Tahiti's beaches often carry a bad reputation, mostly because visitors compare them to the ones they enjoyed in Moorea, Bora Bora or the Tuamotu islands. This is unfair !

It is correct that Tahiti beaches are not as gorgeous as what you may expect after browsing the photos found in the different brochures of your travel agency showing white sand bordered by coconut trees . But I believe this is not a good enough reason for ignoring them. As you may spend a few days in Tahiti while waiting for your plane, why not take a truck and spend some relaxing hours ?

Public beaches prefered by locals as well as tourists are located on Tahiti west coast of between Le Meridien Tahiti hotel (Punaauia - PK 15) and the Mahana Park (Paea - PK 19). All the places listed below can be pretty crowded on weekends.

PK 18 (by the small bridge) : White sand beaches. Good and safe snorkeling.

Mahana Park - PK 18,5 : A few hundred meters after the previous one when coming from Papeete. Very familial. A friendly park where you will meet many locals playing soccer or volley-ball on weekends. Snack in the parking. Good and safe snorkeling.

Venus Point : If you're staying in Papeete, the black sand beaches of the Venus Point located on the east coast are nearer than the west ones.