The 5 Best Islands for Families in Tahiti

Over 118 islands make up The Islands of Tahiti, each filled with stunning landscapes and plenty of adventure, making it hard to choose which ones to visit during your family vacation. Whether you’re looking for the ultimate relaxing beach getaway or a trip filled with outdoor escapades, there’s an island to suit your style. And while you really can’t go wrong visiting any of the islands in this French Polynesian paradise, here are our top family picks in The Islands of Tahiti.

1/5 Tahiti

Home to the international airport, all travelers funnel through the island of Tahiti, and it’s one of the best for families — from the capital city of Papeete to the rugged landscapes beyond. Families can easily spend an entire week exploring the largest island in French Polynesia, from the pearl markets and food trucks in the city center to the sacred waterfalls hidden in the Papenoo Valley. Get a taste of Tahitian culture and history on a tour with Tahiti Discovery, where you’ll not only be able to explore some of the best hidden gems on the island, but you’ll also get a history lesson along the way and a fresh-cooked traditional lunch. You can also take a trip to the other side of the island with Teahupoo Adventures to see one of the most famous waves in the surfing world and enjoy a day bouncing over the waves on jet skis and rafts. Once you’re on the water, make sure everyone keeps their eyes peeled for dolphins who occasionally like to play around passing tour boats.

2/5 Moorea

Just across the way from Tahiti, Moorea makes quite the impression from a distance, with its dramatic mountain skyline and lush landscape. Moorea is the only island accessible from the main island of Tahiti by ferry, rather than inter-island flight, making it an easy and ideal option for families. On the island, you’ll find a very local vibe with markets and fruit stands, perfect for families in want of fully-stocked kitchens. Moorea is an island best appreciated in motion, so when you’re ready to get out and explore it, you’ll find a number of activities you can sign up for. Wind through pineapple fields to scenic viewpoints on an ATV tour with Moorea Activities Center, swim with humpback whales on a once-in-a-lifetime outing with Corallina Tours or teach kids about the delicacies of our ecosystem and help save the reefs by planting your own coral with a visit to Coral Gardeners.

3/5 Taha’a

If you’re looking for a more relaxed vacation, Taha’a is a small island made for families who want to take things slow. It has that laid-back local vibe, but that doesn’t mean there isn’t plenty to do. Like most of The Islands of Tahiti, you’ll find a lagoon full of colorful coral right in your front yard, as well as Tahitian cultured pearl farms and vanilla plantations where kids can have a hands-on learning experience and adults can do a little souvenir shopping. Champon Pearl Farm, in particular, is ideal for families, since you can not only get an up-close view of how the pearls are created and harvested, but kids can also enjoy running around on the large lawn, playing on the swing set and climbing up to the treehouse while parents admire the finished pearl jewelry inside. Be sure to make a trip to the snorkeling spot near Le Taha’a Island Resort & Spa, where you can enjoy an incredible view of Bora Bora on the horizon.

4/5 Bora Bora

Being one of the most beautiful and popular islands, Bora Bora provides families their pick of resorts with a lagoon full of overwater bungalows and a handful of more affordable villas and lodges closer to the mainland. The island is well set up for visitors, so you’ll find luxury boutiques, pearl markets and unique shops like Coqui Coqui, a beautifully designed perfumery and spa on Matira Beach. Escape your bungalow for the day with Moana Adventures. They’ll take you snorkeling with stingrays and small blacktip reef sharks and set up a picnic on your own private motu (island) for a truly memorable dining experience. For a truly bucket-list experience, nowhere on the planet is better than Bora Bora for a helicopter tour. Tahiti Nui Helicopters takes you high above the sparkling waters for the view of a lifetime.

5/5 Tikehau

This atoll may appear flat from above, but there’s a wealth of adventure going on under the water. With Tikehau Ocean Tour, you can hop off the boat and snorkel or dive in some of the fishiest waters in the Pacific, where it’s possible to see huge schools of barracuda, squadrons of manta rays and maybe even a tiger shark if you’re lucky (and brave!). Back on land, families will never want to leave the bungalows of nearby Ninamu Resort, which are covered in sustainably recycled coral. This intimate retreat is located on a private island and surrounded by a calm, shallow lagoon, so you can feel comfortable letting the kids run about and relish waking up every morning to a stunning sunrise and the sound of the water gently lapping against the shore. Plus, with limited WiFi and cell service, the whole family can ditch technology and bond over the special moments the island has to offer, like taking a paddleboard out over the crystal-clear waters for a view of the abundant sea life below.

By Jamie Ditaranto