Tahiti Travel Guide

About the author, Michael Cottam Founder of Visual Itineraries, Michael lives in Bend, Oregon. He's an avid traveler, scuba diver, photographer, and a private pilot, and also the founder of Bright Yonder, which offers marketing tools to travel agents. He's been to Fiji, Thailand, Vietnam, Seychelles, Kenya, France, England, New Zealand, Jamaica, Belize, Costa Rica, Turks & Caicos, British Virgin Islands, Mexico, and the major islands in French Polynesia. He's been in Rotary for 22 years, currently on the board of the Greater Bend Rotary Club. Here's his LinkedIn and Pinterest.

Tahiti Vacation Planning

Any trip to French Polynesia is bound to be a trip of a lifetime. But Tahiti's islands each have very different personalities, travel costs, things to see and do, etc., so it's worth investing some time up front to figure out the right place or places for your trip-of-a-lifetime.

I've personally visited almost every resort on Tahiti Nui, Moorea, and Bora Bora, and seen all of the room categories, so that I have a first-hand understanding of the differences between them, as this helps match resorts to each of our clients. While I certainly have my own favorites, I believe that the notion of a "best" resort in Tahiti is a silly marketing ploy: best FOR WHOM? It depends so much on what the client wants to experience.

Our South Pacific travel experts, Joni and Teresa, have each been to French Polynesia many times (and recently!), and you'll find their advice invaluable in choosing which islands to visit, where to stay, and what to see and do while you're there. And we've got access to a wide range of travel specials from the wholesalers we work with to help you get the best possible pricing.

TRAVEL SPECIAL: St. Regis Bora Bora

St Regis Bora Bora Resort 5 nights from 20,754 per person

Offering the most luxurious accommodations in the region, its 91 exquisitely designed accommodations feature the largest over-water villas in the South Pacific as well as stunning beach villas, showcases for the warm glow of exotic woods, hand-woven fabrics and regional art.

Set amidst lush unspoiled surroundings and pristine waters, guests enjoy spectacular views of the main island of Bora Bora as well as the mystical Mount Otemanu. The towering majesty of Mount Otemanu is an ever-present symbol of the lofty luxury and impressively personalized service that are the hallmarks of St. Regis.

Learn more about St. Regis Bora Bora

Price includes hotel stay and all taxes and fees.

What's the difference between Tahiti and French Polynesia?

While most people refer to the entire region as "Tahiti", technically it's called French Polynesia. The main island, where the international airport is, is called Tahiti. Locals refer to it as if it's two islands: Tahiti Nui ("big Tahiti") and Tahiti Iti ("little Tahiti"). These two parts of the island are connected by a narrow isthmus, so it's really just one island.

There are five groups of islands in French Polynesia:

• Society Islands: this is where the vast majority of tourists go, and includes Tahiti itself, Moorea, Bora Bora, Huahine, Raiatea, Taha'a, and a few other tiny islands.
• Tuamotus: this is a series of atolls northwest of the Society Islands--famous for spectacular scuba diving sites.
• The Marquesas: these islands are over 800 miles to the northwest of the Society Islands. Most people visit here via a cruise ship.
• The Austral Islands: tiny islands about 800 miles to the SSW of the Society Islands--rarely visited by tourists.
• The Gambier Islands: Also tiny and rarely visited by outsiders, these cover only about 10 square miles, and are around 1000 miles away.

TRAVEL SPECIAL: Le Tahiti by Pearl Resorts

5 nights with air from 4,543 per person

Treat yourself to an unforgettable beachfront vacation at Le Tahiti by Pearl Resorts. The hotel's unbeatable location on Lafayette Beach in the famous Matavai Bay is surrounded by sparkling waters and offers outstanding on-site amenities like an Activity Desk, an infinity swimming pool and even a local arts and crafts market. Indulge in some pampering with an afternoon or a full day of treatments at the on-site Le Spa, or visit the capital centre of Papeete using the resort's free shuttle service. You can also pick up last-minute souvenirs at the on-site gift shop. Reserve your stay online at Le Tahiti by Pearl Resorts today to experience a truly rejuvenating island getaway.

Learn more about Le Tahiti by Pearl Resorts

Minimum Check-In Age: 18
Mandatory hotel imposed resort fee inclusions:
• One bottle of mineral water (1L) in room daily
• Wi-Fi Internet access
• Round trip shuttle to Downtown Papeete (not available on Saturday afternoon and Sundays)
• Access to the sauna and hammam and Fitness Center
• Daily cultural activities and fitness classes
• 10% discount on Spa treatments (not valid on duo treatments)
• 10% discount on laundry service (not valid on dry cleaning)

The above list may not be comprehensive. Mandatory hotel-imposed fees may not include tax and are subject to change at any time and without notice. The hotel can provide current fee and inclusions when you check-in.

What are the best resorts in French Polynesia?

Presuming you've already done your research and know what islands you want to visit, this is still a question where the answer very much depends on your budget and your tastes/styles.

I'd strongly recommend you take the time to speak to one of our Tahiti specialists and have them show you some of the options they think would be a good fit for you.

In the meantime, we've got this list of some of our favorite resorts in Tahiti, and of course you can always browse the entire list of resorts here.

What's best: overwater bungalow, or garden bungalow, or beach bungalow?

Definitely overwater bungalows give the iconic French Polynesian experience--the views, the ability to step off your own private deck into the lagoon, having your breakfast delivered by canoe, and watching the fish below you through the glass floor in your bungalow...these are all pretty amazing experiences, and we'd recommend you spend at least 1 or 2 nights in an overwater bungalow. We're very familiar with all of the resorts in French Polynesia, and have seen all the different room categories in person, and honestly, most resorts' garden and beach bungalows are pretty fantastic. Many will have a private plunge pool or a jacuzzi. And while the "horizon" overwater bungalows have spectacular views, after a few days, you might get a bit tired of walking all the way out to the end of the wooden walkways and back every time you want to go to the restaurant, go on an excursion, etc.

View from a beach bungalow at Bora Bora Pearl Resort.

The garden and beach bungalows are typically going to be less of a trek from the main points in the resort.

A garden pool suite at Bora Bora Pearl Resort.

What we'll often recommend is that you split your time between the overwater bungalows and the beach or garden bungalows. You'll get some variety that way, and you'll save some money, as typically the garden and beach bungalows are less expensive per night. It's important also to realize that many of the resorts on one island have "sister" resorts on the other islands. A great option is to spend a few nights in a garden bungalow on one of the islands, and then a few nights in an overwater bungalow on another. Often, the resorts will have special discounts if you stay at two or more of their resorts.

• 4 nights in Moorea + 3 nights in Bora Bora
• 3 nights in Moorea + 3 nights in Bora Bora + 3 nights in the Tuamotu Atolls

Often, people will combine these with 1 night in Papeete, so you have a chance to see Marche Papeete, Les Roulottes, explore the town, shop for pearls, etc.

TRAVEL SPECIAL: Hilton Moorea Lagoon Resort & Spa

Hilton Moorea Lagoon Resort & Spa 5 nights from 3,520 per person

What better place to experience the dramatic splendour of this South
Seas fantasy island than from an overwater, or garden bungalow,
at this romantic resort. The resort is set amidst abundant tropical
gardens and rimmed by a white sandy beach and a brilliant ten-acre lagoon, teeming with friendly tropical fish, a gentle water playground for guests.

Sample Polynesian and international cuisine, alternating between buffets, à la carte and themed menus, from the elegant restaurant, which offers stunning views of the lagoon and features Polynesian shows, local orchestras and international entertainment.

Learn more about Hilton Moorea Lagoon Resort & Spa

The Hilton Moorea Lagoon Resort and Spa’s luxurious bungalows are set amidst exotic flower gardens or suspended above the turquoise lagoon, teeming with tropical marine life, and feature contemporary Polynesian design. Includes American breakfast daily.

Weather in Tahiti

While French Polynesia definitely has a high season and a low season when it comes to prices, really, the weather doesn't vary much between those seasons.

High season (May through October) is a little drier, with less humidity and fewer showers, and an average high temperature of about 80 degrees F. Low season's average high temperature is about 79 F. The Tuamotu Atolls and the Marquesas, being closer to the equator, have slightly warmer temperatures than the Society Islands.

The high & dry season also has better visibility for scuba divers, as in the rainy season there's a lot more plankton. On the plus side, that brings the big pelagic creatures like whales. Expect visibility to range from 30 to 50 meters.

Does Tahiti have hurricanes?

Well, they do, but in the South Pacific these kinds of storms are technically called cyclones. And luckily, these are very rare--much less common than hurricanes in the Caribbean, which happen every year. There's a great map here that shows the annual probability of cyclones and hurricanes worldwide.

For detailed information on temperatures and precipitation by month, visit our Tahiti weather page.

Travel Prices: High and Low Season in Tahiti

The overall high season is generally May 1 to October 31, and this is really more about demand than weather. Because Tahiti is such a popular honeymoon destination, and a huge percentage of weddings happen in the summer, the North American summertime is peak season in French Polynesia, and prices rise accordingly, as you'd expect anywhere.

Both hotel prices and airfares rise in peak season, with low season airfares around $800 to $900 USD from Los Angeles (LAX) and high season airfares around $1200 to $1600.

Note that for air and hotel pricing, the month of December typically has high season rates--mostly this is driven by Christmas vacation demand.

For more on the seasons and what kinds of pricing to expect, visit our Best time to visit Tahiti page.

Scuba diving in Tahiti

You'll find terrific diving for new and intermediate divers around Moorea and Bora Bora. On Bora Bora, there are some more advanced dive sites on the west side, such as Tapu (the opening in the motu where a lot of water flows in and out of the lagoon) and there you'll see many, many sharks (mostly blacktips, but also a lot of lemon sharks and a few gray sharks).

The first time I rolled out of a dive boat there, I counted 50 sharks within the 100 meters or so of visibility I had. On that first dive, we were lucky enough to have a massive Napoleon wrasse swim among us the entire dive--often less than a meter away.

If diving is really the main focus of your trip to French Polynesia, you'll want to consider the Tuamotu Atolls, which are famous for big schools of sharks (including hammerheads), manta ray cleaning stations, huge schools of barracuda and trevally, eagle rays, and bottlenose dolphins. It's a fair ways out from the main islands, and the resorts there tend to be much more focused on the diving scene vs. luxury/romance, but if you're an avid diver this is probably already on your bucket list.

For more details on where to dive, what you'll see, etc., visit our Tahiti scuba diving guide.

Map of all Resorts in French Polynesia