We went last November (I wish I was there right now!) and my TA gave me the packing list below. Hope it helps! The luggage restrictions are pretty stiff on the flights between the islands. I overpacked and had to pay alittle extra.
Things To Pack
Remember to pack light!
Flashlight w/ extra batteries: It is very dark at night. There are no streetlights in paradise! Remember you may be walking on the beach with only the stars to light your way.
Reef walkers: Shoes for walking on the beach and for swimming. The beaches in paradise are made of ground up coral. There are small pieces of coral all over the beaches as well. Also, underwater by the reefs there is a lot of live coral. This is a very important thing to bring along…if you cut your foot, remember coral is alive, so it will fester and no more swimming.
They sell these water shoes at Drugstores and most other beach apparel or dive/surf shops.
The Usual: Mosquito repellent, suntan lotion, your hat, small backpack, snorkel & mask, your book, and lots of smiles.
Snorkel Gear: I bring my own snorkel and mask. Personally don’t like putting a snorkel in my mouth that thousands of people have used. Also, resort masks often leak or do not fit properly…I suggest you bring your own and use the resort fins…this way you don’t have to pack big fins.
Suggestions: Bring your favorite snacks/drinks along. Purchasing alcohol at the duty free in the states before departure will save you an endless amount of money on cocktails! Buy at the duty free prior to departure. If you bring a special bottle of alcohol or liquid from home, pack it very carefully in your CHECKED luggage. There are many small groceries throughout the islands. I suggest buying water/snacks/mixers there as well to save money. A small collapsible cooler works well for keeping drinks cold.
You don’t need sweaters (except maybe on the international flight)
Shorts and t-shirts
A blow up raft for lounging in the water (you can leave it for other guests when you depart)
No fancy dressing for dinner is required: Sundresses for the ladies and nice Hawaiian shirts and dress shorts or light slacks for the men. Sandals, NO high heels! Think Country Club Casual.
Bathing suits
Once in the islands find a beautiful Pareu (patterned island cloth that can be tied into a dress or skirt, these are a beautiful souvenier)
Sunglasses (bring an extra pair)
Extra memory card for your camera and extra battery. A polarizing filter for your camera will bring out the azure blue water color.
Electrical converter available at travel stores. These are small converters that have many small plugs for various destinations around the world. They are inexpensive. Many hotels have 110V plugs now, but some do not. They often have converters to lend to guests but they run out.
Underwater camera
First aid kit: Band aids, Neosporin etc…
Medications (pack these in your carry on! Prescription medicines must be in the bottle they came in with your name on it)
Lip balm
Water proof suntan lotion (bring more than you think you’ll ever use! It is very expensive in the islands! The sun is very strong so bring a high SPF)
After sun lotion
Swiss army knife (for cutting cheese, bread, opening wine etc…)
Tea light candles for your deck at night (oh so romantic!)
Books (paperbacks to leave at the hotel for other guests when you are finished)
Pen and paper for your travel journal
Passports (must be good for six months beyond your return date!)
Plane tickets
Reservations, faxes, vouchers, travel documents
Drivers license
2 photo copies of your passports and credit cards to leave in your suitcase
Cash or travelers checks
Visa: If non US, Canadian or European Passport: Do you a need a visa? It is the travelers responsibility to obtain necessary Visas. Not only for Tahiti but also for the countries you will transit through.
One last suggestion: Pack an extra set of clothes ie: shorts and a t-shirt along with your medications and suntan lotion in your carry-on. Easy changing for early arrival in paradise!
AIR TAHITI NUI BAGGAGE RESTRICTIONS
CARRY-ON LUGGAGE:
1 piece of carry-on p/p over 2 yrs not more than 45” (L+H+W) and 22 lbs. Plus one small personal item (purse, laptop, camera etc.)
CHECKED LUGGAGE:
2 pieces p/p/ over 2 yrs not more than 62 inches (L+H+W) and 50 lbs total
AIR TAHITI (INTRA ISLAND FLIGHTS):
CARRY ON:
1 piece with dimensions not exceeding 45 x 35 x 20 cm ( 17” x 13” x 7”and weight under 3 kg (6.6lbs).
CHECKED BAGGAGE : length + width + height must not exceed 150cm (59'); wheel and handle included.A maximum of 3 baggage items per person can be checked-in on free-of-charge baggage allowance...passengers connecting to/from an international flight: 20kg (44lbs) for all bags TOTAL (not per bag!!)- an extra 5kg (11lbs) allowance is dedicated to divers. Proof must be provided at the time of check in. IE: a Dive Card.
best, evon
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