One of the smartest ways to experience French Polynesia without the price tag
With its postcard-perfect (and oh-so-remote) location in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, the Islands of Tahiti are never going to be up there with the likes of Bali or Vietnam when it comes to cheap, tropical holidays.
But if you're hankering for a dive in those azure lagoons, or a few steamy nights in your own overwater bungalow and could settle for a significant discount on what you'd normally pay in the more popular seasons, then listen up.
Julia Li, a Tahiti travel specialist at LuxVoyages and Tahiti Voyages, says a wet season getaway could be exactly what you need.
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The Islands of Tahiti are not usually known for being a cheap tropical getaway. Getty Images/iStockphoto
Travelling between the months of November to April (Christmas excluded) when the temperatures continue to hover around the low 30s, but often include a brief shower here or there, is one of the smartest ways to experience French Polynesia without the price tag, she explains.
"Resorts offer their best rates during this time - often up to 35 per cent off high-season pricing - so you can expect huge savings on accommodation," she says.
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"Free nights and value-adds where you can score promotions such as 'Stay 5 and Pay 3' or free daily breakfasts are also more likely to be offered."
She points to two deals currently being offered by Tahiti Voyages of what travellers can expect come low season:
Le Bora Bora by Pearl Resorts, a luxury property located on Motu Tevairoa, a small coral islet between ocean and lagoon, has an eight-day package including return airfares, one night pre- and post-Bora Bora accommodation in Tahiti, five nights in Bora Bora, domestic flights, transfers and daily breakfast from $6,390 per person.
Prefer cruising? You can set sail on Aranui 5 as the vessel makes her way around the Marquesas Islands.
The 18-day holiday (11 nights of them on the ship) is priced from $11,290 per person and not only includes the cruise, international airfares from Sydney, Melbourne or Brisbane, and pre- and post-accommodation, but all transfers, meals and beverages.
Take out the airfare and we're at a pricing level that's comparable, if not cheaper, than a lot of other island destinations.
You can fly and cruise for much less than you might think. Supplied
Plus, if you can travel mid-week, or adjust dates slightly, you stand a much better chance of finding a better deal in terms of airfares during low season, Li promises.
"As wholesalers we have exclusive low-season airfares with Air Tahiti Nui, plus discounted pre- and post-cruise accommodation rates."
Air Tahiti Nui has some excellent packages published online, including a 7-night getaway at Cook's Bay Hotel in spectacular Moorea from $3,950 per person for return economy flights, pre- and post-accommodation in Tahiti, accommodation in Cook's Bay Hotel, ferry crossing, airport transfers and daily breakfast.
It is still recommended to book around six months in advance. Getty
Meanwhile, Tahiti Tourisme is loaded with low-season (and every other season) packages too. Fancy something a little more authentic?
You can enjoy an 8-day stay in Pension Motu Iti Moorea from just $2,820 per person including return airfares from Sydney, Melbourne or Brisbane as well as all accommodation (including pre- and post-Moorea accommodation in Tahiti) and transfers.
Remember, you're most likely to get the best savings on low season pricing if you book flights, accommodation and tours at least six months in advance, so the time to book is now.
For further information about Tahiti, please visit Tahiti Tourisme
