Hi - has anyone flown Air Tahiti Nui recently and in the Row 18 bulkhead seats? Trying to figure out if those bulkhead seats have a TV/Entertainment screen. Thanks!

Hello! I just visited the gelato shop on Bora Bora and saw they had a "Babylais" flavor. The server said it was like coffee (maybe a brand?), and Google wasn't giving any results.

I didn't get to try it, but just curious what it was! Is it just a brand of coffee? Thanks!

Hi everyone - first time posting! We are planning a first time trip to FP from the UK for our honeymoon July/August 2025. I'm happy to DIY the trip as I like planning holidays, however it looks like the domestic flights are the trickiest part.

We would like to visit Moorea, Huahine and Fakarava. We would like to swim with the whales, chill on beaches, snorkel and go scuba diving.

Would anyone suggest an order to do these in? When looking at the Bora Tuamotu passes it looks like the itineraries always suggest Bora Bora. Is that because you can only fly to Fakarava from there? We weren't planning on visiting Bora Bora but maybe it would make more sense rather than having to return to Papeete?

Air Tahiti itinerary suggestion: Tahiti - Moorea - Huahine - Bora Bora - [Rangiroa or Tikehau or Fakarava] - Tahiti

Can you also only book multi-island flights via the special needs booking form on the site?

Is it suggested to book international flights then domestic flights and then accommodation? Or book domestic flights last as they're multiple a day?

Any help would be greatly appreciated!

Ia ora na,

Nous sommes une petite famille sympa, un couple avec deux enfants en primaire, et nous rêvons de poser nos valises à Bora Bora pour une année afin de découvrir pleinement la Polynésie Française.

Notre projet, c'est de partir de la métropole le 18 juillet pour un séjour d'une année. (On a déjà les billets !)

Initialement, nous pensions nous installer sur Tahiti, mais l'orthophonie y est malheureusement déjà bien saturée, donc peu de possibilités pour ma conjointe.

Suite aux conseils de nos amis et contacts, nous avons élargi nos horizons vers d'autres archipels, et Bora Bora nous fait littéralement rêver.

Pour ma part, je suis en télétravail à 100%, donc il me faudra une bonne connexion fibre optique pour rester connecté avec mon boulot.

Nos deux filles, qui sont en primaire, vont devoir poursuivre leur scolarité sur place.
On est super motivés pour nous intégrer, participer aux activités associatives, et surtout créer des liens avec la communauté polynésienne. (J'aurais surement une valise de jeux de société ;) )

On laisse derrière nous notre appartement près de Lyon, et ce serait vraiment idéal de pouvoir faire un échange de logement avec une famille polynésienne. On imagine que ce serait une aventure super enrichissante pour les deux familles !

Nous sommes preneurs de tout conseil ou avertissements :)

Maurruru,

Visiting Bora Bora for my big 60th birthday -- This has been on the top of my bucket list since I was a teenager so we want to plan an amazing trip. We are staying at the St Regis for one week.

We are traveling from LAX to PPT in January on Air France departing 11:50pm and arriving 6:15am on Saturday. I'd appreciate advice on which flight to take to BOB. Best options appear to be Air Tahiti at 10:30am or Air Moana at 11:05am. I want to avoid flight delays and other headaches trying to get to Bora Bora from PPT.

We depart following Saturday from PPT to Honolulu on Hawaiian Air at 11:30pm so I'd also appreciate advice re the time we should fly from BOB to PPT? I'd like to maximize our time in Bora Bora, but not sure if the St Regis allows late check out. There are lots of afternoon and early evening flights on Air Tahiti. Moana has one at 5:55pm.

Speaking of Bora Bora and the St Regis, any input on activities, spa, tours, excursions, restaurants (at resort and other venues), things to do, and any other advice would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you!

I'm currently in Moorea and have the unlucky fortune to get a cold. The only OTC meds I did not pack is cold medicine. We don't have a car and aren't even sure if we could get cold medicine/ decongestant here. Any advice? Anyone happen to be in Moorea as well and have something to spare?

TIA!!

Edit: Thanks everyone for the suggestions! It's amazing what some fluids, Tylenol and rest can do.

Hello. I am staying at the Sofitel 8 nights and will want to hang out here most of the time. But I do want to see the island one day and do a sunset cruise by Cooks Bay. Should I rent a car for a full day or hire someone for the entire day? Thank you.

I am going to arrive at PPT at 11 PM tmr, I am wondering how can I go to the hotel in the papeete ? Is taxi still running at that time?

Hey folks, I booked what will probably be the craziest trip of my life - I redeemed my Alaska miles for a round trip premium economy ticket to Tahiti for a 3 day, 2 night stay!

I will be going solo. While I would love most to experience that South Pacific paradise with the electric blue seas, I would also be happy seeing the islands’ interior and experience the culture. I do not plan to rent a car; I will be doing guided tours. I will be staying in hotels/resorts rather than Airbnbs.

With that being said, here are my itinerary ideas:

• 2 nights Tahiti
• 2 nights Moorea (first day in Papeete, take ferry afternoon)
• 1 night Tahiti, 1 night Moorea (take ferry first thing day 2)
• 2 nights Bora Bora

Which is best?

I’m planning a 10 day (11 night) trip to French Polynesia with my partner and would like some thoughts on my itinerary. We love snorkeling, hiking, and lounging on beaches, and prefer less touristy places. We really want to go to both the Society and Tuamotu archipelagos.

So far, I have:

• Tahiti: 1 night (we arrive at night)
• Moorea: 4 nights (take rental car on ferry, stay at Airbnb)
• Fakarava 4 nights (at Raimiti)
• Tahiti: 2 nights

Questions:

1. Is it possible to squeeze in another island, or would it feel like we’re constantly in transit? It was a really hard decision to skip Bora Bora, but the other islands seem more interesting to us. I am also really interested in Huahine, because it seems more pristine, lush, and authentic compared to the other islands. I don’t mind an active trip, but I also want to ensure that we have time for relaxation and getting to know the islands.
2. On the topic of Bora Bora, are we actually missing out on an amazingly unique experience if we don’t go?
3. Has anyone stayed at Raimiti in Fakarava?, If so, what were your thoughts? We are really interested in how remote and rustic it is, and love how there’s no wifi, limited electricity, and excursions are included. But is 4 nights too long?
4. Should we spend a night or 2 in North Fakarava? I am interested in seeing the town life in the Tuamotus and also the beaches look amazing. The issue is that every place seems to have a 2 night minimum.

Thank you!

Hi everyone,

My partner and I have - finally!!! - chosen Raiatea and Taha's as the islands to visit on our first time in Tahiti (so many wonderful islands, hard decisions!). We like tranquility and authenticity and after reading quite a bit these two islands look to fit the bill perfectly. We don't have much time, 9 days including the arrival and departure from Papeete.

The question is, would you guys stay in one place in Raiatea, or split it between Raiatea and Taha'a? Like 3 nights in each place. We would look to spend a couple days or so in Papeete for international flight conveniences..

Is it easy (and affordable?) to come and go from Raiatea to Taha'a?

Thank you lots!

Hey yall i cant drive and am wondering how I can handle these islands without a car? What are my options practically speaking. Thanks! Edit: I also cant ride a bike hehe

I know the obvious answer is Moorea >>>> Tahiti (main island) but because of my means of travel (points), staying in Tahiti is significantly cheaper for better accommodation (full service hotel vs , and seemingly the car rental also seems cheaper in Tahiti. Also the flight to bora bora is cheaper from PPT than flying from Moorea.

Furthermore with only two days to spare, seems like I'd barely be scratching the surface of Moorea and wouldn't really get too much out of it besides maybe a sick snorkeling tour. I'd love to return for a longer stay though. Whereas in Tahiti main island I feel like I can at least get a feel of the people and culture.

If I had to put a price difference to it, it'd be around an extra 70k XPF to stay in Moorea for two nights vs Tahiti.

Given these circumstances, would you still recommend staying in Moorea for two nights?

Hi everyone--as a hobby botanist, one of the things I was looking forward to most on my brief trip through FP was to see the Tiare Apetahi (Apetahia raiateensis) on a brief guided hike here on Raiatea.

10000 XPF and 4 hours later, we're up at a trail junction and our guide is telling us that the last remaining plants are off-limits to the public and the rest have died.

I'm inclined to believe it, and I have no issue being unable to see the plant and its flower. My only issue is there's no source out there which tells you this rather sad truth. I hope there's a chance Raiateans are able to rescue the plant from extinction.

The tiny upside is that the hills up there are covered in Fejioa/Pineapple Guava, so if you love that and go in-season, you'd be doing the native endemics a little favor by eating your fill.

Maybe someone knows an expert in propagating rare species in the Campanulaceae. I know I'll ask around after this trip.

Hello! My husband and I are planning our 15 year anniversary trip to Bora Bora/Moorea in spring 2025 and I have some questions for everyone who has traveled there, and in particular, those who have done it through Costco!

We did our initial call with Costco Travel just to get some general info on cost: Flight to Tahiti from LAX Ferry to Moorea 3 nights in deluxe garden room with pool at Hilton Lagoon Resort Flight to Bora Bora 5 nights at Conrad in overwater bungalow Flight to Tahiti and then flight to LAX.

My first question: through Costco, can you pick your specific room/bungalow? Are upgrades at the counter allowed if we ask and they have availability?

When speaking to Costco, they can only book us out through March due to how they negotiate with the airlines and such. From what I’ve read, March can be hit or miss with weather and mosquitos (particularly on Moorea). If we pushed it out to April to try for drier conditions, anyone have an idea on how much our prices would go up since we are getting closer to the busy season? Costco couldn’t say. Is April or March better/worse in your opinion?

With the Conrad being on an outer island in Bora Bora, what is the shuttle situation to the main island? I’ve heard differences in how often that ferry is available as well as if it costs and how much. We love the idea of an overwater bungalow, but is it worth upgrading the resort to the Four Seasons and just getting a standard room versus the overwater bungalow at the Conrad? We really liked the initial price we were quoted and don’t want to increase that too much.

Other than that, my husband and I plan to relax in the sand and do some excursions. In particular we have heard an ATV tour is fun in Moorea, snorkeling in Bora Bora, and a jet ski rental in Bora Bora. Any advice for these activities in particular? I’d love to do a little hiking as well if there are any recommendations for that.

This community is amazing for advice! Thank you in advance!

We are going to Bora Bora next July. I read that it is the dry season but also windy. Is the wind really that bad? If so, which resort would be better protected from the wind? Le Bora Bora by Pearl Thalasso St. Regis Thanks for any help.

Hello! I’m curious to find any exclusive to Tahiti (not readily available in the States) shelf stable snacks I can bring home to share with friends and family. Cookies, chips, candy. Any tips or ideas would be appreciated. Thanks in advance!

My husband and I are going to Moorea and Bora Bora for our 15 year anniversary spring 2025. I am beyond excited but am already nervous for the long flight. We will be taking the red eye on Air Tahiti (I think that’s the airline, I could be incorrect) in economy (I’m not made of money unfortunately). Any advice for a nervous flyer? I’ve heard over-water flights are typically smoother with less turbulence, was that your experience? Any tips/tricks/past travel experience is appreciated!

Hi I’m looking for help with my itinerary options for the last week of November in French Polynesia. Total trip is 2 weeks; the first week is set, with visits to Moorea and Bora Bora. For the second week, I’m debating between three options:

Option 1: Societal Islands

• Taha'a: 3 nights
• Huahine: 2 nights

(Using ferries to move between nearby islands)

Option 2: Tuamotus (Rangiroa and Fakarava)

• Rangiroa: 3 nights
• Fakarava: 2 nights

Option 3: Tuamotus (Rangiroa and Tikehau)

• Rangiroa: 3 nights
• Tikehau: 3 nights

(One extra night due to flight schedules)

Considerations:

• Our group includes both divers and non-divers, so it would be great to include a couple of good dives and some excellent shore snorkeling.
• Late November marks the rainy season; which option is better in case the weather doesn’t cooperate? While storms may pass quickly on atolls, bad weather can limit activities.
• I’d love to dive/snorkel at Fakarava’s south pass, but I’ve found that no dive shops on the north side have boats going there during our dates. Accommodations on the south side seem limited.

Priorities/Preferences:

• Less tourist-centric locations.
• A self-catered, self-paced experience with activities like hiking and snorkeling that don’t require tours (Pearl/vanilla farm tours, ATV tours, etc., are out of the question).
• Great snorkeling from the shore, with an emphasis on corals and large marine life (we’re fortunate to live in Hawaii and are looking for better snorkeling).
• Simple local food, preferably without formal restaurants.

Questions:

1. Is Fakarava worth visiting just for the north pass?
2. How does snorkeling/diving in Tikehau compare to Rangiroa and Fakarava?
3. Are Taha'a and Huahine similar to Moorea and Bora Bora?
4. Are ferry rides a scenic experience, or are the views from the planes more unique?
5. What unique or interesting places have you experienced on each island?
6. I would appreciate any general thoughts or recommendations regarding the three options above.

Thank you!

I am recovering from shoulder surgery and February would be ideal time to go somewhere.

Given that February is a rainy season, should we wait till May or would we be fine to enjoy the trip? We are planning 1 day in Tahiti and a week in bora bora in overwater bungalow (mostly to enjoy swimming, diving, maybe a day sail).

Thanks.

does anyone know where to order a tahiti rugby union jersey from here in the uk

Hi! I want to purchase a hand carved Tiki but from the maker, not a random shop. Anywhere I can do this? I’m mostly on Moorea. When I go back to Tahiti I get off the ferry after 4pm and have an hour to spare before going to the airport, I believe the shops will be closed by then. If anyone has suggestions I’d highly appreciate it!

hi - I have a family trip planned for December - but reading about how the stray dog problem is so bad in moorea and bora bora. my family is a HUGE dog loving family who fosters dogs. I want to help, and I realize just not going is not helping anything. But seeing it first hand may just upset me the whole (supper expensive vacation) I have saved for. Thoughts?! Thanks!

My guide gave me a bunch to try and I have a slab he recommends be cut like sashimi thin and eating with oil, garlic and lemon. I cooked the part he said to blacken but I don’t have a knife sharp enough to cut thin at the air bnb and we’re leaving tomorrow so I’m not going to go buy a sharpener or knife lol lmk

I planning a solo trip around Christmas and new years. I went through a breakup earlier this year and don’t mind being around couples but is it mostly only couples for tourists?

I’m into water sports like diving and snorkeling. Wanted to get more into free diving.

Hi all,

We were considering getting a beach bungalow at Intercontinental Moana in early Nov. I have read a few concerns about Dengue fever (we have a 6 mo old) and wondering is it easy with appropriate steps (bug spray, nets) to keep the moquitos at bay?

Any thoughts are greatly appreciated. Thanks,.

We are in the early stages of planning our trip to Bora Bora in July. 7 nights at the Westin, and then one night in Tahiti before our flight home. Assuming the last night is a wash, just to make it convenient to get to the airport in time for our morning flight home. Any recommendations on a hotel for this scenario. Not looking for a resort but also not a dump. Appreciate any thoughts.

Hey there! We’re planning a 2-week trip to Tahiti (and other islands) and were wondering about the payment situation. Do cards work, or do we need to carry cash? We’d love to use some of our US dollars if possible.

Thank you ! :)