling in Moorea

27. Papeete Walking Tour

28. Jet-ski excursion 3 hrs Jet ski excursion to Moorea (single or two-seater)

29. Day tour to Teahupoo along Tahitis West coast, private personalised small group

30. Crossing Over Tahiti Island Safari 4x4

What travelers are saying.

• 5 Hours Tahiti Island Tour - West and East Coast
• Grand Tour Quad 3h30 Quad excursion in Moorea (single or two-seater)
• 6-hour Snorkeling & Lunch Tour - Shared Tour
• Crossing the island of TAHITI in a 4x4 safari (mountain, waterfall, river, basins)
• Unique Tahiti Tour - private, personalised, small group, east coast tour
• Tahiti Activities Center
• Tahiti Lagoon Paradise
• 'ATAE : Safari Océan ~ Tahiti
• Captain Benoit
• Tahiti By Boat
• Teahupoo Adventure Tours and Surf
• Eleuthera Tahiti Diving Center
• Dive and Sea Tahiti - Base nautique de Puna'auia
• Tahiti Ocean Explorer
• Fluid Tahiti Dive Center
• Tahiti Eden Tours
• Unique Tahiti
• Iaorana Tahiti Expeditions
• Teahupoo Tahiti Surfari - Day Tours
• Tahiti Iti Diving

What You Need to Know About Tahiti

M Swiet Productions/Getty Images

If a trip to Tahiti and the islands of French Polynesia is on your travel radar, chances are you'll be heading there with someone special .

Nature seems to have custom-made these dreamy South Pacific islands for two. The scenery is spectacular, the water is crystal-clear, and those thatched-roof overwater bungalows rank among the planet's sexiest places to sleep.

And yet families will also find a trip to Tahiti to be a sun-filled (albeit pricey ) playground, as some resorts and islands have begun to cater to parents and children. Here's some facts about what you need to know as you begin planning your visit.

The 118 islands of French Polynesia (an autonomous nation with ties to France) are located in the middle of the South Pacific , about eight hours by air from Los Angeles and midway between Hawaii and Fiji .

Spread over two million square miles, they are divided into several groups. Tahiti, the largest island and home to the capital city, Papeete , is part of the most-visited group, the Society Islands, which also includes Moorea and Bora Bora .

More far-flung are the tiny coral atolls of the Tuamotu Islands, such as Fakarava and Tikehau, and the dramatic Marquesas Islands. Tourists rarely visit two additional groups, the Austral Islands and the Gambier Islands.

Tahiti is a tropical destination with abundant sunshine, year-round air and water temperatures of about 80 degrees, and two main seasons, summer and winter. The ideal time to visit is during the clear, dry winter months of May to October. Yet even during the more humid summer months of November to April, showers are mainly sporadic (typically late-afternoon and overnight) and there's usually plenty of sunshine.

Getting There

Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) is the gateway to French Polynesia. The islands' official carrier, Air Tahiti Nui offers daily non-stops to Papeete's Faa'a Airport (PPT), while Air France, Air New Zealand, and Qantas fly several times a week. You can also fly to Papeete nonstop from Honolulu on a weekly Hawaiian Airlines flight.

TripSavvy / Lauren Breedlove

Suggested Itineraries

With multiple combinations possible among the 15 or so islands with tourism infrastructure, which should you choose? It depends on your experience and interests.

First timers: On their virgin visit to French Polynesia, travelers typically stay for seven to 10 days and stick with a circuit of three islands: Tahiti, where you may have to stay overnight upon arrival or prior to departure, depending on flight times; Moorea, a lush, emerald-hued island located just a short flight or ferry ride away from Papeete; and Bora Bora, the crowning glory of the Society Islands with its magnificent Mt. Otemanu peak and world-famous lagoon.

Specialized interests: Repeat visitors, honeymooners, and scuba divers often bypass Tahiti and Moorea and head to islands a bit further afield.

A great combo for second-time visitors or romantics is Bora Bora, where the views never get old; Taha'a, located a short flight from Bora Bora with excellent pearl and vanilla farms; and Tikehau, Manihi or one of the other secluded Tuamotu atolls, where the main activities are snorkeling, sunning, and relaxation.

Divers typically head for the amazing coral reefs of Rangiroa, which is ranked as one of the world's great dive destinations. Adventure-seekers enjoy exploring the Marquesas, where ancient tribal lore and customs are commonplace.

Is Tahiti Expensive?

Yes, for a number of reasons. Almost everything except fresh seafood and tropical fruit has to be shipped in from a great distance - making food the most obvious expense. Add in the high cost of electricity and a currency tied to the euro, making the exchange pricey for Americans. Bora Bora and Taha'a resorts tend to be priciest, while those on Tahiti, Moorea, and the Tuamotus can be a third to a half less. To save, choose a beach bungalow over an overwater bungalow and look for a package with breakfast included. A variety of sources are now also offering package deals, that include air, accommodations, and sometimes even certain meals, making a visit more affordable than ever.

Do I Need a Visa?

No, for stays of 90 days or less, citizens of the United States and Canada need only a valid passport.

Is English Spoken?

Somewhat. Tahiti's two official languages are Tahitian and French, but you will find that most hotel employees speak English, as do people who work in shops or for tour companies.

Do They Use Dollars?

No. French Polynesia's official currency is the French Pacific Franc, abbreviated as XPF. You can exchange money at your resort and there are a few ATM machines on Tahiti, Moorea, and Bora Bora. Some vendors in local handicrafts markets will accept U.S. dollars.

What Is the Electric Voltage?

You will find both 110 and 220 volts, depending on the hotel or resort. Bring an adapter set and a converter to make sure you're covered.

What Is the Time Zone?

It's the same as Hawaii: Three hours earlier than Pacific Standard Time and six hours earlier than Eastern Standard Time (adjusted to two hours and five hours, respectively, from November to March).

Do I Need Shots?

None are required for residents of North America, but making sure your tetanus vaccination is up to date is a good idea. Also, pack plenty of bug repellent, as Tahiti has its share of mosquitoes and other insects.

Which Islands Are Most Family-Friendly?

The Societies - Tahiti, Moorea and Bora Bora - where a number of resorts have added accommodations suited to families, as well as kids programs.

Can I Cruise the Islands?

Yes. Several ships visit the islands. They include the m/s Paul Gauguin , a 320-passenger luxury ship, offering varied itineraries within French Polynesia and the neighboring Cook Islands year-round; the Royal Princess , a 670-passenger cruise ship, offering 10-day roundtrip sailings from Papeete and 12-day cruises between Hawaii and Papeete; and the Aranui 3 , a combo freighter /passenger ship that makes scheduled two-week runs from Papeete to the Marquesas.

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Tahiti is the largest island in the Islands of Tahiti archipelago in the South Pacific, commonly known as French Polynesia. Whether snorkeling a turquoise lagoon or surfing a black-sand beach, hiking to a waterfall or just to your hammock, or marveling at the colors of Papeete Market or at the agility of traditional dancers, it offers a mix of culture, adventure, and indulgence. Lodging is more affordable in Tahiti than on her sister islands, and you won’t need to arrange onward transport. But just because the island is convenient—an eight-hour direct flight from L.A.—doesn’t make it any less alluring as a destination itself.

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When’s the best time to go to Tahiti?

Tahiti is really a year-round destination. If you had to choose, the absolute ideal months to visit are during the May to October “dry season,” when the weather is slightly cooler and there is less rain. That said, traveling between November and March can offer better rates. Although technically the “wet season,” the weather is usually still good: You will likely get periods of rain, but also plenty of blue sky. Expect higher humidity, though.

How to get around Tahiti

Faaa is the only international airport among the Islands of Tahiti. It is located on Tahiti itself, just a few miles west of the capital city, Papeete. Flight time from Los Angeles is only eight hours and the islands are in the same time zone as Hawaii, meaning there’s only two or three hours difference (depending on time of year) with the U.S. West Coast. (This makes jetlag much less of an issue than traveling somewhere like Fiji, where you will cross the international dateline.) Once on the ground, it is very easy to circle the island by rental car—there is just one main road and it hugs the coastline. Note there are no formal street addresses in Tahiti. Instead, locations are identified by PK (points kilometriques), which represent the distance in kilometers from Papeete cathedral.

Can’t miss things to do in Tahiti

- Tahiti underwater is sublime, so make sure to go snorkeling or diving. - Try surfing, too—it was invented in Polynesia, possibly in Tahiti. - If you’re by the beach, stay at least a couple of nights in an overwater bungalow if you can. - Away from the sea, catch a Tahitian dance performance at a luxury hotel—it’s mesmerizing.

Food and drink to try in Tahiti

Fresh fish and seafood is a staple in Polynesia. The national dish is poisson cru, freshly caught raw fish (usually tuna) with diced vegetables marinated in lime and soaked in coconut milk. It is absolutely delicious and can be served with rice. Chevrettes are another popular Tahitian delicacy. These are freshwater shrimp often grilled or cooked in a French-influenced butter sauce.

Culture in Tahiti

Music and dance have long been an integral part of Tahitian life, and today learning the traditional dances is as popular with locals as tourists, who fill the many schools in Papeete. There are four main styles of dance in French Polynesia, and many hotels offer performances with dinner at least once a week. But to really experience the best of Tahitian dance, visit during Heiva I Tahiti: a major festival of traditional Polynesian culture that takes place for a week each July in Papeete and includes music, dancing, singing, and sports. Another large and important festival is the Billabong Tahiti Pro Surfing Tournament, which is an international, professional-level surfing contest held at Teahupo’o in Tahiti Iti over three days each May.

For Families

Tahiti is a great destination for families, especially if traveling from the West Coast. With the island just an easy eight-hour direct flight from Los Angeles and on the same time zone as Hawaii, it doesn’t take little ones long to adjust. Many resorts have kids clubs and are specifically geared towards families. And with adventures from snorkeling to waterfall hikes, there is plenty to do.

Local travel tips for Tahiti

Stay in a family-owned pension or Tahitian B&B to truly experience Tahitian life and culture. Spend your morning fishing with the locals, then take your fresh catch to the nearest motu (like a kind of mini island) for a picnic to remember.

Nearly every activity can be booked through your hotel, pension, or guesthouse upon arrival.

The tattoo art form was invented in Polynesia (or, at least, that’s where Europeans first enountered it), and today many Polynesians sport beautiful works of art as symbols of their personal identities.

Guide Editor

Becca Blond

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.

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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.

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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.

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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

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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.

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French Polynesia is an idyllic tropical getaway to lounge in an overwater bungalow or relax on a pristine beach. Explore the traditional spirit of the islands, savor incredible views, or dive deep into the crystal-clear waters as you consider the breathtaking possibilities of your Tahiti vacation. Discover the best experiences, the ideal time to visit, and more with our Tahiti Travel Guide and connect with a Tahiti travel specialist to get your plans started.

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An Epic 2 Week Islands of Tahiti Itinerary | French Polynesia

Last Updated March 27, 2024 William Tang

You are here: Home » Travel Itineraries » An Epic 2 Week Islands of Tahiti Itinerary | French Polynesia

Shimmering in infinite shades of blue are intertwined peaks and lush landscapes of green where 5 distinct island chains scattered across the South Pacific and 118 islands and atolls.  As the birthplace of the overwater bungalow, French Polynesia is known as a haven for honeymooners but dig deeper and there’s so much more to this tropical paradise.  This 2 week Islands of Tahiti itinerary provides a well-balanced perspective of the luxe and the affordable.

In this itinerary, you’ll learn how to plan your dream vacation to French Polynesia if you only have 14 to 16 days to work with.  Inside, you’ll get inspiration on what’s the best way to hop through both the famous and off-the-beaten-path islands whether you’re on a honeymoon or seeking new experiences and adventure like we were.  Most importantly, you’ll find detail insights on what you need to know before you go and tips on how to save money.

• 2 Week Islands of Tahiti Itinerary Highlights

This country deserves a proper amount of time to see but even then you will have only cracked the surface.  This 2 week islands of Tahiti itinerary (16 days to be exact) features bucket-list worthy experiences that you’ll certainly need to consider as you put together your own vacation to paradise.

Here are the top 5 highlights from French Polynesia that made the trip truly epic!

• Le Meridien Bora Bora (now The Westin Bora Bora Resort & Spa)
• Diving with Dolphins
• Turtle Centre
• Wall of Shark
• Marché de Papeete

Read more about French Polynesia

• How to travel Bora Bora on a budget
• Ultimate Tahiti travel guide
• The Islands of Tahiti Packing List
• Complete French Polynesia Travel Guide

Budget stays on The Islands of Tahiti ?

• You might be surprised to hear that there are many affordable accommodations in French Polynesia that aren’t the ultra resorts.  On the main island of Tahiti, we stayed in an apartment unit that fit our needs perfectly.  In Rangiroa, our pension or Tahitian guesthouse was less than $100 a night.  In Fakarava, we stayed at Pension Paparara which helped us save money as well.  For more ideas, I’ve compiled a list of the best pensions in Rangiroa and Fakarava .
• Table of Contents

Looking for something specific in this French Polynesia itinerary?  Jump straight to the section of interest.

In This Article

Trip Planning Map

Setting the stage, day 1 – tahiti – loading up on supplies, day 2 – tahiti – island tour, day 3 – bora bora – arriving in paradise, day 4 to 8 – bora bora – the overwater bungalow, day 9 – bora bora to rangiroa – real tahitian life, day 10 to 12 – rangiroa – tiputa dolphins, day 13 – rangiroa to fakarava – a new atoll, day 14 to 15 – fakarava – wall of shark, day 16 – home – back to reality, quick french polynesia travel guide, the islands of tahiti itinerary experience, travel resources for your next trip, how to plan a 16 days islands of tahiti itinerary.

If I rewind the tape and I think back on how this Islands of Tahiti itinerary came to be, I remember how overwhelmed and confused I was .  How many days do I need here? I’ve heard of Bora Bora, but what other islands should I visit? How do the inter-island flights work? How can I make sure I don’t blow our budget?  So many questions and not enough resources!

As you peel away all the layers, I can totally relate to you feeling equally as perplexed right now.  The good news is that I’m here to help in the form of this fully broken down 2 week itinerary and French Polynesia travel guide .

As with all of my other itineraries , my goal is to help guide you through the trip planning process through my own.  You can either copy it completely, take bits and pieces of it, or leverage my learnings to build an even better one.

When I plan my trips, I always find that it’s helpful to visually see where everything is and this trip is no different from the 2 week Greek Island hopping , Egypt in 10 days , and 1 week in Austria itineraries .

With this map, you’ll be able to take this to go and have it ready for you on your phone or use it as part of your itinerary planning.  I’ve always found this to be a nice quick-reference for when you travel especially for The Islands of Tahiti where you might have a few restaurants in mind that you want to eat at.

Tip: View the 16 day French Polynesia trip planning map in full screen and create a copy (this step is key) for yourself.  Make tweaks for your own trip and in Google Maps, you’ll be able to view it by going into the menu, selecting “My Places” and the “Maps” tab.

BEFORE YOU CONTINUE 

You need to read the companion French Polynesia travel guide that has literally everything that I learned from this trip.  There are a lot of surprises that’ll hit you when you’re out there so you want to make sure you’re as prepared as possible.

French Polynesia Guide

For the purpose of this itinerary, I’m going to focus on the actual days in-destination and exc the transit days as well.  Everyone is going to have a different route to get to French Polynesia so it’s not worth breaking that down.  If you are looking for flight tips, you can find all of that in the French Polynesia Guide .

To give you an idea of my thought process when planning this trip, these were my 5 priorities:

• Stick to a budget which meant smart spending and not do anything ultra-lavish
• Scuba diving is some of the best in the world and so we weren’t going to miss out
• Leverage Marriott Bonvoy points accrued from my various Amex credit cards to stay at Le Meridien Bora Bora (now The Westin Bora Bora)
• Seek out affordable accommodations in Tahitian guesthouses
• Experience local culture by going off-the-beaten path and experience islands that most people skip

With that in mind, let’s dive (pun intended) into the 2 week islands of Tahiti itinerary.

Since almost all international flights arrive in the evening, you’ll find it challenging to bounce away to another island right away.  Instead of fighting it, I embraced it by planning a full 2 days on the island of Tahiti.

While I know some will tell you that there isn’t much to see on Papeete, I’d beg to differ so hear me out.

Read The Official Authority

If you’re looking for the authority on French Polynesia, look no further than the tourism board.  It’s your resource for the breakdown on The Islands of Tahiti , the types of activities you can do, vacation packages, and a neat little game called “Pick Your Paradise” to show you how dynamic the country is.  Click below to find your Tahiti specialist.

On your first day in Tahiti, jet lag will surely take hold.  There’s no shame in sleeping in and and when you’re ready, head out to getting situated and stocked up.  I know it won’t be the most exciting of days but you’ll be glad to have this one before you’re island hopping.

Tahiti, being the biggest of the islands, the most populated, and having the capital of Papeete means that things’ll be widely available and affordable.

TIP ON CAR RENTAL: In a game of indecision, I ended up cancelling my car rental with Hertz because I thought the combination of excursions and airport transfers with Tiurai Tours were enough.  However, we quickly learned that based on where we were staying, we needed the freedom of a car to get around.  Without it, we were restricted to walking.  If you’re not staying in the city of Papeete, a rental car is highly recommended.  More on car rentals in the travel guide .

Where you’ll go on your first day will largely depend on where you’re staying.  If you end up at the Balcons du Lotus , which is in the neighbourhood of Punaauia, you’ll want to make your way to the Carrefour .  There are 3 of these supermarkets on the island and this is the largest you’ll find.

At Carrefour Punaauia plaza, you’ll be able to run all of your errands.  At Carrefour itself, you can buy breakfast, hot foods, groceries, souvenirs, and even last minute clothing purchases if you need them.  Next to Carrefour is a pharmacy and so if you need mosquito repellent, this is your spot to pick it up.  There’s a convenient store here where you can buy stamps so you don’t need to worry about it the rest of the trip for your postcards.  You’ll also find multiple ATMs at this plaza so this is your chance to withdraw the local currency, Pacific Francs (XPF).

I’m going to re-iterate that this is going to be your best opportunity to stock up on supplies.  Trust me when I say that you’re going to have a heck of a hard time buying these once you go to Bora Bora, Rangiroa, and Fakarava.

If you’re looking to exchange USD or EUR here, you’re better off doing it at the airport or in Papeete but keep in mind the day of the week you’re here because the banks and exchange centres are closed on the weekend.  The only exception is Tahiti Exchange at the airport which is open 8AM to 11:30AM on weekends.

TIP ON MOSQUITO REPELLENT: I did some research before going to French Polynesia and someone recommended a French repellent named Moustidose .  We used this throughout the trip and found it to be really effective.  You will definitely need it on Rangiroa and Fakarava.

TIP ON ATMS: The ATMs in Tahiti are quite picky when it comes to debit cards.  For my Canadian debit card, we couldn’t withdraw from Banque de Polynesia but had no problems with Office des Postes et Télécommunications and Banque de Tahiti.  I’ve heard Banque Socredo is also easy to use.  The other thing you need to know is that each has a different max limit.

For lunch, I recommend eating at Chocolatine which serves French brunch and Tahitian cuisine.  They have an amazing benedict and tuna tartare.

The rest of the day is yours for you to discover the island and again will highly depend on where you’re staying.

For us in February, we were hit with pretty serious tropical rain so we ended up heading back to our apartment and taking it easy but if you’re interested in doing a bit more planning, here are a few ideas for the afternoon:

• Tahiti Sunset Cruise – A romantic 1.5 hour cruise with a maximum group of 12 and includes hotel pick-up and mocktail.
• Polynesian Dance Buffet – The Intercontinental Tahiti offers themed nights on Wednesday and Friday.  To my surprise, there aren’t many places that offer a big experience like this.
• Roulottes Papeete Express – Typically this tour is for those arriving in Tahiti in the afternoon but this is an idea of something you can do in the evening which is to eat at the many food trucks (roulottes) in Papeete.

Day 1 Summary

Where you’ll eat:

• Lunch – Chocolatine – Fabulous cafe that serves a mix of French classics and traditional Tahitian dishes.
• Dinner – Carrefour Punaauia – There is a sweet selection of raw fish, fruits, and hot foods here that make great takeaway.

Where to stay:

The Islands of Tahiti isn’t all big resorts and underwater bungalows.  What really surprised me about my trip here is how many guesthouse, apartment rentals, and B&Bs are available.  This means that you have a lot of options available to you and many ways to save money.

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.

Back to the top

You know why it’s a good idea to stay on Tahiti a little bit longer besides stocking up on supplies?  Instead rushing off to other islands, spend some time to learn about the country’s discovery, history, people, culture, and food.

Start off your day with the breakfast supplies you picked up at Carrefour and then head out to get picked up by a local operator, Tiurai Tours .  The owner, Vanessa, started her company in 2018 and her airport shuttle services and tours were highly recommended.

Your first stop on the tour is the city of Papeete.  This is the centre of commerce on the island and an area that is most built up.  The most famous thing to see here is the Marché de Papeete or also known as the Papeete Municipal Market .  This is a two level hub for both visitors and locals alike.  Tahitians come here to buy fresh vegetables and fruit on one end and on the other end, travellers walk through rows of stalls where oyster shells are repurposed into beautiful works of art and the fragrance of tiaré fills the air.

This market is at the core of your Tahitian orientation experience.  During your time here, your guide will show you all of the local creations, explain what manoi oil is, see how leaf purses are made, look closely at hand-made Polynesia pareo (wraparound skirt), and small different forms of fresh vanilla.

Continue your walk around and you’ll discover where you can buy fresh flowers, pick up hot foods to go, and fresh market vegetables and groceries.

Something you should definitely ask for is to try of the unique food items you can find in the market such as sweet potato , taro , breadfruit , cooked banana , and cooked fei’i .  Another thing to look out for is taota which is dessert that almost resembles mochi but is actually a root vegetable that has caramel and tapioca-like qualities when baked.

There’s more to discover upstairs and also surrounding the market on the outside.  This is your chance to buy souvenirs.  It may seem counter-intuitive since it’s at the beginning of the trip but trust me, the prices here are significantly cheaper than if you decide to buy something at your Bora Bora resort.  In fact, we found it quite challenging to buy postcards and magnets once we left Bora Bora and had to resort to picking these up at the airport shop.

For lunch, you’ll eat at Café Maeva .  Located on the second level of the market, it has laid back vibes written all over it with its bar tabletop and open table seating.  With access to the freshest ingredients and amazing chefs, don’t let the casual island environment fool you, the traditional Tahitian food here is done to perfection and I can’t recommend them highly enough.

While you’re here, make sure to have the poisson cru au lait du coco .  Poisson cru is emblematic of Tahitian food and diet with a mix of fresh tuna, a twist of citrus, fresh vegetables, and coconut milk.  This’ll help you set the bar for what good poisson cru tastes like.  Their grilled fish of the day and tuna trio is also excellent.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

Address: 23 Rue du Père Collette, Papeete 98714, French Polynesia

Hours:  Monday 5AM – 5PM, Tuesday to Friday 4AM -6PM, Saturday, 4AM – 4PM, and Sunday 3AM – 9AM.

Price:  No admission for entry.

Tips:  

• The market is broken up into different sections.  You have the souvenir block of stands, fresh flowers, groceries, food court vendors, and souvenir shops upstairs.
• Maybe I didn’t look that hard but it seemed like the main restaurant upstairs was Café Maeva and from the lunch that we had with them, I was very impressed with their food and would recommend them for lunch.
• You can do the market for free especially if you’re staying nearby but it is helpful to have a local walk you through the market.  I liked that we could ask questions and particularly appreciated that she bought a sample platter of sweet fruits and vegetables that are staples of Tahitian diet.
• This market is probably one of the better places to buy souvenirs.  There’s a souvenir shop upstairs and that’s where we picked up our postcards, Marquesas tiki, magnet, patch, and sticker for all the things I collect when I travel .
• For Café Maeva, you don’t need reservations but if you want to play it safe, you can make reservations for a table once you get to the market and eat lunch after you’re done exploring the area.
• Lunch is not included with the tour.

TIURAI TOURS

Besides the overwater bungalow, the Tahitian black pearl is perhaps the country’s most famous export.  What makes these pearls so well-known (and expensive) is that they’re the only pearl that has a mesmerizing dark charcoal shimmer.  In fact, these pearls make up 55% of the country’s exports and are almost exclusively cultivated in French Polynesia through a special process.

After lunch, head out of the market and walk over to the Tahiti Pearl Market .  They’re one of the largest sellers of Tahitian pearls and is a great place to see, learn, and touch these rarities.  Unlike other stores, they have an immersive shopping experience where you get to hand-pick the pearls and watch them place it into any setting you wish.

In the palm of your hands can be a pearl worth $10,000 USD.  Even if you don’t buy anything, the sales reps there are more than willing to explain the different grades of quality, differences in colours, and answer our questions about how cultivation works.

TIP:  Bring your own water.  One thing we noticed with most tours on Tahiti is that they don’t provide a free supply of water.

There’s much to explore on the island so it’s time to hit the road!

Back in the van, you’ll start making your way clockwise to the eastern part of Tahiti.  The first stop is Venus Point , the northernmost place on Tahiti.  The name comes thanks to Captain James Cook who originally came to this point to study the movement of Venus across the sun.

Here, you’ll find Tahiti’s only lighthouse ( Teara o Tahiti ) that dates back to 1867.  Surrounded by a beach of black sand, you’ll also see examples of original Polynesia canoes named va’a , and a park-like setting for locals and tourists swimming, surfing, or learning about Polynesian history.

Next, you’ll make your way to the Arahoho Blowhole .  Formed from battering surf, cutting into the basalt shoreline and eroding a passageway, eruption of dragon’s breath steam surprises visitors that walk by.

Beyond the blowhole, you can also walk along the pathway that wraps around the coast where the old road followed before the tunnel opened.

From the blowhole, you’ll make a short drive to the Faaurumai Valley near Tahiti’s north coast.  Nestled in the thick rainforest are three different waterfalls but only Vaimahutu Falls is currently open and easy to walk to.  After a short 5-minute walk, you’ll arrive at the large pool of water that catches the 100 feet cascade.  After a rainy day, the power of the waterfall can be heard and felt.

On the way back home, you’ll make one final stop at the Tahara’a Lookout ( Belvedere du Tahara’a ) which has panoramic views of Papeete.

Dinner at the Papeete Roulottes  ( Vaiete Roulottes ) is a great option and one of your only chances to do this before you head off to the other islands.  Every night, food trucks converge on this spot and is a great way to sample many different types of foods from crepes, Chinese, burgers, Tahitian, and more for affordable prices.  Officially the hours for the roulottes is 6PM to late but my recommendation is to arrive after 6:30PM once they’re all set up.

TIP:  Think about what your dinner plans are especially if you’re not staying in Papeete.  One idea is that you can have dinner at the Papeete Roulottes and then cab home.  Alternatively, you can also look at other individual food trucks around the island that’s closer to your accommodations. Also keep in mind that roulottes only take cash.

There’s so much more that you can do on Tahiti and we considered many other options before deciding on something a bit more laid back.  Instead of doing the east coast island tour that we did, here are a few other alternatives that you can take a look at.

• Scuba Diving with TOPDIVE – Yes, Tahiti actually has really great diving and TOPDIVE is one of the go-to dive shops that runs out of the Intercontinental.  Keep in mind their great bundling pricing that they have.
• Papeete Inner Island Full-Day Jeep Safari – A highly raved about experience is the jeep safari that takes you into the interior of the island and the crater in Papenoo Valley that you can only get to by a 4×4.
• Tahiti Island Tour Including Venus Point, Taharaa View Point and Vaipahi Gardens – This is a great 4-hour tour that takes you out to see some of the primary sights on the eastern coast.
• Half Day Tahiti Tour – This is a half day tour that has two time slots (8AM and 1PM).  Van has AC, wifi, and informative guide are included.

Day 2 Summary

What you’ll see:

• Tahiti Pearl Market
• Venus Point
• Arahoho Blowhole
• Vaimahutu Falls
• Tahara’a Lookout
• Breakfast – Breakfast food from Carrefour.
• Lunch – Café Maeva – Superb restaurant located in the Papeete Market with Tahitian dishes in a relaxing environment.
• Dinner – Papeete Roulottes – Has a feel of an Asian hawker centre with many food trucks lining the harbourside square.  Food is cheap and plentiful.  Go for the atmosphere, location, and low prices.

It’s finally time.  Pack your bags and pump your fists in the air because it’s time to make your way to Bora Bora!

Depending on your flight time, you’ll get a pick up from a service such as this one .  Since this is a domestic flight, you’ll only need to be at the airport at most 1.5 hours before take-off.

PACKING TIP: Air Tahiti is quite strict with check-in and carry-on weight, and number of bags on departures from Tahiti so be careful here.  Remember, it’s 23kg for check-in, 5kg for carry-on, and only one carry-on bag is allowed (full rules here ).  The only exception seems to be for those that are travelling with a lot of camera gear.  I was clearly over on my carry-on weight in my Peak Design Travel Backpack but they allowed the overage.  You’ll be given pink carry-on tags upon check-in.

If you didn’t do this on initial arrival in French Polynesia, this is your last chance to decide whether you want to have a pocket wifi device with you or SIM card.  In the car rental section of the airport is Tahiti Wifi .  They are the only vendors that have hotspots at the airport.  Head to The Islands of Tahiti travel guide  for full details on this including pricing and whether it’s worth it or not.

FLIGHT BOOKING TIP: There’s really no reason to linger in Tahiti on this day so I recommend that you take one of the early flights to Bora Bora.  This way, you can maximize your day there even if your room isn’t ready.

When you arrive at the airport, head to the Air Tahiti check-in counter which is on the left-most side of the airport.  Remember that this is domestic flight so there is no security that you have to go through.  Once you have your boarding pass, you’ll literally walk into the gate area.

WATER TIP:  No security means no liquid restrictions.  Feel free to pack water with you!

Another thing you should know is that Air Tahiti is has open seating so when they announce boarding, get in line as seating is done on a first-come-first-serve basis.

BEST SEAT TIP:  Once you get on the plane, ask the flight attendant about which side you should be on.  From my experience, the left side is where you want to be but double check because the approach may be different for some reason that day.  For where to sit on the plane, if you want unobstructed views, either sit in the first 3 rows or the last 3 rows.  Anywhere in the middle you’re going to have the wing and/or engine in view.

Your flight to Bora Bora will be a quick 50 minutes and the view of the resorts and Mount Otemanu will be remarkable.

NOTE: The Le Meridien Bora Bora underwent extensive renovations and is now rebranded to The Westin Bora Bora Resort & Spa .

When you arrive at the airport, you’ll walk immediately into an arrival area that’s surrounded by small stands of all the big resorts on the island.  You should be able to spot yours quickly.  In our case, it was the Le Meridien Bora Bora stand.  You will be greeted with beautiful leis and given resort tags.  You’ll be instructed to get your luggage and hand them over to the staff for loading onto the boat.

There is no baggage carousel on these island airports.  Instead, they have a two-tiered metal rack where they throw the suitcases onto.  All the passengers surround these racks and you grab your bag when you see it.

The Le Meridien staff will grab your bags with the tags once they spot you and from there you’ll seamlessly exit the doors of the airport and onto the jetty where the boat will be waiting for boarding.

You’ll be likely arriving with a bunch of other new guests to the resort from Tahiti.  Everyone will board the boat and before you know it, you’ll be whisked away.

A welcoming committee will greet you, complete with ukulele performance and staff waiting to help you off the boat and get you sorted.  Each staff member will be assigned to a couple of guests and you’ll split you off into different parts of the resort reception level.

There are a lot of need-to-know’s here about Le Meridien Bora Bora.  Make sure to read the full review of the resort and the overwater bungalows  if you’re interested in knowing the helpful details.

Led to the Miki Miki Bar , our check-in specialist, Kayo, gave us welcome drinks, a cool towel, and went off to print some of our paper work while we provided her with our passports and credit card.  I had to fill and sign on the indicated areas and the last remaining thing was confirming what I wanted as my reward amenity for my Platinum status.  Naturally, I said the complimentary breakfast.

Once you get the paperwork in order, your specialist will show you a quick tour of the property and point out its key features.  I’ll say that it’s pretty brief so you’ll need to dive in yourself to find out what kind of activities you can book and what is free.  Luckily for you, I’ll be writing a review of the property  to help you plan your stay here.  Le Meridien unfortunately doesn’t do a great job at guiding you through this.

Despite arriving early, there’s always still the chance of getting your room early as we did.  We expected to get our room by noon but to our pleasant surprise, our room was ready right after the tour and this was at roughly 10:15AM.

For the rest of your first day, you’ll be giddy with delight.  After you get settled in and gawk at how large the glass-bottom floor is and how ridiculous the balcony view is, you’re free to do anything you want.

In fact, I’m not really going to do much guiding beyond this for the rest of your time at Le Meridien Bora Bora because this is your vacation.

If there’s any recommendation I’m going to make, it’ll be to take the afternoon to go to the concierge and flip through activities in the book/iPad, check out all of the restaurant menus, ask about all the special days if you haven’t read the property guide so you can make a plan for your stay.

Day 3 Summary

• Breakfast – Breakfast food from Carrefour
• Lunch – Skipped – We were overwhelmed by excitement that we didn’t end up eating a proper lunch at Le Meridien and instead snacked on some bars we brought.
• Dinner – Miki Miki Bar – You’ll quickly learn that the pizza here is phenomenal and the best value item at the resort.

Undoubtedly an important decision here because it’ll have a huge impact on your experience since this is your longest stay and most expensive as well.  I’m biased towards the Le Meridien Bora Bora because I was able to leverage my Marriott Bonvoy points for this stay but I can equally argue this for many of the other Bora Bora properties .  Here are my recommendations.

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.

Looking for deals?

With 6 nights to work with, there’s plenty of time to enjoy the resort and Bora Bora as well.

Below are a few things that we did during our time at Le Meridien to give you a few ideas in this Islands of Tahiti itinerary .

You’ll quickly learn that with the right planning, you can definitely do Bora Bora on a budget .

Snorkelling

There are two main snorkelling areas on the property.

The first is right below your overwater bungalow if you’re closer to the beach where the water is only waist high.  There isn’t that much to see since there isn’t a house reef like the one at Conrad Maldives but there are fish that hang around the bungalow support stilts and also by to the dock area.  You can also snorkel all the way out to the main beach area but since it’s almost all sand, you won’t find too many fish there.

The second is the inner lagoon.  There’s more to see here because of a couple of reasons:

• There is a cluster of tikis underwater and those are fun to find.
• At breakfast, they hand out fish food to guests and so that actually attracts a lot of fish to Le Tipanie part of the lagoon.
• Near the chapel are a few coral growing stations and this is the same water that leads into the Turtle Centre’s pool.  Fish have access in and out through an open part of the mesh so more fish are naturally in this area.

We initially thought there would be good snorkelling near the secret cabanas but it’s way too shallow there.

Resort Activities

From the activity centre, there are quite a few activities that you can do.  Most are free and some are paid.

Free Water Activities

• Snorkel rentals
• Glass bottom single and double kayaks
• Paddleboards
• Polynesian sailing canoe – 30 minute beach discovery

Paid Water Activities

• Kite surfing
• Waterski, wake board, tube tow, surf foil
• Va’a ho’e outrigger canoe experience

Lastly, if you’re looking for activities on the beach, there are a number of free activities you can take advantage of:

Free Land Activities

• Beach volleyball
• Football (soccer)
• Giant chess
• Lawn bowling

Special Resort Events 

These aren’t well promoted by the resort but there are a couple of free events that are sprinkled throughout the week.

• Wednesday – Movie Night on the beach
• Thursday – Polynesia Dance
• Saturday – Beach Party

Secret Cabanas

These probably aren’t the official names for these and they’re not even on the official map but they must be part of the property.

This is one of those things that isn’t promoted on the property which leaves guests skeptical to go since it’s across lagoon waters.

I highly recommend anyone staying here because it’s incredibly secluded and is a near-private part of the resort because nobody goes.  These are 4 cabanas placed right above the water, allowing you to lie down on a suspended bed with only the rustling of palms and crashing of the ocean on the other side of the lagoon.

There is a large stretch of beach that connects the two sides of the resort and faces the Bora Bora lagoon and Mount Otemanu.  This has to be one of the best features of the property because not only are the views breathtaking, but the waters are incredibly shallow, the white sand soft, and the perfect temperature.

The beach has many types of chairs for you to enjoy depending on your lounging style or you can swim out to the floating blue rings that are anchored in the water.  They allow you to stay cool with the water while still getting a great tan.

Sunset Photos

There are so many places to take photos of the resort at sunset but if I had to pick, here are my top locations.

• The left arm of resort by suite 304 has a perfect view of the umbrella of overwater bungalows and Mount Otemanu perfectly aligned in the middle.
• The pool in front of Te Ava restaurant has an unobstructed view of the lagoon and mountain.  If you get right down to the water, you can get awesome reflection shots at sunset.
• The Miki Miki Bar has an awesome elevated view of the resort and is definitely a guest favourites to grab a drink and take photos of the sunset.
• TOPDIVE Bora Bora

While Bora Bora isn’t necessarily known for the best diving compared to some of the other islands, we were impressed with what we saw during our two tank dive with TOPDIVE.

I can’t guarantee that you’ll see the same thing but our dive with this family of eagle rays was particularly memorable.

Alternatively, there is also a dive centre at the resort named Diveasy where 2 tanks is 25,000 XPF which is slightly higher than TOPDIVE.

Address:  InterContinental Resort & Thalasso Spa

Hours:  Dive times vary but to give you an idea, our pick up time was 8:15AM.

• 2 tank dive – 19,000 XPF
• 6 dives across all islands in French Polynesia between 2 people – 55,000 XPF
• 10 dives across all islands in French Polynesia between 2 people – 89,000 XPF
• Do they pick ups at all resorts?  Yes they will pick you up no matter where you are.
• Is there a cost to rent gear?   No, what’s unique in French Polynesia is that all the diving rates are all-inclusive no matter whether you want to rent masks, fins, wet suit, and dive computer.
• What if I haven’t gone diving in over 12 months?   They officially do require a refresher if you haven’t gone diving in awhile but it didn’t seem strongly enforced in that they just put you on a regular diving group and provided a bit more guidance on the boat.  Otherwise, it’s the same dive that everyone else does.
• TOPDIVE in Bora Bora is more full-service which means they have towels on the boat and they provide snacks and beverages in between dives.
• Nitrox is included for free but in Bora Bora it’s not really necessary so it wasn’t provided.
• Typically one dive is in the lagoon and one dive is on the ocean side.

BOOK A DIVE

Turtle Center

The differentiating feature of Le Meridien Bora Bora is the on-site Turtle Centre.  This is an ecological centre dedicated to the conservation and protection of marine turtles.  Think of this as a turtle hospital, taking in injured turtles from the region, nurturing them to health, and releasing them back into the ocean when they are ready.

They are exclusively on the property for Le Meridien guests and the best part is that they have a free feeding experience daily that has combines an educational component with a chance to feed turtles that are being rehabilitated in their sanctuary.

Address:  Le Meridien Bora Bora, 98730, French Polynesia

Hours:   Feeding is at 10:30AM daily.  Healing hour is daily at 2PM or 3PM.

• Turtle Feeding – Free
• Healing Hour – 5,000 XPF/person (early reservations recommended)
• Live My Life Healer for a Day – 13,000 XPF per person (t-shirt and lunch included)
• Can I touch the turtles?  No this is strictly forbidden for your protection and also to prevent any contamination.  Note that you’ll be given gloves to wear to protect the turtles.
• Are cameras allowed?   Yes.  There are no camera restrictions in the sanctuary.
• How long is the feeding experience?   The presentation is roughly 20 minutes and the feeding itself 20 to 30 minutes.
• Is the Healing Hour worth it?   If you’re not a scuba diver, this is a great way to swim with turtles.
• Can you openly snorkel in the Turtle Center pool?   No, you aren’t allowed to as this is reserved for the Healing Hour activity.
• Can I feed turtles in the Turtle Center pool?   There are signs that explicitly say that this isn’t allowed.
• The food for the turtles does run out since there’s only a small tupperware box for each turtle so don’t wait.
• The educational component is typically run in English but if there are enough French speakers they do split the group up.
• The souvenir shop has specific hours (Sunday – Thursday 9AM – 2PM) however in reality it’s normally closed since the staff are tending to the turtles and not in the store.  The best time to go to the store is right after the feeding experience.
• Throughout the day, they let 1-2 turtles out into the pool as part of their rehabilitation so if you feel like watching turtles, come at any time to see if they’re out and about.

READ THE REVIEWS

As you can see, there are a ton of things to keep you occupied on the resort itself.  If you’re interested in other excursions and/or spending time on the main island of Vaitape, there are also a couple of restaurant recommendations that I can make.

Excursions:

• Half Day 4WD Island Tour – You’ll see several lookouts including East Matira, Faanui Cannons, and Amanahune Bay. See a demonstration by local artists, check out vestiges of World War II, and taste delicious tropical fruits at a plantation.
• Jet Ski and Shark Stingray Snorkel Cruise – Combo tour that includes jet skiing, lunch and snorkelling tour that includes a shark and stingray boat safari.
• Self-Drive Jet Ski Tour – Tour the lagoon in a jet ski on your own with a local guide.  Learn how to open a coconut as well in between!
• Morning or Afternoon Snorkelling Tour – Cruise to the best swimming spots throughout the lagoon with your guide and dive beneath the waves
• Stargazing and Sunset Cruise Tour – Following a beautiful sunset, learn about how the ancient Polynesian people used the stars to navigate their way across the South Pacific.

Restaurants:

• Bloody Mary’s – The most popular restaurant on the island that’s known for their fun, beach-vibe environment, and fresh fish.  They also provide shuttles for hotels on the island and from dock.
• The Lucky House – Great food and atmosphere and right across from the InterContinental Le Moana.
• Aloe Cafe – A great lunch spot for anyone heading to Vaitape for a day trip.  Their poisson cru and tuna burger are excellent.

At the end of the day, my view point is that you’ve spent all of this money to be at a beautiful resort like this so why not enjoy it to its fullest by not planning too much, and enjoy the view and company.

If you want to know the day by day of what I did on the resort, make sure to check out the 16 day French Polynesia itinerary Google Sheet .

Day 4 to 8 Summary

• Le Meridien Bora Bora

What you’ll do:

• Breakfast – Le Tipanie – Breakfast buffet
• Lunch – Usually skipped – In most cases, we turned breakfast into lunch.  If hungry, we ordered room service from the children’s menu.
• Dinner – Te Ava , Miki Miki Bar, and Le Tipanie – There are two main restaurants and one bar at the resort.  For best value, Miki Miki Bar is a top choice.  For the best food, Te Ava really impressed.  Lastly, to save money on some of the nights, think about bringing cup noodles.

From the Society Islands, you’ll be making your way to the Tuamotu Archipelago which is the constellation of ring-shaped islands better known as atolls that are older in age and teeming with biodiversity.  Atolls are essentially a coral reef and land mass that encircles a lagoon through the process of a collapsing volcano.

On your final night, you’ll receive your final bill for your stay and also times for when you need to leave your luggage outside your room and when to gather at the dock for departure.  Make sure to double check each line item and if you have any “Make A Green Choice” vouchers (more about these in the resort review), you should get those in the night before.  This way, your check-out process should be seamless.

Your boat shuttle will quickly whisk you back to the airport and the check-in process will be incredibly quick.  You’ll get your boarding pass, check your bags in, and right beside the counters is the waiting area.

FLIGHT TIP:  Remember when I said that Tahiti to Bora Bora was really strict on carry-on weight?  Well from Bora Bora, it was the exact opposite.  They didn’t check for the number of carry-on pieces or the weight.  While we were still trying to stay within limits, it’s safe to say that it is not strict for flying between islands that don’t depart from PPT.  Again, no security to worry about.

Bora Bora to Rangiroa is a straight shot 1 hour and 15 minute flight.  Similar to Bora Bora, the airport is quite small.  Your Tahitian guesthouse should be waiting for you just outside the luggage racks so look out for their sign.

Since you’ll be staying on the Tiputa motu, you will first need a taxi ride to the pier, followed by a short 10 minute ferry by speed boat.

FERRY TIP:  This is a small speed boat and is literally just to get you across the Tiputa Pass.  There’s no particular schedule for this ferry except it’s every 30 minutes from 6AM to 5PM (with lunch between 12-1PM).  The cost is 300 XPF per person and cash only.

You’ll immediately spot differences as you make your way over.  Instead of a giant inner island, you’ll see the vastness of the inner lagoon that could easily be mistaken for one of the Great Lakes from your vantage point.  Instead of resorts lining up at their airport to greet you with lei’s, you have families, taxi drivers, and the small resorts and guesthouses picking people up.

Get settled into your Tahitian guesthouse.  Chez Taia et Vero is an extremely affordable property on the Tiputa motu that has the comfort of being in a secluded community while still having the comforts of a private bathroom, strong wifi, free bike rental, and a large shared kitchen.

This is the perfect day to go out and pick up supplies that you want for the fridge.  There are two convenient stores or magasin as they call them.  One is Nova which has better food selection and the other is Ragi which is the only one that sells beer.

Something you’ll need to keep in mind of when planning your supply runs when you’re here is that the the hours of operations are a bit sporadic.  Nova is open Monday to Saturday at 5:30AM – 12PM and 3PM – 7PM, and Sunday at 5:30AM  – 12PM and 4PM – 7PM.  Ragi is open Monday – Saturday at 6AM – 11:30AM and 3PM – 6:30PM.  Sundays it’s open 5AM – 8AM.

For dinner, you’ll eat at Snack Reimanutea .  This is the motu’s only restaurant which sounds crazy but trust me when I say that you’ll quickly appreciate the simple joys of their menu and how your day revolves around their opening hours and ordering schedule.

Heads up that the owner’s English is quite limited so you’ll need to brush up on your French vocabulary or have the Google Translate ready to go.

Address:  Rangiroa, 98776 Tiputa, French Polynesia

Hours: Monday to Friday 6AM – 2PM and 3:30PM – 5PM.

• Unofficially, they can open up for eating at the snack shack for dinner if you ask.
• For dinner, you have to put your order in when they are open and request to have it ready for a pick up at 6PM.  Alternatively, you can also ask your Tahitian guesthouse to order over the phone for you.
• Their English is quite limited so you might need to have Google Translate running.
• For lunch, they also sell sandwiches on top of the paninis so look out for them.
• They also sell ice cream in the freezer which you can ask for.
• If you missed the opening hours at the convenient store, you can buy Hinano beer here at a slightly higher price.
• You aren’t allowed to bring outside food/drink if you’re eating in.
• The best items on the menu are the Chaud Froid de Thon which is essentially seared tuna and Carpaccio, another classic Tahitian dish with soy-seasoned tuna, capers, tomatoes, and green onions.

Day 9 Summary

• Breakfast – Le Tipanie – You’ll be able to fit this in before your flight.
• Lunch – Skipped – In the process of getting to Rangiroa, there really isn’t an opportunity to grab food so either pick up some food at the airport or bring your own snacks.
• Dinner – Snack Reimanutea – This is the one and only restaurant on the Tiputa motu.  Come here for dinner and either eat in or take away.

Most properties in Rangiroa are on the Avatoru motu and if I were to do it all over again, I might suggest staying there for reasons of accessibility to more restaurants.  However, if you’re looking for a serene and quiet experience with more privacy, the Tiputa motu is still one that I would recommend.

We stayed at Chez Taia et Vero which can be modestly described as bungalows in a family of buildings that belong to the owner.  In fact, the owner’s house is right behind.  Unlike other Tahitian guesthouses, this one is run more like an Airbnb with more independence to do what you want to do and not be tied to any specific programming.  The building’s are located in a hyper-local community outside of even the main village in Tiputa but it is not a beach front property so you do have the adjust your expectations.

It might not be for everyone but we found our basic rooms to be enough for us and we made the most of being able to use the picnic bench and the bench on our unit’s balcony as places to read relax during the height of the afternoon sun.  The only thing we did have issues with was the heat in the evening.  Luckily a fan is included but we did find it a bit challenging to sleep.

Luckily, I’ve also compiled a list of the top pensions in Rangiroa so make sure you head there as well.

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.

TAHITIAN GUESTHOUSE

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.

There’s a real sense that this is the real island life in French Polynesia when you get to this part of The Islands of Tahiti itinerary.

On the outside, your Tahitian guesthouse will feel pretty basic but you’ll soon get into the groove of that true island life I was speaking of.  It’s the authentic rhythms of your new routine that will be unexpectedly soothing.  At the guesthouse, you’ll head down to the inner lagoon and walk along the coral beach, you’ll cook breakfast with the included eggs and baguettes, you’ll hang your laundry, and you’ll read a good book.

When you’re not at the Tahitian guesthouse, you’ll grab your bike, ride into town, and share “i a orana !” hello’s to all the locals you pass by.  Along the way, pick up supplies at the convenient store, watch the dolphins at the pass, and then pick up dinner from the snack shack as you head back home.

The atoll is an underwater paradise that’s begging to be explored and it’s through scuba diving that you’ll have the most breathtaking encounters.

For the duration of your 4 nights here, try to fit in as many dives as possible.  The company that I recommend is The 6 Passengers .

Something that you need to know about diving here and in Fakarava is that the sites revolve around the passes.  These are deep and wide channels where water flows in and out of the lagoon.  On Rangiroa, there are two world-class passes.

The most popular pass is Tiputa Pass because it’s home to a pod of 30 dolphins.  This means that there is a high probability of seeing dolphins here.

When diving with dolphins, there are 3 things that can happen:

• Sleeping – With one eye closed, you’ll see them gliding by without much fanfare.  They will pass through quite quickly in this scenario.
• Playful – Wanting to have fun, they’ll start swimming in between and doing big loops around the diving group.
• Curious – The dolphins will come close either vertically or horizontally and linger.  Some may even want their belly scratched.

What makes this experience special is that you’ll have a chance to see dolphins in their natural habitat.  The thrill of scuba diving is that no two dives are ever the same.  On some dives you might see them pass by in a flash and on another they might decide to come incredibly close.

Pay attention to the sonic sounds that dolphins make to communicate.  You’ll initially think it’s a boat passing by or your equipment but you’ll eventually realize the high pitched “hiiiiii-yeah!” sounds are nearby dolphins.

In addition to dolphins, Tiputa Pass is also well-known for its diversity of shark including reef shark, tiger shark, lemon shark, and if you’re lucky, hammerhead shark.

Address: Baie de Ohutu, 98775, French Polynesia

Hours: 7:30AM – 4:30PM

Dives are the following times:

• Morning – 7:30AM and 9:30AM
• Afternoon – 2PM
• Sunset – 4PM (minimum of 3 required)

Note that when they say 7:30AM as a dive time, this really means the meeting time at the dive shop.  The actual dive itself doesn’t start until an hour later after time to gear up, the dive briefing, and boat ride to the pass.

• 1-4 dives per person – 8,400 XPF per dive
• 5-9 dives pe person – 7,700 XPF per dive
• 10 or more dives – 7,200 XPF per dive
• 20 or more dives – 7,000 XPF per dive
• Te Moana Pass – 72,000 XPF for 10 dives across all of different centres in French Polynesia and you can share between 2 people
• Do they pick ups at all resorts?  Yes, they will do pick ups even if you are staying on the Tiputa motu.  A boat will pick you up at the pier and bring you to the dive shop.
• Is there a cost to rent gear?   No, what’s unique in French Polynesia is that all the diving rates are all-inclusive no matter whether you want to rent masks, fins, wet suit, and dive computer.  Note that if you are borrowing a dive computer, you’ll have to leave behind a piece of ID as a sort of refundable deposit.
• Are reservations required?   It is always a good idea as it’s really hard to predict when there might be a large group of divers coming in whether during low or high season.  At a minimum, reserve your dives a day in advance.

Good to knows:  

• Overall, I found this dive shop to be set up for more experienced divers in mind as there’s minimal introduction and amenities.  For instance, I was given a fairly simple tour when arriving and they really leave it up to you to sort out your own gear including getting the things you need to borrow.
• There are no snacks or towels provided by the dive shop so you will need to bring your own.  What they do provide is tea, instant coffee, and water.
• They use zodiac-style boats here with no tank racks so what they instruct you to do is to check your gear before leaving the dive shop and then keep the tank in between your legs during the boat ride.  Once at the dive location, they’ll help you put the BCD on and you’ll do a back roll entry.
• Since space is limited on the boat, you’re instructed to keep most of your valuables in the cubbies provided at the dive shop.  The only other thing you really need to bring on the boat are your camera gear, hat, and sunglasses.  Keep these in a dry bag .
• What I recommend that you pack for diving: any of your own equipment, camera, memory cards, batteries, sunglasses, hat, shirt, towel, and dive log.  There’s no need to bring water since they have a dispenser.
• Even though I was diving there a couple days in a row, they didn’t offer to keep my equipment together for me to re-use the following days.  Instead, I had to ask for new rental gear each day.  That said, I definitely saw people using storage compartments at the shop so I know they are available.
• If you’re staying on Tiputa, they can drop you off at the pier after your second tank instead of going back to the dive shop.
• Between the first and second tank of diving, you’ll be taken back to the dive shop to rest so you’re back on solid ground which is great for those that get nauseous easily.
• Tiputa drift – This is for incoming current
• Tiputa reef – This is for outgoing current
• Sunset – End of day dive at Tiputa Pass right before sunset
• Avatoru reef – This is normally at 7:30AM – You’ll find less of the bigger fish here but the reef profile different and you may spot different marine life.  They typically only do this once a week since the boat ride is 30 minutes vs. 10 minutes
• Unlike in Fakarava, they do not time the dives to the current.  The dive times are fixed.  From my experience, all of the morning dives are outgoing current which is a good thing since this is the best chance to see dolphins.
• One thing I noticed with The 6 Passengers is that they are not afraid to go to the limit on oxygen bar readings.  Also, if someone in your group runs low, they were willing to allow that person to use the dive masters secondary regulator.  This was not the case for TOPDIVE.
• Ask for dive master Serge.  Out of all of them, he seems to be the most experienced with the dolphins, meaning your chances of seeing dolphins are higher with him.
• Before you leave the dive shop, make sure to get your dive master stamps which are in the main office.  This is also self-serve.

BOOK 2 TANKS

When you’re not diving, there are still other things that you can do on your motu.  With your bike, you’ll be able to ride around town and get to a great spot for dolphin watching at Tiputa Pass .

There are two times in the day when you can see dolphins jumping in the water that depend on the changing of currents from inbound to outbound and vice versa.  During this transition, the clashing of the water causes standing waves and it’s these waves that the dolphins look to play in.

It will take some patience but it will certainly pay off when they start leaping out of the water in rapid succession on their own, in pairs, or sometimes even in triples.

DOLPHIN TIP:  Whether on the Avatoru or Tiputa side of the pass, it’s really about being on the beach at the right time.  In the morning, we were able to spot them from 9AM and 10AM.  They also seemed to be drawn to the tour boats that came by to watch.  In the afternoon, we were told that the tide typically transitions from 4PM-5PM but on the two days we attempted, we had no such luck because the water was so calm.

Since the diving was so good in Rangiroa, it always felt like the alternative boat tour could never live up what we’d be able to see underwater.  That said, if you’re looking to change things up over the course of 4 days, here are the activities that I recommend that you check out:

• Reef Island – Discover the lunar landscape of Reef Island which sits on the other side of the lagoon.  You’ll have a chance to snorkel here, and learn how to weave.  BBQ lunch included.
• Green Lagoon – This is a natural cove that shimmers in emerald green.  It’s 5 minutes by boat from Avatoru and you’ll be able to spend the day swimming, snorkelling, kayaking, and paddleboarding.
• Pink Sand Beach – This is a full 8 hour tour because Le Sable Rose is on the far-side of the atoll and is a long boat ride over to the long bank of fine pink sand.  It also includes dolphin watching at Tiputa Pass and snorkelling.
• Blue Lagoon and Reef Island Combination – Discover the two essential sites of Rangiroa: the Blue Lagoon and the Reef Island.
• Chez Lili – Located right at the main pier on Avatoru motu, they serve delicious dishes such as Creole chicken, curry masala with shrimp, and tuna tataki.
• Chez Obélix – From the outside it doesn’t look like much but if you’re staying on Avatoru, you must try their steak frites.
• Te Mao – Popular restaurant with a nice garden setting, nice music, and relaxing environment with tapas-style dishes.

Day 10-12 Summary

• Tiputa Pass
• Avatoru Pass
• The 6 Passengers
• Breakfast – Tahitian guesthouse – Supplies provided by our guesthouse and also things purchased from the grocery store.
• Lunch – Snack Reimanutea – On some afternoons, you can eat snack bars to save money but otherwise, the restaurant is an easy option after diving to eat-in or buy a sandwich to go.
• Dinner – Snack Reimanutea – While cooking is certainly an option at Chez Taia et Vero, it was just too much hassle so every day after your dive, put a dinner order in and then go back at 6PM to pick up your meal.

The beauty of French Polynesia is in its abundance of islands.  With 118 in total and 3 down so far, you’ve got it in you to do one more.  With so many to choose, it’ll feel like an impossible task to pin down your final one.  That said, if you’re partial to scuba diving like we are, Fakarava is a solid choice that’s only a short hop away.

With your last day in Rangiroa, you’ll have one last chance to take in the beauty of the atoll and ride out to the motu’s edge to watch the magical dolphin show one last time.  Mornings are often the best time to see the dolphins at Tiputa pass .

Since you’ve been spending all of your time on Tiputa motu in Rangiroa, your final day will allow you to have at least one lunch on the other side.  Chez Lili is one that comes highly recommended.

Your Tahitian guesthouse will organize a taxi for you from the restaurant and you’ll make it to the airport one hour before takeoff.

FLIGHT TIP:   This is another domestic flight and so all the earlier tips apply.  As an even smaller airport than Bora Bora, you’ll realistically only need one hour to check-in your bags and get your boarding pass.

A short 45 minutes later on Air Tahiti, you’ll touch down on the Fakarava atoll where you’ll be welcomed by warm greetings by your Tahitian guesthouse host accompanied by leis and tiaré.

Fakarava is the second largest atoll in French Polynesia and uniquely part of a UNESCO biosphere reserve with its 6 neighbouring islands, a testament to the richness of the ecosystem here.  Life above and below water here is seemingly unblemished with rare and endemic species, stunning underwater world, and quaint villages that line the road.

Another interesting fact is that Henri Matisse spent 3 months here in 1930 and it is said that Fakarava was the inspiration for “Bleu Matisse”, enthralled by the shades of blue found everywhere.

Arriving at Pension Paparara , you’ll spend the rest of the afternoon getting set up in your bungalow and take a tour around the property.

Grab a seat on the pier or the sandy beach and take in the brilliant sunset shimmering over the lagoon.

Beckoned by the ringing of the dinner bell, everyone on the property makes their way over to the guesthouse’s main building.  When you arrive, there will be plates upon plates of food which consist of a healthy balance of salad, vegetables, rice, grilled fish, and sashimi.  Everything is cooked in their home kitchen and most ingredients are either home grown or freshly caught.

Day 13 Summary

• Dolphins at Tiputa Pass
• Lunch – Chez Lili – A highly ranked restaurant on the Avatoru motu near the main pier, serving dishes with a spicy twist to them including creole chicken and curry masala and the classics such as tataki, carpaccio, and sashimi.
• Dinner – Pension Paparara – Included in your stay are evening meals and so once we got settled into our bungalow, we had an amazing home-cooked Tahitian meal that you’ll be enjoying your entire stay.

What you’ll quickly learn about Fakarava is that your choices will be limited as this is an even smaller atoll than Rangiroa.  On top of that, only Pension Paparara can be booked through a hotel booking platform ( Agoda ) while everything else can only be found through their own direct websites.

Since pensions dominate the island, you’ll want to head over here to find the best pensions in Fakarava .

My honest review of Pension Paparara is that it is good but has areas of improvement:

• Wifi is available but the signal is only strong enough to cover the lounge/dining area.
• Rental bicycles aren’t included which surprised us.  Unless you have activities planned, you’ll feel stuck at the guesthouse since it’s not within walking distance to Rotoava Village.
• They do not have snorkel rentals here so if you don’t bring your own, you’ll be out of luck.
• It might’ve been the time of year we were there but mosquitoes were definitely out in full force here so you really had to be careful with how your mosquito net was set up and needing to use repellent consistently.
• There’s no air condition so your best bet is to move the fan right up to the bed to stay cool.
• The hosts have limited English so communicating was a bit of a struggle despite their friendliness.

I STAYED HERE

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 TAHITIAN GUESTHOUSE

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 GUESTHOUSE

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.

Simply put, Fakarava is an immersive world of diverse coral and marine life and to not scuba dive would surely be a shame.

Start your day off with a breakfast at your Tahitian guesthouse which will be ready for you at the table whenever you’re ready.  You’ll have your mix of fruit, baguettes, spread, yogurt, coffee, and tea each morning.

For your two full days on the atoll as part of The Islands of Tahiti itinerary, plan on spending most of your time out in the water and diving with an outfit such as TOPDIVE .

There are two distinctive areas where you will be scuba diving, the pass in the north and the other in the south.  Each of these passes are the inlet and outlet of water that connects the lagoon to the ocean.  It’s during this inhale and exhale of water where big fish congregate to create this richly covered seascape.

The North Pass is known as Garuae Pass and is the most easy to get to since it is not far from TOPDIVE and the main village.  Your dives here will be marked by an incredible mix of wildlife that will rival what you can see in Rangiroa.  Common sighings here are the big Napoleons, school of barracudas, jackfish, marbled groupers, and shoals of yellow goatfish that slice through the water between the garden of coral.  Of course, the big show belongs to the countless number of grey shark that patrol the pass.

The South Pass is known as Tetamanu Pass and is less frequented by dive shops in the north because of its distance but is even more a must-do because of a phenomenon known as the “Wall of Shark”.   While at the edges of the pass, you’re either drifting with the current or planting yourself on the side banks of coral and playing out in a scene before you has to be the largest concentration of shark you’ve ever seen.  The horizon of blue is literally stamped with shark fins either fighting the current or gliding by.

For dives in either location, you’ll learn that entry is meticulously timed to something known as a slack tide when there is a short window where the current is neither inbound or outbound and the water is completely unstressed.  Alternatively, they can also look for a full transition into an inbound or outbound of tides.  This is very different from Rangiroa where dive times are fixed.

Address: White Sand Beach Resort, BP174, 98763, French Polynesia

Hours:  8AM – 5PM.  Dives times are not fixed here as it is highly dependent on tides.  Here’s an example of our dive times:

• North Pass – Pick up at 10AM, Dive 1 at 11:18AM, Dive 2 at 2:09PM
• South Pass – Pick up at 7:40AM, Dive 1 at 10:06AM, Dive 2 at 2:39PM

Price: 

• Supplement for Fakarava South Pass (lunch and boat ride) – 33,000 XPF
• Supplement for Fakarava South Pass if you’re on a pass – 12,500 XPF
• Do they pick ups at all resorts?  Yes, as long as they can drive out to your resort, they’ll send someone to fetch you by van.
• Is there a cost to rent gear?   No, just like any other dive shop in French Polynesia.
• Are reservations required?   It’s a good idea to reserve at least a day in advance as it goes into their staff planning.
• Unlike in Bora Bora with TOPDIVE, Nitrox is used on all dives here at no extra cost, no matter whether you’re certified or not.
• If you plan on diving at other TOPDIVE centres in French Polynesia, they’ll issue you a Nitrox certificate that is only good at TOPDIVE.
• For dives in the north pass, you need to pack your own lunch.
• For dives in the south pass, a supplement charge is required because this includes lunch at Motu Aito Paradise and the boat ride is 1 hour there and back depending on the water conditions.
• North Pass is also known as The Garuae Pass.  South Pass is also known as Tetamanu Pass.
• The TOPDIVE shop has a change area, bathroom, cubbies to store personal items, and a water dispenser.
• Towels are provided at the dive shop and at the south pass lunch spot but not in the north pass.
• Diving the south pass is not common so if you are keen on it, you should let them know ahead of time to see if they can form a large enough group that’s willing to go.  While there’s no fixed schedule, it’s safe to assume that they only go to the south once or twice a week.

BOOK A 2 TANK DIVE

Scuba diving in Fakarava tends to take the whole day since it is so dependent on timing of tides so you’ll find that by the time you get back to the resort, you’ll have enough time to get changed and catch the sunset before it’s dinner time again.

If scuba diving is not your thing, there are alternative activities you can consider:

• Quad Excursion – Explore the north of Fakarava in a 2 hour 4×4 experience to see the island’s heritage and the beauty of its nature.
• Jet Ski Tour – A 1.5 hour jet ski excursion that includes pick up from your accommodations and offers a thrilling way to discover the atoll.
• Private 3.5-Hour Boat Excursion – Completely private and customizable experience where you can go snorkelling, visit a faraway beach, and also learn about the underwater ecosystem.  This is perfect for a family of up to 3 people.
• Snack Kori Kori – One of the best snack bars on the island and perfect for lunch.  Meal sizes are good, and service is good and quick.
• Havaiki le Restaurant – This restaurant is part of the Havaiki Lodge Resort in Fakarava but is open to the public as well.
• Snack Chez Elda – Casual lagoon-side snack bar with dishes such as sashimi, tartare, and poisson cru.  They also offer free pick up and return.

Day 14-15 Summary

• TOPDIVE Fakarava
• Breakfast –  Pension Paparara – A full breakfast provided by the property.
• Lunch – Sandwiches to-go or lunch at Motu Aito Paradise in the South Pass.
• Dinner – Pension Paparara – Incredible Tahitian meals served every evening.

All good things must come to an end.  With your glowing tan, eyes wide open from close encounters with sharks, relaxed from the peaceful lifestyle, and experiences of paradise, you’ll be sad to leave but comforted that you’ve seen some of the best that T he Islands of Tahiti has to offer.

The journey home will be a long way and it starts with wrapping things up in Fakarava first.  You’ll have breakfast at your Tahitian guesthouse.  With some free time in the morning, make use of the wifi at the lounge, take the kayak out, or hang out in your bungalow.

TIP:   Before you leave your guesthouse, shower one last time to stay as fresh as possible for your upcoming flights.

Your first leg will have you fly from Fakarava to Tahiti which is just a tad over an hour.

When you land at Faa’a International Airport in Tahiti, you’ll exit out of the domestic side of the airport.  This puts you right out into the main open area of the airport.  If you’ve rented a hotspot from Tahiti Wifi, this is your chance to return it.  There is also a mailbox here so this is also your last chance to mail out any postcards.

If you have a lot of time in between landing and your international flight home, you can take advantage of the luggage storage facility or book a Roulottes activity to have one final meal in Papeete.

For those that don’t have time in between, head over to the international airline counter (far right side of the airport) to get your boarding pass and check-in your luggage.

TIP:  The doors to the international terminal don’t open until 6PM so you’ll find many people congregating around the sliding doors.  This means that even if you check-in early, you won’t be able to head into the gate or lounge earlier than 6PM.

For those that have Priority Pass through something like the American Express Business Platinum  or Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite , you’ll be happy to know that the Air Tahiti Nui Lounge is affiliated so you’ll be able to take advantage of their wide selection of food, drinks, and showers as well.

When you’re all set, head down to the gates prior to boarding time and say “maururu” one last time.

Day 16 Summary

• Breakfast –  Pension Paparara   – A full breakfast provided by your Tahitian guesthouse.
• Lunch – Skipped – There really was no opportunity to eat transiting from Fakarava to Tahiti so we just made sure we ate well for breakfast.
• Dinner – Air Tahiti Nui Lounge – This is the lounge on the international gates side of the PPT.  The great thing about this lounge is that they’re also a Priority Pass lounge so if you’re a cardholder, you’ll be able to take advantage.

This is a condensed version of the full guide that you’ll find in the Comprehensive French Polynesia Trip Planning Guide which includes topics such as The Islands of Tahiti itinerary trip costs, cost saving tips, how to pick which islands to go to, and more.  Here are basic topics and answers that’ll get you started.

Money –  The local currency in French Polynesia is the Pacific Franc or XPF .  This is a difficult to obtain currency in most countries however you can put an order in with a large and central bank if one is convenient to you.  For most people, it’ll make the most sense to exchange for XPF when you arrive.  This may seem like an easy task however depending on your approach, it can get complicated.  The easiest place to exchange currency is right at the airport.  There is an exchange office here and it is open on weekends however keep in mind that each transaction has a fee of 700 XPF.  There is also a maximum of 500 EUR.  Alternatively you can go to the bank but keep in mind they do not open on weekends and only central banks in Papeete carry cash on hand.  We learned the hard way that smaller banks in neighbouring towns don’t carry cash.  Lastly, there’s the ATM option if you’d prefer to pull money from your debit account.  For this, beware that not all ATMs are foreign card friendly and the maximum withdrawal limit is around 30,000 XPF.

When is the best time? – There is no real bad time to go to French Polynesia as temperature averages are always in the high 20C/70F’s.  What changes throughout the year is whether it is rainy season or not.  Precipitation is high between the months of November to March.  While this may seem like a bad thing, this coincides with the country’s low-season for travellers.  For the absolute best in weather, June to September is the most ideal as they are the driest and coolest as you also have to remember that the country is located south of the equator.

Getting here – The primary international airport for French Polynesia is on The Islands of Tahiti with the name Faa’a International Airport (PPT) .  International flights are serviced by Air Tahiti Nui (national carrier), Air Tahiti, United Airlines, Air France, French Bee, Hawaiian Airlines, Air Calin, and Air New Zealand.

How do I get around? – For islands that are close to each other, ferry services are available for instance between Tahiti and Moorea however, most travellers will likely be flying between islands.  The only airline that services all of The Islands of Tahiti is Air Tahiti.

Where should I stay? – I’ve listed all of the recommended accommodations above but in general when it comes to where to stay in French Polynesia, Booking.com is going to be your best bet to find not only the big brands but also the more affordable Tahitian guesthouses with the benefit of a great cancellation policy and also Genius level discounts whether for Tahiti , Bora Bora , or Rangiroa .  Fakarava is an exception here as there is not much inventory on booking platforms.  As an alternative, there’s also Expedia and Airbnb .

Do I need travel insurance? – As always, travel insurance is highly recommended.  My philosophy is that you want to make sure you’re covered in case the unknown happens.  With the amount of travel that I do, I always get basic travel insurance that’s good for multiple trips and lasts the full year.   World Nomads  is always a great one to consider no matter where you’re from. Make sure to read my  full review  of why and a breakdown of how they work. For a more broader look at travel insurance, make sure to  read this .

I’ve been spending a great amount of time putting together this itinerary and at the same time thinking about the words to describe our time in French Polynesia.

Something that I learned while I was out there was something Tahitians call, Mana , the power of life and spirit of the islands.  It’s not specifically one thing, or even something that you can touch.  It’s that tingly feeling you get when that humid breeze hits you for the first time when you step off the plane, when locals wave “ ia orana ” as you pass by, the uplifting music of the ukulele, and calm of relaxation that fills the soul.

Our trip was unlike anything else we’ve done before.  In one hand, we had an experience that felt like the cemtre of the romantic universe where we were pampered with luxuries.  We then had another experience where we had a much more rugged experience, welcomed to the daily fabric of life, and experiencing a deeper connection to what it’s like to live in The Islands of Tahiti while also discovering the wonders below the ocean.  Both were dynamically different but powerfully memorable.

Got questions for your own classic trip to French Polynesia and The Islands of Tahiti ? Let me help by simply dropping a comment down below !

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• The Islands of Tahiti Travel Guide – What You Need To Know for French Polynesia
• Islands of Tahiti Packing List – French Polynesia including Bora Bora, Rangiroa, and Fakarava
• Top 5 Hotels in Reykjavik On A Budget In Iceland
• How to Travel Bora Bora on a Budget – Tips to keep Bora Bora trip costs low
• 5 Of The Best Diving Spots In The World To Travel To

If you’re in the process of planning your trip and putting together your itinerary, these are genuinely the best resources that the Going Awesome Places team stands by 100% .

Credit cards: Don’t get burned by hidden fees on top of terrible exchange rates. When we travel now, we use the Wise Card . Simply load it with the currency you need before you go and use it as a regular VISA or their digital wallet card. Use their free app to track how much you have and top up when you need to.

Flights: Of all the booking search engines, Skyscanner is the most helpful and easy to use thanks to their Everywhere feature . Kayak is also another that’s we will often check as well.

Car Rental: If you’re looking to save money, these car rental coupon codes will be a true game-changer. Otherwise, DiscoverCars and RentalCars are great places to start.

Airport Parking: You’ll need a spot to leave your car at the airport so why not book a spot at a discount. Use code AWESOME7 to get at least $5 off at Airport Parking Reservations or Park Sleep Fly packages.

Data: We’ve been a huge fan of wifi hotspot devices like PokeFi (use code GAP24300) because their rates are so good and you can use it globally but recently, we’ve really loved using eSIMs. The best one is Airalo . Save money by getting region-specific eSIMs and use referral code WILLIA9500 to get $3 USD credit on your first purchase. Ubigi is another one that we’ve had success with where they uniquely offer 5G coverage. Use code AWESOME10 to save 10% on your first order.

Hotels: Our go-to is Booking.com because they have the best inventory of properties including hotels and B&Bs plus they have their Genius tier discounts . The exception is Asia where Agoda always has the best prices. TripAdvisor is also useful for reviews and bookings.

Vacation Rentals: Your first instinct will be to check Airbnb but we always recommend checking VRBO as well if you’re looking for a vacation rental.

Tours: When planning our trips, we always check both Viator and GetYourGuide to at least see what’s out there in the destination that we’re going to. They often have different offerings and prices so check both.

Travel Insurance: Learn how to buy the best travel insurance for you. This isn’t something you want to travel without.

• Insured Nomads – Popular insurance provider for frequent travelers and comes with great coverage and special perks.
• RATESDOTCA – Search engine Canadians looking for the cheapest insurance including multi-trip annual policies.
• SafetyWing – A perfect fit for long-term nomads.
• Medjet – Global air medical transportation.
• InsureMyTrip – Best for seniors, families, and those with pre-existing conditions.

If you need more help planning your trip, make sure to check out our Travel Toolbox where we highlight all of the gear, resources, and tools we use when traveling.

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.

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November 6, 2022 at 5:39 PM

Ia orana, WT, Thank you for your informative, organized, easy to read and inspirational biog. Carpe Diem person indeed you are on your explorational learning journey. May you continue to travel in safety and health using all of your skills!! I will add some of your notes to my ‘field notes’ ethnographical study as we will spend 2 months there.

Have also read Lonely Planet guide and geoguide, read bits and pieces of Dr. Miriam Kahn’s studies, and a few other blogs + books by Tahitian authors of the ‘daily fabric of life, poverty, colonialism, etc. Felt some relief and encouragementf rom reading about your experiences and learned so many tips. I will also bring a First Aid Kit with gravol pills, Benadryl, Polysporin; wonderin’ if we need to buy mosquito nets as we used and left them in Vietnam many moons ago; snorkel-fin set at MEC is available but my suitcase is full already…) that will be helpful in my packing. We will stay in a hut-chalet for one week so I can cook to my heart’s delight but look forward

We will be doing what you call “another experience where we had a much more rugged experience, welcomed to the daily fabric of life, and experiencing a deeper connection”for 2 months. We like to be close to the inhabitant and speak French.

Thanks for introducing Moustidose which we will purchase there as I am a mosquito magnet.

This is our plan:

#1 Îles du Vent #2 – Îles-sous-le-vent – Archipel de la Société (2 îles) #3 – Archipel des Tuamotu #4 – Archipel des Marquises

Māuruuru. Merci beaucoup. Doh jeh. Wo shi shi ni!

William Tang says

November 7, 2022 at 3:55 PM

Aww thank you so much for your kind words. I am so glad that the article was helpful! So excited for your 2 months in French Polynesia. Your trip looks and sounds EPIC indeed!

January 1, 2022 at 2:56 PM

Thank you very much. This is so comprehensive! As an avid diver, I am also grateful for the dive suggestions. Our plan is to spend a couple weeks ending in a live aboard dive trip out of Fakarava. Your suggestions here are very helpful.

January 4, 2022 at 1:50 PM

Awesome! Love to see another fellow scuba diver here :) We still dream about the crazy drift dives we did in Fakarava and the dolphins in Rangiroa! You’re going to love it :)

December 17, 2021 at 8:05 PM

Finally – a post that doesn’t just talk about 4 star hotels on these islands. This article is great – all the info I’ve been looking for but couldn’t find. It has given me a really good idea of what to see and do and how to do it all. Thanks for all the detail as it is really going to help me plan my inter-nation Pacific trip

December 20, 2021 at 12:59 PM

You’re welcome! If you have any other questions, don’t hesitate to ask!!

December 15, 2021 at 3:42 PM

WOW. I thought I was detailed and specific with my travels but this is incredible. One of the few places I have not traveled to or am familiar with, I love how you really included so many details from shopping, arrival, mosquito spray, ATMs, etc. Hope to travel 2022 maybe March or so from LAX to PPT on United or partner. Most likely a week. Appreciate ALL that you put into this and if you have anything else you want to share, please reachout. Thanks. Steph

December 16, 2021 at 12:37 PM

Hey Steph! LOL I’m a bit of a trip planning nut and I always try to keep track of everything when in-destination because what things are on the ground are always different than the type of information that you might find in guide books or other blogs. Have an amazing trip in 2022 if you get to go! If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to reach out.

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Plan Your Trip

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Where do you find the famous Mana in The Islands of Tahiti ? The answer is, everywhere. From the idyllic island of Moorea to the beautiful lagoon in Rangiroa or the mystical Marquesas Islands, you can feel the Mana wherever you go!

Accommodations, activities, transport, entry formalities…Plan your vacation to this dream destination and enjoy your stay in our islands.

Before you leave

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Getting to The Islands of Tahiti ?

Where are The Islands of Tahiti ?

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Getting from Island to Island

Getting Around

A few days in our islands

Our suggested itineraries

See our suggested itineraries designed to help you enjoy your visit to The Islands of Tahiti . Starting with Tahiti itself and the capital, Papeete, then moving on to the sister island, Moorea and Bora Bora with its world famous turquoise lagoon and superb beaches. For a more authentic experience, you can visit some of the lesser-known islands such as Huahine. If you’re a diving enthusiast, Rangiroa or Fakarava are perfect for you, with their magnificent coral reefs and exceptional marine biodiversity. And don’t miss the Marquesas Islands, reputed for their rugged beauty and breathtaking scenery. Follow our guide and let us show you some of the wonders of The Islands of Tahiti .

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Society Islands

Tuamotu Islands

Marquesas Islands

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Explore with Unique Tahiti: Discover Hidden Gems on Tahiti Island Tours

When you think of Tahiti, images of crystal-clear waters, overwater bungalows, and lush landscapes likely flood your mind. But there’s a side to this island that goes beyond the postcards—a side that’s ripe for exploration through Unique Tahiti Tours. These tours aren’t your run-of-the-mill excursions; they are crafted for those seeking to delve deeper into the island’s soul, uncover its hidden gems, and experience its culture in a way that’s both authentic and personal. From adventures in the heart of the island’s ancient forests to cultural immersions in the local Polynesian way of life, Unique Tahiti Tours offer a path less traveled, leading to unforgettable experiences.

Embark on a Journey of Discovery:

Unique Tahiti Tours provide a variety of experiences that cater to every type of traveler. Here’s a glimpse into what you can expect:

• Eco-Adventure Tours: Explore the lush heart of Tahiti with tours that take you into the island’s most pristine natural settings. Whether it’s hiking through the verdant Papenoo Valley or kayaking through tranquil lagoons, these tours offer a close-up view of Tahiti’s breathtaking landscapes.
• Cultural Immersion Tours: Dive deep into Tahiti’s rich cultural heritage with tours that offer more than just sightseeing. Participate in traditional Polynesian crafts, learn the art of Tahitian dance, or spend a day with a local family to truly understand the island’s way of life.
• Underwater Exploration Tours: Tahiti’s surrounding waters are a world of their own. Unique diving and snorkeling tours reveal the diversity of the island’s marine life, from vibrant coral reefs to the mysterious wrecks that dot its seabed.
• Culinary Tours: Taste your way through Tahiti with culinary tours that introduce you to the island’s gastronomic delights. From street food in Papeete to gourmet meals prepared by top Polynesian chefs, these tours are a feast for the senses.
• Art and History Tours: Discover Tahiti’s artistic and historical landscapes with tours that take you to ancient marae, contemporary art galleries, and museums. These tours offer a glimpse into the island’s past and present, showcasing its rich artistic heritage.

Planning Your Unique Adventure:

When planning your unique tour of Tahiti, consider what aspects of the island’s culture and nature you’re most drawn to. Each tour offers a different perspective of Tahiti, allowing you to tailor your experience to your interests. Whether you’re an adrenaline junkie, a history buff, or a foodie, there’s a unique Tahiti tour waiting for you.

Conclusion:

Unique Tahiti Tours offer an extraordinary way to experience the island, far removed from the typical tourist trails. They invite you to explore Tahiti’s hidden treasures, immerse yourself in its culture, and see the island through the eyes of those who know it best. So, if you’re yearning for an adventure that combines the thrill of discovery with the depth of cultural immersion, it’s time to embark on a unique Tahiti tour. Are you ready to explore the unexplored and create memories that will last a lifetime?

ARE YOU READY TO

Explore this beautiful island ?

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