Tahiti
Getty Images/Perspectives
Overview
What Tahiti lacks in wide white-sand beaches, it makes up for in waterfall-laden, shadowy mountains, unpretentiously beautiful black-sand beaches, sheltered blue lagoons and a distinctly Polynesian, modern buzz. This is the heart of the islands, where the cultures from all the archipelagos are mixed in the cacophonous, dusty, yet smiling and energetic capital of Pape'ete. Outside the city, explore the majestic, mountainous interior on a 4WD tour, learn to dive in the translucent lagoon, wander amid mystical archaeological sites, and from July to October go whale-watching. In July, catch the country’s most spectacular festival; the percussion and dance-heavy Heiva. Stay at a resort or head to Tahiti Iti to experience a more traditional pace of life – all international air travel goes through Tahiti, and it would be a shame to miss such an essential part of this region's cultural puzzle.
Attractions
Must-see attractions
Tahiti
Teahupoo is world famous among surfing circles for its monster wave. Until the early 2000s, the Teahupoo wave was only known to local surfers. It now…
-
Tahiti
Just outside Pape’ete’s urban sprawl, the Lagoonarium is a pleasant tourist trap with a meshed-in area of lagoon with a modest underwater viewing room; it…
-
Tahiti
A picturesque strip of white sand, Maui Beach gets packed and noisy on weekends, but is peaceful during the week. It’s right on the road but has shallow…
-
Tahiti
A signposted turn-off at PK9.5 leads a short distance inland to the rarely visited remains of Marae Nuutere, restored in 1994. There are three paved yards…
-
Tahiti
This very well-maintained site holds three adjoined stone courtyards, each with its own ahu (alter). It was probably used for religious fishing rituals…
-
Tahiti
The restored Marae Farehape site is almost directly below the ridge line on which the Relais de la Maroto inn perches; you can see an archery platform…
-
Tahiti
You'll need a guide to find Tahiti's best preserved petroglyphs deep on the Te Pari coast and accessible only on foot or by boat.
-
Tahiti
Popular day trip from Teahupoo. Walk into blackness till your eyes adjust then swim to the back through the icy waters.
Planning Tools
Expert guidance to help you plan your trip
Money and Costs
There's no need to remortgage the house to visit Tahiti & French Polynesia. Here's how to explore this slice of paradise in the Pacific on a budget.
Read articleArticles
Latest stories from Tahiti
Filter by interest:
- Destination PracticalitiesA first-time guide to Tahiti and French Polynesia
Dec 4, 2024 • 9 min read
- ArticlesThe paradise islands of French Polynesia are closing to visitors again
Feb 2, 2021 • 1 min read
in partnership with getyourguide