Beaches · Tahiti · French Polynesia
The best beaches in and near Tahiti
Where to swim and spend a beach day, and when the water is warm.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Pictured: Teahupo'o, Tahiti · Photo: Saga70, CC BY-SA 4.0
Quick answer
The best-known beach is Plage de Vaiava (PK 18) (About 18 km south-west of Papeete). The sea is usually warm enough for a comfortable swim (21°C/70°F or more) in January–December.
Key facts
- Beaches in this guide
- 4
- Swimming season
- January–December
- Warmest sea
- 29°C (84°F)
Plan a trip to Tahiti
Compare flights, places to stay and rental cars, then book with the provider you choose.
The beaches
About 18 km south-west of Papeete · Snorkelling and families
1.Plage de Vaiava (PK 18)
White-sand public beach with shallow water and coral for snorkelling, facing Moorea.
About 10 km east of Papeete · History and picnics
2.Point Venus
Black-sand beach with a lighthouse and shaded lawns on Matavai Bay.
About 7 km east of Papeete · Quiet swims
3.Lafayette Beach
A small black-sand beach in Arue sheltered by the reef, popular with local swimmers.
About 40 km south-west of Papeete · Surfing
4.Taharuu Beach
Long black-sand beach in Papara with consistent waves for surfing and bodyboarding.
Sea temperature by month
| Month | Sea | Air high |
|---|---|---|
| January | 28°C (82°F) | 31°C (88°F) |
| February | 28°C (82°F) | 31°C (88°F) |
| March | 29°C (84°F) | 31°C (88°F) |
| April | 29°C (84°F) | 31°C (88°F) |
| May | 28°C (82°F) | 30°C (86°F) |
| June | 27°C (81°F) | 29°C (84°F) |
| July | 26°C (79°F) | 28°C (82°F) |
| August | 26°C (79°F) | 28°C (82°F) |
| September | 26°C (79°F) | 29°C (84°F) |
| October | 27°C (81°F) | 29°C (84°F) |
| November | 27°C (81°F) | 30°C (86°F) |
| December | 28°C (82°F) | 30°C (86°F) |
Staying near the beach
$$$ · Best for beach, families, couples and luxury
Punaauia
Punaauia, about 15 km south of Papeete, is Tahiti's main resort and residential coast. The public beach at PK 18 (Plage de Vaiava) has white sand and good snorkelling, the Musée de Tahiti et des Îles sits on the lagoon, and supermarkets and restaurants serve the local suburbs.
- Good
- Best swimming beaches on Tahiti; Sunset views of Moorea; Calm lagoon water
- Watch out
- Spread out; you need a car; Resort prices
- Nearby
- Musée de Tahiti et des Îles, Plage de Vaiava (PK 18), Taina marina
Getting to the beaches
- Car — Hire cars are available at the airport and in Papeete; driving is on the right and the coast road is easy outside Papeete's rush hours.
- Bus — Public buses run along the coast road from Papeete to both sides of the island, but services thin out in the evening and on Sundays.
- Ferry — Aremiti and Terevau fast ferries cross from the Papeete terminal to Vaiare on Moorea in about 30–45 minutes, several times a day; Aremiti also carries cars.
Beach-weather months
Days of 24°C (75°F) or more with no more than nine rainy days come in May–October. The busiest of those is July, so book early.
Beach safety
Tahiti is generally a relaxed destination. Take care with strong currents in reef passes and at surf beaches, slippery trails after rain, and the intense tropical sun. Petty theft from hire cars occurs at some beaches and trailheads, so leave nothing visible. Swim at lifeguarded beaches where possible and follow local flag warnings.
Questions travellers ask
+Does Tahiti have beaches?
Yes: Plage de Vaiava (PK 18), Point Venus, Lafayette Beach and Taharuu Beach.
+When is the sea warm enough to swim in Tahiti?
Usually January–December, when the sea averages 21°C (70°F) or more.
+What is the best beach near Tahiti?
Plage de Vaiava (PK 18): White-sand public beach with shallow water and coral for snorkelling, facing Moorea.