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 23 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: Sofitel Bora Bora Marara Beach

Sofitel Bora Bora Marara Beach Resort 5 nights from 2,960 per person

Bora Bora, the Pearl of the Pacific is often called the most beautiful island in the world. Jagged green peaks cascade down to white sand beaches and shimmering blue lagoons. In the unparalleled Matira Bay nestles Sofitel Bora Bora Marara Beach Resort.

A quintessential Bora Bora beach resort, the luxury hotel sits on a sparkling beach with lush grounds dotted by hibiscus flowers and tropical blossoms. Meander the tropical landscape and explore the riches of the island.

For the most indulgent villa experience, Sofitel Bora Bora Marara Beach Resorts, over water bungalows, suspend guests over the lagoon. Gaze at the watery world below through glass in-floor viewing platforms or step directly into the sea from your terrace.

A highlight of the resort, Polynesian style bungalows showcase natural materials and forms inspired by the tropical setting. Over water bungalows perch just atop the lagoon and feature in-floor viewing platforms to watch the aquatic wonders below.

Meanwhile beach bungalows place guests directly on the white sands while other bungalows tuck guests away within the lush gardens. All bungalows offer guests luxurious indulgences from Sofitel MyBeds to deluxe French bath elixirs.

Discover one of the world's most desired destinations in exclusive Sofitel style.

Learn more about Sofitel Bora Bora Marara Beach

Nestled on a private white sand beach, on the edge of one of the most beautiful lagoons in the world, Sofitel Bora Bora Marara Beach Resort is surrounded by an exceptional environment.

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: Manava Beach Resort and Spa

Manava Beach Resort and Spa Moorea 5 nights from 2,395 per person

The charming Manava Beach Resort & Spa maintains a boutique hotel feel and exudes the warm, welcoming ambiance characteristic of French Polynesia. Located on the northeast coast, this resort is only ten minutes from the airport and fifteen minutes from the ferry dock, meaning it still delivers on convenience while supplying a feeling of seclusion. (formerly: The Moorea Pearl Beach Resort)

The resort offers a range of spacious garden rooms, beachfront suites and romantic overwater villas, creating an atmosphere where both couples and families can peacefully coexist. Each overwater bungalow provides a large sundeck with direct access to the lagoon for incredible snorkeling, while each garden bungalow features a backyard with private plunge pool. The resort is also home to the largest infinity pool on the island. Other guest amenities include a poolside bar and restaurant, dive center, and activities desk with a range of excursions available.

Learn more about Manava Beach Resort and Spa

The Manava Beach Resort and Spa, Moorea (formerly Moorea Pearl Resort & Spa) offers garden bungalows with private plunge pool.

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: Le Tikehau by Pearl Resorts

Tikehau Pearl Beach Resort 5 nights from 4,250 per person

Maeva! Welcome!

Le Tikehau by Pearl Resorts is the authentic Polynesian sanctuary you have been dreaming of, a confetti of simplicity on one of the most beautiful atolls in the Tuamotu Archipelago.

Relaxation and meditation, or discovery and activities: this lagoon at the end of the world is the blank page from which you can write the most beautiful journey.

In the unspoiled natural setting of a private coral islet, its 37 suites and bungalows make the Tikehau Pearl Beach Resort the only boutique hotel in the Tuamotu, combining intimacy and warmth.

Located on motu Tiano, a 15-minute boat ride from the village, Le Tikehau by Pearl Resorts reveals itself in the ocean's infinite shades of blue. Behind the pink sand beach, the wild coconut grove hides a beautiful tropical garden. You will feel transported right away in this world of exotism and serenity.

Learn more about Le Tikehau by Pearl Resorts

Considered to be one of the most beautiful atolls in Polynesia, Tikehau is a graceful oval crown of small islets within an interior lagoon 16 miles across and a pass for small boats through a coral reef.

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