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Packing List: French Polynesia Essentials Guide

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The islands of French Polynesia, such as Tahiti, Bora Bora, Moorea, and Raiatea, are magical island paradises. A trip to any of these places is memorable and should be enjoyed outdoors. The crystal clear waters invite you to snorkel, SCUBA, kayak, paddle board, or simply wade in the waters. Wonder what to pack for such a tropical vacation? Read on for your packing list of French Polynesia to prepare for your travels.

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Packing List French Polynesia

Let’s get ready to pack for French Polynesia. Here are the must-haves you don’t want to forget.

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Passport and Travel Itinerary

Don’t leave home without your passport; you won’t get far. I also recommend having a phone note or printed itinerary with you so that you know where to go once you arrive in Tahiti if you don’t have cell service. 

To stay organized for a trip, I keep all my hotel registration, excursion bookings, and flight information in one place. That may be a physical printed folder or a “Note” in my iPhone. But don’t leave home without knowing your itinerary and the crucial details about where to go once you land. This is especially true for many of you traveling to French Polynesia, where you will be island hopping to your final destination.

Power Adapter

Hotels across French Polynesia mostly use European two-pronged 220v sockets; if you’re coming from America, you will need a plug adapter to plug in your electronics.

While I stayed at the Hilton Moorea Lagoon Resort & Spa, they had primarily European outlets with one American-sized outlet in the room. To ensure that all of your electronics are charged, I recommend bringing a unit that will charge multiple devices simultaneously. 

Power Adapters

TESSAN US: US to Europe plug adapter 2 pack

OREI American to European plug adapter 6 pack

Underwater Camera Gear

waterproof phone case
go pro hero 5

Between snorkeling with the sharks and rays, swimming with Humpback whales, and catching colorful coral, you’ll want to document your underwater adventures in French Polynesia.

Plan to bring a camera and waterproof gear.

Underwater Camera Gear

A waterproof phone case for your smartphone: Take photos with your phone. The biggest negative to this case is that it creates a blurred, out of focus effect if it’s not completely positioned correctly.


GoPro: Elevate your underwater photography with crisp GoPro photos and videos.


Underwater housing for your camera: For the photography professionals who want the highest level of underwater photography.

Reef Safe Sunscreen

French Polynesia is home to astounding coral reefs. When you visit, protect those reefs by using reef safe sunscreen.

Reef-safe sunscreen helps protect marine ecosystems by avoiding harmful chemicals like oxybenzone and octinoxate, which can damage coral reefs and disrupt ocean life.

Reef Safe Sunscreen Recommendations

Alba Botanica: A gentle, conscious option for sunscreen

Coola: Organic, anti-oxidant rich sun protection

Swimwear

Swimwear is the #1 thing you must pack for your French Polynesian vacation. You will spend most of your time in board shorts and bikinis, soaking up the sun and swimming through the waters.

Pack suits you feel comfortable in that match your physical activity during the trip. For example, women may want to bring more sporty and supported suits if you plan to do a lot of swimming.

As a more mature woman, I enjoy Cupshe bathing suits. They are affordable suits that hug the curves well, are well made in material, and have very flattering and stylish styles. 

a women in a bathing suite standing on a patio
Cupshe Suit
a women in a bathing suit sitting on a dock

Swim Suit Favorites

Cupshe: Affordable, well made stylish bathing suits in fun patterns that are very size inclusive

Old Navy: Comfortable, affordable, and practice suits

Acacia: Blends Hawaiian and California influences to create minimalistic elevated designs

Beach Bunny: Uses bold and glamorous designs with elevated fabrics

Seafolly: Chic Australian designs with elegant yet sporty fits

Sunglasses

Wearing sunglasses, particularly polarized lenses, is essential for protecting your eyes from the sun. Polarized lenses are designed to reduce glare from reflective surfaces such as water, sand, and roads. Pack multiple pairs if you’re like me and tend to lose or break your sunglasses. 

Wide-Brimmed Hats

Hats are essential for sun protection. A baseball cap is great for keeping the sun off the top and front of your head, but I also like to carry at least one wide-brimmed hat to protect my ears that has UV protection in the fabric.

The Columbia Bora Bora Booney hat is my all-time favorite because of its versatility and easy packing with UV 50 protection. It can go from the beach to a sail to a hike, and it packs very easily.

Favorite UV Protection Hats

Columbia Bora Bora Booney: lightweight, sun-protective hat featuring UPF 50 fabric, an adjustable drawcord, and a moisture-wicking sweatband

Tilly T3 Cotton Duck Hat: excellent sun protection with a wide brim and UPF 50+ rating, is made from durable, breathable cotton

Flip Flops, Sandals, and Walking Shoes

You don’t need to bring many pairs of shoes. Walking along the sand makes heels impractical for a tropical vacation. I recommend packing a pair of walking shoes, such as sneakers and flip-flops, for the beach and an excellent pair of sandals for dinner. If you hike during your vacation, you can wear your sneakers. You don’t need hiking shoes. 

Shoe Favorites

Olukai is a high-quality Hawaiian footwear brand that is comfortable and stylish

Havaianas have basic, but functional flip flops in neutral and bold colors

On Cloud Sneakers are lightweight and cushioned allowing for maximum comfort

Hoka Sneakers provide maximum comfort and stability for walking and running

Water Shoes

a women floating in the water under a window
Water shoes make exploring the ocean more comfortable

I recommend bringing water shoes since you’ll spend a lot of time in the water on this trip. They will help you walk on the rocks, quickly climb ladders, and walk on the hot sand.

Water Shoe Recommendations

Athmile: These basic shoes for under $10 get the job done on the beach and are simple to pack. Don’t have good traction, not meant for hiking

Zhuanglin: Added traction and increased comfort for walking along the beach

Teva Omnium Sandle: Good traction and can go from the beach to the trails for hiking shoes

Beach Clothes & Coverups

The vibe is very casual in French Polynesia. You can spend your days in beachwear, cover-ups, shorts, and tanks. Don’t bother to overthink the fashion here. Be comfortable.

Elevated Resort Wear – If Staying in a Resort

a women walking next to overwater bungalows in French Polynesia

If you’re staying in a resort and plan to have dinner there, check the property’s dress code to see if they have a dress code. Generally, elevated resort wear, such as dresses for women and button-down shirts for men, are appropriate dinner wear.

Favorite Island Resort Brands

Tori Richard: luxury island inspired island prints

Manuheali’i: Elevated aloha wear reflecting the spirit of Hawai’i

Tommy Bahama: Relaxed, upscale island lifestyle clothing

Light Jacket or Sweater

You may want a light sweater or jacket as the trade winds blow and the night falls. Nothing heavy is needed.

Sleepwear 

Pack your comfy pajamas and slippers for your room to lounge in. 

Beach Bag & Dry Bag

Bring a flexible and durable bag if you plan to spend a lot of time on the sand and water. I like the Aloha Collection, which has water-resistant beach bags. May I also recommend bringing a dry bag if you plan to go on any boats or paddle boards to keep your belongings dry in the water. Personally, I use the Earth-Pak dry bag.

Dry Gear Favorites

Earth Pack Dry Bag + Phone Case Combo: Get a dry bag for your stuff and phone in one purchase!

IDRYBAG: Backback straps that make carrying the bag easy

Aloha Collection Pouch: The perfect place to store a wet bathing suit or water shoes on your way home from the beach

Personal Toiletries, First Aid, and Medications

I’m saving the boring stuff for last. Pack all your toiletry essentials for daily use and first aid in an emergency. If you forget something, there are pharmacies and stores on the islands, but prices may be higher than you’re used to at home.

  • Toothbrush and toothpaste
  • Soaps, shampoos and conditioners (unless you want to use hotels)
  • Moisturizers and lotions 
  • Makeup 
  • Razors and shaving cream
  • Bandages 
  • Antiseptic ointment
  • Hydrocortisone creme for bug bites or stings
  • Bug repellent
  • Aloe gel in case of sunburn
  • Medications such as over-the-counter pain relievers and anti-nausea medication if you get motion sickness on boats

Conclusions on Your Packing List for French Polynesia

In this tropical paradise, less is more. Pack for adventure in the ocean, including waterproof gear for your camera, sun protection, and comfortable clothes that allow you to frolic in the clear blue sea. Enjoy your island vacation!

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