FAQs

Tahiti travel lagoon and outrigger canoe

Tahiti Travel – FAQs

How long does it take to get to Tahiti?

  • From Los Angeles LAX airport, the flight to Papeete PPT is 8 hours.
  • From San Francisco SFO airport, the flight is about 8 hours 10. minutes.
  • From Seattle SEA airport, the flight is 9 hours.

Tahiti is in the same time zone as Hawaii, and you do not have to cross the International Timeline for flights from the US.

How much should I expect to spend on a package to Tahiti?

Package prices generally begin at about $8000 for two adults including airfare from Los Angeles, transfers, and moderate accommodations on the islands of Tahiti and Moorea for 6 nights. Peak season package pricing is higher. Most Tahiti honeymoon packages are in the $10,000 to $16,000 range with luxury packages pricing at $12,000 and up. Overwater bungalows in Bora Bora tend to be the priciest package options.

What should I expect to pay for meal plans?

The Brando is the only all-inclusive resort in Tahiti, and has a luxury price point. However, most resorts in Tahiti offer meal plans. Prices will vary for the meal plans, but generally are about $100 per person per day for breakfast and dinner (leaving your lunchtime open for exploring the island or taking tours, etc). Food is expensive in Tahiti, and these meal plans offer a savings over what you’d pay for meals without a plan. On occasion, resorts will offer promotions featuring free breakfasts, which is a great way to save a few dollars in Tahiti.

Is air-conditioning necessary?

The vast majority of resorts in Tahiti now offer air conditioning. However, some of the more remote islands offer only ceiling fans and ocean breezes in their accommodation options.

We have our hearts set on a honeymoon to Tahiti and Bora Bora! How can we make it affordable?

Bora Bora is the most expensive Tahitian island. There are alternative islands in Tahiti that cost less. Also, overwater bungalows are the most expensive accommodations category. By staying in a garden or beach bungalow, you can save money but still be steps away from that gorgeous water.

Another way to save a few dollars is by being somewhat flexible in your travel dates and itinerary. Shifting your travel dates by a couple of days could mean a savings of a couple hundred dollars in airfare. And keep your mind open to great promotions that are in effect during your travel period — ask your travel agent to find a promotion that meets your travel needs and budget.

Also, ask about any promotional rates for cruise ships in Tahiti. There can be substantial savings offered by the cruise lines, such as dollars off or free airfare. Keep in mind that meals are included in your Tahiti cruise, which can mean a great savings in the long run.

Can we get married in Tahiti?

Weddings in Tahiti are now legally binding for American and Canadian nationals. There is a paperwork process involved, so allow at least three to five months to complete. Alternatively, you can opt for a symbolic (not legally binding) ceremony which bypasses the paperwork.

Marriage eligibility requirements:

  • Both spouses must be at least 18 years of age.
  • Neither persons can be currently married.
  • Spouses must be of the opposite sex.
  • The couple cannot be related by direct lineage.
  • The couple cannot be French nationals or residents of France (in these cases, there is a different process to complete)
  • The bride and the groom must each choose a witness (18 years old minimum). The mayor’s office can provide a witness if necessary.

If you’d like a Tahitian ceremony (not legally binding), just ask for details. Most resorts we work with offer Tahitian wedding packages. Must be booked in advance of travel.

Unfortunately, even $8000 is out of our budget range. Any suggestions?

You can save a few dollars by staying in economy lodging in Tahiti, but most honeymooners desire a quality level that’s above economy. Contact us and we can discuss payment options or recommend alternate destinations, such as Hawaii, Mexico, Costa Rica, the Caribbean or Bahamas,or a tropical cruise.

Why should I book with a Tahiti Tiare Specialist

Tahiti Tiare Specialists are travel agents who have gone through extensive training on French Polynesia and have personally been to multiple islands in Tahiti as well. The training and qualifications are rigorous; there are only a handful certified Tahiti Tiare Specialists currently in Texas.

What this means to you is that your travel agent will be able to recommend the best trip and options to fit your unique requirements. Each island (and each resort) is different, and may or may not fit you (your travel style, energy level, or budget). Plus you can relax knowing that the details of your trip are being expertly managed.

Over the years, I have seen inexperienced travel agents recommend against travel to Tahiti only because these travel agents are not familiar with and comfortable selling Tahiti. Don’t let your dream trip be spoiled using the wrong agent (or worse, trying to arrange the travel details on your own)!

More Practical Information

French and Tahitian are the official languages spoken. English is also widely spoken. All resorts/hotels will have English speaking staff.

Weather in Tahiti is tropical year round. You can travel any month of the year and enjoy warm beach-friendly weather. There are two seasons:

  • Austral Summer Season runs from October until March. Average temperature is about 80 degrees Fahrenheit. This is the rainy season, so you may experience cloudy skies and brief heavy rains.
  • Austral Winter Season runs from April until September. This is the dry season, with the chance of rain low. Average temperature is about 77 degrees Fahrenheit.

Passports must be valid for at least six months after the last day of your stay in Tahiti. Citizens of Canada, Mexico, and the US do not need a visa for stays of less than 30 days. No special vaccines are required for travelers from these countries either.

Interisland flights are operated by Air Tahiti and Air Moana. 

There are baggage lockers at the Papeete airport in case you have a very long layover which are located near the check in area and before you get to security.

Hotel Openings

  • The Hilton Hotel Tahiti (in Papeete) officially opened in December 2021.

Hotel Closures and Re-brandings

Occasionally I receive requests from clients who want to return to a hotel in Tahiti that they visited many years ago. Here is a list of properties that are no longer operating (or have changed management/names).

  • Le Meridien Bora Bora is closed for renovations and will reopen in Summer 2024 as Westin Bora Bora.
  • Le Tikehau Pearl Resort is currently closed for renovations and will re-open late 2025.
  • Club Med Bora Bora and Club Med Moorea are now closed (in 2009 and in 2005, respectively).
  • Hotel Bora Bora closed in 2008.
  • Bora Bora Lagoon Resort closed in 2010..
  • The Sofitel Maeva Beach in Papeete closed in 2012.
  • The Hilton Moorea is the former Sheraton Moorea.
  • The Le Tahiti by Pearl is formerly called Tahiti Pearl Beach Resort, and before that the Radisson Resort Tahiti.
  • Intercontinenal Moorea Resort closed in 2020.