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Why kitesurfing in Polynesia is a good choice ?
We choose Polynesia for the dream! It is the ultimate destination for riding on transparent waters, in absolutely sublime settings!
The wind there is rather light, we usually ride with large sails between 11m and 13m, but the wind is very regularly present. So it will not be the big air destination, but freestylers will have fun on ultra flat waters.
However, Polynesia is a destination that is earned. It’s a bit far from France, and on site, the large number of islands makes it more difficult to organize your trip, especially when carrying your kite equipment.
Best period and spots to kite in Polynesia
Among all the islands of the archipelago, there are mainly two that are renowned for kiting: Tahiti and Moorea (see spot descriptions for more info).
There are absolutely sublime kitesurfing spots.
Best season (for kiting): June to September.
Discover the kite spots in Polynesia
Huahine
Beach club Moorea
What we love most
Drawbacks
- A paradise setting
- World-class waves
- Incredible destination
- Light winds
- Expensive
- Far away from France
Our best advices to travelers
How to get there ?
Travel time: 22 hours for direct flights (Air France). Up to 50 hours for flights with layovers!
Direct flight: yes
Time difference: UTC-10
Airlines: Air France – Air Tahiti Nui – American Airlines
Main airports: Papeete (PPT) on the island of Tahiti
Flight price: 1500 / 2500€
Formalities
- Mandatory vaccines: No specific vaccines required
- Visa requirements: No visa required for stays up to 90 days
- Need for electrical adapter: Type A and B electrical outlets
- Official language: French
- Currency: CFP franc
Additional tips
For domestic flights, Air Tahiti is the airline that connects the different islands of French Polynesia. Their baggage policy is a bit confusing since you are never 100% sure that your baggage will make the flight. Your oversized baggage will be loaded if there is space available for it. You will only find out at the last moment, at the end of check-in.
However, I have not heard of any travelers being left stranded. If you have a story to share about this, feel free to let me know.
On the other hand, to improve their reputation, they offer an additional 5kg allowance for holders of a diving card, so remember to bring it with you. An extra 5kg is quite convenient, especially when traveling with large kite wings.
Be sure to bring mosquito repellent cream and even a mosquito net if you plan to sleep in modest hotels. There is no risk of malaria, but mosquitoes can transmit dengue fever.
If during your stay, you experience itching and a burning sensation when in contact with cold water, it is likely that you have food poisoning from eating algae that some fish consume. There is no need to worry, but there is nothing you can do: the symptoms will disappear after a while.
What are the best non kitesurfing activities ?
For days without kite, there is a wide choice of hikes to do on the different islands.
Of course, in French Polynesia, a few snorkeling and diving sessions are a must as the marine life is so rich in this region of the world.
You can also go on a boat to observe large cetaceans off the islands.