Planning a trip to paradise? My comprehensive Tahiti packing list will ensure you have everything you need for a perfect French Polynesian getaway. From travel essential to beach necessities, I’ve got you covered with items for both your carry-on and checked luggage. I’ve packed these items for my own tropical adventure and can confirm they’re exactly what you’ll need for a comfortable journey and stay.
My Tahiti Packing list
Carry on:
Water bottle
This is my favorite travel hack, bring an empty water bottle with you in your carry on. Most airports have bottle fillers at the drinking fountains located after security. This saves you from having to pay $5 for a bottle of water! I love this hydroflask!
Snacks
Airplane food only gets you so far, and this is an 8 hour trip so do yourself a favor and pack some snacks. I like to pack crackers, meat trays, those little cheese and cracker snacks and bars.
Portable charger
This is an 8 hour flight. Sure finding outlets is much easier these days but having to be tethered to the outlet is no the way. Get a good little portable charger and toss it in your carry on so you are certain your phone (or Apple Watch in my case) is charged on your arrival.
Camera
Tahiti is SO photogenic, sure you phone get some great shots but if photography is your thing then being a “real” camera and a nice wide lens.
Check out my guide to choosing the best camera for traveling. (coming soon!)
Osmo action
You are going to be spending a lot of time in the water in Tahiti! The water is absolutely amazing and you are going to want to capture those moments in and on the water. I recommend a waterproof camera. The GoPro is a well known brand and they are great, I myself, prefer the Osmo Action by DJI, the removable batteries and the selfie screen make it the perfect addition to your Tahiti packing list.
Sunglasses
This needs no explanation, it’s sunny, bring some sunnies.
A Pen
Toss one in your carry on, you will need to fill out customs forms as you are landing in Tahiti, While the attendants will have some, they do not have enough for everyone so just have one handy so you don’t have to worry about it.
Murdles or Puzzle book
This one might be a personal preference but I love a good puzzle book, sometimes you just need a break from the screens to pass the time. Murdles are my current favorite, they are logic puzzles with a mix of mystery, very fun.
Headphones
If you want to listen to your phone bring whatever headphones you like but if you want to use the screen in the back of the seat you will need a pair with a 3.5mm jack. They will provide you with some if you don’t have them but they are the nicest of the best quality.
Passport
Ok this one is obvious but don’t forget your passport! Make sure it doesn’t expire with in 6 months of your trip, this could cause visa issues if it expires soon. I like to carry mine in this cool passport wallet with my foreign currency and my credit card that has no exchange fees.
Francs
A couple weeks before your trip stop at your bank to order some French Polynesian Francs, this is the currency in Tahiti and it’s a good idea to have some with you especially if you are exploring the smaller towns and islands or the Papeete Market. Taxi’s also take cash only. You will get a much better exchange rate with your bank than at the airport.
Wipes
This is a mom thing I think. I love having wipes on me, great to small messes, sweaty lines, sandy feet and whatever else.
Checked Bag Tahiti Packing List
Cloths
OK, Duh. I know you know to pack clothes but what types of clothes? It is very humid in Tahiti and pretty warm so I recommend light loose fitting clothing. I am so happy rompers are the it thing since I pretty much lived in them while I was there. I took both long and short ones. They were perfect for a nice dinner and also great over a bathing suit. If dresses are your thing (they aren’t really mine but I did take one) then those are a great option too.
Jammies
Shameless plug for my favorite Jammie company Little Sleepies. I took some of these light weight breathable joggers and top with me on the trip, perfect for the humid weather.
Shoes
Even though you are in the water a lot you still need shoes, the ground is hot and rocky. A good pair flip flops for sure need to be on your Tahiti packing list. Don’t make the mistake I made and bring more than one pair you really don’t need that many. It’s a good idea to have a comfy pair of closed toed shoes also, I bought a pair of Reef Neptunes and I HIGHLY recommend them. They are PERFECT to traveling, they are mesh and breathable so no need to pack socks. They back folds down to make the shoes slip ons and they are very comfortable.
Water Shoes
Bring a good pair of water shoes, the beaches can be rocky, full of slugs (yuck!) and when snorkeling coral is sharp!
Charger dapper with international adapters
One of my favorite travel “hacks” is to have a bag that you have all the chargers you need in it packed and in your carry on at all times, I like to pack a power strip in it so you don’t have to find so many outlets and then you only need to have one power converter in the kit too. Tahiti is the same plugs as Europe.
Aloha tote
This Aloha Tote ended up a godsend on my trip. The Aloha brand is for the beach, its light weight and water proof. Tossing in towels, a pouch (also Aloha) with sunscreen, the water bottle and extra things is so easy with this bag. I used it every day and never had to worry about water or sand.
Swim Suits and Gear
Of course, you will be in the water a lot. Bring a few so you don’t have to stay in a wet one. Rash guards are really nice to have too to get some extra protection from the sun.
Sand Cloud towel
The resorts will provide you a towel, however, having one of these towels with you is so nice! They are so light weight, dry well and don’t hold a ton of sand. They roll up to a nice size to fit in your tote to. Of course, mine is subtle mickey cuz I am a disnerd.
Hats
The sun is out, a lot. Protect yourself from the sun. Wear a hat.
Mosquito repellent
These little pests love me and they love Tahiti, make sure it has Deet and put it on when you are going to be not on the beach.
Reef Friendly Sunscreen
Again, Obvious, I know. Pack a good amount of sunscreen, you don’t want to have to buy it there, it’s expensive! Be sure your sunscreen is “reef friendly”. It should mention in on the label. Some sunscreens have chemicals that are toxic to the fish and the reef. We want to do our part to protect it!
After Sun Lotion
After being in the sun all day your skin will probably be dry and tight. After sun lotion is a great idea since it has added ingredients to cool sun exposed skin.
Travel umbrella
We went to Tahiti in March which is the end of the rainy season. It rained a little bit each day we were there, fortunately it was while we were already under cover but we had our umbrellas with us just in case and it was nice to know we had them if we needed them.
Snorkle and Mask
This is a matter of preference. The resorts and places you stay will have masks and snorkels for you to borrow and they are totally fine. I have a small face and find that finding a good fit can be difficult so I decided to just buy one that I knew would fit. I also live by the water and travel to places like this often enough that it seemed like a good investment. I went with a Cressi set as the brand was highly recommended by divers.
Wrap up
With this carefully curated packing list, you’ll be well-prepared for your Tahitian adventure. Remember to check your passport expiration date, pack light, breathable clothing, and don’t forget those essential items like mosquito repellent and reef friendly sunscreen. While you might not use every item (like the travel umbrella), it’s better to be prepared for any situation. Most importantly, leave some room in your luggage for souvenirs and memories from this incredible destination.