Packing for Tahiti should feel exciting, not overwhelming. With dozens of trips to French Polynesia under our belt, our team at Susan’s Travel Services knows exactly what travelers wish they had brought to Tahiti, Moorea, and Bora Bora. This guide gathers our firsthand expertise and covers the most searched questions like what to pack for Tahiti, what to wear in Bora Bora, and the essential Tahiti packing list for overwater bungalows, lagoon excursions, and luxury island stays.
Whether it is your first time visiting French Polynesia or you are returning to your favorite island getaway, these packing recommendations will help you feel prepared, comfortable, and stress free.
Bring The Correct Power Adapter For Tahiti
French Polynesia uses Type E and Type C electrical outlets, which are standard throughout Europe. The voltage is 220V. If you are traveling from the United States or Canada, you will need a European Type E or Type C adapter to charge your devices safely.
We always pack at least two adapters so that phones, eReaders, cameras, and watches can stay charged throughout a long travel day or while relaxing in an overwater bungalow.
Pack A Small Extension Cord
Outlet placement in Tahiti resort rooms can be unpredictable. A lightweight extension cord makes it much easier to charge your devices from the bedside or on the terrace while you enjoy the lagoon. This is one of those items travelers consistently forget, and they always tell us they wish they had brought it.
Use Wet Bags For Swimsuits And Snorkel Gear
Wet bags are a simple but incredibly helpful addition to any Tahiti packing list. They keep damp swimsuits separate from the rest of your clothing, especially on transfer days between Tahiti, Moorea, and Bora Bora. If you plan to take lagoon tours or dive excursions, having a few waterproof bags is a game changer.
Bring Your Preferred Pain Medication And Motion Sickness Essentials
While French Polynesia has pharmacies, your preferred brands are not always available. We recommend packing pain relievers, allergy medication, stomach comfort tablets, and motion sickness remedies such as Dramamine, especially if you plan to take small boat tours or ferries between islands. It is always easier to have your essentials on hand.
Bug Spray Is A Must
Depending on the season and the island, mosquitos can be active around sunset. A gentle, effective insect repellent will make dinners on the beach and sunset cruises far more comfortable. It also helps for hikes, ATV adventures, and waterfall excursions.
Additional Essentials Travelers Often Forget
Even though we travel to Tahiti often, these are the items we still catch ourselves triple checking before we leave. They consistently save space, time, or frustration for our clients.
• Reef safe sunscreen
• After sun lotion or aloe
• A lightweight waterproof jacket
• Reusable water bottles for island excursions
• A small first aid kit
• Extra memory cards or portable chargers for capturing lagoon photos
• Sand friendly beach shoes or water shoes for coral areas
• A rash guard for sun protection during snorkeling
• Copies of travel documents stored separately from your passport
These additions create a complete, practical, and highly searched packing list for Tahiti, helping future travelers find exactly what they need.
What To Wear In Tahiti And Bora Bora
French Polynesia is relaxed, warm, and very comfortable. You will want breathable fabrics, quick drying swimwear, sandals or flip flops, and one or two resort casual outfits for nicer dinners. Most travelers pack far too much. The islands are barefoot friendly and casual by nature, which is part of their charm.
Final Thoughts From Advisors Who Know The Islands Well
Our team has spent years traveling through Tahiti, Moorea, and Bora Bora, touring resorts, exploring lagoons, and building deep partnerships throughout French Polynesia. When we guide clients on what to pack for Tahiti, we draw from firsthand experience. We know which details make a trip seamless, which items save time, and what travelers consistently wish they had brought.
A thoughtful packing list can make your vacation smoother, lighter, and more enjoyable from the moment you step onto the island.