Travel tips to Tahiti: things to know before your trip
Your trip to French Polynesia is finally happening : the polynesian beaches, lagoons and the pacific ocean are awaiting ! The direct flight from Los Angeles to Papeete Tahiti will barely take 7 hours 35 minutes from LA. Your bags are packed, the weather promises to be tropical and the flight free of turbulence.
You are already dreaming about the bungalows of Bora Bora, the mountains of Moorea, the luxury cruise you booked, or the splendid coral atolls in the middle of the pacific ocean…
But by the way, did you check everything before your trip? A step away from paradise, it's not time to forget the basics. Check our travel guide to French Polynesia and start your beautiful adventure to Tahiti, Moorea, Rangiroa, Bora Bora, the Marquesas archipelago and many other polynesian islands.
Let’s not talk about accommodation, restaurants, tourist activities’ reservations and the creation of an itinerary tailored to your preferences (family trip, relaxing getaway, or honeymoon, for example) ...these are usual for every trip and any destination. However, traveling to Tahiti means crossing borders (along with the Pacific Ocean!), customs formalities for entering French Polynesia, waiting time before boarding, flying time to Papeete Tahiti (during which you can be assured we will take very good care of you!), tropical weather… Here are some useful travel tips and things to know to organize your French Polynesia travel and enjoy the perfect beaches of each island with peace of mind.
Before you go: Packing your luggage for Tahiti
During your trip, even if a few rain showers enlighten some of your days, it will be sunny and warm. Here is a list of the essentials to pack in your suitcase for Tahiti:
- lightweight clothes for your polynesian adventure,
- a light jacket or sweater for the evenings in the cooler season (mid-May to the end of October),
- swimsuits and beach clothes,
- outfits for going out in the evening : there are many bars and restaurants in Tahiti, Moorea, Bora Bora, and in luxury hotels of many French polynesian islands.
- a hat for sunny days on the beautiful beaches, for a boat trip in the lagoon or for a perfect afternoon relaxing on the terrace of the bungalows in a luxury hotel… it’s up to you !
- hiking shoes and outfits if you plan to walk a lot on the mountains during your trip in the Society Archipelago (Tahiti, Moorea, Bora Bora…), in the Marquesas islands or in the Australs Islands.
Of course, you will also have to pack some essential items for you and your family :
- sunscreen. Whether you are at the beach, on a cruise ship, a ferry or a taxi boat, in town, hiking... the best travel tip in French Polynesia is simple: don’t forget to wear sunscreen wherever you go!
- an eco-friendly anti-mosquito spray. Citronella / Lemongrass products are perfectly effective in fighting the mosquitoes you may encounter while visiting The Islands of Tahiti. You can also find these products in local stores.
Essential Documents to go to Tahiti
For all international flights to Tahiti (from Los Angeles, Auckland, Sydney, or Tokyo, for example), a valid passport is required.
You will also need to check the entry requirements for each country you visit or transit through during your trip: visas and other authorizations may be required depending on current regulations. These requirements may vary depending on your situation (minors, citizens of specific countries, etc.). To properly prepare for your arrival in French Polynesia, please consult our checklist of entry requirements and travel formalities based on your departure country.
Baggage allowance on Air Tahiti Nui : Weight & size
In Poerava Business class, two bags of 70,5 lb (32 kilos) per passenger are authorized, as well as a cabin bag of 22 lb ((10 kilos) maximum (small format that must fit in the overhead bins of the aircraft)
In Premium and Economy class, one bag of 50,7 lb (23 kilos) per passenger is allowed, as well as a cabin bag of 10 kilos maximum.
When making your reservation, you can select additional luggage and pay for the excess bag fee. If you are a member of the Air Tahiti Nui Club Tiare Silver or Gold, or member of the Alaska Airlines Mileage program, you are entitled to one additional piece of hold luggage. Its weight depends on your class of travel.
Sports equipment: surfboards, paddleboards, bicycles, golf…
Are you a sports enthusiast? Air Tahiti Nui carries your sporting equipment for free: surfboard, mountain bike, golf bag, scuba diving gear, etc. Simply mention it when making your reservation, following volume, weight and packing regulations.
There are many things to do in French Polynesia for sports enthusiasts: golfing, surfing or experiencing many water sports near the beach in Tahiti or Moorea, scuba diving in Rangiroa lagoon, hiking in Bora Bora with an amazing view of the pacific ocean... between water and mountains, enjoy each island to the fullest while visiting the most beautiful sceneries in the world.
Uh… no, table tennis paddles do not require extra luggage. And no, your pony will not be considered as sports equipment. For more details, please check the complete list of authorized sports equipment onboard.
Protecting our Islands: customs restrictions in French Polynesia
French Polynesia is several thousand miles away from the Asian and American continents. Part of its flora and fauna is endemic, it can only be found here which makes it even more precious. With 118 islands and less than 300,000 inhabitants, Polynesian fauna and flora in this area of the pacific ocean and in the islands are rather protected from pollution, bacteria, and contagious diseases.
Carrying some with you can create a disaster. We therefore ask you not to bring fruits, vegetables, honey, plants, and any other living organism that may pose a threat to our ecosystems.
Your trip to Tahiti, step by step
Check-in counter at the departure airport
Your passport will be checked at the airport check-in counter. This is also where your luggage will be weighed and then sent to the baggage handling area, where it will be loaded into the aircraft’s cargo hold. Finally, you will receive your boarding passes and, if applicable, your lounge access voucher.
You can also check in online: log in to your account between 24 and 5 hours before your scheduled departure to complete your Air Tahiti Nui online check-in. You’ll then just need to present your confirmation to pick up your boarding pass at the airport.
Security Check
Once your luggage has been checked in and you have your boarding passes in hand, you will need to go through border control and security screening. If you have any food, liquids, or perishable items left after security, now is the time to finish them or throw them away.
Duty free
The most formal part of the trip is now over; it’s time to relax, buy perfume or treats at the duty-free shop, or simply grab a quick bite to eat or have a drink before your flight to French Polynesia. Of course, if you have time: keep a close eye on the time and your flight’s boarding gate... Sometimes security takes longer than expected, and you’ll need to hurry to board. If you’re traveling in Poerava Business Class or have booked a Lounge Pass, enjoy a moment of relaxation in a comfortable airport lounge!
Boarding
Are the speakers announcing your flight? It’s time to head to the boarding gate. Families with children, Poerava Business Class travelers, and Priority Pass holders will be called first, followed by Mānava Premium Class passengers, and finally Moana Economy Class passengers, often in the seat numbers order on board. Time to relax! During the flight, you can enjoy meals, drinks, amenities, and an in-flight entertainment system, all included in the price of your tickets.
Yes, regardless of your country of departure, boarding our international flights requires the presentation of a valid passport.
From Paris, the flight takes approximately 19 hours and 54 minutes, including a layover in the United States.
From Los Angeles, the flight to Tahiti takes 8 hours and 17 minutes.
From Sydney, the flight takes 7 hours and 15 minutes.
From Tokyo-Narita, a direct flight takes 11 hours and 15 minutes.
Finally, from Auckland, the flight time to Polynesia is 4 hours and 55 minutes.
The best time to visit French Polynesia is from May to November. This period is characterized by sunny weather and temperatures ranging from 21 to 27°C. The rest of the year, the hot season brings temperatures between 25 and 35°C. However, note that the weather varies depending on the archipelago. Check out our guide to find out when to visit Tahiti.