This Moorea and Tahiti Packing List will provide you with what to pack for a Tahiti and French Polynesia vacation. We’ll cover what to wear in Tahiti, what to leave at home, and everything you need for beach lounging, hiking, and more. Let’s go!
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French Polynesia is a true paradise. The glimmering blue water, the lush green palm trees, and the laid back island life don’t disappoint. It’s hard to have a bad time in Tahiti!
One thing that can ruin your trip? Not packing the correct essential items.
You could end up wasting time and money trying to replace what you forgot, and trust me – French Polynesia is not cheap.
So, to avoid that headache and instead have a carefree and fabulous time, this Moorea and Tahiti packing list will lay out the exact items you need for hiking, beach-ing, and more.
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What to Pack for Tahiti and Moorea
French Polynesia has a hot, humid, and tropical climate. Year round, you will encounter warm temperatures and lots of sun. And did I mention the humidity?
No matter what time of year you plan to visit Tahiti, the climate will range from a low of 71°F (21°C) to a high of 95°F (35°C.) The trade winds coming off of the Pacific Ocean bring a refreshing breeze in, even on hot days.
This Tahiti and Moorea packing list will focus on what to bring for beach days, what to wear hiking, and what to wear around town. These are the most popular things to do on the islands.
Let’s get to it!
1. What to pack for beach days:
No matter which island you are choosing for your beach day, this list applies! The clear water is perfect for snorkeling and the bright sun is perfect for lounging.
A Bathing Suit (or two!)
I’m going to hope that item is obvious, but I do have one tip. Be sure to pack two bathing suits so hat you can alternate each day and let the other fully dry out in between.
This cute style is my current fave because it stays secure even when swimming and diving, unlike some of my bikinis. My advice, pack one bikini style and one like this. Get it here!
Your Own Snorkel Gear
While some hotels will supply you with snorkel gear, there are some un-missable snorkel spots (like Coco Beach!) where you will need to bring your own.
I like this snorkel mask in particular because it fits nice and snug and has yet to leak! Get it here!
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A Packable Beach Towel
I love this towel so much that I’ve bought it for six (yes six!) other family members so far. It is lightweight, folds down small, and doesn’t get loads of sand stuck to it, which makes packing your suitcase a breeze.
While great for the beach, you can also use it on the plane as a blanket and in hotels as a bath towel. Get it here!
A Wide Brim Hat
No matter when you visit French Polynesia, the sun is strong. Protect your face and eyes from the bright rays with a wide brim hat like this.
This one is my personal fave because it has a small string inside he brim that you can tie to your preferred size. Once you get it right, this hat stays put! It is also foldable and crushable. Get it here.
A Rash Guard
Rash guards are great for active days when you’re surfing, kayaking, paddleboarding, or snorkeling. It will provide extra protection for your skin against sand and hard surfaces. Get yours here!
Reef Friendly Sunscreen
Definitely add some reef friendly sunscreen to your Tahiti packing list! Let’s keep the marine life thriving in French Polynesia. It is, after all, some of the most beautiful in the world.
I like the feel and scent of Sun Bum lately, and the spray-type is great for when you are traveling solo. Get it here.
Comfortable Sunglasses
The sun is strong on the islands! Don’t forget to pack a pair of sunglasses before you leave home. They may not be cheap to purchase in Tahiti! I prefer the kind without the little pads for the nose-bridge. Get them here.
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A Waterproof Action Camera
Because French Polynesia is one of the prettiest snorkeling and diving locations on the planet, you absolutely should add a waterproof action camera to your Moorea and Tahiti packing list.
You are definitely going to want to document the colorful ocean life! Get the camera here.
2. What to pack for hiking:
Remember, the weather here is hot and humid. You do not need any heavy jackets or warm layers here, even in the winter.
Rather, when hiking here, you need light and loose clothing that can breathe and super rugged footwear. Trails on Tahiti and Moorea are often wet and slippery. Read: tropical.
So here is all the hiking gear to add to your Moorea and Tahiti packing list! I personally used everything listed here in French Polynesia.
Rugged Trekking Sandals
For climates like this, I highly prefer to wear rugged trekking sandals rather than sneakers so that my feet can breathe a bit. These sandals have come with me across six continents so far and are still kicking! Couldn’t recommend them more. Get them here.
A Hydration Backpack
I often recommend a hydration backpack for hiking in the desert. But, it is just as useful when hiking in the tropics! The humidity will drain you, and having more water than usual is essential. Plus, it keeps your hands free for leverage or photography. Get it here.
A Moisture Wicking Top
Don’t forget to pack a moisture-wicking top for your hikes in French Polynesia. Things are likely to get a bit sweaty but these shirts will keep you cool and dry. Get it here!
A Foldable Rain Shell Jacket
The only layer I recommend carrying while hiking in French Polynesia is a foldable rain shell jacket. It is perfect for any unexpected downpours or tropical rains, which definitely do happen. This jacket will keep you dry and folds down to a softball sized pouch. Get it here!
Workout Leggings or Capris
I hike 100% of the time in workout leggings. In hot climates I often choose the capri-style. My one requirement? They must be thick and high-quality. The Gym People fit the bill! Get them here.
Bug Repellent Wipes
The number one reason I carry bug repellent wipes instead of a spray bottle is just how portable they are. They are super easy to stash inside of your backpack (listed above) and add essentially zero extra weight.
Additionally, I can pack them in my suitcase and they take up none of my TSA approved liquid allowance. Win win. Get them here.
A First Aid Kit
Ya’all, the trails on the islands can be slippery! Don’t forget to bring a first aid kit that is small and portable. While I hope that you don’t fall, you would not be alone if you did. Cover your bases and get the kit here.
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What to pack for towns and activities:
Anytime you are out and about in French Polynesia, you want light and breezy clothing. Think breathable and airy pieces.
While you can take that in any direction or style that you prefer, I will list a few of my favorite items below.
Flowy Palazzo Pants
I wore flowy palazzo pants all around the islands, and I don’t regret a thing! They are lightweight, super comfortable, and kept me cool. Get yours here.
A Lightweight Kimono
A lightweight kimono is an excellent piece to bring, because it can work in multiple environments. Use it as a beach coverup or out on the town, for when you enter air conditioned spaces. Get yours here!
A Breezy Dress
I packed a cute tie dye flowy dress that worked well in French Polynesia! While the exact one I own is no longer available, I’ve got my eye on this one here. These type of dresses are so easy to slip on and go. Get it here!
FAQ’s for your Moorea and Tahiti Packing List
What can you not bring to Tahiti and Moorea?
The following items are strictly prohibited from import into French Polynesia: live animals, plants and flowers, fruits, weapons, and narcotics.
What is the dress code in Tahiti?
When packing for a trip to Tahiti, focus on light, breezy, and comfortable clothing. French Polynesia is hot and humid, so flowy is key. The dress code is very casual, though anyone staying at luxury resorts may prefer to pack a few “formal” items.
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What should I pack for a Tahiti cruise?
All of the items listed above are equally useful for a Tahiti cruise. Pack sunscreen, wide brimmed hats, sunglasses, swimsuits, light clothing, and a foldable rain shell. More details (and items) are listed above, in detail.
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And there you go! All of the items listed above are my French Polynesia essentials that earned a spot on my very own Moorea and Tahiti packing list. I found each of them to be necessary, helpful, and worth the space in my luggage.
Did anything on this list surprise you? Let me know below!
Looking for more French Polynesia planning resources??
- The Best Things To Do in Moorea
- The Tahiti to Moorea Ferry: A How To Guide
- A Complete Moorea Hiking Guide
- A Moorea & Tahiti Packing List
- Is Tahiti Safe? Solo Female Travel Tips
- Coco Beach Moorea: A Complete Review
- The Best Places to Snorkel in Moorea
- Tahiti vs. Moorea: Which is Better?
- Are There Sharks in Bora Bora?
- Where Is Tahiti & Is It a Country?
- A French Polynesia Travel Guide
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