Is Tahiti Safe? Solo Female Travel Tips

Is Tahiti safe? And is French Polynesia safe for solo female travelers? In this guide, we’ll go over crime in Tahiti, safety on the islands, and what to expect when you’re traveling solo in Tahiti and greater French Polynesia.

Pin Me for Later!

So you are headed to French Polynesia – lucky you!

This island nation is undeniably beautiful. Stretched across the ocean to an area roughly the size of Europe, there is a lot to see here.

These islands are often bookmarked for honeymooning couples and deep sea divers. But, anyone can go here and have a blast.

The tropical weather, the abundant marine life, and the laid-back Polynesian culture will definitely provide the island escape you’re looking for.

But if you’re headed anywhere as a solo female, or a solo traveler in general, it is normal and necessary to wonder about the safety. Is French Polynesia safe? Is Tahiti safe? Will I be safe staying alone as a solo female?

These are all good questions to ask. And, in this article, I will answer all of those and more.

Is Tahiti Safe?

French Polynesia is an incredibly safe nation! So no matter where you go – Tahiti, Moorea, Bora Bora, Rangiroa – you can expect a high level of safety.

However, there are local customs and natural dangers that you should be aware of. Here’s everything you need to know about safety before you visit the French Polynesian islands.

Solo Female Travel in Tahiti and French Polynesia

I traveled French Polynesia as a solo female, as I have all over the world. It was one of the safest feeling locations I have visited.

Both women and men were extremely friendly. The vibe was very laid back, and felt very similar to my time in the Cook Islands or in Fiji. The island culture is a real thing.

And, whenever I had questions or needed help, anyone I approached went out of their way to give it. For example, when I had small logistical questions about the Tahiti to Moorea ferry, the staff was eager to help.

But that is how it always goes as a solo female. People step up.

Save for one encounter with a drunk local man, I had no run-ins to report. And even that one was pretty short lived. (He was angry that I wouldn’t – and couldn’t – speak to him. I was busy doing photography and we didn’t share a common language, so….)

In any case, please have no hesitation in raveling to French Polynesia as a solo female. Tahiti is very safe.

You May Also Like: Tahiti vs. Moorea: Which is Better?

Things to do as a solo female in French Polynesia

I spent the bulk of my time exploring all the corners of Moorea, which was the island I chose to spend the most time on. But, I also got to explore Tahiti, which I highly recommend.

Moorea

I chose Moorea because of the lush and vibrant hiking trails, the panoramic viewpoints, the incredible snorkeling and diving, and the adventure activities.

Check out this guide for 30 fun things to do on Moorea. This covers everything I did while on Moorea. Rugged hikes, fantastic waterfalls, ocean activities, and snorkeling are all in there.

On Moorea, my most favorite tour was this 4×4 tour that goes to many places that rental cars and scooters cannot. You’ll get views from two incredible lookout spots, access to a pineapple plantation, try tropical fruit jams at a vanilla plantation, and more! I can’t recommend this tour enough. It was ne of my highlights. Book your 4×4 tour here!

If that’s not enough, here are some of the top tours on Moorea, French Polynesia for both underwater and above ground:

Tahiti

Moorea is the second most populated island in French Polynesia, but Tahiti’s population towers over Moorea’s. Most locals live here, and this is where the large international airport is based.

On Tahiti, you have great snorkeling options, some tropical hiking trails, botanical gardens and town markets.

Get your souvenirs at Pepe’ete Market near the ferry. Or, take an ATV ride to explore the interior of the island. Book a boat trip on the Tahiti peninsula. Or head to the Harrison Smith Botanical Garden in Tahiti.

Here are some of the top tour options in Tahiti, French Polynesia:

I’m a solo traveler through and through, but I must admit – when some areas are not passable by rental car or scoter, tours are the way to go! It’s also great way to be social of course.

Crime in French Polynesia

Believe it or not, there are no serious scams to worry about in French Polynesia. This surprised me! I expected to be overcharged by taxis at the very least. But, it didn’t happen.

In fact, every single time I used a taxi service, it fell well under what the hotel quoted me. So, while taxis are expensive in general, I was never overcharged.

Violent crime directed to tourists is also unheard of. Even petty crime like robbery or burglary are pretty minimal in Tahiti.

Of course, I always recommend that you keep valuables in a safe place. Keep cameras, passports, and wallets either on your body or stashed safely. Don’t leave valuables in rental cars.

If you want to be extra careful, here are a few of my favorite solo female travel safety items:

Those are all good buys not particular to French Polynesia, but for frequent travelers in general.

Laws in French Polynesia

French Polynesia is an overseas collective tied to – you guessed it – France. So be aware that French law applies.

Here are the basic laws that every traveler should follow to stay safe in Tahiti:

• Carry some form of identification on you at all times. A photocopy of your passport or your driver’s license will suffice.
• Illegal drugs are a serious crime, so don’t mess with them!
• It is an offence under French law to not assist a person who is in danger. If you witness an ocean mishap or a car accident, call French Polynesia’s emergency police number, which is 17.

Ocean Safety in Tahiti and Greater French Polynesia

Ocean safety is something we can’t overlook when worrying whether Tahiti is safe! After all, you are bound so spend a fair portion of your trip in or above the ocean.

Always go snorkeling or diving with an experienced diver, or take a highly rated tour.

Don’t harass or approach dangerous ocean creatures.

Note that on the outer islands, it can be time-consuming to reach help or medical facilities.

Natural Dangers

Parts of the islands remain very much untouched and wild. That will mean different things in different environments.

Underwater dangers

Coral – Coral poisoning can be surprisingly serious. Pack amphibious trekking sandals like my favorite ones (linked) or a good pair of water shoes to protect your feet. Seek medical attention when possible.

Sharks – The only sharks I saw in my time here were reef sharks in Tahiti, though it is worth noting that there are sharks in Bora Bora, Moorea, and more. Safe and docile, these small sharks are not dangerous. It is possible that you run into different types out diving though, so listen to experienced diving guides at all times.

Eels – I saw loads of eels on Moorea and they surprised me! Moray eels in particular hide deep within the corals, and they may bite if they feel threatened and can cause serious injury. Beware!

Dangers on land

Hiking trails – it is worth mentioning that the hiking trails here are often wet and slippery. I highly recommend a good pair of trekking sandals because it is not far fetched at all that you could slip and twist an ankle. We’re talking very slippery.

Mosquitos – More annoying than dangerous, you are going to run into hundreds of mosquitos on this lush tropical island group. You definitely want to pack bug spray. I personally recommend these bug repellent wipes as they are easy to stash and take up zero of your TSA allotted liquid ounces.

Cyclones – Cyclone season runs from November to April in French Polynesia. But tropical storms can happen at anytime. I had one heavy day of downpour but otherwise a sunny visit! But, it’s a toss up and could have gone differently.

Ready for Adventure? Subscribe Today.

Send me the newsletter

Unsubscribe at anytime.

Built with ConvertKit

How To Get Around Safely

Is Tahiti safe as a solo female on the road? You bet it is! And traveling by rental car or scooter is the best way to see more.

I rented both a car and a scooter n Moorea for various days, and it really made my trip unforgettable. I would not have seen half as much as I did without renting transportation.

If you are not comfortable renting transportation, I do recommend booking some tours so you can leave French Polynesia feeling like you’ve seen a lot of it!

Do they have buses on Tahiti and Moorea?

Yes, both Moorea and Tahiti have buses that run around the islands. However, it is said that “the bus comes when it comes” so don’t expect it to follow a supremely tight schedule.

FAQs about Staying Safe in Tahiti and French Polynesia

Can I drink tap water in Tahiti?

It is safe to drink tap water in Pape’ete, Tahiti; on Moorea; and on Bora Bora. It is also safe in all the international resorts.

If in doubt, ask your hotel or buy bottled water.

Is French Polynesia safe for American tourists?

Yes. French Polynesia is extremely safe for tourists of all kind, including those from America. Petty crimes are few and far between.

You May Also Like: A Moorea & Tahiti Packing List

Is Tahiti safe for solo female travelers?

You bet! French Polynesian people are friendly and laid back, and willing to help anyone in need, in my experience. Solo females will feel widely respected.

As in any country, take basic precautions. Lock doors. Hide valuables. Don’t wear flashy jewelry. But ultimately, French Polynesia is very safe for solo female travelers.

Is Tahiti safe to walk around?

Tahiti is very safe to walk around. I walked around both Tahiti and Moorea solo at all times with no issue. Crime in Tahiti, including petty crimes like mugging and pickpocketing, are rare.’

One thing to note, use extra precaution if alone at night, as you should in any country.

Are there poisonous snakes in Tahiti?

Anyone with a snake or spider phobia will be happy to learn, there are no snakes nor poisonous spiders in French Polynesia.

***

I can’t speak more highly of how safe I felt on Tahiti and Moorea, and in French Polynesia in general. It’s the type of place where people tend to be open, friendly, and outgoing. Laid back is the name of the game.

For anyone out there wondering is Tahiti safe, particularly solo females, my answer is: without hesitation, GO!

Pin Me for Later!