First Time in French Polynesia: Tahiti & Moorea Travel Guide

Located in the South Pacific, the beautiful islands of French Polynesia have a diversity of experiences available, from the vibrant beaches and lush greenery to cultural immersion. For my birthday this year, I traveled with my mom to Tahiti and Moorea. It was our first time visiting the South Pacific islands, and we had a packed itinerary. We stayed for 5 days, which was enough time to enjoy and explore many parts of the islands.

Here is a curated list of must-see attractions and activities to help you plan your perfect getaway to paradise:

For starters, we flew into Papeete (PPT) by way of San Francisco, which is about an 8 hour flight. Upon arrival, I recommend renting a car from Hertz to explore more of the island during your stay. Uber is unavailable in Tahiti and taxis can be expensive, as they are metered. If you choose to use a taxi, I recommend using Taxi Tahiti Drivy and ask for Ray.

Papeete is a small island with an even smaller airport, so plan accordingly when preparing for your flight back home with snacks or food while you wait.

Once you arrive and check into your hotel or Airbnb, discover the natural wonders of Tahiti:

Explore the Black Sand Beaches

• Visit Lafayette Beach for striking volcanic black sand contrasted with crystal-clear waters.

• Visit Vaiava Beach, also known as PK18, Tahiti's only white sand beach to relax and enjoy the sunrise or sunset.

  

Hike to Waterfalls and Scenic Lookouts

• Trek to Fautaua Waterfall, one of Tahiti’s tallest cascades, surrounded by lush jungle.

• Experience panoramic views from Mount Aorai, great for adventurous hikers.

  

  

  

Visit the Tahiti Botanical Garden: Water Gardens of Vaipahi

• Immerse yourself in nature by spending an afternoon in the Botanical Garden. We enjoyed our time by the waterfall and taking in all of nature's beauty around us.

• You can also learn about Polynesian plant uses traditionally linked to medicine and culture, as there are so many species of plants and flowers in the gardens. If you go into the waterfalls, watch out for the leeches.

  

Immerse Yourself in Tahitian Culture

Explore Papeete Market

• Shop local handicrafts, fresh fruits, vanilla, and souvenirs.

• Interact with locals and experience the vibrant marketplace atmosphere.

• Most vendors only accept cash, the local currency is Tahitian Franc (or XPF). You can withdraw cash from nearby ATMs or exchange your currency before you arrive.

  

Attend a Polynesian Dance Show or Visit Historical Sites

• Enjoy live drumming and colorful costumes during a traditional Polynesian Dance Show.

• Tour the Museum of Tahiti and the Islands to learn more about the local history.

• Explore ancient marae (temples) like Arahurahu for cultural insights.

  

  Museum of Tahiti and the Islands, admission is about $10 USD per adult

Where to Eat in Tahiti:

Reservations are highly encouraged to ensure seating at most of the restaurants

• Urban Cafe

• Meherio Tahitian Bistro: located by the water, we had great food and views of the cruise ships

  

• Morrison's Cafe

• Le Sully

  

• Bora Bora Lounge

• AKUA Tahiti - this was where I had my birthday lunch and it was my favorite dining experience in Tahiti. You have to take a water taxi to get to the restaurant, since it's in the middle of the ocean. Park your car or have your taxi driver drop you off at the McDonald's nearby and wait for the boat captain to come take you to the restaurant.

  

  

  

Tahiti is incredible, but it does have more of a city vibe in the residential areas and downtown. We took the ferry to Moorea after spending a few days in Papeete to explore a smaller island with less tourists. The ferry is about a 30 minute ride, the cost is about $20 USD per adult. You can pre-book your ferry tickets, round trip or one way, or book on-site. If you take the ferry to Moorea, you will have to plan to take it back to Tahiti to fly back home, as the airport is in Papeete. We took the Aremiti Express ferry and it was a cool experience.

Where to Stay

We stayed at Manava Moorea Beach Resort and it was such an amazing stay. We booked an overwater bungalow and if you've been thinking of staying in one, Moorea is the place to book it. The check-in process was seamless, the customer service was outstanding, and the excursions was one of my favorite experiences of the trip. We booked a private electric stand-up paddle board excursion with Lucy and Ben that started and ended at our resort. The views, the drone photos, and the snorkeling were all a 10/10.

Must-Do Activities in Moorea

Island Cruises and Relax at Matira Beach

• Spend time on one of Moorea’s most famous white sand beaches.

• Enjoy swimming, paddleboarding, and stunning sunsets.

• Enjoy snorkeling stops and scenic views of turquoise waters, coral, and a variety of fish

• Get a relaxing massage at the resort spa

  Celebrating my birthday underwater in the South Pacific Ocean was epic in every way

Since our stay in Moorea was brief, most of our time was spent enjoying the amenities at our beautiful resort, however there is so much more to explore on the island. These activities are highly recommended by travelers and I'll be sure to add them to my itinerary for the next visit:

Hike the Belvedere Lookout Trail

• Trek moderate trails to several viewpoints overlooking Cook’s Bay and Opunohu Bay.

Tour local pineapple fields and sample freshly grown fruit.

• Learn about agriculture and traditional farming methods on the island.

  

Go Deep-Sea Fishing or Whale Watching during Whale Season (July - November)

• Book tours for big-game fishing targeting marlin, tuna, and mahi-mahi.

• Seasonal whale watching tours showcase migrating humpback whales.

  

  
  

Helpful Tips to Know Before you Go:

• Try local dishes like poisson cru (raw fish salad), breadfruit, and tropical fruits.

• It's helpful to know a little French, as this is the primary language spoken on the island, along with the local indigenous language, Tahitian.

• The best time to visit French Polynesia is May-November, however if you visit during the offseason/rainy season, it's still beautiful but you may experience a few spot showers during your stay.

• Pack plenty of beachwear, sunscreen, mosquito repellent, and rain gear just in case.

  

Tahiti and Moorea were both amazing in their own way. I enjoyed the adventures, the rest, and relaxation. It was an unforgettable vacation and I'm grateful to have shared this experience with my mom. I recommend staying in an overwater bungalow if you are able to book one during your stay for at least a night and actually swim in the crystal-clear water. Overall, I left Tahiti and Moorea with no regrets and I will be back soon to explore more of the islands.