The best Tahiti beaches are as beautiful as they come—imagine a place with exquisite stretches of white sand, gentle breezes, and towering palm trees and you have an idea of what to expect at the beaches in Tahiti. The islands of French Polynesia include Tahiti, Bora Bora, Moorea, and the others. Blessed with year-round pleasant weather, it is always perfect for spending time at the beach, no matter what the forecast at home is like. Whether you’re visiting on a honeymoon or just looking to get away, a visit to the islands will be sure to enchant.
Matira Beach
Consistently listed among the top Tahitian beaches, Matira Beach is nestled on the island of Bora Bora. The island, nicknamed the romantic island, has eighteen miles of sugar-sand beaches, and Matira Beach is one of the most popular. Named for British shipwreck, the beach has grown into a romantic hideaway, perfect for those who want to relax or have some fun. The beach is an ideal place for just relaxing and feeling the sand beneath your toes. But there’s more to do here than just lounging in the sun—snorkeling is particularly good here, as are diving and personal watercraft excursions. Matira Beach, one of the best Tahiti beaches, also is the starting point for deep-sea fishing trips and casual boat rides.
Papenoo Beach
While many of the beaches in French Polynesia have white sands, you’ll find some variety among the best Tahiti beaches. Located on the north coast of the island of Tahiti, the black-sand Papenoo Beach is favored by surfers thanks to its great waves. The conditions are well-suited to beginning surfers, and lessons are readily available. The black sands of Papenoo Beach are popular with families and others staying in the nearby resorts.
Moorea Beaches
While many of the top Tahitian beaches are found on the island of Tahiti, some are a quick boat ride away. It takes less than a half hour to head from to Tahiti to the less populated, more laid-back sister island of Moorea. Like Tahiti, Moorea has a combination of black- and white-sand beaches. The biggest and most popular beach, Temae Beach, boasts white sands and waters perfect for swimming. The public beach also is close to one of the island’s most popular resorts, the Sofitel Moorea Ia Ora Beach Resort. Like most beaches in French Polynesia, topless sunbathing is allowed on Temae Beach.
Huahine Beaches
Off the beaten path, but just a 30-minute flight away from Tahiti, Huahine is covered by lush forests and small, charming villages—along with beautiful lagoons and white-sand beaches. Life moves at a slower place on this lovely place known as the Garden Island. The long spit of beaches are perfect for those who want to relax and pack excitement into their vacations. Many of the local outfitters offer lagoon tours—by land and sea—as well as the equipment needed for watersports. Some of the best windsurfing and kite surfing is waiting in Huahine. A boat tour at sunset is an especially romantic way to end a day at the beach on Huahine or any of the islands of French Polynesia.