Whether you are currently travelling or just virtually enjoying the world from your lounge, French Polynesia instantly conjures up images of an exotic tropical paradise. And the reality doesn’t disappoint. From relaxing on the beach, soaking in a pool, or exploring nature to discovering culture, we found plenty to do in Tahiti and the islands of French Polynesia.
Today, it’s our photos that bring us back to paradise whenever we want to visit, and we hope they do the same for you.
Where is French Polynesia?
French Polynesia is a group of islands in the Southern Pacific Ocean, about a 5-hour flight from Auckland or an 8-hour flight from Los Angeles. Other French Polynesian islands you may be familiar with include Moorea, Bora Bora, or Raiatea.
Tahiti is the largest of the islands and home to Papeete, the capital of French Polynesia.
In the capital city, we enjoyed the culture, architecture, street art, and gastronomic delights. In contrast, I discovered an interesting paradise throughout the rest of the island in the form of grottos, blowholes, and stunning beaches.
Read on and discover some of our favourite things to do in Tahiti.
Things to do in Tahiti: driving the island ring
We wanted to see it all, to circumnavigate the beautiful island and explore its wonders. We had several options and could easily have driven ourselves. But, our friends wanted a guide, so we opted for an around-the-island tour (see below for details).
While there are plenty of things to do in Tahiti, here are the highlights of our drive around the island perimeter from the capital, Papeete.
Maraa Fern Grotto
Not only beautiful, but Maraa Fern Grotto also holds Tahiti’s largest underwater cave. French painter Paul Gauguin wrote about his experience swimming in the cave through the cold water. Gauguin lived in Tahiti twice between 1891 to 1901.
The five-minute walk through the lush tropical rainforest leading to the grotto is a stunning example of everything one would expect to find on the island of Tahiti.
Entry to the grotto is free.
Gardens of Vaipahi (water gardens)
Brightly coloured and unusual flora caught my eye as we entered the manicured tropical paradise of Vaipahi Gardens.
There are three walking trails here, each recommending about 30 minutes to complete. Nevertheless, it’s a place to relax and enjoy, to stroll, savouring the fragrant aromas and colourful sites.
Entry is free to these impressive gardens that feature 75 plant species from around the world. Legends and myths written on signposts throughout the gardens are in both English and French.
Fa’atauti’a Waterfall
Les 2 Cascades (twin waterfalls) is located just beyond the town of Taravao.
While beautiful, they were not as special as I had expected. In fact, they are not one of the well-known Tahiti waterfalls but rather a convenient stop as they are close to the main road.
Arahoho blowhole and black sand beach
Surf pounding against the headlands forces water and air into ancient lava tubes. The result is a blowhole that was surprisingly quiet while we were there.
There is a second blowhole that shot mist into the sky. We managed to stay dry, a story that we understand would have ended differently had the main hole been blowing.
And while blowholes are fascinating, the dark black sand beach really caught my eye here. To my initial surprise, no one put out a blanket and relaxed. Then, I felt the pipping hot sand with my bare feet. Shoes resolved the problem, and I was once again mesmerized by my surroundings.
Point Venus
Photo credit: Deposit Photos
Another black sand beach on a spot made famous by Capitan Cook is Point Venus. It was here that Cook’s expedition set up an observatory and watched the transit of Venus across the sun in 1769 during his work for the Royal Society.
Well-known explorers William Bligh and Samuel Wallis also anchored here.
The lighthouse at Point Venus was designed by Thomas Stevenson, the father of author Robert Louis Stevenson. Our driver skipped this location as we can see Point Venus from the lookout point at Tahara’a Hill, our next stop.
Lookout at Tahara’a Hill (One Tree Hill)
Blooming with colourful flowers, a lone tree stands upon the hill near where we stood to enjoy the view overlooking Matavai Bay and the island of Moorea in the background.
Capitan Cook used this tree as a navigational landmark, thus giving Tahara’s Hill the nickname of One Tree Hill.
Things to do in Papeete Tahiti
Papeete is the main city on the island of Tahiti as well as the capital city of French Polynesia. It is the port of entry when cruising or flying into Tahiti.
Papeete Municipal Market
Crafts, food, souvenirs, clothes, flowers, Tahitian pearls, and just about anything else you might want is sold at the two-level indoor Papeete market. Live music is often available in the afternoons. Here you can bargain for a better price.
Pearl Museum
A small two-room museum, the Robert Wan Pearl Museum dedicates itself to the history, harvesting, and tools for selecting Tahitian pearls.
The museum is free to enter, they offer transportation to and from ports or hotels, and there was no pressure to make a purchase from the sales area.
Check out some of the government buildings
As the capital city, the main government buildings are located in Papeete. It was the eclectic mix of architecture I found most interesting. Here are a few:
- French Polynesia Assembly Building
The assembly consists of elected members. By law (since 2001), there is an equal number of male and female assembly members in the Assembly of French Polynesia. - Town Hall
A replica of the former Queen’s royal palace, the brightly coloured Papeete Town Hall is an iconic city structure. Built in the 1990s, it is a classic example of 19th-century French colonial architecture. Although we didn’t enter, it is open to the public on weekdays. - Home of the president of French Polynesia
This building is both the residence and office of the currently elected president of French Polynesia. The gate was open, and I asked the guard if I could take a photo, and he just let me walk in, but only so far.
Look for street art
Walking through the streets, we discovered an interesting mix of graffiti and Tahitian street art. Tahiti has its own style, which is colourful and fun. It’s often a mix of Polynesian culture, religion, and nature.
Roulottes
Roulottes translates to caravans in English, but these roulottes are actually mobile cafés, similar to food trucks in New Zealand. When there is a cruise ship in port, they are set up near the pier in the evenings, opening at about 6 pm.
The reasonable prices and tasty food make them popular with both locals and visitors.
Take a tour around Tahiti
There are several companies offering tours around the island, each sounding similar to the others. The woman who recruited us was personable, spoke perfect English, and sold her tour well.
However, there were no reviews or personal recommendations to read. We gave her our money and then she escorted us to a vehicle. Unfortunately, our driver only spoke about 20 words in English and refused to stop along the way for photos, despite our ‘saleswoman’ having featured this in her pitch.
The experience reminded us why we normally pre-book our tours in special places. We have since read reviews of many tours and found similar complaints about far too many of them. If we had done our typical research in advance, we would have taken one of these tours:
- Island tour
This overview tour of the island is a 5-hour exploration around the island that we wish we had taken. It hits all the major sites, including time for walking around Venus Point, the blowhole, and Vaipahi Gardens. While most of the tours sound similar when described by the tour company, this one is also praised by passengers in the reviews. ⇒ Reserve your 5-Hour Tahiti Island Tour here. - Island Adventure
If you want a different type of experience, check out this highly-rated Papeete Inner Island Full-Day Jeep Safari. This full-day tour will take you to the Arahoho Blowhole, the black sand beach, and the north coast to visit the three waterfalls of the Cascades of Faarumai in addition to a 4wd adventure inland into the dense rainforest. ⇒ Reserve your Papeete Inner Island Full-Day Jeep Safari here.
Regardless of which tour you choose, our top tips if you purchase your tour in town:
- Be aware that the person in town selling tours is not the same person who will take you on your tour.
- Verify that your driver will speak English, that the van is air-conditioned, and that it is non-smoking before you purchase, and then again before you get in the van. Ask for a different van or driver if the one provided doesn’t meet the terms you agreed upon.
Facts and practical information on visiting Tahiti
- The official language is French.
- Tahiti is two islands connected by a narrow isthmus. The larger is Tahiti Nui, the smaller is called Tahiti Iti. We took the loop road around Tahiti Nui. There is no road that circumnavigates the smaller island, and portions of it are only accessible by boat.
- It is one of the more beautiful ports we have visited.
- The best time to visit is from May to October when there is less rain and pleasant temperatures.
- Pacific Franc (CFP) is the island’s currency. Credit cards are accepted in most restaurants and shops. Andnsome places will accept Euros, US, Australian or New Zealand dollars, but at an unfavourable exchange rate.
- Renting a car on Tahiti is easy and appears inexpensive. However, the price quoted by most of the rental companies on the island is only for the car, the mileage is extra, as is petrol. When we visited, the petrol cost 160 francs per litre (about $6.40 USD per gallon).
- It is 116 kilometres (72 miles) around the island.
- If you arrive by cruise ship, you can see much of the downtown area on foot without a guide. We originally cruised to Tahiti. We sailed on the Golden Princess from Los Angeles, USA to Auckland, New Zealand. Our ports included two in Hawaii (Oahu and Kauai), two in French Polynesia (Tahiti and Moorea), and American Samoa. This was our first cruise crossing a major ocean, and we loved it.
- We have found Cruise Direct to offer the best prices on cruising, often offering great deals on Princess Cruises.
Other Pacific islands you might like
Relaxation or discovery, which of the things to do in Tahiti appeal to you?
Dixie
Stunningly beautiful place.
Grottos are so neat.
If I went there, I think I’d want to stay. 🙂
Nancy
You should write a book! Always so much great info and marvelous photos to be found in your posts. I feel like I’ve been there!
JJ Jordan
Wow, the black sand beaches look incredible!
Wellness Travel Diaries
I’ve never seen black sand beaches before, that really caught my eye! Thanks for sharing all this lovely nation has to offer.
Sara & Candace
Tahiti looks absolutely beautiful from your photos! Great comprehensive guide for us to refer back to if we ever decide to plan a trip here. I love exploring street art in our own cities, as well as in other places around the world – so neat! Xx Sara
Steph
Great tips! The beaches look gorgeous, but I’m really interested in the historical government buildings and pearl museum you mentioned. The street art is stunning! Thank you for sharing!
Linda (LD Holland)
On the travel wish list! Would love to visit Tahiti. Gardens and waterfalls would certainly be a draw. But for us, we would want to head underwater. But would certainly do a tour and learn more about the history and culture.
Trea
You had me at blowholes! I always find them so fascinating. I really enjoyed reading this post. I was laughing to myself reading about how the black sand was burning your feet. Not because of your pain! But because I often forget my beach shoes and know this feeling all too well. Papeete market looks very unique! I love exploring places that feel more ‘local’ and less ‘tourist’. The street art is incredible too. It reminded me of Colombia.
Kay
This is great! I actually haven’t seen much info about the capital city of Tahiti, and it’s something I’d definitely be interested in checking out as I’m not much of a beach person! Thanks for the suggestions!
Elyse
French Polynesia is such a dream destination. I can’t wait to go one day, loved your article and reading about places other than the beach.
alli
This place looks amazing. It’s on my bucket list
Obligatory Traveler
I don’t think I’ve considered going to Tahiti before, but now I really want to go. Doing a cruise sounds like an excellent idea. I’d love to visit the gardens and all of the fabulous waterfalls.
NAti
Tahiti is such a beautiful and fascinating place! I’d love to visit one day!
Cristina - Memories of the Pacific
Tahiti looks amazing! So much to see, so little time!
Sharon
The fern grotto and the waterfall caught my attention! My son and his wife honeymooned in Tahiti, but all their videos were of the ocean / water / boats. You’ve shown activities on land to enjoy, too!
Candy
Lovely! I hope to visit Tahiti some day!
Lisa
Such wonderful pictures. The greenery looks amazing. I am sorry you were disappointed with your tour – these things happen. It looks like you got to see quite a bit anyway.
Jill
Tahiti is my husband’s dream destination. From seeing your photos, I can see why. And I didn’t realize how much there is to do there. Saving for a (hopeful) future visit.
Amy Franks
wow looks like there is alot to see there, I think the markets would interest me, so many new foods.
Jess
This post is incredibly informative!! I really hope I get to visit Tahiti some day , it’s so beautiful. I feel like I know a lot about where to go when I get there now 😊
Anda
I love tropical islands and always wanted to go to Tahiti, but because Hawaii is much closer (and cheaper) for us, we always end up there when we want a tropical experience. There is a similar “fern grotto” in Kauai. It looks exactly like this one. I love your street art photos. You have a special talent do discover street art wherever you go. How come I never stumble upon such beautiful murals?
Emily
Wow, it looks like there is so much to do! I would love to get to visit someday!
peppylady (Dora)
It looks so clean and refreshing.
Coffee is on
Garima Nag
I love everything with a beach and this place look amazing. Surely gonna add this to my bucket list. Love
messymimi
Well, i’ve always said i want to see Tahiti, and i hate flying, so maybe someday i can cruise there!
Paul Pietrangelo
Wow! Tahiti looks so beautiful an there seems to see that there are so many things to see. Fantastic job Rhonda. See ya from………..
Cruisin Paul
Suzy Godfrey
I would love to visit that market and check out the street art too!
Mandy
Looks amazing! My husband and I are considering going there for our 10th anniversary. Looks well worth it. And astoundingly beautiful! Thanks for sharing! 🙂
Sienny
I love travelling around & enjoy my reading here. All your captures shared here so lovely, wishing am travelling here soon. cheers, siennylovesdrawing
Catherine
My goodness, Tahiti is simply breathtaking!! Those waterfalls are just stunning. I wish I could go there!
Mane
Wow! What a wonderful place! The Waterfall and the water gardens. I love nature and I feel happy surrounded by it. I wish I could visit this place one of these days. Your photos are amazing!
Indu
Seems to be a fabulous destination to visit. Enjoyed your panoramic photographs.
Lyosha
The place looks so relaxing and dreamy! I would love to visit it one day. The nature sights are breathtaking
Meredith
This sounds like such an idyllic location! I would love to visit Tahiti! Thanks so much for sharing!
Umiko
Maraa Fern Grotto is pretty. I wonder if Gauguin painted something based on it. The view from One Tree Hill is beautiful as well.
Jasmine Hewitt
Tahiti is so exotic and beautiful! this is a great list of adventures and activities!
Photo Cache
To me nothing feels more exotic than the mention of Tahiti.
Kalyan Panja
Thanks for sharing about this interesting place. I would love to be there and enjoy the scenery.
Thena Franssen
This place looks incredible! Love the pics!
Dollie
Tahiti is so stunning! I hope I can visit there soon.
Monidipa Dutta
I have always wanted to go to Tahiti. The place looks superb. U had a great time.
Alexandra Cook
Wow this place looks incredible. There’s so much to do and see there! Looks like a brilliant place to take the whole family
L. Diane Wolfe
It sounds like you really need to prepare ahead and research your tours. I’d want plenty of time at all of those stops and not a quick drive-by.
Sandee
Beautiful. Great shots and it’s ever so warm. We’re finally getting some warm here.
Have a fabulous day and week, Rhonda. ♥
Claire Lee
Water garden, blow hole and street art are my type of activities! Everything looks so fun and the view is beautiful! Thank you for the guide 🙂
stevebethere
Brilliant shots Rhonda I agree LQQKS beautiful there I get more blue sky from your photos each week than I do out my window here in London LOL
Thanks for the tour have a tanfastical week ➡
PS: I like the new look 🙂
Ryan K Biddulph
Gorgeous place Rhonda. Lesson learned with that driver; pre-booking is key to get a clear idea of how the tour will go. Trust factor, when you get referrals from other travel bloggers or trusted resources.
Ash Carlo
Tahiti is absolutely beautiful. What an amazing selection of things to do. The Pearl Museum looks really interesting and somewhere my family would love to visit.
Cristina Petrini
Traveling is exploring, it is going beyond the idea that a place can be had. Coulson was right! Tahiti? It’s a magical place!
Hilary
Hi Rhonda – it looks amazing … and what a pity you couldn’t do a bit more walking … but can understand time constraints. Gorgeous … cheers Hilary
Ryan K Biddulph
WOW. Amazing. Long been on my list after I spent 4 months in Fiji. I adore the South Pacific.
Lady Fi
A lot to see and do! Gorgeous shots.
Ashlee
There is so much to do and see in Tahiti! I love how green their flora is and the culture you captured is so intriguing! I’d definitely travel to there.
KVVS MURTHY
Wow..superb pics.Good day.
Danielle Wolter
i am dying to go to tahiti. it looks like such a beautiful and magical place. I’m not big on cruises, but I’d love to stay there for a couple weeks!