Moorea — Complete Guide
30 min from Tahiti by ferry. Spectacular lagoon, Cook and Opunohu bays, hikes. The perfect complement to Tahiti.
Read article →Why Tahiti?
Tahiti Isn't Just an Airport Stop
Most travelers treat Tahiti as a technical layover between the plane and Bora Bora. That's a mistake. Tahiti is by far the largest island in Polynesia (1,045 km²), the most populated (191,000 inhabitants), and the one that holds real Polynesian life — not the brochure version. Papeete has a market that opens at 5am, food trucks lining the harbor at night, and the only Carrefour supermarket in Polynesia. It's urban, alive, Polynesian.
What guides don't always say: Tahiti doesn't have a spectacular lagoon like its neighbors. No overwater bungalows. The beaches are black sand (volcanic) — beautiful but unexpected. If you want the postcard Polynesia photo, head to Bora Bora or Moorea. If you want to understand what Polynesia really is, spend 2-3 days on Tahiti first.
Tahiti splits into two parts: Tahiti Nui (the large round island) and Tahiti Iti (the wild, rugged peninsula in the southeast). On Nui: Papeete, the market, Venus Point, Faarumai waterfalls. On Iti: Teahupoo and its legendary wave, Te Pari and its boat-only cliffs, local farms. It's massive — you can't see it all in a weekend.
Mon conseil
Évitez juillet-août si vous n'aimez pas la foule. En mai ou octobre, les prix baissent de 20-30%, les hôtels sont plus calmes et les conditions de snorkeling sont identiques. Bora Bora hors saison, c'est l'île à son meilleur.
Planification
French Polynesia Travel Budget
How much to budget for Bora Bora and other islands? Estimates by profile.
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Things to Do
Must-Do Experiences in Tahiti
Papeete Market (Mapuru a Paraita)
Heart of local life, 2 floors. Opens at 5am. Sunday morning before 7am is best: Tahitian families, fruits, fish, monoï, pareos. Real immersion.
Free · Breakfast €8-12
Teahupoo & its legendary wave
The most powerful break in the world, on Tahiti Iti. Boat tour to watch surfers in season. Site of the 2024 Olympic surfing event. A must-see.
Boat tour from €90/person
Te Pari cliffs
South coast of Tahiti Iti, accessible ONLY by boat. Spectacular cliffs, sea caves, waterfalls dropping into the ocean. Half-day cruise.
Excursion €110-150/person
Faarumai Waterfalls (3 falls)
East coast of Tahiti Nui. Three jungle waterfalls, accessible on foot (10-30 min). Well-maintained site, popular with locals on weekends.
Free
Venus Point & Mahina Lighthouse
Where Captain Cook observed the transit of Venus in 1769. Iconic lighthouse, black-sand beach, sunset view of Moorea.
Free
Tahiti Nui island tour (115 km)
Full loop by car in 4-5h with stops. Arahoho Blowhole, Marae Arahurahu, botanical gardens, black-sand beaches, viewpoints.
Car rental €50-70/day
Where to Stay
Where to Stay in Tahiti
InterContinental Tahiti Resort & Spa
★★★★★
5-star resort · Lagoon-front · Moorea view
Le Méridien Tahiti
★★★★
Resort · Punaauia · Sandy lagoon
Hilton Hotel Tahiti
★★★★
Urban hotel · Faa'a · Near airport
Pension de la Plage — Local pick
✓ Local pick
Family guesthouse · West coast · Black sand beach
Locations & villas (Airbnb / Booking)
4-5★ resort
€200 - €400/night
Pension/B&B
€60 - €130/night
Airbnb Punaauia
€90 - €200/night
Studio Papeete center
€60 - €110/night
Transportation
Flights & Access
Paris
CDG
→
Papeete
PPT
→
Bora Bora
BOB
Vol international
Paris → Papeete
Duration
~16-18h (1-2 escales)
Prix
600€ - 1 200€
Inter-island Flight
Papeete → Bora Bora
Duration
~1h en avion commercial
Prix
200€ - 300€ (aller-retour)
Alternative rapide
Depuis Raiatea (45 min)
Duration
~45 min en ATR72
Prix
100€ - 150€ (aller-retour)
Tip : If you're coming from Raiatea (where I live), the flight to Bora Bora takes just 45 minutes by ATR72. It's faster and cheaper than from Papeete. Inter-island connections are daily.
Before You Go
Practical Information
Visa
Pas requis pour les UE
90 jours sans visa pour ressortissants UE, suisses, canadiens
Monnaie
Franc CFP
1€ = 119 CFP. Cards are accepted everywhere
Time Difference
-11h (hiver)
When it's noon in Paris, it's 1am in Tahiti (UTC-10)
Best Time
May to October
Dry, cool (26-28°C), fewer tourists than July-August
Electricity
220V / European Plug
No adapter needed for French devices
Internet
Bon (4G/5G)
Arue and Vodafone have good coverage on the island. WiFi in hotels
Budget Estimate
Average Budget for Tahiti (7 days)
| Poste | Moderate Budget | Budget moyen | Budget premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vols Paris ↔ Bora Bora | 800€ | 1 100€ | 1 500€ |
| Accommodation (7 nuits) | 840€ (120€/nuit) | 1 400€ (200€/nuit) | 3 500€+ (500€/nuit) |
| Repas quotidiens | 630€ (90€/jour) | 980€ (140€/jour) | 1 400€ (200€/jour) |
| Activities & visites | 400€ | 700€ | 1 200€+ |
| Transport local | 80€ | 150€ | 300€ |
| Total (7 jours) | 2 750€ | 4 330€ | 8 000€+ |
Note : These estimates are per person. Couples and families can reduce costs by sharing accommodations and some activities. In low season (May, September, October), expect 20-30% discounts.
Climate
Weather by Month
January
28°C
💧 320mm
February
28°C
💧 280mm
March
28°C
💧 240mm
April
27°C
💧 160mm
May
26°C
💧 120mm
June
25°C
💧 75mm
July
24°C
💧 50mm
August
24°C
💧 50mm
September
25°C
💧 70mm
October
26°C
💧 90mm
November
27°C
💧 180mm
December
28°C
💧 290mm
The dry season (May-October) offers the best conditions with less rain and pleasant temperatures. July-August are the most touristy months. Avoid November-April (tropical cyclone season).
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything You Want to Know About Tahiti
How Long to Stay in Bora Bora?
▼
3-7 days is ideal. Three days are enough to see the island and do main activities (lagoon tour, snorkeling, Mount Otemanu). If you want more relaxation time and deeper exploration, a week is perfect. More than 10 days is really for honeymooning couples maximizing time in overwater bungalows.
Is It Safe? Are There Sharks?
▼
Yes, there are sharks in French Polynesia, but incidents are rare (fewer than 5 per year across all of Polynesia). Sharks in the lagoon are usually small reef sharks and harmless. Snorkeling tours are very safe. The island is generally safe for tourists. Petty theft is rare but possible in touristy areas: keep your money and valuables in your hotel room.
Peut-on visiter Bora Bora avec un petit budget ?
▼
Absolutely. Family guesthouses cost €100-150/night. Local meals (food trucks, small restaurants) run €10-15. The lagoon tour is a must-do and costs around €80. You can spend a comfortable week in Bora Bora for €2,500-3,000 including flights from Paris on low-cost airlines or via Raiatea.
Faut-il un permis de conduire pour louer une voiture ?
▼
Yes, a valid French or international driver's license is required. Roads are well-maintained and driving is on the left (like in Great Britain). A complete tour of the island by car takes about 45 minutes. Fuel is fairly expensive (around €1.50/liter). Many guesthouses offer free bikes, which can be enough to explore the island at a slower pace.
Quel est le meilleur moment pour photographier Bora Bora ?
▼
Photos are beautiful year-round, but best conditions are May-October (dry season, clearer skies). Golden hour (sunset/sunrise) offers incredible tones. If you fly over the island by plane, it's unforgettable — lagoon colors from the sky are postcard-worthy. Lagoon tours also offer excellent photo opportunities.
Frequently Asked Questions About Tahiti
Is Tahiti worth a real visit or just a layover?
Bora Bora is the most expensive island in French Polynesia, with prices 50-70% higher than other islands. However, the lagoon landscape (considered one of the world's most beautiful) partially justifies the cost. If budget is tight, consider Moorea or Tahiti for better value. If this is a once-in-a-lifetime trip, Bora Bora is worth the splurge for the incomparable setting — but stay at least 3-4 nights to justify the access costs.
What's the best time to visit Bora Bora?
May to October (dry season) is ideal with stable weather, lower humidity, excellent visibility for diving and snorkeling. July-August is peak season with the highest prices and more tourists. September-October offers better conditions than April-May at similar budget. Avoid December-February (possible cyclones and very expensive). March-April can have rough weather but prices drop 20-30%. Overall, May-October is recommended.
Are there overwater bungalows on Tahiti?
Overwater bungalows are unforgettable but pricey (€400-800/night minimum). Book well in advance for July-August. Beachfront bungalows cost less (€200-500) but are equally memorable with direct lagoon access. Check if the lagoon is directly accessible or requires ladder descents. Early bungalows closer to the bay offer better views. Negotiation is often possible for multi-night stays. Swimming and snorkeling directly from your bungalow is the main appeal.
What is there to do besides the beach?
Lagoon tours by boat (€50-70) include snorkeling, shark and ray viewing. Trekking Mount Otemanu offers spectacular panoramic views (guide recommended). Japanese WWII fortifications remain and tell fascinating history. Scuba diving offers varied sites, water sports, and sunset cruises. Nearby motus like Tupai offer day trips with beach picnics. Shops and restaurants in the main village provide some activity. Most visitors focus on beach relaxation, water activities, and sunset experiences.
How do you get to Bora Bora?
The international airport has direct flights from Papeete (50 min, 2-3 departures/day). International connections exist for larger aircraft. Inter-island ferries exist but take 3-5 hours — rarely used except for vehicles. Domestic flights cost €100-150 one-way. The airport is 10 km from town, accessible via paid shuttle or car rental. Arriving early in the day maximizes your time to enjoy the lagoon.
Tips for a Bora Bora honeymoon?
Bora Bora is an ideal honeymoon destination with romantic overwater bungalows, spectacular sunsets, and intimate atmosphere. Book an overwater bungalow for the complete experience (private pool, incomparable views). Plan a private sunset cruise. Celebrate with a special dinner at the resort or a romantic boat dinner. May-July and September-October offer the best value for honeymooners. Budget: €6,000-10,000 for a week (flights + hotel + activities) for two people. This investment creates memories for a lifetime.
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