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Tahiti

Tahiti, Moorea, and Bora Bora are stunning islands in French Polynesia, each offering unique landscapes and experiences. Tahiti is the largest island and serves as the entry point to French Polynesia. This island is where you can truly experience the vibrant Tahitian culture, dance, cuisine and local markets in Papeete. I suggest staying here a night or two on your way in and out of the French Polynesia. You will want to leave the main island of Tahiti by boat or by air to experience Moorea and/or Bora Bora.


Moorea is just a short ferry ride from Tahiti and is known for its dramatic mountains and stunningly blue water. Important to note, that we made the mistake of not arranging transportation to meet us at the ferry and ended up taking the city bus to our resort. It wasn't overly easy to figure out but was quite the experience and definitely gave us a taste of life as a local. You don't hear about Moorea as much as its sister Bora Bora but it's a bit less expensive and offers a very similar experience. You can stay in an overwater bungalow, snorkel, hike, take 4x4 tours and enjoy all other outdoor experiences. We also rode bikes into town to buy groceries and shop for pearls. Moorea is perfect for those looking to be in the less crowded, less expensive version of Bora Bora


Bora Bora is often referred to as the "Pearl of the Pacific" offering a romantic paradise. To get here, you will want to return to the Tahiti airport and fly to this island, famous for its turquoise lagoon and luxurious overwater bungalows. Visitors can enjoy the same experiences offered in Moorea including activities like snorkeling with manta rays and taking sunset cruises. The main difference is that on Bora Bora, all of this is set against the backdrop of the iconic Mount Otemanu.


I would suggest 2 nights in Tahiti to start, 4 nights minimum on Bora Bora or Moorea and 1 night back in Tahiti if you can't get the layover to work correctly from Bora Bora.

6 Must Do Moments (→)

Where to Stay

InterContinental Resort Tahiti

Gorgeous water views, a beautiful infinity pool, stunning white sand, and easy access from the airport make this a great choice on the island of Tahiti.

Hilton Moorea Lagoon Resort & Spa

This overwater paradise offers horizon views for as far as you can see. Experience the only overwater restaurant in Moorea, crystal clear water, white sand beaches and an array of activities to keep you busy

Packing List

string bikini

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Packing Cubes

Packing Cubes make travel so much easier and more organized especially if you need to change hotels multiple times

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Getting There

Tahiti Faa'a Airport (PPT) is the main arrival point for all international flights. It is located in Papeete on the main island of Tahiti. This airport is made up of two terminals: one for international flights and one for domestic. If you plan to continue on to Bora Bora you will need to transfer here. Air Tahiti is the domestic carrier. If you plan to travel to Moorea, it's best to overnight in Tahiti and take a ferry the next day. The ferry ride is about 30-minutes one-way.


The food/drink options are pretty limited to fast food, takeaway salads, sandwiches, coffee and juice. There are a few gift shops and travel accessory stores for any gifts or if you didn't get a chance to buy your Tahitian pearl. You can rent a car through Avis, Hertz or Tahiti Easy Car at this location if you plan to travel around Tahiti on your own. Keep in mind most rental car companies require you to be 25 years old. Sometimes they will allow younger drivers to rent with an added surcharge.


There is the Moeava Lounge that offers catering and a rest if you have a longer layover. You need to make a reservation ahead of time.


The bank and ATM at the airport are usually open to meet all international flights.

Must Know Before You Go

Tourism is a considerable source of employment in the French Polynesian islands. However, they plan to cap overseas tourists at a maximum of 300,000 visitors a year according to CNN.


Official Language: French


Local Currency: The French Pacific Franc is the official currency of all of the French Polynesian (there was a foreign currency exchange booth at the airport). However, U.S. dollars are widely accepted especially in the heavy touristy areas.

Tipping is not customary but appreciated for excellent service

The major hotels will often exchange currency, but you may not receive the best rate. Visa and Mastercard are accepted on most of the islands.


Outlets: The French Polynesian has the same outlet type that's used in France. U.S. Plugs will need an adaptor. Many hotels offer a converter but it's best if you bring your own.


Road Rules: Traffic drives on the right side of the road (same as in the United States). You need a valid driver's license to drive in Tahiti and must have your IDP, international drivers permit. 18 is the legal driving age in Tahiti. Most of the islands have a road that runs around the outside of the island. Traffic isn't too bad except for near the airport. There is a public transportation bus system that the locals use. The bus we took was the equivalent of an old public school bus without air conditioning


Passport & Visa requirements: Passports 6-month validity are required upon entry and exit. U.S. citizens can visit Visa-free for 90 days. This is offered to many other countries as well. The info can be found on their official website.


Time Zone: Tahiti is the same time zone as Hawaii. It's 3 hours behind Los Angeles PDT. ie: if it's 3pm PDT in LA, it's noon in Tahiti


Hurricane Season: There really isn't a bad time to visit the French Polynesian. Tahiti benefits from a sheltered location, doesn't have a hurricane season and escapes most bad tropical storms. The rainy season hits during their summer which runs from November to April. The rainiest month is usually December but the tropical showers are usually short-lived. The biggest annoyance this time of year is probably the mosquitos and humidity. If you want the best weather and least humidity visit during their winter which runs between June and October.


Safety & Crime: Considered very safe and rated at the lowest Level 1 safety warning according to U.S. State Department (at time of writing). More info can be found here: French Polynesia International Travel Information