The TOP 12 Tahiti Beaches to Visit in 2026!

Welcome to Tahiti in French Polynesia!

 

Do you want to know the 12 top beaches on Tahiti and the Tahitian Islands? Stick with us till the end!

 

Let’s get started!

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• Activities at Tahiti Beaches: snorkeling, scuba diving, paddleboarding, beach walks, and scenic picnics.

 

• Exceptional Water Clarity: Some of these Tahiti beaches, like Matira and Temae, used to offer the bluest water in the world (now overtaken by a beach in Albania)!

 

• Visiting Costs: Access to most beaches is free, though transportation, gear rentals, and parking may add to costs. Taxi rides, for example, average around $20 to spots like Matira Beach.

 

 

Overview of Tahiti Beaches

Discover below our absolute favorite Tahiti beaches!

• 🐠 Snorkeling Paradise: Matira Beach – Bora Bora
• 🏄 Surf Spot: Temae Beach – Moorea
• 🐢 Wildlife Sanctuary: Tetiaroa – Tetiaroa Island
• 🌅 Sunset Views: Vaiava Beach at PK18 – Tahiti’s West Coast
• 🏝️ Scenic Nature: Avea Beach – Huahine Iti
• 🌋 Historical Black Sand: Venus Point Beach – Tahiti’s East Coast
• 🖤 Volcanic Black Sand: Lafayette Beach – Matavi Bay

 

MOST Beautiful Beaches in Tahiti

We suggest you zoom out to see all the visit-worthy Tahiti Beaches!

1) Matira Beach: the legendary beach of Bora Bora

The beautiful beach is seen as one of the MOST BEAUTIFUL beaches in the world, according to Travel and Leisure.

 

Google Maps Location: Matira Beach on Google Maps

 

Overview: Matira Beach is a mile-long soft, white sand beach on the island of Bora Bora.

 

It stretches from Hotel Bora Bora, which is currently closed, to Matira Point. That is almost 1.5 km (2 miles) filled with palms and green hills. On each side, there are long strips of privately owned beaches.

 

What to do at Matira Beach?

• Snorkeling: With its shallow waters and a coral reef just off the shore, Matira Beach is perfect for families and couples snorkeling amidst the gentle ocean waves. You might even see rays and small reef sharks.
• Sunbathing and relaxing: With its soft sand and coconut trees, Matira is a beautiful spot to relax and enjoy the French Polynesian scenery.

Accommodations

• Restaurants and cafes: Many small restaurants have traditional Polynesian and international dishes.
• Restrooms and changing rooms: Available close to the beach.
• Beach rentals: You can rent snorkeling gear at the beach rentals.

 

Matira Beach is also famous as the finishing point of the Hawaiki Nui Va’a race, a canoeing event held each year in November.

 

Access and tips

• Public access: Matira Beach is open to the public and free of charge, making it one of the most accessible and beloved Tahiti beaches in the region.

 

• How to get to Matira Beach: Most taxis will take you to Matira Beach from Vaitape for 20 USD or 2000 XPF.  Walking to Matira Beach from Bloody Mary’s restaurant is also possible!

 

• Nude tanning: As with most Tahiti beaches, nude tanning is not allowed, as local customs demand more conservative attire (bikinis are allowed).

 

Let’s go to the next best one of the Tahiti beaches!

 

 

2) Temae Beach in Moorea

Google Maps Location: Temae Beach on Google Maps (about 3 kilometers from the ferry quay, just after the To’eata scenic viewpoint and not far from Moorea airport).

 

Overview: Located between a coconut plantation and the stunning turquoise lagoon of Moorea, Temae Beach, with its picturesque palm trees, provides amazing spots for swimming and surfing!

 

Temae Beach is one of the most beautiful Tahiti beaches on the island of Moorea, famous for its soft white sand and crystal-clear waters.

 

What to do at Temae Beach

• Swimming: The waves and clear, shallow waters make Temae Beach an ideal spot for swimming.

 

• Snorkeling and surfing: You can find patches of coral near the shoreline with many colorful fish while surfers can take on the Temae surf break over the coral shelf.

This Tahiti beach offers amazing views over the lagoon (perfect for Instagram stories)!

 

Public access: Temae Beach is open to the public and free to enter.

 

BEWARE: Be aware when lying beneath the coconut trees, as falling coconuts can hurt you badly.

 

What is the third beach on the list of the best Tahiti beaches?

 

3) Tetiaroa: preserved perfection

Google Maps Location: Tetiaroa on Google Maps

 

Overview: Tetiaroa is a preserved NATURAL SANCTUARY in the South Pacific that draws guests to the Brando Resort with its beauty and wildlife.

 

The whole island was once owned by Marlon Brando (known from the Godfather)!

 

It is a paradise with white sand beaches and turquoise lagoons!

 

In 2014, one of Earth’s most luxurious resorts, ‘ The Brando,’ opened its doors. Among its guests were the Obamas, Beyoncé, and the honeymooning Pippa Middleton, sister of the Princess of Wales.

 

After Marlon died, Tetiaroa’s ownership went to a trust to benefit his children.

What to do at Tetiaroa

You can still visit the island and visit one of the best Tahiti beaches.

 

At Tetiaroa, you can:

• Snorkel: The warm, clear waters of the lagoon are perfect for snorkeling. Expect to see many small fish and SEA TURTLES.

 

• Birdwatching: Tetiaroa’s seabird sanctuary is home to frigatebirds, brown boobies, and white terns.

 

• Beach strolls: The soft white sand of Tetiaroa gives you Instagram-worthy landscapes.

 

 

4) Vaiava Beach at Pk18

Google Maps Location: Vaiava Beach at PK18 on Google Maps

 

Overview: Among the diverse range of beaches in Tahiti, Vaiava Beach, known to locals as PK18, is a rare gem on Tahiti’s west coast and is known for its soft white sand.

 

What to do at Vaiava Beach

• Snorkeling: The crystal-clear lagoon around Vaiava Beach is perfect for snorkeling, especially near the reef. Expect to see colorful tropical fish just below the surface.

 

• Paddleboarding: With its calm waters and scenic surroundings, Vaiava Beach is an ideal spot for paddleboarding (1000 CFP/hour). This is the place to SUP to the Meridien Hotel on your right side.
  Stay here until the sun sets behind Moorea. It is a truly speechless experience…

 

• Picnicking: The soft sand and huge space make it perfect for picnics. Many locals and tourists go here to enjoy lunch or snacks by the water.

 

INSIDER TIP: Make sure you catch the sunset from Vaiava Beach; it is one of the best Tahiti beaches sunsets!

 

Amenities

• Nearby Restaurants: not available.
• Restrooms and picnic areas: Walking towards the beach, you will find showers and toilets and fixed tables on grass.
• Free parking: available spots on the beachside. Come early in the morning or around 3 p.m.; otherwise, parking is full to watch the sunset. Another option is the cheap parking lot on the mountainside (I think it’s around 300 CFP/day).

 

5) Avea Beach in Huahine: a taste of the past

Google Maps Location: Avea Beach on Google Maps

 

Overview: Avea Beach, a stunning white sand beach on the smaller island of Huahine Iti, offers you a unique and historical experience similar to the picturesque Maui Beach in Tahiti.

 

Unlike many Tahiti beaches in French Polynesia, Avea Beach has preserved its coastal flora.

 

What to do at Avea Beach

• Exploring the flora: Take a walk along the beach and witness the botanical diversity. Many of the tree species here are endangered.

 

• Photography: Avea Beach’s landscape—with its rare trees and paradise setting—makes it an ideal location for Instagram pictures to show the unspoiled beauty of Huahine.

 

• Snorkeling: Snorkelers will love this spot, as it offers the chance to explore a sandbank with many stingrays and coral reefs filled with tropical fish.

 

By CAR, it takes around 30 minutes to reach the beach from Fare (the main village of the island) by the most direct route (45 minutes by SCOOTER). You can park in several places along the beach.

 

This location in Huahine serves as the house reef for Hotel Le Mahana. For a lunch option, you can visit Vairai Sunset Grill on the public beach, about 350 meters south of the pontoon—a perfect spot for spending the day at Avea Bay.

 

Now, what is the 6th best beach on the list of Tahiti Beaches?

 

6) Tereia Point in Maupiti: lovers beach

 

Google Maps Location: Tereia Point (Point Puoro) on Google Maps

 

Overview: Tereia Point, called LOVERS BEACH, is a romantic setting on the island of Maupiti, comparable to the charm of Bain Lot Beach near Papeete.

 

This is one of the Tahiti beaches that is considered a little piece of paradise on earth (no smashed coral or broken rock, only beautiful white sand).

 

Its natural, heated pool and shallow lagoon offer a uniquely warm and inviting environment, while manta rays are often seen in the water nearby.

What to do at Tereia Point?

• Swimming: Tereia Point has a natural, heated pool with warm, shallow waters that are perfect for a relaxing swim.

 

• Walking through the lagoon: One of the highlights of Tereia Point is the ability to walk across the lagoon AT LOW TIDE to the nearby motu Auira. Watch for the manta rays passing nearby as you walk through the crystal clear, knee-deep waters.

 

INSIDER TIP: You can also walk along the coastline to the south and find a string of Tahiti beaches and coves past Tereia Varua Point.

 

Picnicking: Tereia Point is also perfect for a beachside picnic.

 

Amenities

• Local food stalls: 2 small restaurants near the beach offer refreshments and light snacks.
• Picnic tables: There are a few tables provided in shaded areas.

 

 

7) Anaho Bay in Nuku Hiva

 

Google Maps Location: Anaho Bay on Google Maps

 

Overview: Anaho Bay on the island of Nuku Hiva, part of the Marquesas Islands, is a hidden treasure that is an escape into a lush paradise, much like Toaroto beach near Papeete, known for its serene environment and scenic views.

 

Reaching Anaho Bay requires a bit of effort—either a scenic boat ride or an hour-long hike.

 

What to do at Anaho Bay

• Hiking: If you’re up for the challenge, the hike to Anaho Bay takes you through breathtaking landscapes, including views over the bay and lush greenery.

 

• Swimming and relaxation: Once you arrive, relax at the soft white sandy beach. The bay is protected from strong ocean currents so that you can swim safely!

8) The deserted beach of Tai o Ra’a in Aukena

Google Maps Location: Tai o Ra’a Beach on Google Maps

 

Overview: Tai o Ra’a Beach on Aukena in the Gambier Islands is the definition of a dream white sand beach in the South Pacific.

 

This small, nearly uninhabited island offers a rare sense of seclusion and natural beauty, making it a truly unique destination in French Polynesia.

 

What to do at Tai o Ra’a Beach

• Exploring historical ruins: A short walk from the beach takes you to the ruins of the seminary college, offering a glimpse into the island’s past.

 

• Admiring the view: From Tai o Ra’a, you can enjoy spectacular views of the turquoise lagoon and Mount Duff on nearby Mangareva Island.

 

There are no amenities available.

 

9) Tavana Beach in Tubuai: BLOODY BAY

Google Maps Location: Tavana Beach on Google Maps

 

Overview: One of the most beautiful Tahiti beaches is Tavana Beach, a beautiful beach known for its stunning natural qualities.

 

Once a refuge for the Bounty mutineers, this beach witnessed fierce clashes with the island’s locals, who ultimately forced them to leave. This conflict gave the area its nickname, “BLOODY BAY.”

 

Today, however, Tavana Beach is a peaceful, welcoming spot famous for its white sandy shores and marine life.

 

What to do at Tavana Beach

• Snorkeling: Directly opposite the pass, Tavana Beach offers some of the best snorkeling of all the Tahiti beaches.

 

• Watching the supply boat: If you’re up early, you’ll have the unique chance to watch the arrival of the supply boat from the Austral Islands.

 

Local stalls nearby: There are some small food stalls near the beach in case you’re hungry.

 

Next to the white sand beaches, we’ll also look at some of the most beatiful black-sand Tahiti beaches!

 

 

Black Sand Tahiti Beaches

10) Venus Point Beach: black sand and history

 

Google Maps Location: Venus Point Beach on Google Maps

 

Overview: Venus Point Beach, located on Tahiti’s east coast, is a famous family destination and a site rich in historical significance.

 

Known for its black sand beach and lighthouse, this is one of the most beautiful Tahiti beaches.

 

Moreover, the ocean waves here attract surfers, especially when the northern swell comes in, while an aquatic trail near the shore allows for easy snorkeling of marine life.

 

What to do at Venus Point Beach

• Surfing: Venus Point Beach is a popular spot for surfing, especially when the swell comes from the north, bringing excellent waves to the shore. This spot is good for beginners and experienced surfers looking to catch a wave on Tahiti’s east coast.

 

• Snorkeling along the aquatic trail: Just near the shore, an aquatic trail is marked out, allowing you to explore the diverse marine life with only a mask and snorkel.

 

• Exploring the historical lighthouse: The beach’s lighthouse is a well-known landmark and a remnant of Tahiti’s COLONIAL history.

 

• Shopping at fare des artisans: Next to the beach’s car park, the fare des artisans craft shop offers a selection of local handicrafts and souvenirs.

 

Amenities

Venus Point Beach offers several amenities:

• Restrooms and changing facilities: Available close to the beach, making it family-friendly.

 

• Food stalls and picnic areas: The beach has nearby food stalls selling refreshments, and there are picnic tables and shaded areas perfect for lunch by the water.

11) Lafayette Beach

Google Maps Location: Lafayette Beach on Google Maps

 

Lafayette Beach is famous for its unique black sand, which contrasts beautifully with the lush greenery and palm trees that line the shore.

 

Overview

Lafayette Beach is a famous black sand beach (as a consequence of volcanic activity) on Tahiti’s east coast (Matavi Bay).

 

The beach’s horseshoe shape is quite special and offers an amazing experience!

 

It is also quite close to the Le Tahiti by Pearl Beach Resort, a very luxurious resort home to a world-class spa

 

What to do at Lafayette Beach

• Swimming: The calm waters of Lafayette Beach are perfect for a refreshing swim. The contrast between the black volcanic sand and the clear blue waters creates a beautiful setting.

 

• Snorkeling: While the beach is not primarily known for snorkeling, the gentle waves and clear waters allow for some exploration of the marine life near the shore.

 

• Relaxation: The soft, sinking black sand offers a unique tactile experience, making it an excellent spot for sunbathing and unwinding.

 

Amenities

Lafayette Beach offers several amenities to enhance your visit:

• Le Tahiti by Pearl Resorts: This resort provides access to a world-class spa next to the beach.

 

• Dining: The resort features on-site restaurants serving local and international food.

 

• Restrooms and Showers: Available.

 

12) Rohotu Beach: where black sand is king

Google Maps Location: Rohotu Beach on Google Maps

 

Overview: Rohotu Beach, at PK 23.5 in Paea, is a charming and accessible black sand beach in the South Pacific, known for its lagoon views.

 

Popular among locals, this is one of the best Tahiti beaches that offers a laid-back atmosphere perfect for picnics, aperitifs, and watching the sunset.

 

With a nearby free parking lot and a well-maintained park, Rohotu Beach combines natural beauty with convenience, making it an excellent choice for a relaxing day by the water.

 

What to do at Rohotu Beach

• Picnicking by the lagoon: Rohotu Beach is an ideal spot for picnics. Spread out near the lagoon and enjoy a meal with family or friends.

 

• Exploring the park: The beach’s park offers a peaceful setting with sanitary facilities, showers, and picnic tables.

 

 

FAQ