Meg von Haartman, Unsplash License, Source

Tahiti

Sun‑kissed lagoons and volcanic horizons

Tahiti, part of French Polynesia in Oceania, features volcanic mountains rising sharply from turquoise lagoons. The island’s interior remains lush with tropical rainforests and narrow valleys where traditional villages preserve local customs. Coastal towns like Papeete provide modern amenities while maintaining a relaxed pace. Daily life centers on fishing, farming and cultural practices such as dance and tattooing. Visitors can explore coral reefs by boat or kayak to see marine life up close. The climate stays warm year-round with gentle trade winds.

Add to list Map view

Island

$$$

$	Cheap
$$	Medium
$$$	Expensive, upscale
$$$+	Very expensive, luxury

See price details

Safety: 6.8

General Safety:	7
Health & medical:	7
Accessibility:	4
Tap water:	7

Read details

3/5

In Tahiti, most locals speak French, but many also understand basic English, especially in tourist areas and hotels. Tourists will find simple conversations manageable with friendly gestures and a few key phrases.

Highlights Attractions Getting there Hotels Tips Travel costs Safety Articles

Last update: 12 Oct 2026

* We earn a commission from some links on this page.

Tahiti Summary

These place ratings give you a quick overview of how well a destination matches different types of trips.

‘Best for’ scores:
The specific interest scores show where this place really shines – whether it's ideal for hiking, food & drink experiences, museums or other activities. These highlights help you understand what makes the destination special at a glance.

‘Your personal’ scores:
This reflects how well a place matches your personal preferences. You can adjust the importances of travel topics or other personal requirements categories in your account settings.

‘Suited for’ badges:
These give you a quick overview of how well a destination suits specific types of travellers, to help you find the places that match your lifestyle, preferences or travel situation.

Read how our scores work

Great at offering crystal‑clear lagoons and vibrant coral reefs, Tahiti invites travelers to savor Polynesian culture, lush rainforests and world‑class surfing spots and tropical sunsets.

Place score

9.1

Best at:

Surfing

Islands

Sea

Natural sites

Forests

Personal score

Suited for

👶 7

Families

🧓 5

Seniors

❤️ 9

Couples

🌈 8

LGBTQ+

French Polynesia – Quick facts

Guide Etiquette Holidays Other

Power Grid:	110 V, 60 Hz Plug: Type A , Type B Type A: Type B: Read about power adapters
Currency:	CFP Franc (XPF) £1 ≈ CFPF 143
Cashless info:	Rating 4/5 Cashless payments are widely accepted in larger cities and tourist areas, but cash is often preferred in more rural locations. Credit cards are commonly used in resorts and hotels. Save with a travel credit card
eSIM providers:	Best value: Saily Read our in-depth comparison

Tipping:	Tipping is not mandatory in French Polynesia but appreciated. A 10% tip is common in restaurants, and small tips for hotel staff and taxi drivers are welcome.
Public drinking:	Public drinking is not permitted in many areas of French Polynesia, and alcohol is typically consumed in licensed venues such as bars and restaurants.
Public smoking:	Smoking is prohibited in indoor public spaces but is allowed in designated outdoor areas.

French National Day (14 July)	Celebrates France's national holiday
Heiva Festival (July)	A celebration of traditional Polynesian culture and dance

Emergency contact:	Emergency Numbers: 17 (Police), 15 (Ambulance), 18 (Fire)
Taxi apps:	Uber
Other:	French Polynesia is known for its stunning islands, crystal-clear waters, and overwater bungalows. It's a popular destination for luxury tourism, snorkelling, diving, and experiencing Polynesian culture.

Best times to travel

The best times to travel section shows how the months compare for a visit, so you can find the time of year that fits what you want to do.

Background colours of the months:
The colour shows the typical temperature: yellow (hot), green (mild) and blue (cold). How strong the colour is shows the travel season: full colour means high season, soft colour means shoulder season and soft-striped means off season.

Weather symbols:
Each month has one symbol showing what the weather is typically like, such as hot and sunny, freezing or a rainy or snowy season. Use them to quickly spot months that match the weather you want, or to avoid the ones that don't.

Crowdedness:
The people icon shows how busy the place usually is. The more people, the more crowded it gets.

Additional notes:
The grey info boxes point out special things worth knowing, like recurring weather issues or seasonal events.

for Tahiti, French Polynesia

⛅

Jan

⛅

Feb

⛅

Mar

⛅

Apr

⛅

May

⛅

Jun

⛅

Jul

⛅

Aug

⛅

Sep

⛅

Oct

⛅

Nov

⛅

Dec

High season:	June - Sep.
Shoulder season:	April - May, Oct., Dec.
Crowdedness:	5 (Moderate tourist numbers)

Tap on a month for more info Hover over a month for more info

Climate details

Dry season May to October is best for beaches, diving and hiking; wet season November to April brings heavy showers and occasional cyclones

Heiva i Tahiti, dance and music festival, late June to July

Humpback whales visit July to October; surf season at Teahupo'o peaks May to September

Don't miss

🚤 Sail to Bora Bora's turquoise lagoon
🛬 Explore Faa'a International Airport's local markets
🏔️ Hike up Mount Aorai for sunrise views
🥥 Taste fresh coconut water at a beachside shack
🛍️ Stroll through Papeete's colorful Saturday market

You've been here?

Why travel to Tahiti?

Tahiti offers a balanced blend of natural beauty and cultural insight that appeals to travelers seeking both relaxation and meaningful experiences. The island’s volcanic landscape gives rise to lush valleys, dramatic cliffs and black‑sand beaches that provide scenic backdrops without the crowds found on more commercialized destinations. Visitors can explore waterfalls such as Fautaua or hike through terraced gardens in Papenoo Valley, where local farmers grow taro and vanilla. The capital, Papeete, showcases French Polynesia’s colonial heritage with its market stalls, historic churches and the vibrant waterfront of Anaué. Here, tourists can sample fresh seafood, try traditional dishes like poisson cru and purchase handcrafted items such as tapa cloth or carved wooden masks. The island’s museums offer insights into Tahitian history, from pre‑European times to the era of Captain Cook. For those interested in marine life, Tahiti’s surrounding reefs are accessible for snorkeling and diving, revealing colorful coral formations and diverse fish species. Guided tours often include visits to nearby islands like Moorea or Huahine, allowing travelers to experience varied landscapes within a short journey. Overall, Tahiti provides an authentic Polynesian atmosphere combined with practical amenities, making it an ideal destination for travelers who value both cultural immersion and natural exploration.

🏯Places worth seeing

1 Mo’orea
2 Tahiti
3 Les 3 Cascades
4 Bora Bora Lounge
5 Raiatea Yacht Broker - pre used sail boats

🎡Places for activities

1 Easy Market
2 Hilton Moorea Lagoon Resort & Spa

🏞️Natural landmarks

1 Les 3 Cascades

🛍️Shopping

1 Easy Market
2 Moorea Market

🍽️Eat & Drink

1 L'O à la Bouche
French food with Polynesian touches in a luxury restaurant in central Papeete. The menu lists foie gras with apple sauce, red tuna carpaccio and Tahiti shrimp in coconut milk curry. Diners can finish with profiteroles in vanilla and chocolate sauce.
2 Le Grillardin
Traditional French food in a fine dining restaurant on Rue Paul Gauguin, across from Papeete city hall. The kitchen prepares smoked duck breast, snails and beef Wellington, a filet wrapped in pastry. Desserts are made in-house.
3 Hei Restaurant
French tasting dinners built on local products in a fine dining restaurant on the Papeete waterfront. The chef offers a seven-course discovery menu of local ingredients. The kitchen has prepared roast duckling with rosemary and potato risotto.
4 Nui Bistro Bon
French and Polynesian food at a wine bar and restaurant in the Tamanu Nui centre, Punaauia. The restaurant offers set menus of three, five or seven courses that change every month. It is closed Saturday, Sunday and Monday.
5 Brasserie des Remparts
French bistro food at the corner of Rue Maréchal Foch and Rue des Remparts in Papeete. Diners can order snails in parsley butter, tuna tartare and confit duck with endive. The restaurant is open weekdays only.
6 Dahlia
Chinese food in Arue, on the sea side of the road. Cooks prepare salt shrimp, roast piglet in coconut milk, ginger chicken and Chinese-style poisson cru, raw fish. The restaurant has been open for more than 50 years.
7 The Surf House
French seafood on the seventh floor of the Kon Tiki Tahiti hotel. Guests look out over Papeete port and Moorea while they eat. The chef writes a new menu every week and uses local produce.
8 Meherio Tahitian Bistro
Bistro food with Polynesian flavours by the Papeete marina, next to Paofai Gardens. The kitchen makes poisson cru, raw fish in coconut milk, plus Angus steak. The restaurant is open daily from 11 am with sunset views of the harbour.
9 L'Apizzeria
Wood-fired pizza and pasta close to the centre of Papeete. Diners can also order sashimi, carpaccio and poisson cru, raw fish with coconut milk. The restaurant has run for more than 55 years and is closed Sundays.

Explore on map

Open map view

Knowledge before you go

Pack light, breathable clothing for tropical heat and occasional showers.
Learn basic French phrases; locals appreciate effort despite widespread English usage in tourist areas.
Purchase a local SIM or portable Wi‑Fi device to stay connected and navigate island transport schedules efficiently.
Explore the volcanic crater of Mount Aorai early morning for sunrise views, avoiding crowds that gather later on popular beaches.

How to travel to Tahiti

Tahiti, the largest island in French Polynesia, is accessible via international air travel through Faa’a International Airport (PPT), located approximately 3 km from the capital, Papeete. Direct flights operate from major hubs such as Los Angeles (LAX), Sydney (SYD) and Paris (CDG). Domestic flights connect Tahiti to other Society Islands like Moorea via Air Tahiti. The island has no commercial seaports for large cruise ships, but smaller vessels can access local harbors. Ground transportation includes taxis, rental cars or scooters for navigating between Papeete and coastal areas. Travelers arriving from outside French Polynesia typically transit through Papeete before reaching specific destinations on the island.

Access summary

From Faa'a International (FSS): Taxi to Papeete, 10–15 min.
From Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG): Direct flight 12h; from Los Angeles LAX: 11h.
Cruise ships dock at Port of Papeete; local bus or taxi to city center.

Check your route from anywhere

Where to stay in Tahiti

Tahiti offers a broad spectrum of lodging, from luxury overwater bungalows perched on coral reefs to charming boutique inns nestled amid tropical gardens. The capital, Papeete, hosts upscale resorts with panoramic ocean views and private beach access, while the island’s quieter western side features eco‑friendly lodges that blend seamlessly into the rainforest. Budget travelers can find well-appointed guesthouses offering local cuisine and cultural experiences at modest rates. Many accommodations emphasize sustainability, using solar power and locally sourced materials. The island is renowned for its overwater suites with direct lagoon access, making Tahiti a premier destination for both indulgent retreats and eco‑conscious stays.

Hotel recommendations

*by rating and popularity. Commissions have no influence on the rankings.

Tahiti Airport Motel

7.8

Manava Suite Resort Tahiti

8.0

InterContinental Tahiti Resort & Spa By IHG

8.7

Hilton Hotel Tahiti

8.8

Le Tahiti by Pearl Resorts

7.6

Royal Tahitien

7.5

Boutique Hôtel Kon Tiki Tahiti

Explore more accommodations

How to get around Tahiti

To explore Tahiti, French Polynesia, prioritize local transportation options suited to island geography. Ferries and speedboats connect main islands like Tahiti, Moorea and Huahine; book in advance for schedules and routes. For inter-island travel, airlines such as Air Tahiti offer short flights (e.g., Tahiti to Moorea in 30 minutes). Renting a scooter or car provides flexibility for exploring beaches and villages, though driving on the right side of the road requires caution. Taxis are available but limited; ride‑sharing apps like Uber operate in Papeete. Avoid renting large vehicles due to narrow roads. Public buses serve major routes at low cost. Prioritize safety: wear seatbelts, avoid night driving and check weather conditions for sea travel. Always confirm ferry/flight times locally before departure.

Budget snapshot

Costs compared to home

We calculate the average costs when travelling to destinations and compare those with the living costs at your home. With this you can get an estimate of how expensive or cheap the destination is for you.

To customise this, you can set up which location and price level are used for the calculations in your account settings.

-4 %

Daily expenses in the region are around 4% lower than the average across United States. That means you'll spend around the same on meals and getting around.

Exchange rate trend

The exchange rate price factor shows how expensive or cheap a currency currently is compared to its historical average. It's a quick way to see if a country is currently more or less affordable due to exchange rate changes.

-3 %

Your exchange rate (GBP to XPF) is 3% better than in recent years. That means travelling now costs around the same compared to the past.

Travel costs

To help you plan your trip, we provide estimated daily costs per person (when travelling as a pair) for different travel styles. These numbers give you an idea of what you might spend each day at this destination, including accommodation, food, transport and activities.

Additionally, we also provide average hotel costs for different travel styles to give you an estimate for the accommodation only.

Please note that these are only estimates. The real costs depend on booking times, season and other factors.

Daily cost summary

Travel style categories explained:

Backpacker:
Staying in hostels or budget hotels, cooking your own meals or eating cheap and choosing low-cost activities.

Mid-range:
Staying in mid-range hotels, eating at a mix of restaurants and casual spots and enjoying a variety of activities.

Luxury:
Staying in luxury hotels, dining out at high-end restaurants and enjoying premium experiences without worrying about the price.

	Backpacker	Mid-range	Luxury
💵 Total costs per day, including accommodation	£100	£193	£448
🏨 Accommodation per night, per person	£60	£113	£225
🍝 Food per day	£33	£72	£188
🚕 Transportation per day	£6	£8	£34

Food & Drink

🍽️ Restaurant Dinner, per person	£34
🍛 Lunch Set, per person	£15
🍟 Fast food combo	£11
🍝 Preparing your own food, per day	£12
☕ Cappuccino	£3.10
🍺 Beer in a restaurant, 0.5 l	£2.40

Transportation

🚌 Public transport ticket	£1.50
🚕 Taxi Ride, 10 km / 6 mi	£21
⛽ Petrol, 1 l	£1.20

Other

🎞️ Cinema ticket	£11.50
👩‍⚕️ Doctor's consult	£25
🤧 Cold medication	£3.70
💇 Basic haircut	£15

Safety information overview

General safety

Tahiti offers a generally safe travel experience, with low crime rates and reliable emergency services. Tourists should remain vigilant in crowded areas, avoid isolated beaches after dark and respect local customs to ensure smooth, worry‑free visits.

Health & Medical

French Polynesia’s Tahiti offers high‑standard medical care, with well‑equipped hospitals and qualified staff in Papeete. Travelers should stay hydrated, use sunscreen to avoid sunburn, watch for tropical mosquitoes (dengue, Zika) and be cautious of limited emergency services on remote islands.

Accessibility

Tahiti offers moderate accessibility: many resorts have wheelchair‑friendly rooms and ramps and public transport is improving. However, uneven beach paths and limited elevator access in older hotels can pose challenges. Travelers should verify facilities beforehand for a smooth visit.

Tap water

Tap water in Tahiti is generally safe to drink, sourced from well-maintained public supply systems and treated with chlorine. Public fountains are common in towns, offering free hydration for travelers, though bottled water remains popular for added convenience.