Deborah Chan
Tahiti is a popular honeymoon destination for good reason. Known for its incredibly blue lagoons and islands like Bora Bora and Moorea, Tahiti is a tropical paradise. The country includes over 150 islands, each with its own unique personality. Tahiti is easy to reach, with a seven-hour flight from Los Angeles or San Francisco, and offers a range of luxurious overwater bungalows, scuba diving, sunset catamaran tours, and water activities. The ocean plays a significant role in Tahitian culture, food, and hobbies, making it an ideal location for newlyweds seeking a mix of relaxation and adventure in a romantic setting.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Flight duration | 7 hours from Los Angeles or San Francisco |
| Number of islands | 118 |
| Main island | Tahiti |
| Culture | Polynesian |
| Best weather | May to October |
| Festival highlights | Heiva i Tahiti festival, Hawaiki Nui Va'a |
| Accessibility | Easy to reach |
| Scenery | Blue lagoons |
| Activities | Scuba diving, sunset catamaran tours, water sports |
| Accommodation | Overwater bungalows |
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What You'll Learn
Tahiti's lagoons, islands and atolls
Tahiti is known for its "too-blue-to-be-real" lagoons and popular honeymoon islands like Bora Bora and Moorea. The nation includes more than 150 islands, each with its own unique personality. The ocean, called "Moana" in Tahitian, plays a huge role in everything from culture to food to hobbies. Tahiti is a great destination for newlyweds who want to spend their honeymoon in swimsuits rather than sneakers.
The atolls of Rangiroa and Fakarava are world-famous for their gatherings of sharks in lagoon entrances. Rangiroa is the world's largest atoll in Tahiti and is renowned for its stunning lagoons and exceptional diving experiences. A highlight of diving at Fakarava is the marble grouper spawning in June and July, which attracts hundreds of sharks. The coral rings that create atolls and barrier reefs are punctuated by natural channels where tidal currents flow, such as Rangiroa's Teavanui Pass, which attracts massive schools of fish, dolphin pods, rays, and sharks.
The small, uninhabited islands known as motus line the edges of the barrier reefs and provide the perfect setting for picnics and parties. Tahiti's lagoons are home to more than 1,000 species of fish, as well as larger animals such as sea turtles, rays, and sharks. Green sea turtles are a common sight in the shallow waters of Tahitian lagoons. The Blue Lagoon, an aquamarine pool surrounded by palm-fringed islands, is rich in marine life.
Guests staying in the iconic over-water bungalows of Bora Bora or Moorea can snorkel right from their waterfront porches. On Rangiroa Atoll, the site known as the Aquarium is a must-do for anyone visiting, as it is renowned for its colourful mix of corals and tropical fish. Tahiti offers a mix of luxury and authenticity, well-known islands, and off-the-grid gems, making it a perfect honeymoon destination.
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Water sports and activities
Tahiti is renowned for its water sports and aquatic activities, with its vibrant coral reefs and rich marine life. The ocean plays a significant role in Tahitian culture, making it an ideal destination for couples seeking a range of water-based experiences.
One of the most popular water activities in Tahiti is snorkelling. The shallow, clear waters surrounding the islands offer a unique opportunity to explore vibrant coral gardens and encounter a diverse array of marine life, including anemone fish, moray eels, and graceful manta and eagle rays. Bora Bora, in particular, is known for its snorkelers' paradise, where you can swim amongst tropical fish and interact with stingrays and black-tipped reef sharks.
For those seeking a more adventurous experience, scuba diving is also a popular option in Tahiti. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced diver, the islands offer a range of dive sites to explore, from shallow coral gardens to deeper waters teeming with marine life. The Intro Dive experience in Bora Bora, for instance, allows you to discover the undersea world at a depth of 20ft for 30 minutes, under the guidance of a professional instructor.
If you prefer to stay closer to the surface, jet skiing is another thrilling option. You can circle the island of Bora Bora on your own jet ski, taking in the spectacular lagoons and stopping at the Strip of White Sands to enjoy the turquoise waters and blue lagoon.
Other water activities available in Tahiti include boat tours, sunset catamaran cruises, and even underwater walks with air-supplied helmets, allowing you to immerse yourself in the underwater world and observe tropical fish up close.
Whether you're looking for relaxation or adventure, Tahiti's range of water sports and activities will ensure you create unforgettable memories on your honeymoon.
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Luxurious accommodation
Tahiti is a great honeymoon destination for those seeking a mix of luxury and authenticity. The island offers a range of luxurious accommodation options, from overwater bungalows to beach resorts and suites, providing the perfect setting for a romantic and relaxing getaway.
For those seeking the ultimate in luxury, Tahiti's overwater bungalows are a popular choice. These bungalows offer stunning views and direct access to the crystal-clear lagoons, and a range of amenities and experiences tailored for honeymooners. The Tikehau Pearl Beach Resort, for example, offers overwater bungalows with round-trip international airfare, inter-island transportation, daily breakfast, and excursions like snorkelling and private island lunches.
Another luxurious option is the Manava Beach Resort and Spa on the island of Moorea. This resort offers five-night packages in overwater bungalows with international airfare, inter-island transportation, daily breakfast, a couples massage, and various tours and activities, including jet skiing and snorkelling. Moorea is known for its pristine beaches and lush landscape, offering a more remote and tranquil experience compared to the main island of Tahiti.
For those seeking a mix of luxury and cultural exploration, the city of Papeete on the main island of Tahiti offers a range of luxurious hotel options. The IC Tahiti, for instance, provides a luxurious base from which to explore the island, with easy access to the Faa'a International Airport and the rest of the island. The city of Papeete also offers a vibrant cultural experience, with the Heiva i Tahiti festival celebrating Polynesian culture through dance, music, and sports competitions.
Tahiti's shoulder seasons, around May and October, offer a great opportunity to experience luxurious accommodations at more affordable prices. During these times, resorts are typically cheaper than during peak season, and the weather is usually pleasant, making it an ideal time to enjoy the beaches and water activities without the crowds.
Whether you choose to stay in an overwater bungalow, a beach resort, or a luxurious hotel in the city, Tahiti offers a range of accommodations to suit your honeymoon needs, providing a romantic and memorable start to your married life.
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Travel and transport
Tahiti is a great choice for a honeymoon, especially if you're looking for a destination that's easy to reach. The flight time from the west coast of the United States is only about seven hours, and you can fly direct from cities like Los Angeles and San Francisco. This makes Tahiti more accessible than most other tropical destinations. Once you land at Faa'a International Airport in Papeete, you can either catch a connector to another island or stay on the main island of Tahiti.
If you're travelling from the UK, you might find Tahiti more expensive than other destinations. One person reported that a nine-day stay at the IC Tahiti in August cost them £3,590 for two people, including breakfast and dinner. In comparison, a similar stay on Moorea was about £4,400, and a trip to Bora Bora was around £9,000 per person.
If you're looking for a slow-paced getaway, Tahiti is a good option. You can rent a car to get around the island, and there are plenty of Airbnb options for accommodation. If you're looking for a more luxurious experience, Tahiti also has many resorts to choose from, including overwater bungalows.
There are also many activities to do in Tahiti, especially if you enjoy water sports. You can go scuba diving, take a sunset catamaran tour, or participate in any number of water activities. There are also festivals to enjoy, like the Heiva i Tahiti festival in July, which celebrates Polynesian culture with traditional dance, music, and sports competitions. The Hawaiki Nui Va'a, an annual long-distance canoe race held in November, is another exciting event for spectators.
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Culture and festivals
Tahiti is a place of rich culture and traditions, with 118 islands, each with its own unique personality. The ocean, or "Moana" in Tahitian, plays a huge role in Tahitian culture, influencing everything from food to hobbies. The Polynesian culture is vibrant and hospitable, with opportunities to savour local cuisine and enjoy traditional dance performances. The Heiva i Tahiti festival, held in July, is one of the most significant cultural events, celebrating Polynesian culture with traditional dance, music, and sports competitions. The festival brings together teams from around French Polynesia and the Polynesian Triangle, celebrating the exciting and exotic traditional Polynesian culture that flourished in these islands before European arrival. The festival includes a monumental ballet of mouvements and steps that have been passed down through the generations, with the rhythm of the accompanying to’ere (wooden drum) representing the heartbeat of their ancestors.
The Hawaiki Nui Va'a is another impressive cultural event, with a long-distance canoe race attracting teams from around the world. Tahiti also has a thriving art scene, with the Festival of Graffiti bringing together street artists to create stunning murals across the island. The Tahiti Yoga Festival is another cultural event, uniting communities from around the world to foster connection and raise awareness. Tahiti's culture is also reflected in its cuisine, with local specialties and fresh seafood featuring prominently in its food culture.
The islands offer a mix of luxury and authenticity, with well-known islands and hidden gems. The Society Islands, for example, are home to high islands with breathtaking skylines and mountainous interiors. Each island is surrounded by a barrier reef, creating an inner lagoon. The classic islands of Bora Bora and Tikehau are known for their overwater bungalows, providing direct access to the lagoon for snorkelling and swimming. Moorea, another popular island, offers a blend of luxury and nature, with bungalows nestled in the tropical landscape. Tahiti's rugged terrain and scenic trails make it a paradise for hikers, with Mount Aorai and the Fautaua Valley Waterfall offering breathtaking views. The dry season, from May to October, is the best time to explore these trails, with clearer skies and calmer waters for water sports.
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Frequently asked questions
Tahiti is a great honeymoon destination because it's easy to reach and has a lot to offer. The country includes more than 150 islands along its tropical overseas collectivity, with each island having its own unique personality. The islands are known for their blue lagoons and popular honeymoon spots like Bora Bora and Moorea. The ocean plays a huge role in Tahitian culture, food, and hobbies, so there are plenty of water activities to take part in, such as scuba diving, sunset catamaran tours, and snorkelling.
Tahiti offers a mix of luxury and authenticity, well-known islands, and off-the-grid gems. You can stay in an overwater bungalow, go scuba diving, take a sunset catamaran tour, or participate in any other water activity you can think of. There are also mountain hikes and festivals to enjoy. Tahiti is also known for its romantic seclusion, with private islets and candlelit beach dinners.
The best time to visit Tahiti is during the shoulder seasons, which are roughly the months of May and October. During these months, you'll likely have good weather, and resorts are cheaper than during peak season. The best weather is generally from May to October. There are also festivals to enjoy during these months, such as the Heiva i Tahiti festival in July and the Hawaiki Nui Va'a, an annual long-distance canoe race held in November.
