Beaches & Islands · Best May–Oct
Tahiti and Bora Bora packing list for families
Bora Bora is all about the lagoon, so most of the packing list is about getting in and out of the water safely and comfortably. A long trip and small planes also mean packing with intention.
Photo by Fresh Hibiscus on Unsplash
Kristina's notes on Tahiti & Bora Bora
- Many overwater bungalows have ladders straight into the lagoon. If you have little ones who aren't strong swimmers, ask about railings and gates before you book, and bring a life jacket that fits well.
- Getting to Bora Bora means a long flight to Papeete and then a short flight to the island. Inter-island flights can have tighter baggage limits, so check yours, and consider a night in Tahiti or Moorea to break up the trip.
- The lagoon is the main event, and rental snorkel gear often runs large on kids. Bring masks that fit, plus reef shoes for coral and rocky spots.
Best timeMay–Oct
PlugsType C/E, bring an adapter
MoneyCFP franc
PassportYes
Your packing edit
Tahiti & Bora Bora
This time of year
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Carry-on18
Carry-on suitcase per personKristina's pick
Packing cubes, one color per personKristina's pickEveryone knows exactly which cube is theirs.
Kids' headphones, volume-limited
Tablet with downloaded shows
Snack box with dividers
Reusable water bottles
Change of clothes for each kid
Car seat travel bag
Travel neck pillow for the grown-ups
Kids' travel pillow
Light blanket or large scarf for the plane
Change of shirt for the grown-upsSpills on a kid mean spills on you.
Baby wipes, even for big kids
Kids' backpack for their own things
Coloring book, sticker book, or activity pad
A new book or two
Gum or mints
Foot rest sling for long flightsKristina's pickHooks over the tray table so your feet are up and your back thanks you after hour six. I never fly long-haul without mine.
Clothing13
Daytime outfits8 per person
Pajamas2 per person
One nicer outfit for dinners and photos
Underwear and socks9 per person
Light sweater or sweatshirt per personPlanes, restaurants, and evenings run cool.
Light rain jacket per person
Leggings or comfy travel pants for the flight
Shorts and skirts
Swim cover-ups
Belt
Sports bra or workout clothes
Socks for closed shoes, plus a spare pair
Pajamas for the first night in the carry-onIf a bag is late, bedtime still happens.
Shoes4
Sandals
Flip-flops or slides for the pool and shower
Dress shoes or nicer sandals
Reef shoesProtects feet from coral and rocky lagoon floors.
Beach & pool14
Swimsuits2 per person
UPF rash guardsKristina's pick
Mineral sunscreen
Wide-brim sun hats
Swim diapers
Hyperlite life jacket for boat and ocean daysKristina's pickA properly fitted life jacket for boats and open water.
Lightweight beach tote
Goggles
Sand toys that nest flat
Pool float or swim vest for little swimmers
After-sun aloe
Sand-free beach towel
Kids' snorkel maskKristina's pickA mask that fits makes lagoon days much better.
Dry bagBoat transfers and excursions get wet.
Little ones12
Diapers and wipesenough for 3 days, buy the rest there
Portable sound machineKristina's pickMakes every hotel room feel like home.
Travel blackout shades
Favorite lovey, plus a backup
Sippy cup or straw cup
Bibs and a few spoons
Portable changing pad
Diaper cream
Baby monitor
Fitted crib sheet from homeA familiar smell helps babies sleep in a new crib.
Outlet covers
Potty seat or folding potty
Little things20
AirTag in each checked bagKristina's pickYou'll know your bag made the connection before you do.
Stain remover penGelato happens. Photos still look great.
Laundry detergent sheetsOne sink wash halfway through means packing half the clothes.
Gallon zip bags, a handfulWet swimsuits, sandy shoes, and the occasional car-sick emergency.
Pen in your carry-onFor arrival forms, so you're not borrowing one in the immigration line.
Hair ties and a small detangling brush
Hand sanitizer wipes and pocket tissues
Lollipops or gum for takeoff and landingSwallowing helps little ears pop.
A few wrapped surprise toys for the flightUnwrapping buys you twenty minutes. Unwrapping slowly buys thirty.
Stick-on battery night lightHotel rooms are pitch dark, and the bathroom is never where they expect.
Kids' nail clippers and tweezersSplinters from boardwalks and docks are a vacation classic.
Kids' sunglasses
Wet bag for swimsuits
Electrolyte packetsHot days and long walks catch up with kids before they say they're thirsty.
Earplugs and an eye mask for the grown-ups
Small foldable tote for souvenirs and laundry
Sewing kit and safety pins
Luggage tags
Collapsible water bottle for the grown-ups
Sunglasses for the grown-ups
Health & toiletries19
Travel first-aid kit
Kids' fever reducer and allergy medicine
Bug spray
Hanging toiletry bag
Toothbrushes and toothpaste
Shampoo, conditioner, and body wash
Deodorant
Hairbrush, comb, and hair ties
Face wash and moisturizer
Makeup and makeup remover
Razor
Contact lenses, solution, and glasses
Prescription medicines in original bottlesKeep them in your carry-on, never in checked bags.
Bandages and blister pads
Kids' thermometer
Anti-itch cream
Hand lotion and SPF lip balm
Feminine products
Clear quart bag for liquids
Documents & tech18
Portable phone chargerKristina's pick
Waterproof phone pouchFor photos on lagoon tours and boat transfers.
Driver's licenses and kids' IDs
Health insurance cards
Travel insurance details
Credit cards with no foreign transaction fees
Some cash in small billsFor tips, taxis, and markets.
Photos of passports and IDs on your phone
Booking confirmations saved offline
Phone chargers and cables for everyone
Multi-port wall chargerOne outlet, every device charged by morning.
Tablet chargers and kids' headphones adapter
Wireless earbuds for the grown-ups
Airplane Bluetooth adapter for seatback screens
Camera and memory card
E-reader
Passports for everyone, valid 6+ months past your trip
Travel plug adapterKristina's pickType C/E, bring an adapter
The outfit edit
Island whites
White, sand, sea glass, coral
For photos
- Everyone in white and one pop of coral
- Shoot at golden hour on the sand
Tap any piece to shop the look.
Month by month
Tahiti & Bora Bora weather and what's happening
Typical daytime highs and what each month feels like with kids.
| Month | Typical high | What it's like | Don't miss |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 88°F 31°C | Warm, humid wet season with heavy showers. Cyclones are uncommon but possible. | |
| February | 88°F 31°C | Warm, humid wet season with heavy showers. Cyclones are uncommon but possible. | |
| March | 88°F 31°C | Warm, humid wet season with heavy showers. Cyclones are uncommon but possible. | |
| April | 88°F 31°C | Warm, humid wet season with heavy showers. Cyclones are uncommon but possible. | |
| May | 86°F 30°C | Dry season. Sunny, slightly cooler, and breezy with trade winds. | Dry season brings the clearest skies for lagoon days. |
| June | 85°F 29°C | Dry season. Sunny, slightly cooler, and breezy with trade winds. | Dry season brings the clearest skies for lagoon days. |
| July | 84°F 29°C | Dry season. Sunny, slightly cooler, and breezy with trade winds. | Heiva i Tahiti, a festival of Polynesian dance, music, and traditional sports. Humpback whales visit the islands, with Moorea a favorite spot to see them. Dry season brings the clearest skies for lagoon days. |
| August | 84°F 29°C | Dry season. Sunny, slightly cooler, and breezy with trade winds. | Humpback whales visit the islands, with Moorea a favorite spot to see them. Dry season brings the clearest skies for lagoon days. |
| September | 85°F 29°C | Dry season. Sunny, slightly cooler, and breezy with trade winds. | Humpback whales visit the islands, with Moorea a favorite spot to see them. Dry season brings the clearest skies for lagoon days. |
| October | 86°F 30°C | Dry season. Sunny, slightly cooler, and breezy with trade winds. | Humpback whales visit the islands, with Moorea a favorite spot to see them. Dry season brings the clearest skies for lagoon days. |
| November | 87°F 31°C | Warm, humid wet season with heavy showers. Cyclones are uncommon but possible. | |
| December | 87°F 31°C | Warm, humid wet season with heavy showers. Cyclones are uncommon but possible. |
Questions families ask
Tahiti & Bora Bora with kids, answered
When is the best time to visit Tahiti & Bora Bora with kids?
The best time is May–Oct. Dry season. Sunny, slightly cooler, and breezy with trade winds.
What's the weather like in Tahiti & Bora Bora?
Typical daytime highs range from about 84°F (29°C) in July to about 88°F (31°C) in January. See the month-by-month table on this page.
Do I need a passport for Tahiti & Bora Bora?
Yes. Bring a passport for everyone, including babies, and make sure each one is valid for at least six months past your trip. Check visa and entry rules before you go.
What kind of plug adapter do I need for Tahiti & Bora Bora?
Type C/E, bring an adapter.
What's your top tip for Tahiti & Bora Bora with kids?
Many overwater bungalows have ladders straight into the lagoon. If you have little ones who aren't strong swimmers, ask about railings and gates before you book, and bring a life jacket that fits well.
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I'm Kristina, and planning family trips is what I do.
As a luxury travel advisor with KM Luxe Travel, I plan the hotels, the flow of the days, and the little details, often with perks like breakfast and upgrades when available.