Top 5 Beaches in Tahiti

The islands of French Polynesia are blessed with the complete kaleidoscope of colorful sand beaches, nestled between swaying palms and tranquil turquoise lagoons. They range from powder white sand beaches to pristine pink sand, and volcanic black sand beaches. Join me as we beach comb the islands and atolls of French Polynesia in search of their finest.

Lafayette Beach, Tahiti

1) Lafayette Beach, Tahiti

On Lafayette Beach in Tahiti, you can experience one of the many black sand beaches that are found on the island of Tahiti. Le Tahiti by Pearl Resorts has a unique location only ten minutes from downtown Papeete, facing this beautiful black volcanic sand beach of Lafayette and an amazing view of Matavai Bay. At night you will sleep with the melodic sound of waves crashing onto this majestic black sand beach. Welcome to the island of Tahiti!

Tamae Beach, Moorea

2) Tamae Beach, Moorea

For the best white sand beach in Moorea and views of the mountains of Tahiti, Temae Beach must be on the list. It has great reefs to snorkel around and the shallow, warm lagoon water makes for a magical Moorea stay. Located on the northeastern part of Moorea, it is home to Sofitel Kia Ora Moorea. The resort features 113 luxurious bungalows built over the water, on the beachfront or surrounded by landscaped gardens.

Matira Beach, Bora Bora

3) Matira Beach, Bora Bora

Located at the southern tip of Bora Bora’s mainland, Matira Beach is often regarded as one of the most beautiful beaches in all of French Polynesia. It’s the only real stretch of beach on the mainland, and given that it’s open to the public, it attracts a mix of locals and tourists. White sand and clear, calm water combine for a breathtaking vista. The beach wraps around a peninsula, and it’s a popular spot for watching the sunset, snorkeling and topless sunbathing. The closest hotel to this beach will be the InterContinental Bora Bora Le Moana Resort.

Avea Beach, Huahine

4) Avea Beach, Huahine

Unwind together on one of the South Pacific’s best beaches – a gorgeous, coconut palm lined crescent of white sand stretching along the southwest peninsula of Huahine Iti. The beach sits in front of the Hotel Le Mahana Huahine, which offers a range of activities including sailing, kayaking and cycling. The hotel is in the heart of Avea Bay on the west coast of Huahine Iti and just a short distance from the village of Parea.

Tikehau Beach, Tikehau

5) Tikehau Beach, Tikehau

For an impressive pink sand beach seek out French Polynesia’s remote Tikehau Beach. Located on the atoll of Tikehau, with crystal clear waters that are teeming with colorful tropical fish and a marvelous manta ray encounter. In an unspoiled natural setting on a private coral islet, is Le Tikehau by Pearl Resorts, the only boutique hotel in the Tuamotu, combining intimacy and warmth.


Thank you to one of our trusted travel partners for providing this great information about the beaches in French Polynesia which people often refer to as simply “Tahiti”. Please visit our page with more information about this destination, sample itineraries and more. Monica is a Certified Tahiti Specialist and would be delighted to help you plan an amazing vacation to any of these islands!

Originally Published Feb 7, 2022

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