The beautiful Pacific island of Tahiti, which is part of the Windward group of islands in French Polynesia, was formed between 870,000 to 1.4 million years ago as part of a volcanic shield.
Tahiti is seen as a heaven for tourists with its beautiful beaches, blue water and incredible nature. It is truly a once-in-a-lifetime vacation.
In this article, we have included top hints and tips that will help you have the very best and most affordable holiday in Tahiti.
1. Shop Around For Your Flights
Of course, we have already discussed the remote and idyllic location of Tahiti, so it is obvious that the only reasonable method to travel to Tahiti is via airplane.
As we all know, flights can be very expensive, and for most, they are not an ideal way to travel when trying to do so on a budget.
There are, however, many ways in which you can find cheaper flights to your dream location. Our major tip here is to use flight comparison sites like Skyscanner or Google Travel.
These world-renowned websites take your desired flight path and compare most major airlines in order to find the cheapest or most convenient flights for you.
While you may end up flying with an airline that you are not familiar with, you will probably spend only a fraction of the standard cost for your flight.
Rest assured, although you may not recognize the airline, these major flight comparison websites only include businesses that are legitimate.
2. Experience Different Kind Of Accommodation And Book A Hostel
While Tahiti may be known for its over-water bungalows and hotels, they are also some of the most expensive accommodation options on the whole island, and are not ideal for those looking to visit this beautiful location on a budget.
There are plenty of hostels spread across the various areas of the island, including several that have beachside locations.
Opting to stay in a hostel rather than a fancy hotel will allow visitors to save their money on their accommodation so that they can have a greater budget to spend on the once-in-a-lifetime activities.
So, why not try the Pension Te Miti Hostel (rated 8.4 on hotels.com) or Mahana Lodge Hostel And Backpacker (also rated 8.4 on hotels.com) for a more budget-friendly option.
3. Try These Delectable Cheap Eats
Whilst you are staying in Tahiti, you are going to want to sample many of the delicious local dishes that are on offer.
In this section, we have recommended the top four places where you can purchase some reasonably-priced savory food.
i. Les Roulottes
Some of the most popular, and cheap, places to eat in Tahiti are the many food trucks that are dotted around the island.
Not only are they known for their delicious dishes but also the lively atmospheres, as vendors tend to serve food late into the night.
At Les Roulottes, one of the highest-ranked cheap eats on TripAdvisor, you can sample various Asian, French and Italian dishes.
ii. Roulotte Creperie Du Port
As Tahiti is steeped in French history, and the official language of Tahiti remains French, it is only understandable that you may wish to sample some of the French food that Tahiti has to offer. One of the most renowned French dishes around the world is the delectable Crepe.
With sweet and savory crepes on offer, Roulotte Creperie Du Port is one of the most renowned crepe food trucks in the famous outdoor eating area in Papeete.
iii. Poke Bar Tahiti
If you are looking for the best place for breakfast during your vacation to Tahiti, then look no further than Poke Bar Tahiti.
This is another one of Papeete’s renowned food trucks. As you can tell, the famous food trucks tend to be a favorite for those on a budget.
With fresh juices, coffee and smoothie bowls, this place is perfect for those that are also health-conscious.
iv. Stock Up On Snacks At Papeete Market
Purchasing food and drink from a local market has always been a popular method that travelers have used in order to keep their food costs down whilst they are away.
A trip to Papeete Market is high on anyone’s itinerary when they travel to the island, with the two-storey market dating back over 155 years, and selling everything imaginable. So, make like the locals and go shopping at the local market.
Now that you know how to go to Tahiti on a budget, where to stay and where to eat, this following section will highlight some of the most affordable activities that you can experience in this breathtaking location.
4. Create Your Own Adventure Around The Breathtaking Tahiti
Instead of spending the extra money on booking a guided tour to the island, why not plan your own Tahiti trip on a budget, purchase a map of the island and do your own research.
To get you started, we have selected our top two picks of the very best natural landmarks that you must explore when you visit Tahiti.
i. Les Trois Cascades
There are many exquisite waterfalls that are dotted all around the picturesque island of Tahiti.
But there is not a waterfall that is more popular than Les Trois Cascades, also known as The Three Waterfalls.
After adventuring through the rugged rainforest in the North-West of the island, you will locate these incredible waterfalls, with the third waterfall containing a swimming basin at the bottom.
ii. La Plage De Maui
While most of the beaches across the island of Tahiti are black due to the volcanic presence, La Plage De Maui stands out amongst the rest.
This is because this particular beach hosts the only white sand seen across all of the islands, and also has some of the bluest waters you will find.
Be sure to plan a relaxing day trip to this very unique and special location.
5. Explore The Beautiful Notre-Dame Cathedral
If magnificent architecture and historical locations are your things, then you must visit the truly stunning Notre-Dame Cathedral in Papeete.
Not only is it one of the oldest buildings in all of Tahiti, as they originally built it between 1844 to 1875, but this bright yellow church is also one of the key iconic images of the island.
With its stunning stain-glass windows and the angelic singing choir, you can visit this tourist hotspot for free whilst you visit Tahiti.
6. Go Snorkeling Or Surfing
As with any island vacation spot, watersports and water-orientated activities are always some of the most popular experiences that you can have whilst you are on holiday.
Tahiti is no exception. If you are a keen snorkeler, or wish to try it, do not forget to pre-purchase and pack your snorkeling gear for the journey over to Tahiti and get exploring.
The island is surrounded by coral reefs which are home to a large variety of colorful fish and sea life. Just be sure to respect the water and the residents that live in it.
Alternatively, surfing is also a very popular pastime here in Tahiti.
Whether you are a surfer or wish to try for the first time, there is plenty of adrenaline-inducing experiences to be had.
If you are an experienced surfer, be sure to head towards one of the various surfboard rental businesses that you will be able to locate all around Tahiti.
But, for those that are looking to try surfing for the first time, we also have a tip for you.
Mo’o Surf School, located in Fa’a’a, and has a brilliantly priced initiation lesson where you will have a very experienced instructor teach you the basics of surfing to see if it is an activity you will enjoy.
This lesson will cost you approximately just under $50, which may be more than you were expecting to pay on your budget-friendly vacation, but you will be learning a new lifelong skill.
7. Visit The Museum Of Tahiti And Her Islands
After visiting the Notre-Dame Cathedral, you may wish to further educate yourself on the history of Tahiti and its nearby islands.
In this case, you should make visiting The Museum of Tahiti and Her Islands a priority.
With admission tickets starting as low as $6 per person, a visit to this historical museum is perfect for those wishing to get a complete vacation experience on a budget.
The museum itself is divided into four separate sections, including the natural history of the island, the culture of the island prior to its European influences, as well as the effects that colonization had on the island.
The last section is dedicated to the natural wonders of the island, which may inspire you to visit new locations around Tahiti.
While the museum has a primary focus on the history of Tahiti itself, it also gives you information on the many surrounding islands.
You may even find yourself wanting to plan day trips to some of these surrounding islands once you learn more about them.
The exhibits are displayed in both French (the only official language of Tahiti) as well as English, so a large variety of visitors will be able to understand and learn all about this spectacular area.
8. Looking To Experience More? Take The Ferry To Moorea
If you wanted to get the absolute most out of your trip to Tahiti by exploring its nearby islands, then we have a money-saving tip that will be perfect for you.
Instead of booking a flight to the close island of Moorea, opt for the Aremiti 5 ferry.
Tickets cost around $15 per person for the 30-minute trip, which is a quarter of the price of a flight to the island, and you get to see more on your trip, which is a win-win.
Moorea is the perfect place to continue your nature discovery that you started in Tahiti.
Several activities are available on this island, including kayaking in lagoons, snorkeling around coral reefs and plenty of sunbathing opportunities.
You may find Moorea slightly quieter than Tahiti, which will make it the perfect relaxing day trip whilst you stay on the nearby island of Tahiti.
9. For The Truly Adventurous – Why Not Try Shark Diving?
The waters surrounding the magnificent island of Tahiti are home to one of the largest populations of sharks in the entire world.
This very reason is why Tahiti has been nicknamed ‘the shark capital of the world’.
While this may be one of the more expensive excursions on our list, being able to swim with sharks so freely is truly a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that you absolutely cannot pass upon.
With diving tours available all over the island, be sure to shop around to get the best deal and get your adrenaline pumping.
Conclusion
We hope you have enjoyed our guide on how to go to Tahiti on a budget, and that you have picked up some helpful hints and tips that will help you plan your dream vacation to this beautiful island.
Whether you are looking to travel on a budget, enjoy some cheap food or are simply looking for the most cost-effective experiences that will not break the bank, Tahiti has it all.
Recommended reading:
The Top 10 Things To Do in French Polynesia