A Tahiti honeymoon is what most honeymooners dream of—a romantic vacation where white sand beaches and blue waters surround you. Being the largest island in French Polynesia, Tahiti is the most popular, but there are many other nearby gems.
When Planning your Tahitian honeymoon, it’s important to know that Tahiti now technically refers to one of the islands in French Polynesia. In 1957, Tahiti and around 120 other islands in the South Pacific Ocean became the French collective it is known as today, though the official name didn’t catch on. Tahiti is not its own country; it is an island within French Polynesia.
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Is French Polynesia a Good Place for a Honeymoon?
The Islands of Tahiti are a destination of a lifetime and a great spot for newlyweds. The country’s beautiful islands have lush jungles, majestic mountains, beautiful waters, and coral reefs. The friendly locals and environment set the tone right for an unforgettable post-nuptial trip.
What Activities Can You Do on a Honeymoon in the Tahitian Islands?
The ocean (locally known as moana) serves as the region’s lifeblood — the perfect setting for various activities that couples will enjoy. Don’t miss out on the following:
- Water sports. Enjoy riding a jet ski, scuba diving, and snorkeling. You can also kayak on an outrigger canoe or book a sunset catamaran cruise. The aquamarine waters also serve as a stunning backdrop for a picnic on a motu (or a small islet).
- Explore blue lagoons and waterfalls. The Papenoo Valley has multiple famous waterfalls, including Topatari Falls, Vaiharuru Falls, and Puraha Falls.
- Go hiking. Mount Otemanu, among other mountains and terrains, has trails for hiking.
- Relax. Stroll around the streets of the island while enjoying a nice ocean breeze and the sound of the palm trees swaying. Indulge in spa treatments to melt away any post-wedding stress.
What Is the Best Month to Visit French Polynesia?
While Tahiti boasts excellent year-round weather, with temperatures in the 70s and 80s°F, the ideal time to visit is between May and October. These months are less rainy, meaning the weather is also less humid. The rainy season is from November to April.
Is a French Polynesian Honeymoon Expensive?
On average, a 7-day trip for two to Tahiti will cost around $4,300 to $6,700, inclusive of flights, lodging, and food. This can go up or down, depending on where you stay, what tours you take, and your dining preferences.
How To Plan a Budget Tahiti Honeymoon
- Travel during the off-season. The rainy season consists of brief, sometimes heavy, rain showers. They don’t usually last more than an hour or two.
- Decide on a budget with your partner before you start planning and stick to it.
- Enjoy free or cheap activities. Hiking, swimming in the ocean, and discovering towns by foot are usually free. When going on a guided tour, opt to go with a larger group to save money.
- If you don’t want to skip staying at overwater bungalows, you might want to spend just one night there and book the rest at a cheaper lodging.
- If you plan to visit more than one island, consider getting an Air Tahiti Multi-Island Pass.
7 Best Islands to Stay In French Polynesia
Tahiti
Tahiti is the main island and the largest among those in the Society Islands archipelago. The capital of Papeete boasts a bustling city vibe with its array of bars, restaurants, hotels, and shops. Though many honeymooners choose other islands, it’s wise to spend a few days here after landing at the airport. Popular spots include Faarumai Waterfalls, the Museum of Tahiti and The Islands, and the Papeete Market.
Where to stay: Papeete, the capital, has all the essential amenities you need and offers many transport options to nearby beaches.
Bora Bora
A Bora Bora honeymoon is nothing short of idyllic. The island has it all, from gorgeous overwater amenities to beautiful lagoons and tropical views seemingly taken straight out of a storybook. Sunbathe or snorkel at Matira Beach, meet manta rays at Leopard Rays Trench, swim at Bora Bora Lagoonarium, and explore and admire the views at Mount Otemanu.
Where to stay: While Viatape is the most developed area in Bora Bora, Matira shelters two popular upscale resorts (InterContinental and Sofitel).
Moorea
A 30-minute ferry ride from Tahiti will take you to the island of Moorea. Though it’s considered a less glitzy Bora Bora, it’s still breathtakingly beautiful. You can get the best views at the Belvedere Lookout, attend an ATV tour at Magic Mountain, and fall deeper in love with Tahitian culture at the Tiki Village Cultural Center.
Where to stay: Tiahura is close to two fantastic beaches: Tiahura Beach and Sunset Beach.
Taha’a
Taha’a is famous for its archeological attractions and vast vanilla bean plantations (Vanilla Valley produces the purest vanilla in the world). Besides sightseeing and exploring these, you can add other popular activities to your itinerary: Visit the Motu Pearl Farm, ride a bike or hop on a helicopter tour, or try sport fishing.
Where to stay: Staying in or near Haamene gives you easy access to the bay.
Tetiaroa
From Tahiti or Moorea, you can take a 15-minute private charter to get to this private island owned by the late actor Marlon Brando. The island is a paradise where you can find different species of birds and marine life. With the help of businessman Richard Bailey, Brando established a luxurious hotel anchored in sustainability. If you want a genuinely eco-friendly but stylish honeymoon, this is the place to be.
Where to stay: Since it’s a private island, The Brando is the only resort present.
Rangiroa
In the vernacular, Rangiroa means immense sky. The largest atoll in the Tuamotu archipelago has flattened islets (versus other islands’ majestic peaks), giving you an unobstructed view of its aquamarine waters. If you’re into drift diving and snorkeling or want to watch wild dolphins, head to the northern area, where you can find Avatoru Pass and Tiputa Pass. On the western portion, you will enjoy the Blue Lagoon, where you can explore a 16-foot-deep natural aquarium.
Where to stay: Avatoru grants easy access to the famous Blue Lagoon.
Raiatea
Dubbed the homeland of ancient Polynesia, Raiatea is a treasure trove of archeological sites, including petroglyphs and Polynesian temples (locally known as marae). This area doesn’t just attract history buffs but also yachting enthusiasts; it hosts several bays and moorings. If you go to Mount Temehani, you will find diverse flora and fauna species. On the Faaroa River, the only navigable river in French Polynesia, you can hop aboard an outrigger canoe and marvel at your verdant surroundings.
Where to stay: Uturoa, the main town, boasts various tourist favorites such as Sunsail and Tahiti Air Lagon.
What Is the Best Way to Travel to Tahiti?
Compared to other tropical honeymoon destinations in the Pacific Ocean, Tahiti is relatively easy to travel to. You can book a direct flight from Los Angeles or San Francisco to the Faa’a International Airport in Papeete, the capital city of French Polynesia, located on Tahiti Island. Depending on which state you travel from, it will take between 8 and 15 hours to arrive.
From there, you can fly to your final destination (if it’s not Tahiti). There is also inter-island transportation by boat.
Traveling Within the Tahitian Islands
Though there’s a bus system there, it can be challenging to utilize since they use the French language. The best and most convenient way to get around is by hailing taxis or renting a car. If you’re not in a bind and want to savor the scenic views of a Tahitian island, you can rent a bike. To travel from island to island, you can take a ferry.
What Types of Honeymoon Accommodations Are Available in French Polynesia?
Being a premier honeymoon destination, French Polynesia has many big-name, top-rated resorts. These include Conrad Bora Bora Nui, The St. Regis Bora Bora, Four Seasons, and Le Taha’a Island Resort & Spa. You can also find all-inclusive accommodations such as InterContinental Tahiti Resort & Spa (the largest resort in the country), Sofitel Kia Ora Moorea Beach Resort, and Hilton Hotel Tahiti.
If you want a secluded post-wedding vacation, you can stay at The Brando, a private island resort on Tetiaroa.
Overwater bungalows were invented in Moorea, so you’ll find many of those in honeymoon resorts nationwide. If you don’t want to stay at overwater villas or a beach resort, for that matter, you can stay at hostels (which offer dormitory-style rooms) or go camping. There are also city hotels, family hotels, guesthouses, and holiday homes (which you can easily find on platforms like Airbnb).
What Type of Food Should You Try in French Polynesia?
- Poisson cru. This French-named dish translates to “raw fish.” It features raw tuna marinated in lime juice, coconut milk, and diced vegetables. Apart from raw tuna, alternatives include prawns, squid, lobster, eel, or crab.
- Poulet fafa. A meal made of chicken with taro leaves, onions, garlic, spices, and coconut milk, cooked in ahima’a (or oven).
- Po’e. It’s a sweet, creamy pudding typically made with banana and vanilla and topped with a delectable coconut milk sauce. It’s the Tahitian version of bread pudding.
Should You Plan Your Own Honeymoon or Book a Vacation Package?
If you prefer organizing your own honeymoon, you can plan a more personalized, fulfilling, and budget-friendly getaway. Nonetheless, you must do tons of research—from lodging and transport options to excursions.
On the other hand, you can find many Tahiti honeymoon packages online. Most of these are sold through third parties and offer a less personalized vacation.
Local tour operators and resorts offer vacation packages (most are customizable), serving as a one-stop shop for all you need. They will also be the ones to make the booking for you. You can go the extra mile and stay at an all-inclusive resort and get access to food, drinks, and several activities.
Are There Any Cultural Experiences to Include in a Tahitian Honeymoon?
If the honeymoon packages you’re eyeing don’t include cultural experiences yet, you may want to add some to your to-do list to further learn about the Polynesian culture. Catch traditional dance or ‘Ori Tahiti shows and head to art and cultural museums such as the Museum of Tahiti and the Islands and Manua Exquisite Tahitian Art.
You can also visit ancient ruins, including Taputapuatea Marae, Arahurahu Marae, and Tiki Souriant. Go with local guides to enjoy a complete experience of these tourist attractions.
What to Pack For a Honeymoon in Tahiti
Tahitian culture is casual, so pack your best tropical-friendly clothes and sandals. If you go to formal dinners, elegant attire like sundresses will be acceptable, but it’s not required. Essentials also include sunscreen, an insect repellant, a good hat, a first-aid kit, a reusable water bottle, a hair conditioner, and a pareo or sarong wrap.
Is French Polynesia Safe to Visit?
The islands in this country have low crime rates; hence you can expect a safe French Polynesian getaway. But to be safer, here are some tips to remember.
- Be careful of natural hazards and follow all warning signs and advisories from local authorities.
- Wear a pair of water shoes to avoid getting cut by coral.
- Note that French laws govern French Polynesia. One of their must-know laws is that it’s considered an offense if you fail to assist someone in danger. Call the police when you witness an accident.
Do You Need a Visa to Visit French Polynesia?
US couples visiting the Tahitian islands don’t need a visa when entering as tourists, granted that the stay will not exceed 90 days. This free-visa entry renews every six months.
Bonus Tips For Your Tahiti Honeymoon
- Tap water is safe to drink and use in most areas, but it’s safer to double-check first with your accommodation host.
- Major islands in French Polynesia have ATMs, and large establishments accept credit cards.
- The local currency is the French Pacific Franc (CFP or XPF). As of writing, $1 is equivalent to 111.72 CFP Franc.
- USD and euros are widely accepted on the islands.
- French and Tahitian are the official languages in the country, but you can still find locals and staff members speaking English in hotels and on larger islands.