Tahiti, often referred to as The Islands of Tahiti or French Polynesia, is a dream destination for many. But before you picture yourself lounging on white sand beaches, you might be wondering: just Where Is Tahiti located? This idyllic island nation resides in the heart of the South Pacific Ocean, approximately midway between the sunny shores of California and the vast landscapes of Australia. While it may feel like a world away, Tahiti is surprisingly accessible, sharing the same time zone as Hawaii and mirroring its latitudinal position relative to the equator – just south instead of north.
Reaching this paradise is easier than you might imagine. A comfortable, modern wide-body jet can whisk you away from California to Tahiti in a quick overnight flight, covering the roughly 4,000 miles from cities like Los Angeles or San Francisco.
Map of Tahiti in the South Pacific Ocean
As you can see on the map, Tahiti’s location in the South Pacific Ocean makes it readily reachable from North and South America, as well as New Zealand, Australia, and Asia. Though appearing small on a global scale, French Polynesia’s numerous islands are scattered across a considerable expanse of about 1,200 miles. In fact, the outer perimeter encompassing these islands is comparable in size to the European Union. However, the majority of this area is ocean and stunning lagoons, as the 118 islands and atolls collectively possess a landmass of only around 1,600 square miles.
Exploring The Islands of Tahiti
The very names “Tahiti” and “Bora Bora” conjure up images of a perfect tropical escape. Think of islands adorned with breathtaking beaches, crystal-clear lagoons teeming with life, luxurious overwater bungalows, and the warm hospitality of the Tahitian people.
These islands are broadly categorized into five primary island groups, each contributing to the magical allure of this destination. The more frequented islands offer an array of high-end resorts, exquisite dining experiences, rejuvenating spa treatments, and a plethora of activities both on land and in the water.
Bora Bora stands out as one of the most celebrated among the 67 inhabited islands, boasting some truly exceptional hotels and resorts. Other well-known islands include the main island of Tahiti itself, along with Moorea, and Taha’a. We will delve deeper into some of our favorites shortly.
Thanks to its tropical location, Tahiti enjoys a delightful climate throughout the year. On some of the more secluded islands, you have the opportunity to immerse yourself in authentic island life by visiting a traditional Tahitian village, or simply escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life entirely. Tahiti truly caters to every vacation desire, making those paradise dreams a tangible reality.
French Polynesia operates with a local government but remains an overseas collectivity of France, adhering to French law. To assist you in planning your trip, we’ve compiled a list of some of our preferred islands in Tahiti. Our team regularly explores this region and we are delighted to share our unique insights into the finest resorts, thrilling excursions, top-notch restaurants, indulgent spas, and more. We are here to help you design a personalized itinerary that perfectly matches your preferences, potentially including visits to multiple islands!
Venture Tahiti Travel Tip: When crafting itineraries, we typically suggest allocating a minimum of 3 nights to each island you choose to visit (possibly excluding Tahiti itself) to ensure a relaxed pace. Given that the purpose of traveling to Tahiti is often relaxation, we generally advise against stays as short as 2 nights per island or resort. Furthermore, with so many islands to discover, and each being relatively small, we usually recommend limiting your stay to a maximum of 8 nights on any single island.
We provide detailed information on each of the islands mentioned below in “The Islands of Tahiti” section of our Tahiti Travel Guide, including accommodation options, activities, and dining recommendations.
Below is a brief video offering a visual introduction to The Islands of Tahiti, followed by concise descriptions of each major Tahitian island group, also known as archipelagos.
SOCIETY ISLANDS
The Society Islands are among the most visited archipelagos within French Polynesia, home to the capital city of Papeete and the International Airport. This group is further divided into the Windward Islands and Leeward Islands, each representing a tropical paradise. Expect stunning blue lagoons and pristine white sand beaches, complemented by a wide selection of excellent resorts. Whether you prefer land-based adventures, water sports, or simply unwinding on the private deck of an overwater bungalow, the Society Islands offer something for everyone.
To explore more about some of our favorite islands within this group, please follow the links below.
TUAMOTU ISLANDS
The Tuamotu Islands, renowned for their untouched lagoon beauty and unique underwater ecosystems, provide some of the world’s best diving experiences. This island group is a short flight from the Society Islands. On clear days, you can even glimpse Bora Bora’s majestic Mt. Otemanu from Taha’a. This region is more remote, encompassing 77 atolls spread across approximately 930 miles.
To discover more about our preferred islands in the Tuamotu group, please click the links below.
THE MARQUESAS ISLANDS
The Marquesan people refer to their 12 islands as “Te Henua ‘Enana”, meaning the “Land of Men”. This distinct landscape features dramatic high cliffs, volcanic peaks, untamed natural environments, and beautiful beaches. Only 6 of the Marquesas are inhabited and reaching them requires a bit more effort. Two of the Marquesas, Nuka Hiva and Hiva Oa, are accessible by air from the main Island of Tahiti. Alternatively, you can embark on a journey to these islands aboard a specialized freighter/passenger cruise ship named The Aranui. A few hotels are located on Nuka Hiva and Hiva Oa, offering a truly authentic and secluded island experience, far from the typical tourist paths.
THE GAMBIER ISLANDS
This archipelago holds the distinction of being the most remote region of French Polynesia (approximately 1,000 miles from the Island of Tahiti) and the least populated. With a population of only around 1,000, it consists of four main mountainous islands situated within the same lagoon, along with numerous smaller islets known as motu. The Gambier Islands are a significant source of the prized Tahitian Black Pearls.
THE AUSTRAL ISLANDS
Located south of The Island of Tahiti on the Tropic of Capricorn, these 7 islands mark the southernmost extent of French Polynesia. The climate here is cooler than in Tahiti, and the unique character and ecology of these self-sufficient islands create a captivating world apart. Each year, between August and October, humpback whales migrate to these waters to give birth.
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Hopefully, you now have a clearer understanding of where the beautiful Islands of Tahiti are located and the composition of this island nation. We trust this has sparked your interest and made a visit to these islands feel more attainable.
For more specific guidance on which islands to visit for your Vacation or Honeymoon, explore our article titled “Which Polynesian Islands and Hotels to Visit”. You can find a wealth of additional helpful articles and news stories in our Tahiti Travel Guide.
