tahiti trip itinerary

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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Tropical Go!

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The Ultimate 14 Days Islands of Tahiti Itinerary

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

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

Table of Contents

The Air Tahiti Air Pass

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

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

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

Two-Week French Polynesia Itinerary: At a Glance

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

French Polynesia Itinerary Planning Tips

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

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

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

Two Week Islands of Tahiti Itinerary: In Depth

Day 1: arrive in tahiti and transfer to moorea.

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

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

Papeete tours for if you have a full day:

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

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

Day 2: Moorea beach day

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

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

Recommended places to stay on Moorea:

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

Day 3: Moorea whale swim or scuba dive

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

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

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

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

Moorea ocean tours:

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

Day 4: Explore Moorea’s interior

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

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

Moorea interior tours:

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

Day 5: Huahine beach day

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

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

Recommended places to stay on Huahine:

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

Day 6: Huahine lagoon tour

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

Day 7: Huahine cultural sights

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

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

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

Day 8: Arrive in Bora Bora

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

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

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

Recommended hotels on Bora Bora:

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

Day 9: Bora Bora ATV and snorkel tour

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

Bora Bora day tours:

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

Day 10: Bora Bora beach bliss

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

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

Day 11: Arrive in Rangiroa

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

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

Recommended hotels on Rangiroa:

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

Day 12: Rangiroa dolphin dive

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

Day 13: Rangiroa Blue Lagoon Tour

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

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

Rangiroa ocean tours:

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

Day 14 & Day 15: Tahiti Adventure

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

SHOP OUR TROPICAL TRAVEL ESSENTIALS

Chantae Reden

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

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French Polynesia Itinerary – Two Weeks in French Polynesia

During our two months spent travelling the South Pacific , French Polynesia was an absolute highlight. Such an incredible and diverse country of beautiful islands. I was already planning a return trip before I left. We had three weeks for our French Polynesia Itinerary, but I’ve streamlined our favourites into a two week holiday, featuring five of the 118 islands of Tahiti.

An over water restaurant in French Polynesia

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Getting to and Around French Polynesia

Unless you’re sailing or cruising, all travellers enter French Polynesia via the international airport in Pape’ete on the island of Tahiti. You can fly direct from the USA, Canada, New Zealand, Japan, New Caledonia, Chile and the Cook Islands. If you’re flying from the UK the best route is via L.A, or if you’re travelling from Sydney via Auckland.

Once there, aside from the neighbouring island of Mo’orea which can be reached by ferry, you will also need to fly between the islands. I recommend buying a flight pass from Air Tahiti . It’s a fixed price and each package includes a certain group/number of islands. We did the Bora Bora-Tuamotu Pass, and even though we didn’t visit all of the islands available in our pass, it was still cheaper than booking individual flights.

The Air Tahiti planes are generally small propeller planes, so if you don’t love flying you may wish to stick to Mo’orea and Tahiti as it can get a little bumpy!

The view over a sandy atoll from a propeller plane

Which Islands to Visit in French Polynesia

This is a tough question and with 118 islands on offer, you have plenty to choose from! In two weeks, four or five islands is a good amount to visit, in order to get a good mix, but not spend too much time travelling. The good news is that flying in French Polynesia is nothing like the rest of the world. You don’t need to get to the airport early, check-in is super quick and the flights are very short.

This itinerary offers a good mix of Tahitian culture, history, beaches, snorkelling and diving. I’ve included other island options at the end of this article as alternatives.

Hayley enjoying the clear waters of French Polynesia

The islands fall into five groupings; the Society Islands, the Marquesas Islands, the Tuamotu Archipelago, the Gambier Islands and the Austral Islands. Tahiti is part of the Society Islands group, and these are the easiest islands to get to. The Tuamotos and Austral Islands are a little further and then it’s harder and more expensive to get to the Marquesas and Gambier Islands.

You can’t fly to every single island in French Polynesia – some can only be accessed by cargo ship, which are infrequent. Though there are many internal flights, there are not flights between all the islands and so you may have to fly back in and out of Pape’ete to visit certain islands. However, in this itinerary all flights are direct.

Hayley standing next the the Bora Bora airport sign with the turquoise water in the background

French Polynesia Accommodation

French Polynesia is remote and in general, accommodation is expensive. The budget options are usually around €100+ per night and luxury accommodation can easily reach the thousands. You can save a bit of money by booking self-catering options where you can cook your own meals, or look at pensions that offer meals included. If money isn’t an issue, you will find incredible options including overwater bungalows and some of the best views you are ever likely to have from a hotel room.

French Polynesia Itinerary

Day 1 – tahiti .

Arrive in Tahiti and spend the night in Pape’ete. You will have time to explore Tahiti at the end of your trip , so for the first day/evening have a wander around the capital city, check out the Pape’ete market and have dinner at the Place Vaiete Roulottes (an area of street food vans near the water).

Where to Stay in Tahiti

We stayed at three different places on Tahiti during our trip and all were good. For the first night, I recommend staying close to the airport/Pape’ete as you’ll be heading back there tomorrow.

City Home Tahiti is a great budget option in the city centre with a shared kitchen. You can easily explore Pape’ete from here and the staff can also organise your transfers to and from the airport.

For something a little more luxurious, Tahiti Pearl Beach Resort is set in lush gardens overlooking Matavai Bay, a 10 minute drive from Pape’ete with a free shuttle bus to and from the centre. Or Te Moana Tahiti Resort which has a huge pool overlooking the water.

When you return to Tahiti at the end of your trip, I recommend staying in another area of the island.

We stayed at Relais Fenua in Punaauia, just across the road from a great surf beach. It’s a small locally-run pension with a pool and there are some good restaurants within walking distance. (I recommend Lani’s BBQ – a really great local place).

Vanira Lodge is a great option if you want to stay at Teahupo’o (more on that below).

Find accommodation in Tahiti

Day 2-4 Huahine

Head back to the airport and take the 40 minute flight to Huahine. Huahine is technically two islands – Huahine Nui (big) and Huahine Iti (small) – joined by a small bridge. Known as the Garden Island, it has a very tropical feel with plenty of coconut, banana and breadfruit trees and lush green hills.

A blacktip reef shark swims past the camera

We loved Huahine for a number of reasons; it’s much less touristy than some of the other islands, the locals are super friendly, the snorkelling is fantastic and it has the largest concentration of ancient marae (temples) in French Polynesia.

It’s worth hiring a car to explore the island (we hired one from our hotel – but you’ll also find rentals at the airport and in the main town of Fare).

Hayley swimming underwater with greenery in the background

Things to Do in Huahine

Take a Huahine Nautique Lagoon Tour . You’ll get to snorkel with blacktip reef sharks in the incredibly clear waters, visit a pearl farm and enjoy a traditional lunch of poisson cru (lime-marinated fish with coconut milk and fresh vegetables), on a white sand island (motu).

A traditional outrigger canoe style boat

Visit the Sacred Blue-Eyed Eels in Faie – These enormous eels inhabit a river in the small village of Faie. Considered sacred, the eels have piercing blue eyes and really are very beautiful.

Explore the Maeva Marae Complex – Maeva was the seat of royal power on Huahine before European influence, and more than 30 temples have been discovered at the site. The Fare Pote’e is a museum explaining more about the marae and is a replica of an open traditional house. Other marae to visit in Huahune include Manunu and Anini.

Visit Maison de la Vanille – this family-run shop grows and sells vanilla pods.

Check out the Abandoned Sofitel – Once a luxury resort, the remains of the hotel make for a fun afternoon of exploration, plus there is also fantastic snorkelling off the beach here in Le Jardin de Corail (The Coral Garden).

Where to Stay in Huahine

We stayed on the southern island at a beautiful beach called Avea at Hotel Le Mahana , which is a short walk from another marae. We had a beachfront bungalow and you could literally step off the deck and into the water – heaven! The hotel has a great restaurant and most evenings there is a traditional dance and music performance – the hip-shaking in Tahitian dancing is impressive.

For a more budget-friendly option try Pension Ariitere Huahine in the main town of Fare, which has an outdoor pool and is just 200 m from the beach. The bungalows each have a dining area and there are shared kitchen facilities.

Find accommodation in Huahine

Day 5 – 7 Bora Bora

From Huahine, it’s a 25 minute flight to Bora Bora. Honestly, I wasn’t really expecting to be that fussed about Bora Bora which sounds a bit mad, as it’s literally the dream honeymoon destination. But I thought it would be all fancy resorts that we couldn’t afford and no soul/culture. How wrong I was. Bora Bora is every bit as dreamy as the photos look. Yes, there are plenty of fancy hotels and honeymooners, but there is also fantastic diving, affordable accommodation and cool bars. Plus it’s ridiculously beautiful.

Read our guide to island hopping in the South Pacific.

Things to Do in Bora Bora

Go diving – The diving here is excellent, with fantastic visibility. We did two dives with Top Dive , who I highly recommend.

Snorkel Coral Garden – If you’re not a diver (or even if you are), go snorkelling at the Coral Garden. Located close to Matira Beach, you can reach it via kayak or join a boat tour .

Climb Mount Pahia – You will need a guide to ascend this beautiful mountain as the trails are unmarked but you will be rewarded with stunning views over the island and turquoise waters. This is an advanced hike and you will need proper hiking shoes and a decent level of fitness.

Relax on Matira Beach and have a cocktail at the beach bar – this sandy spot is the only beach on Bora Bora and it’s a very beautiful one. We stayed a few minutes walk from here (which I definitely recommend if you’re not doing the over water bungalow thing) and spent lovely evenings watching the sunset while enjoying a piña colada and Hinano beer.

A white sand beach with clear water and a man on a SUP

Where to Stay in Bora Bora

Bora Bora is all about the overwater bungalows and I’m sad to say we didn’t stay in one! We considered it, but as we were travelling for 9 months, we couldn’t really justify splashing out.

We stayed at Matira House located at Matira Point close to the beach in a room with a shared bathroom and kitchen. It was fairly basic but clean and nice and the location is fantastic. I would recommend it if you’re on a budget.

For something closer to an overwater bungalow, Oa Oa Lodge is budget-friendly and overlooks the lagoon.

If you want to go all out and book an overwater bungalow then I recommend the following (we did a lot of research even though we didn’t end up booking!) One way to minimise the cost is to book one night in an overwater suite and then the other two in the same resort but in a significantly cheaper beach bungalow.

Conrad Bora Bora Nui – Located at the south end of Bora Bora, this resort has plenty of privacy and uninterrupted ocean views, as well as great snorkelling and great food.

St Regis Bora Bora – Super super expensive but incredibly luxurious. Every villa gets a personal butler, and there are four restaurants in the resort.

InterContinental Le Moana Resort Bora Bora – This is the most affordable overwater bungalow option in Bora Bora and we did our dive trip from here, so got to have a good look around! It has a lovely little private beach and two restaurants overlooking the lagoon.

InterContinental Resort & Thalasso Spa Bora Bora – The more upmarket of the two Intercontinental resorts, it is located on Motu Piti Aau and the private villas have a living room with a glass-bottom coffee table!

Find accommodation in Bora Bora

Day 8 – 10 Rangiroa

It’s a longer 1 hour 15 flight today to the Tuamotu Archipelago and the atoll of Rangiroa. The landing is a real treat, as you can see the narrow strip of land that forms the loop of the island and the beautiful lagoon on one side and the deep blue ocean on the other.

Rangiroa has some of the best dive sites in the world and this is the reason many people come here, however, even if you’re not into diving it’s well worth the trip as there are plenty of unique and fascinating things to do on this remote atoll.

Read our full Rangiroa guide here.

Things to Do in Rangiroa

Blue Lagoon Cruise – The best thing we did in Rangiroa. You head across the lagoon from the main town of Avatoru and arrive in paradise. Palm-fringed sandy islands surround a small lagoon, filled with coral and lots of tiny blacktip reef sharks. The tour guides cook you a delicious Polynesian BBQ for lunch and you spend most of the day snorkelling in the lagoon before stopping to see and swim with lemon sharks on the way back.

Book a Blue Lagoon Cruise.

Visit A Pearl Farm – You will have already been to one in Huahine, but I recommend visiting Gauguin’s Pearl , where you’ll get to watch the pearl oysters being prepared. It’s also a great place to purchase pearls for a very good price. (which of course I did!).

Visit the world’s only coral atoll winery – Wine in paradise? It can be found on Rangiroa. Whilst you can’t actually visit the vines, you can head to the cellar door where the wine is produced and sample their four varietals.

Dive the Tiputa Pass – This is an incredible dive site where you are likely to see a huge variety of sharks, fish, dolphins and rays. We dived with Top Dive again who were excellent.

Where to Stay in Rangiroa

We stayed in two different places in our five days on the island at varying budgets and I highly recommend both of them.

Va’a i Te Moana is a lovely family-run pension and has cottages or a dorm room. Run by Rangiroa local Cynthia, her Italian husband Andrea, and their adorable daughter Moana. Andrea makes fantastic Italian food and you can choose to stay half-board or self-catering – as there is an awesome outdoor kitchen by the dorm room. It’s a few minutes walk to the Tiputa Pass and there are free bikes to use if you wish to explore the island. I honestly felt like they were friends by the time we left and we have since stayed in touch.

Hotel Kia Ora Resort & Spa is a beautiful luxury option right on the beach with overwater bungalows and beach villas. We stayed in a beautiful villa with its own private plunge pool and an outdoor bath. Top Dive has a shop on the property and the dive boat picks you up from the hotel jetty making it a great choice if you plan to dive a lot. There are free kayaks and outrigger canoes to take out into the lagoon and a very good restaurant and bar.

Find accommodation in Rangiroa

Day 11 – 12 Mo’orea (via Tahiti)

From Rangiroa fly back to Tahiti, where you have two options; spend the remainder of your trip here or take the ferry across to Mo’orea for two days and come back to Tahiti for the final two. Passenger ferries operate approx. eight times a day between Mo’orea and Papeete.

Mo’orea is another great spot for diving and snorkelling and you’re likely to see manta rays here. It’s a beautiful island with eight lush green mountain peaks and is affectionately known as the Magical Island.

Things to Do in Mo’orea

Belvedere Lookout – Rent a car and drive up to Belvedere Lookout for incredible views of the island.

Visit the Tiki Village – take a tour and learn how to make traditional crafts, Tahitian cuisine and learn Tahitian dance. There are also performances in the evenings.

Hike Mount Tohivea – It takes around two hours to hike the steep trek up the Magic Mountain, passing pineapple plantations and jungle with fantastic views of Tahiti at the top.

Where to Stay in Mo’orea

Residence Vainau is a good budget option on the west side of the island with a bar, shared lounge, kitchen and garden and private beach area.

The Sofitel Kia Ora Moorea Beach Resort is a gorgeous luxury option with a white sand beach, two pools and garden and overwater bungalows.

Find accommodation in Mo’orea

Day 13 -14 Tahiti

Tahiti is the largest island in French Polynesia, both in size and by population. You’ll find an actual city here at Pape’ete as well as plenty of other towns. Tahiti is a volcanic island so the beaches have black sand and a different kind of beauty to the white sand beaches of the other islands. You really feel the Tahitian culture here and it’s absolutely worth saving a few days to explore it.

Things to Do in Tahiti

Go surfing – surf pros can head to the famed surf break Teahupo’o, but it’s definitely not for beginners. Located in a village of the same name, the huge wave plays host to a WSL competition each year and the world’s best surfers take on the reef break. If you want to get up close to the wave without damaging yourself, you can head out on a boat with one of the locals or take a tour for a closer look. There are lots of other great surf breaks in Tahiti, including Papeno’o, Taharuu, Ta’apuna and Vairao.

Go fishing – there are plenty of fishing charters that head out from the marina near Pape’ete. You may catch Bonito, Blue Marlin, Mahi Mahi, Sailfish, Striped Marlin, Tuna and Wahoo on your epic offshore adventure.

Hire a car and drive around the island – Tahiti is much larger than the other islands in French Polynesia and there is plenty to see. Don’t miss Faarumai Waterfall, Belvedere de Taravao (a lookout) and Maui Plage (the best beach on the island).

Take a whale swim tour – Humpback whales migrate to the warm water around Tahiti each year and there are a number of boats that offer whale watching and whale swimming tours where you can get a closer look at the majestic mammals.

Book a whale tour.

See above.

Alternative Islands in French Polynesia

Taha’a (instead of huahine).

Taha’a is a beautiful relaxed island, famous for vanilla and black pearls. While here make sure you visit one of the pearl farms to see how the pearls are cultivated, and take a tour of a vanilla farm and purchase some vanilla products. There is excellent snorkelling on Taha’a too, in particular at Motu Tautau off the west coast – which can only be reached by boat. We stayed here at Le Taha’a Island Resort & Spa , a gorgeous luxury resort, with easy access to the snorkelling.

Find accommodation in Taha’a

Maupiti (instead of Bora Bora)

The tiny island of Maupiti is known as Bora Bora’s little sister and equals the famous island in beauty. However, Maupiti is much smaller – only about 9km in circumference – and easily explored on foot or by bicycle. You won’t find any resorts here – Maupiti is the place to come for locally run pensions.

Fakarava or Tikehau (instead of Rangiroa)

These two atolls are located close to Rangiroa and both offer incredible diving. Fakarava has the second largest lagoon in the Tuamotu Atolls, which has been designated by UNESCO as a Biosphere Reserve. Tikeahau is a quieter island famous for pink coral beaches and you really do feel like you’re in a tropical paradise on this island.

Fish and sharks swim in the shallows on Tikehau

We stayed at Relais Royale Tikehau, an upscale pension run by a lovely group of ladies. Breakfast and dinner are included and you can watch the sharks swim below as you eat! If you’re looking for luxury try Tikehau Pearl Beach Resort which has overwater bungalows.

Find accommodation in Tikehau

The South Pacific

If you have more than two weeks, I recommend adding a few more islands to this itinerary, or you could explore some of the other islands in the South Pacific, as we did, such as the Cook Islands , Samoa and Fiji . Find out more about island hopping in the South Pacific here .

French Polynesia is a collection of 118 islands – also known as the Islands of Tahiti. These are grouped together in different regions known as the Society Islands, Tuamotu Archipelago, Gambier Islands, Marquesas Islands, and the Austral Islands.

Depending on where you’re coming from, ten days or more is recommended in French Polynesia.

Each island offers something different. Bora Bora is popular with honeymooners, Tahiti has fantastic surf and the islands of Rangiroa and Fakarava have some of the best diving.

Have you been to French Polynesia? We’d love to hear about your favourite places in the comments below.

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.

Enjoy The Islands of Tahiti’s Cultural Treasures on This “Slow Travel” Trip

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If ever there was a dream location to drop into for two blissed-out weeks and to fully immerse yourself in a new culture, it’s on The Islands of Tahiti. Surrounded by the crystalline waters of fabulous blue lagoons and lush landscapes with volcanic mountains rising up out of the sea, it’s also home to rich Polynesian history and delicious cuisine. The natural wonders and way of life make this region a relaxing yet stimulating place to try out the “slow travel” trend, the art of making time to truly take in all that a place has to offer.

During this 14-day tour of Huahine and Moorea you’ll delve into the fascinating culture of these two naturally stunning islands, and come away with a deep appreciation for the laid-back lifestyle on each. Learn to live like a local over the course of a week on Huahine, one of the Islands of Tahiti’s best-kept secrets, then head to Moorea, the second largest of the Windward Islands, where the writer Herman Melville found inspiration for his 1847 novel, Omoo. Today, visitors continue to marvel at the island’s magnificent villages and the local customs that have been kept alive for centuries.

Itinerary / 14 DAYS

Trip Designer

Tahiti tourisme.

Trip Highlight

Savor the island flavor.

DAYS 1-3 Cultural immersion on Huahine

DAYS 4-5 Hiking, views, and horseback riding

DAYS 6-7 Sumptuous vanilla plantations, pearl farms, and boating

DAYS 8-10 Rub elbows with Moorea locals

DAYS 11-12 Exploring and feasting around the island

OKEANOS PEARL AT LE BORA BORA

DAYS 13-14 Snorkeling among stingrays and black tip sharks

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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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I love your blog. I just discovered it recently and I’m so happy I’ve found it. This guide is a gem ! Thanks

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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The Islands Of Tahiti Travel Guide – What You Need To Know For French Polynesia

Last Updated January 31, 2023 William Tang

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

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

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

French Polynesia geography

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

le meridien bora bora overwater bungalow sunset tahiti travel guide

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

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

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

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

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

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

The 5 archipelagos

french polynesia islands and archipelagos

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

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

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

Here are a few key points about each archipelago:

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

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

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

ranking top islands papeete market tahiti french polynesia

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

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

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

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

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

united airlines flight tracker from san francisco to tahiti

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

Which cities have direct flights to Tahiti?

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

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

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

Do I need a visa?

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

Landing form

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

french polynesia landing and customs form

A few key points:

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

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

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

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

What makes Air Tahiti routing so challenging?

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

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

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

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

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

Is there a way to save money with Air Tahiti?

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

Here are key rules to pay attention to:

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

How do you book flights?

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

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

What is it like flying between islands?

inside rangiroa island airport in french polynesia

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Cruise ship

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

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

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

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

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

rangiroa atoll bike riding in best islands in french polynesia

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

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

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

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

waiting for ferry in rangiroa to tiputa motu

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

Here are a few examples that we encountered:

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

Taxi/Shuttle

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

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

Public Transportation

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Mosquito protection

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

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

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

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

Travel insurance

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Poisson cru

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

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

Chaud froid de thon

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

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

Any grilled fish

grilled fish and poisson cru in tahiti cafe maeva

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

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

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

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

Roam with home data plan

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

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

Wifi hotspot

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

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

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

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

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

pokefi pocket wifi discount code and promo code

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

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

Local SIM card

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

How much XPF should you exchange?

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

Where can you exchange for XPF?

Money Changers

tahiti airport ppt money exchange office

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Where are credit cards accepted?

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

marriott bonvoy elite sign in bora bora bora tips to save money

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

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

Start collecting hotel and airline points

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

Le Meridien Bora Bora with Marriott Bonvoy Points

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

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

BEFORE YOU CONTINUE

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

How to Travel Bora Bora on a Budget

United Airlines flight from Toronto with Aeroplan points

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

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

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

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

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

Pack food and snacks from home

pack snacks to bora bora to save money in french polynesia

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

how to keep costs in bora bora low with cup noodles

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

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

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

Tahitian guesthouses

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

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

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

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

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

Hotel status matters

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

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

Save on foreign transaction fees

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

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

turtle center le meridien bora bora plus toy

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

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

WE STAYED HERE

BALCONS DU LOTUS

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

TripAdvisor

Booking.com

TAHITI LODGE

TARA TAHITI LODGE

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

GUESTHOUSE IN THE CITY

FARE SUISSE TAHITI

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

INTERCONTINENTAL TAHITI

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

LE MERIDIEN BORA BORA

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

Book Direct

VAIOTAHA LODGE

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

CONRAD BORA BORA

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

Hilton Direct

INTERCONTINENTAL BORA BORA

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

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

CHEZ TAIA ET VERO

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

ANOTHER PENSION

PENSION TURIROA

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

MID TO UPPER-RANGE

MAITAI RANGIROA

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

hotel kia ora resort and spa in rangiroa

HOTEL KIA ORA RESORT & SPA

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

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

PENSION PAPARARA

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

NEW PENSION

KAIPOLANIE GARDEN

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

CLASSIC PENSION

PENSION VAIAMA VILLAGE

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

HAVAIKI LODGE

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

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

Air condition makes a difference. Many Tahitian guesthouses don’t have this so if you have difficulty sleeping in heat, make sure it’s one of your search parameters.
For stays on atolls, pay attention to whether a ferry is required to get to a guesthouse. If this is a dealbreaker, don’t book those that aren’t connected by land to the airport.
There’s no need to bring your own mosquito nets as all properties that need them will have them set up.
While it may feel like you have less control, we learned that having meals included at our Tahitian guesthouses to be advantageous because on smaller islands, it’s not easy to order/pick up food. We enjoyed these benefits at Pension Paparara .
Free bicycle rentals are pretty important especially if you’re not staying on a resort. If they are not included, find out how much it costs to rent.
Only resorts have complimentary snorkel rentals. If you’re lucky, Tahitian guesthouses might have a few lying around but there’s no guarantee that they’ll fit you. If you’re serious about snorkelling on your own, make sure to pack them in your suitcase.
Packing a headlamp or flashlight is a good idea as there might not be good lighting outdoors at night between bungalows.

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

Dry Season (May – October)

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

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

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

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

Wet Season (November – April)

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

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

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

Differences between archipelagos

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

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

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

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

Best times for scuba diving

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

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

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

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

tahiti itinerary cost breakdown in travel guide

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

What you should read next

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

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.

park sleep fly airport parking discount code

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.

Wifi Hotspot: We’ve been a huge fan of wifi hotspot devices such as PokeFi (use code GAP24300 ) because their rates are are hard to beat and it works globally. Solis is another that we recommend. Pros are that you can share the wifi with your whole group but cons are that you have to invest in a device and you have to charge it every night.

eSIM: Lately, we’ve really loved using eSIMs. We’ve tested several over the years and we have access to a few special promotions.

AloSIM – Use code GOINGAWESOMEPLACES to save 15%
KnowRoaming – Use code GAP10 to save 10%.
Airalo – Use referral code WILLIA9500 to get $3 USD credit on your first purchase.
Ubigi – 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 . Expedia is also worth using especially with their One Key rewards program which is basically like cash. The exception is Asia where Agoda always has the best prices. Always do a quick check on TripAdvisor as well.

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 (now eligible for One Key ).

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.

HeyMondo – 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.

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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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Four days in Tahiti

Home » Itinerary suggestions » Escape to Tahiti

The biggest island in French Polynesia is less well-known than it deserves to be. Explore the luxuriant interior, majestic mountains, waterfalls and deep mysterious valleys. Discover the island’s rich cultural heritage and eventful history. Enjoy fine food, traditional entertainment, shopping, beautiful beaches and watersports of all kinds. Take time to get to know Tahiti.

A round island tour

You can either take a guided tour or rent a car and follow our suggested itinerary. Start with a look around the capital, Papeete and its cathedral and colorful market. Then head for the museum of Tahiti et des îles . After your visit, go to the beach at PK18 to admire the view over Moorea and have a refreshing swim in the lagoon. Continue with a visit to the marae Ta’ata and marae Arahurahu, where you can feel the famous Polynesian mana . Don’t miss the Mara’a cave, where you can cool off before visiting the botanical garden close by. If you like surfing , stop at PK0 on the peninsula, Tahiti Iti. The road comes to an end here anyway, and you can watch the surfers testing their skills on the mythical wave at Teahupoo , one of the most impressive waves in the world. On the way back to Papeete on the wilder east coast, you’ll pass luxuriant velleys and magnificent waterfalls. Stop off at the historical Trou du souffleur blowhole, before heading to Venus Point. On the way, you can admire the surfers, just a few meters from the road. As the day comes to and end, take a stroll along the beach and admire the magnificent sunset.

Papeete market

Right in the center of Papeete , the market is an emblematic site. A vast, bubbling and colorful place where you can find all the gastronomic richness and diversity of The Islands of Tahiti . From fruit and vegetables, fresh fish and traditional dishes such as poisson cru , to firi firi doughnuts and fresh coconut juice in the snackbars. There are also stalls selling every type of Polynesian craftwork , from wooden sculptures to pareos. A visit to Papeete market is an immersion in the daily life of the inhabitants of Tahiti . On Sunday mornings you can buy everything you need for a traditional ma’a Tahiti (Tahitian meal). But you have to get up early – the market opens at 3,00am on Sundays!

The peninsula

The best way to explore the peninsula is by boat. Start with the legendary wave at Teahupoo , where surfing champions from all over the world gather each year to test their skills against ‘jaws’. Continue on to Fenua ‘Aihere (Bushland), a preserved natural site which is only accessible from the sea. Go ashore for a stroll through the dense vegetation and when you cross the forest of mape (Tahitian chestnut), you’ll come to an idyllic spot, perfect for a swim and a picnic. After lunch, you can explore the caves and waterfalls in this little corner of paradise. From August to October you might also be lucky enough to spot some humpback whales .

The island’s interior

For lovers of nature, Tahiti has a multitude of hiking trails suitable for all levels. We always recommend that you use the services of a professional guide. Not only will he ensure that you don’t get lost, he will also share with you some of the island’s fascinating tales and legends. As you pass through the forests, valleys and canyons, you’ll visit archeological remains and other vestiges of an ancient culture, giving an insight into the daily life of the early Polynesians. Hiking up some of the slopes, you’ll be able to enjoy truly magnificent views over the island and the ocean beyond.

Scuba diving

There are numerous diving centers operating in the warm waters of Tahiti. Each one offers a variety of possibilities to suit all levels of diver. The dives take place next to dropoffs, where the fauna and flora is at its most diverse and concentrated. There are several sites where ships have been scuppered voluntarily to attract tropical fish and other species. In the White Valley, which is named after the white sand on the seabed, you can spend a magical moment swimming among the sharks .

4×4 excursion

If diving doesn’t appeal to you, take a 4×4 excursion on land, it’s an excellent way to discover Tahiti. You take the Traversière (cross-island road), which leads through lush vegetation to the center of the island. On the way the scenery is magnificent with waterfalls, valleys and majestic mountains. At lunchtime, you stop at the Relais de la Maroto, where the views are as superb as the food. After lunch, take a refreshing dip in the nearby river. Then it’s back on the trail to discover more beautiful sights and archeological sites.

Excursion 4x4 Papenoo © Grégoire Le Bacon LionAiles

Get a bird’s eye view

The surface area of Tahiti is 646 km2, so there’s a lot to see from up above. Thrill-seekers can take a free-fall parachute jump accompanied by professionals and admire the spectacular views as they descend for over five minutes. Not quite as high, but just as thrilling, a tandem paraglide with an instrutor holding the reins, leaves you free to enjoy the scenery from above. If you prefer flying rather than controlled falling, then you can take a helicopter flight for 30 minutes to discover the ups and downs of the mountains and the curving contours of Tahiti’s coastline.

Helicopter flight over Tahiti © Grégoire Le Bacon Tahiti Nui Helicopters

Outrigger sailing canoe

For a sporting activity that is also part of Tahitian culture , spend a day on a traditional outrigger sailing canoe. Once the only means of getting from island to island, the ancient Polynesians had to navigate without the benefit of electronic equipment. During this day on the lagoon, you’ll learn some of the methods that they used to find their way around the vast Pacific Ocean.

Plan the trip of your dreams

3 good reasons to book a travel agent, certified tahiti specialist.

has in-depth knowledge of the destination, enabling us to offer you unique activities and experiences.

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to suit your preferences and budget.

Your agent assists you

throughout your stay to make every moment of your trip a memorable one.

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See our suggested itineraries

Let yourself be seduced by our holiday offers, where you’ll discover French Polynesia through its people, its wild nature, its priceless art of living and its islands with crystal-clear waters. Take advantage of a privileged location !

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One Day in Tahiti Itinerary – How to Spend a Perfect Day in Tahiti

Let’s explore the beautiful island of Tahiti, the largest island of French Polynesia, also known the heart and soul of the South Pacific. There are 118 alluring islands in total in this island cluster that are spread over a sailing surface that is the size of Western Europe. Therefore, one day in Tahiti can easily be spent out at sea, but if you decide to stay on the island, you certainly won’t regret it.

What is the Best Time to Visit Tahiti?

Although the temperature of Tahiti remains moderate throughout the year, the best time to visit Tahiti is from May till October. That’s because the weather between these months remains dry. The temperature range is from the upper 60s to the mid-80s, which makes this ideal weather to visit the beach.

The island mainly enjoys two seasons: winter and summers. During winter, there are fewer rainfalls and the weather remains pleasant. On the other hand, in summer, the weather is mostly hot and humid. And regardless of the time when you travel to Tahiti, you will find high hotel fares.

A Few Facts About Tahiti

The island of Tahiti is divided into two parts: Tahiti Nui, which is in the north-western part, and Tahiti Iti, which is the smaller, south-eastern part created by a volcano eruption and containing large mountains surrounded by coral reefs. This is also the most populous island of French Polynesia consisting of 68.7% of the population.

The capital of Tahiti is Papeete. All flights in Tahiti arrived at Faa, an International Airport thus your vacations will start at Tahiti and end at Papeete.

One Day in Tahiti Itinerary

There are quite a few alluring places to visit and things to do during your one-day trip to Tahiti, so you will need a reliable itinerary to make the most of your trip. Here it is!

Enjoy the streetlife and shopping

At the start of your trip to Tahiti, you will land in Papeete, a multicultural and vibrant city with busy street life and a lively harbor. To do some shopping, head towards the market called Le Marche . Here you can purchase things like colorful pareos, monoi oil, and vanilla beans.

After shopping head towards Robert Wan’s Black Pearl Museum . Here, you can purchase Tahitian black pearl souvenirs as a memento of your trip.

To feel like a native, visit Vaiete Square after sunset. You can enjoy the waterfront strolls at night, especially when you have food trucks, Les Roulottes, to serve you affordable meals like fresh fish, pizza, steak fries, and Chinese food.

Stop for a Tasty Lunch

After shopping in Papeete, drive 15 minutes from the city towards Blue Banana . It is a seaside restaurant with delicious food. You can enjoy some excellent pan-fried soles here in a wonderful atmosphere.

Museum of Tahiti and the Islands

Another important place to visit in Tahiti is the Museum of Tahiti and the Islands. Here you can get to know this incredible archipelago through its geography, culture, and history. It really is a fascinating place to visit because you can see for yourself how special Tahiti really is. A must-see during your one day in Tahiti.

Taharuu Beach

One of the most beautiful places in Tahiti is Taharuu Beach , a place famous for its volcanic black sand which will blow you away as soon as you set your eyes on it. But the whole place looks like paradise – black sand, leafy lush jungle, misty mountains, and bright blue water will leave you speechless.

You can also enjoy swimming in the powerful waves of this beach and have a scoop of ice-cream from a small shop located on the right there on the beach.

Water Gardens of Vaipahi

After enjoying your time at Taharuu Beach, head towards the Water Gardens of Vaipahi . You don’t have to pay anything to enter this beautiful place, and it takes only 15 minutes from the beach to reach it.

These gardens are full of tropical and blooming plants. A stroll among the dense vegetation and lush greenery can help you find some protection from the heat. Add to that the waterfalls and small lagoons, and you can see why a trip to Tahiti is a fantasy of so many people.

Isthmus of Taravao

From the water gardens, head towards the Isthmus of Taravao . It is a narrow strip of land that connects the Tahiti Nui to the smaller Tahiti Iti. Tahiti Nui and Tahiti Iti are ancient volcanoes, and coming to this amazing place will allow you to enjoy a spectacular view of them both.

La Plage de Maui

If you’re still thinking about enjoying the sand, you can move once again to the shoreline. Although many of the beaches on the island contain a black hue, La Plage de Maui is dazzling white. It is located on Tahiti’s southern shore, and the sand and the clear waters here will delight any visitor.

The bay is calm and shallow, and you can also try the beach snack bar that serves fresh seafood and is very popular among tourists. Be very careful while driving to La Plage, though, because the roads are very unpredictable.

Day trips from Tahiti

Many of you reading this will stay more than one day in Tahiti, and that opens up a lot of opportunities for sensational day trips. Here are some destinations you may want to consider.

A rocky island with a magical view of mountains that are covered with lush greenery, Moorea is sure to leave quite an impression on you. A great destination if you’re into hiking, but there are some wonderful beaches here, of course.

This incredible feat of nature has to be high on every visitor’s priority list. A small cluster of islands surrounded by a lagoon and a coral reef, with an extinct volcano in the middle of it all… Sounds too good to be true, doesn’t it? Oh, and coconut trees, don’t forget the coconut trees!

Where to Stay at Tahiti

InterContinental Tahiti Resort & Spa, an IHG hotel

InterContinental Tahiti Resort and Spa

Pointe Tahiti, Faaa, 98702 Faaa

An amazing place to stay, not only does InterContinental Tahiti Resort and Spa have its own lagoon, but it also offers incredible views and can be easily reached from the airport. Overwater bungalows with private sun terraces, an overwater restaurant, and a stema bath are just some of the features that await you. Prepare for an amazing stay!

BOOK A ROOM HERE

Vanira Lodge

Teahupoo, 98735 Teahupoo

Do you want to stay in a luxurious treehouse? That’s just one of the options Vanira Lodge has in store for you! Each accommodation unit has been created out of natural materials, and there is a swimming pool here facing the sea. Staying here will be a special and exceptionally enjoyable experience, exactly what you want from visiting Tahiti.

Punaauia, 98717 Punaauia

If you’re looking for a bit more down-to-earth accommodation, Tiki Hotel is an excellent choice. Surrounded by loads of greenery, it offers everything you could need during your stay, including air conditioning, mini-bars, flat-screen TVs and more. With very kind and helpful staff constantly at your service, you can be sure you’ll get your money’s worth here.

Mahana Lodge Hostel & Backpacker, Tahiti

Mahana Lodge Hostel and Backpacker

Rue Paul Gauguin, 5, 98719 Papeete

Oh yes, hostels are an option in Tahiti too, and Mahana Lodge Hostel and Backpackers is an excellent choice. A shared kitchen and a shared lounge are at your disposal here, and all rooms are air-conditioned. There is also a continental or a buffet breakfast to get you started, plus the people working here are always ready to help you.

Extra tips for visiting Tahiti

You may want to bring your snorkeling gear with you. The waters around the island are absolutely perfect for that.

While booking an overwater room may sound like a fantastic idea at first, keep in mind that these rooms are generally much more expensive. Booking a regular room can leave you more funds to spend on enjoying the island.

Food trucks are extremely popular here, so you can expect a great selection of quick bites.

Don’t let the relatively high accommodation (and other) prices discourage you. There’s something for everyone in Tahiti!

Make sure you have everything you need

What to pack for your next trip.

Make your next trip as simple and as enjoyable as possible by packing smart. It’s amazing how much stress top travel items can save you, so choose carefully. Things like lightweight travel backpacks, for example, are ideal for short trips and allow you to move around with ease, and a passport holder will make sure you keep your documents safe at all times. Check our travel checklist guide for 2021 to make sure you haven’t missed anything, and travel to your next destination in style and with maximum comfort.

Melanie is a creative writer with a special interest in Culture, Tourism and Languages. Along with being associated with the Tourism industry for the past 7 years, she is working as a creative writer for CCJK, a known translation services provider.

Tahiti itinerary 3 weeks - My budget tour in Polynesia and good deals

Are you preparing your next tour in Polynesia and looking for itinerary ideas to visit Tahiti in 3 weeks?

So don't miss out! Indeed, when we plan a trip to Polynesia, it is often the trip of a lifetime, one that we plan for a special occasion (honeymoon in Tahiti, 10 years of marriage, anniversary gift of children), one which must be 100% successful, which must be an eye-catcher and remain in one's memory for life.

This is why you will need to carefully calculate your itinerary to visit the most beautiful islands of Polynesia, coordinate transport well, and think of everything:

When to go to Tahiti?

What formalities to enter French Polynesia?

Which islands to visit in Polynesia?
Which itinerary for 3 weeks?
Which hotels?
What budget for a trip to Tahiti?

Without giving you a travel guide to Tahiti and its islands, I will simply share my itinerary and my experience by addressing all the questions that I asked myself when preparing my 3-week trip to Polynesia. See also my 2nd trip to Tahiti: 4 islands tour in Polynesia

Tahiti 3 weeks - My 21-day tour in Polynesia

Going to Tahiti in October?

There are 2 main seasons in French Polynesia: the dry season, called southern winter (from April to October) and the wet season, called southern summer (from November to April).

The southern winter is the best time for a trip to Tahiti. Indeed, between April and early November, there is little rain and the heat is very pleasant.

Between November and March, it is a little less favorable because you will have to endure a few showers, a higher humidity level and strong heat.

I chose to go to Tahiti in October to benefit from a favorable climate (despite some rain) but above all to be able to observe the whales which come to breed at that time off the coast of Tahiti. In fact, the best time to see whales in Polynesia is from July to early November.

On the other hand, it is also interesting to go to Tahiti in October simply because plane tickets and accommodation prices are much cheaper than in July or August.

No visa required for a tourist trip to French Polynesia (from France). You just have to check that your passport is still valid for at least 6 months after the date of return to France.

On the other hand, as my flight went through Los Angeles, I had to comply with the rules of entry into the United States: biometric passport + ESTA authorization (to be done online on the official website https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/ ).

How long does it take to do a tour in Polynesia?

I would have liked to spend a full month there but when I looked at the prices of accommodation and transport on site, I quickly reduced the duration of my trip to 3 full weeks there. I left Toulouse on September 30 and returned on October 22, 23 days including 21 days on site.

Circuit in Tahiti - Which islands to visit in Polynesia?

Among the must-see islands that I wanted to visit in Polynesia, were precisely those of BORA BORA -TUAMOTU pass what Air Tahiti offers for its Multi-Island circuit departing from Tahiti (the largest of the Polynesian islands where the capital Papeete is located):

Moorea 17 km from Tahiti for its proximity, its volcanic mountains and its beautiful beaches,
Huahine 175 km from Tahiti for its wild side with its preserved traditions,
Raiatea for its magnificent lagoon,
Maupiti for its beauty and its sweetness of life,
Bora Bora for its romantic side, its motus of white sand and its coral gardens,
Rangiroa for its worldwide scuba diving spot,
Tikehau to go to Pink Sand Island or Bird Island,
Fakarava for the pleasure of diving and for its dreamy beaches .

Bora Bora Tuamotu Pass in 3 weeks?

The concern I had was that I couldn't achieve combining all the stages of the Bora Bora Tuamotu Pass in just 3 weeks. Indeed, some of these islands have departures to the other islands only on certain days of the week. Suddenly, as I wanted to spend 2 to 3 days on each island, it was impossible for me to combine with my dates and the dates of the available flights a circuit with all the islands of the BORA BORA - TUAMOTU pass.

To choose the stopover islands for my 3-week tour in Polynesia, I favored the islands closest to the Island of Tahiti by choosing the combined flight of the BORA BORA pass (€419). It allows me to include the Windward Islands and the Leeward Islands in my itinerary with: Moorea, Huahine, Raiatea, Bora Bora, Maupiti.

But I knew that among the most beautiful places in Polynesia, the Tuamotu archipelago is number 1!

So I had to give up on Tikehau (no regrets) and add an extension to the BORA BORA pass (€280) by choosing between the Fakarava atoll or the Rangiroa atoll.

Fakarava or Rangiroa for my itinerary?

Rangiroa atoll.

Rangiroa is the 2nd largest coral atoll in the whole world. It is the most famous place in Polynesia for diving. Each year, divers from all over the world enjoy the pleasure of diving in the passes which are full of all the sharks, barracudas, parrot fish, turtles… of the Pacific.

But, you should know that this Atoll does not have superb white sand beaches... So, among the Tuamotu atolls, I chose the Fakarava atoll.

Fakarava Atoll

Located 440 km from the island of Tahiti, in the Tuamotu archipelago, Fakarava Atoll is one of the 7 atolls classified as Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO. This large coral atoll is also a scuba diving spot ranked among the best in the world. It is a site where you can swim with sharks in magical and heavenly diving places like the Alibaba Canyon.

This atoll, perhaps because or thanks to its distance from Tahiti, is preserved from mass tourism (much fewer divers than in Ranguiroa) and yet offers beaches of sublime beauty.

Circuit in Tahiti - Which itinerary in Polynesia?

My flight with Air Tahiti Nui landing in Papeete on October 1 at 21:45 p.m., 1 night in Papeete, took the ferry on October 2 to Moorea then I followed the BORA BORA pass flights with the extension to the Fakarava Atoll ( 350 €/person) as the last step.

Here are the details of my 3-week itinerary in Polynesia:

Papeete 10/01/15
Moorea 10/02/15
Moorea (MOZ) - Huahine (HUH) 10/03/15
Huahine (HUH) - Raiatea (RFP) 10/07/15
Raiatea (RFP) - Bora Bora (BOB) 10/10/15
Bora Bora (BOB) - Maupiti (MAU) 10/13/15
Maupiti (MAU) - Tahiti (PPT) 10/16/15
Tahiti (PPT) - Fakarava (FAV) 10/17/15
Fakarava (FAV) - Tahiti (PPT) 10/20/15
Papeete - Toulouse 10/21/15

See also my 2nd trip to Tahiti from October-November 2021: Circuit 4 islands + Moorea in Polynesia

budget for 3 weeks in Polynesia PHOTO LAGOON TUAMOTU

Cheap hotels in Polynesia for my itinerary

For this 3 week tour full in Polynesia, I spent a total of 20 nights in guesthouse type accommodation, pensions and hotels. The total cost of the accommodation budget amounted to 2 Euros by choosing the cheapest formulas as a priority (see my selection of cheap hotels in Polynesia ).

What budget for a 3-week tour in Tahiti?

I was able to make a small estimate of the cost of this 3-week tour in Polynesia (see Tahiti Budget table below) but it must be taken into account that there are many expenses which will inevitably be added (souvenir gifts, purchase cultured pearls, tattoos, pareos, monoï, hinano beers).

This type of trip in tour mode is much more expensive than a trip to Tahiti in stay mode. In fact, it is the travel and transport for this type of itinerary that is relatively expensive because it is added to an already substantial budget in terms of flights and on-site expenses.

budget for 3 weeks in Polynesia (tahiti bora bora tuamotu)

And why not a stay in Maldives ou in the Seychelles ?

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10 days in Tahiti – The perfect honeymoon itinerary

Day 1. Arrive Tahiti (Papeete International Airport). Upon exiting the airport you will be met with a flower lei and taken to your resort for two nights in Papeete . Spend two nights at the Radisson Plaza Papeete. Take this day to recover from jetlag, swim by the pool and relax. For travellers arriving on an early morning flight, we suggest they pre book early check in.

Day 2 . Explore Papeete . Spend the day on an exciting tour around the island. Take a 4x4 to the very heart of the island. Admire the valley of Papenoo, famous for its rivers, and enjoy the incredible waterfall and tropical plant views. This natural setting is the perfect place to experience the beauty of Tahiti. After returning to your hotel, head over to Les Roulettes, the popular Tahitian food trucks where you can taste local and international cuisine – and at a very affordable price!

Day 3. Transfer to Moorea. This morning, after breakfast, you will be met and transferred to the pier for your short ferry ride to Moorea. The heart shaped island of Moorea is only 16 kilometres/10 miles from Papeete is a beautiful island offering stunning scenery with its pristine, secluded beaches and lush mountains and valleys. Formerly of volcanic origin, the jagged mountain peaks give the island its unique character with Mount Tohi’e’a dominating the skyline. Upon arrival transfer to the Intercontinental Moorea for three nights. Take the remainder of the day to relax.

A view of the lush mountain island of Moorea in French Polynesia with blue clear water

Day 4. Moorea . The resort has a wide range of activities, including the Moorea Dolphin Centre, Top Dive Club, Hélène’s Spa, tennis, kayaking, canoeing, water skiing and guided Jeep tours. The resort has completed a multimillion dollar renovation, including a gorgeous new infinity pool featuring a swim-up bar. Set within 17 acres of lush gardens, the resort provides a magnificent setting for a memorable South Seas vacation. This evening enjoy a delicious traditional dinner at the Tiki Village, a re-created Polynesian village. The highlight of the evening is the fire dancing performed by young native men from Moorea.

Day 5. Moorea . Today, set off on a safari experience and explore the volcano's internal crater and incredible landscapes. Visit a pineapple plantation, Moorea's Lycee Agricole (agricultural school) and its huge vanilla, banana, grapefruit and lemon plantations to name but a few. Then head to a marae before driving to the Belvedere for stunning views of Cook and Opunohu bays. The final stop will be the Magic Mountain. You will reach the top by following a little path lined with fruit trees. Up there, you will enjoy one of the most amazing view of the island of Moorea.

Day 6. Moorea to Bora Bora. Transfer to the airport for your flight to Bora Bora. This relatively small and incredibly beautiful island is a true paradise with its crystal clear waters and amazing sunsets. It is surrounded by a coral reefed lagoon. In the centre of the island is an extinct volcano with the two twin peaks of Mount Pahia and Mount Otemanu towering over the island.

In many ways, Bora Bora is the ultimate romantic tourist destination. It has a casual and relaxed lifestyle suitable for honeymooners and travellers looking for a peaceful destination. A standard type of accommodation consists of overwater bungalows on stilts on top of the lagoon. Check into the 5-star Intercontinental Thalasso Resort and Spa for 3 nights .

Day 7. Enjoy Bora Bora . Today embark on a Shark and Ray Lagoon Safari to discover the sharks and rays, snorkel in a coral garden and in the aquarium before stopping on Motu Tapu for a delicious lunch with local specialties. After lunch relax and enjoy the afternoon on the white sand beach. This evening head to Bloody Mary's, Bora Bora's most famous seafood restaurant. Each evening (except Sunday) the daily catch of the local fishermen from Bora Bora is displayed on ice, where after an explanation of what is available on your particular evening, the host takes your order directly to the chef. You can choose from a vast selection of fine seafood plus crab, steak, chicken and seafood is also available. Your night also includes return transfers. This is truly a fine dining experience in a unique Tahitian environment.

Young lady stand alone , look towards to the Otemanu mountain at Bora Bora island , French Polynesia , Pacific ocean

Day 8 Bora Bora. Enjoy spending time in your overwater bungalow. Swim into the lagoon and sunbathe on your private deck . This evening, head tothe MaiKai Restaurant which features international, French and Polynesian cuisine with elegant water views. With both casual and intimate dining options the MaiKai Restaurant embraces its surroundings to offer high-quality cuisine in an idyllic setting.

Day 9 Bora Bora to Tahaa . Transfer to the airport for your 45 minute flight to the island of Raiatea and connect on to Tahaa on a private shuttle boat. Check into the stunning 5-star Le Taha'a Private Island and Spa. Located on the secluded Motu Tautau islet, in the society islands facing the lush island of Taha'a on one side and the majestic silhouette of Bora Bora on the other side, the resort, inspired by traditional Polynesian architecture and style, contains 57 remarkable suites and villas.

Day 10 Tahaa . This morning, try something different with a Tahitian Canoe Breakfast – breakfast delivered to your overwater bungalow in a personal canoe. The rest of the day is yours to relax, and explore the 3 restaurants and 2 bars, Tennis court and swimming pool.

Day 11. Tahaa. Today why not try a scuba diving tour, or if you’re not a diver, or experience incredible “drift snorkeling”. This evening why not go on a sunset cruise.

Day 12 Tahaa to Papeete. Transfer to the airport for your flight back to Papeete. Upon arrival check in for your international flight back to Los Angeles on Air Tahiti Nui and say farewell to Tahiti!

8 Tips on Planning your perfect Tahiti Trip

Growing up in a family travel business, Bronwyn has been travelling from a very young age. Her favourite experience was 3 months spent backpacking through India and Southeast Asia. She counts many countries among her ‘favourites,’ but is especially fond of Australia for its lifestyle, Cambodia for its culture and resilience, and Japan for its contrasts. She holds the proud distinction of being Goway’s only former Bollywood star – having once starred in a Coke commercial in Mumbai.

Travel Stories to Inspire You.

Small Ship TAHITI CRUISES

A Beyond Ordinary Paradise Explored by Unparalleled Expertise

The Islands of French Polynesia invite you to discover their own distinct magic. Hop ashore to the enchanted landscapes of the Marquesas, explore the origins of Polynesian culture in Raiatea, or spend the night in an overwater bungalow for a romantic experience you'll have a hard time topping. Revel at a feast during our Destination Discovery Event complete with fire dancers in Bora Bora. Jump into a beautiful palm-fringed lagoon from the Watersports Platform on the yacht’s stern. Or simply unwind on deck, enjoying paradise with a Mai Tai in hand. Our 148-guest Wind Spirit features wide teak decks and billowing white sails that are tailor-made for cruising Tahiti’s islands, while our newly transformed 312-guest Star Breeze features all ocean view spacious 277 square feet suites, all new bathrooms in all suites, two new restaurants, the new World Spa by Windstar, a new infinity pool, new engines and so much more. Both yachts are as at-home among Tahiti’s deserted motus and shallow lagoons as a tiare flower, and just as beautiful. Bliss knows no bounds. The sand massages your feet, warm water welcomes you like an old friend; ambition falls away as you watch the sun etch palm fronds on the beach. This is a place that is easy to love, difficult to leave, as so many before you have discovered. Come. Experience Bora Bora with our complimentary Destination Discovery Event, Moorea, Fakarava, and other exotic Tahiti destinations you only dream about. -->

Dreams of Tahiti

Tahiti & the Tuamotu Islands

Wine Cruise: Tahiti & the Tuamotu Islands

Dreams of Tahiti Air + Hotel Package from LAX

Dreams of Tahiti Air + Moorea Hotel Package from SEA

Tahiti & the Tuamotu Islands Air + Hotel Package from LAX

Tahiti & the Tuamotu Islands Air + Hotel Package from SEA

National Health Association Plant-Based Culinary Extravaganza: Dreams of Tahiti

Overwater Bungalow & Tahitian Paradises Cruise Tour

Tahiti & Moorea Culture Through Cuisine Cruise Tour

Far Flung French Polynesia and Marquesas Magic

Flowers of the South Pacific: Fiji, the Cook Islands & French Polynesia

Mãori Storytellers & French Polynesian Treasures

Must-Do Moorea & Tahiti Air + Overwater Bungalow Package from LAX

Star Collector: Comprehensive Tahiti & Marquesas Adventure

Star collector: twice the tahiti.

Stars over Bora Bora Air + Overwater Villa Package from LAX

Stars over Bora Bora Air + Overwater Villa Package from SEA

Tahitian Treasures & Magnificent Marquesas

Tahitian Treasures & Magnificent Marquesas Air + Moorea Hotel Package from SEA

Tantalizing Tuamotu Islands & Beautiful Bora Bora

COMMENTS

The Ultimate Tahiti Itinerary: How to Spend 3 to 5 Days in Tahiti
Day 1 of Your Tahiti Itinerary: Road Trip Around the Island. Day Two of Your Tahiti Itinerary: Whale Watching, Snorkeling, and/or Diving. Day 3 of Your Tahiti Itinerary: More Diving or Trip to the Papeno'o Valley. Day 4 of Your Tahiti Itinerary: Day Trip to Moorea. Day 5 of Your Tahiti Itinerary: Pick Your Final Adventure!
An Epic 2 Week Islands Of Tahiti Itinerary
How To Plan A 16 Days Islands of Tahiti Itinerary. 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.
How to Spend 5 Days or Less in Tahiti: an In-Depth Itinerary
Here's a quick overview of what this itinerary contains. Of course, mix and match the order of the days according to how much time you have and what interests you the most. Day 1: Papeete walking tour. Day 2: Hiking. Day 3: West coast road trip. Day 4: East coast road trip or Tetiaroa. Day 5: Papenoo Valley 4X4 excursion.
The Ultimate 3-Day Tahiti Itinerary Perfect For First Time Visitors
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The Ultimate 14 Days Islands of Tahiti Itinerary
Two-Week French Polynesia Itinerary: At a Glance. Day 1: Arrive in Tahiti and transfer to Moorea. Day 2: Moorea beach day. Day 3: Moorea whale swim or scuba dive. Day 4: Moorea's interior. Day 5: Huahine beach day. Day 6: Huahine lagoon tour. Day 7: Huahine cultural sights. Day 8: Arrive in Bora Bora.
French Polynesia Itinerary
French Polynesia Itinerary Day 1 - Tahiti . Arrive in Tahiti and spend the night in Pape'ete. You will have time to explore Tahiti at the end of your trip, so for the first day/evening have a wander around the capital city, check out the Pape'ete market and have dinner at the Place Vaiete Roulottes (an area of street food vans near the ...
How to Spend 3 Days or Less In Tahiti: an In-Depth Itinerary
Day 1: Papeete Walking Tour. Spend your first day exploring the 'big city'. Papeete feels very busy and congested at times, but it certainly has its charm. In a vast ocean of remote islands, Papeete feels as cosmopolitan as Paris. Start your day off in the Papeete Market, one of the best markets in the South Pacific.
How to Spend 3 Days or Less In Tahiti: an In-Depth Itinerary
3 Days In Tahiti Itinerary. By Avichai Ben-Tzur Published on April 1, 2021 October 19, 2023 Updated on October 19, 2023. Day 2: Road Trip Along Tahiti's West Coast. The second day of our 3 days in Tahiti involves renting a car and exploring the island on a self-guided road trip. We'll focus on Tahiti's drier and sunnier west coast.
15 days in The Islands of Tahiti
Day 1: Arrival in Rangiroa after 1h15 flight. Transfer to hotel and check in. Visit the island's two main villages of Avatoru and Tiputa by bike. After lunch, cycle to Tiputa to watch the dolphins playing in the pass.*. Day 2: Diving in one of the many superb dive spots for which Rangiroa is world famous.
Tahiti Travel Itinerary
Tahiti is the largest island in the Society Islands of French Polynesia, located in the central southern Pacific Ocean. It is known for its crystal clear waters, white sand beaches, and lush vegetation. If you're planning a trip to Tahiti, here is a sample itinerary to help you make the most of your visit:
A Guide to the Islands of Tahiti and French Polynesia
Location. 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 ...
A Family-Friendly, 7-Day Tahiti Travel Itinerary
Itinerary / 7 DAYS. DAY 1 Walking in Papeete. DAY 2 Circle the island. DAY 3 Volcanic wonders. DAY 4 Panoramic views on Moorea. DAY 5 Glass-bottom boating. DAY 6 High-flying adventure. DAY 7 Last day in paradise. PLAN YOUR TRIP.
14-Day Travel Itinerary to Tahiti
DAYS 1-3 Cultural immersion on Huahine. DAYS 4-5 Hiking, views, and horseback riding. DAYS 6-7 Sumptuous vanilla plantations, pearl farms, and boating. DAYS 8-10 Rub elbows with Moorea locals. DAYS 11-12 Exploring and feasting around the island. DAYS 13-14 Snorkeling among stingrays and black tip sharks. PLAN YOUR TRIP.
10 Day Itinerary for French Polynesia • The Blonde Abroad
10 Day Itinerary for French Polynesia. Just 8 hours west of LA, I found paradise. One of the most beautiful places in the world, French Polynesia is a beach lover's dream come true. Made up of 100 islands in the South Pacific, French Polynesia has some of the best diving and beaches on the planet. Ready for the ultimate tropical escape?
How To Plan A Trip To Tahiti: Ultimate Tahiti Travel Guide
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. 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).
The Islands Of Tahiti Travel Guide
The Islands of Tahiti travel guide for French Polynesia covers critical trip planning advice including tips on money, inter-island flying, costs, and more. ... 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 ...
Discover our itinerary suggestions
A few days inThe Islands of Tahiti. We have created several itineraries to suit the number of days you will be in our islands. You'll be able to discover some of the most important features of each region, including archeological sites and immaculate beaches. Whether you're visiting for 15 days, 3 weeks or even a month, take a look at our ...
Four days in Tahiti : discover our itineraries and tours
4×4 excursion. If diving doesn't appeal to you, take a 4×4 excursion on land, it's an excellent way to discover Tahiti. You take the Traversière (cross-island road), which leads through lush vegetation to the center of the island. On the way the scenery is magnificent with waterfalls, valleys and majestic mountains.
Tahiti trip planner: make a Tahiti itinerary & map
Known for Museum of Tahiti and the Islands, Punaauia Beach, and more. 4. Faa'a. 8% as popular as Papeete. Check out TOPDIVE Tahiti, Dave's VIP Tours, and more. 5. Taravao. 8% as popular as Papeete. Visit The Water Gardens of Vaipahi, Bain de Vaima, and more.
One day in Tahiti (Guide)
All flights in Tahiti arrived at Faa, an International Airport thus your vacations will start at Tahiti and end at Papeete. Papeete, Tahiti One Day in Tahiti Itinerary. There are quite a few alluring places to visit and things to do during your one-day trip to Tahiti, so you will need a reliable itinerary to make the most of your trip. Here it is!
Tahiti itinerary 3 weeks
My flight with Air Tahiti Nui landing in Papeete on October 1 at 21:45 p.m., 1 night in Papeete, took the ferry on October 2 to Moorea then I followed the BORA BORA pass flights with the extension to the Fakarava Atoll ( 350 €/person) as the last step. Here are the details of my 3-week itinerary in Polynesia: Papeete 10/01/15.
Top Tahiti Itineraries
Find wonderful travel, your way. Travelstride helps you find trips that move you, so you can choose with confidence. Search and compare 50,000+ expert-planned itineraries from 1,000+ companies - from international group tours, safaris, expedition cruises and adventure packages to local getaways and more.
10 days in Tahiti
Here's our suggestion for a dreamlike 12 day itinerary in beautiful French Polynesia. This itinerary allows clients to experience Papeete plus three beautiful islands: Moorea, Bora Bora and Tahaa. We've included some exciting excursions, dinners and all transfers. We are certain newly weds, couples and celebrators will love this itinerary! Day 1.
2024, 2025, 2026 Tahiti Cruises
Explore Tahiti islands, Bora Bora, Moorea, Fakarava. Exotic locations and itinerary. Book your vacation today. Hold times may be longer than usual: We're currently undergoing a reservation system upgrade and are still fixing some issues. ... INTERNATIONAL NUMBERS HEALTH & SAFETY YACHT CLUB WISHLIST MY WINDSTAR Call Your Travel Advisor or 800. ...