Tips for organizing group trips to French Polynesia

Group travel to French Polynesia | How to get organized in your trip?

On your way to French Polynesia as a group! How to get organized? From flights and paperwork to accommodation and island travel, we’ve got it all covered! Get ready for a unique, hassle-free adventure in this Pacific paradise.

Preparing paperwork before departure

Before setting off for French Polynesia with your group, make sure all members have up-to-date passports. The paperwork can be done online for even greater speed.

No visa is required for stays of less than three months, but make sure you have :

• a valid passport ;
• return ticket ;
• proof of accommodation ;
• sufficient financial resources at customs.

Flying from the USA

To reach French Polynesia from the USA, Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) is the main gateway. Air Tahiti Nui offers daily direct flights to Papeete Faʻaʻā airport (PPT), while Air France, Air New Zealand, Delta Airlines and French Be operate several flights a week.

Traveling from Australia

To discover French Polynesia from Australia, board Air Tahiti Nui or Air New Zealand for an exotic adventure! After a stopover in Auckland, a 9.5-hour flight from Sydney will take you to these enchanting landscapes.

Traveling to French Polynesia from New Zealand

To find out how long it takes to fly from Papeete to Auckland, you need to factor in airline schedules, time differences and stopovers. The advertised flight time may not always correspond to the difference between departure and arrival due to these factors.

You should also allow time for airport check-in, usually one to two hours before boarding. For a direct flight, this takes around 5 hours and 15 minutes over a distance of 2546 miles.

Stopover in Paris

If you’re planning a stopover in Paris, Air Tahiti Nui is the airline of choice, but there are other options, such as FrenchBee. FrenchBee offers more competitive fares.

Plan to eat at the airport, as often only a snack is served between the U.S. and Tahiti. On arrival, go through phytosanitary customs first if you have food on you.

Good to know for French travelers

Don’t forget your ESTA authorization if you’re transiting the United States. Essential for French travelers, it can be applied for online on the official website of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. Cost: USD 14.

Apply at least 72 hours before departure to avoid worries. Beware of fraudulent sites, and note that the ESTA is valid for two years.

Vaccination

No specific vaccinations are required for travelers arriving from the United States.

Currency

Bring cash, as credit cards are not accepted everywhere, and the currency used is the Pacific franc. To avoid bank charges, we recommend booking certain activities online in advance.

Medicines

Finally, remember to take your usual medicines with you, as local prices may be higher, and keep your prescriptions if necessary.

Travel essentials for peace of mind

✅Get ready to explore Polynesia in style with this comprehensive list!

• Passports and identity documents
• Airline tickets and reservations
• Driving licenses and credit cards
• Cell phone and camera
• Essential medication and Social Security card
• Photocopies of identity papers and bills
• Polynesian currency and phone charger
• Camera and vacation program
• Tablets and external hard drive
• Book of personal codes for websites
• Camera, chargers and plug adapters
• Emergency battery and luggage scale
• Sunglasses, jacket and laptop
• Travel bag for souvenirs

Getting around French Polynesia

To get around Tahiti and Polynesia, start at Faʻaʻā international airport. After that, most inter-island travel is by boat or plane.

– By boat

Between Papeete and Moorea, take the Aremiti ferry.

– By plane

Air Tahiti offers regular flights to cover all the archipelagos. To give you an idea of the scale of your trip in French Polynesia:

• Tahiti to Moorea: 9 miles
• Tahiti to Bora Bora: 168 miles
• Tahiti to Nuku Hiva (Marquesas): 932 miles

Inter-island passes are advantageous but limited. They work like tours and can be very practical for exploring several islands.

– Other modes of transport

• Cabs
• Car rental
• Bike rental
• Scooter rental

Communications on the islands

In Polynesia, 3G is widespread and 4G available in Tahiti, Moorea, Bora Bora and Raiatea, but no telephone coverage for non-residents. It may reassure you to know that hotels offer WiFi for a fee, however for a connection everywhere, opt for Tahiti Wifi.

It’s a nomadic rental box offering a fast, unlimited connection, ideal for your trip around the islands. Either remove your SIM card and search for free WiFi, or buy a prepaid card.

Learn Tahitian

Learn a few Tahitian words before your trip to respect the local culture and make friends on the spot.

☀️ Examples include:

• Ia ora na: good morning;
• Mauruuru: thank you;
• Nana: goodbye;
• Ua here au ia oe: I love you;
• Manuia: cheers;
• Maita’i: good or ok.

Alternatively, there’s an offline French-Tahitian dictionary called REO, available on iPhone and Android.

Tahiti and her islands | Which travel agency should you choose to organize your group trip?

Tahiti Travel Services is your partner of choice for exceptional group journeys to Tahiti and her paradise islands. As a Polynesian travel agency based in Tahiti, we are committed to offering you unique, authentic and tailor-made experiences, while promoting responsible tourism and preserving our environment.

Find out why you should choose Tahiti Travel Services for your next group trip to Polynesia.

Unique experiences thanks to all our partners

Deeply rooted in our Polynesian culture and values, we collaborate with local actors committed to our Fenua, ensuring authentic stays for your group.

Whether for tours, cruises or cultural workshops, our service providers have been carefully selected to help you experience the very essence of our islands, while respecting our culture and environment.

​​Why choose Tahiti Travel Services?

In addition to our commitment to the environment and responsible tourism, Tahiti Travel Services offers you tailor-made service and VIP attention throughout your stay. With our team based directly on the island of Tahiti, we are here to meet all your needs and guarantee you an unforgettable experience.

Sample group tour

Immerse yourself in Tahiti’s lush nature with a getaway to Vanira Lodge. Nestled among the foliage, the bungalows offer breathtaking views of the lagoon and are built in pure Polynesian style, transporting you into the authenticity of the environment.

With tasty local meals and a soothing atmosphere, Vanira Lodge promises an unforgettable stay for your group.

Our tailor-made tours

Our tours have been carefully designed to offer you magical moments and unforgettable memories. From the majestic whales of Bora Bora to the cultural workshops of Tahiti, each experience is unique and enriching, allowing you to discover the beauty and richness of French Polynesia.

In conclusion

Tahiti Travel Services invites you to discover the best of Polynesia as a group, solo or duo, with authentic experiences and memories to last a lifetime. Plan your trip to French Polynesia today. ✨