When to go
The dry season runs from about May to October, with lower humidity, steadier trade winds and the clearest water. Humpback whales arrive around July and stay into November, with the best odds from mid-August to October. From November to April it is warmer and wetter; showers tend to be brief and rates ease, but storms can disrupt inter-island flights, so leave slack in the schedule.
Getting there and moving between islands
Every international arrival lands at Faa'a on Tahiti, with nonstop services from Los Angeles, San Francisco and Auckland, and Paris connecting via the United States. Many flights land before dawn, which is why the first night needs planning. Beyond Tahiti, Air Tahiti handles most hops and a resort boat usually meets you at the other end; Moorea is the exception, a short ferry crossing from Papeete. Confirm domestic flights before you pay for non-refundable rooms, and pack for the 5kg cabin limit.
How long to stay
Seven nights covers two islands well, typically Moorea and Bora Bora with a night on Tahiti at one end. Ten nights makes room for Taha'a as a third stop, and fourteen lets you slow every stay down. We'd avoid changing hotels more often than every three nights, since each move takes most of a morning or afternoon.
