Tahiti, the heart of French Polynesia, is renowned for its stunning natural beauty, rich culture, and exhilarating adventures. Although Tahiti is often seen as a transit point due to its international airport, I hope this article will inspire you to stay for a few days and discover its beauty. Whether you’re seeking relaxation or thrilling activities, Tahiti has something for everyone.
Exploring Tahiti by renting a car is undoubtedly the best option. We chose AVIS for its excellent value, renting a 4X4 for around €350 for 5 days with about €60 spent on fuel. The freedom to stop and go at our own pace and easily carry our gear was a huge advantage. Taxis are prohibitively expensive, and public transportation, which runs infrequently and lacks reliable schedules, would not have allowed us to tour the island as extensively.
So here are my top 5 Things to do in Tahiti :
Paragliding over Tahiti with Air Evasion
For an unforgettable experience, try paragliding over the breathtaking landscapes of Tahiti. I had previously paraglided in Courchevel, France, over snowy mountains during winter. So I was eager to try it again, this time over a paradisiacal island and its lagoon. We chose Air Evasion for our adventure, and everything went smoothly! From our initial exchanges to the flight itself and the overall organization. We met at a designated parking area and then took a pickup truck up to the top of the hill for our tandem flight.
We flew over the valley admiring the striking contrast between the blue of the lagoon and the vibrant greenery. This adrenaline-pumping activity offers a unique perspective and unforgettable memories. The views from above are truly spectacular and will leave you in awe of Tahiti’s natural beauty.
Explore the Black Sand Beaches
As a devoted fan of black sand beaches, I’ve experienced numerous sands! Yellow, white, and even pink in Komodo last year. However, black sand beaches remain my favorite for their unique allure. I particularly loved Tahiti for this reason! Here are my top 3 black beaches in Tahiti :
- Pointe Venus Beach: A popular spot among locals, Pointe Venus is easily accessible and well-equipped with toilets, showers, a food truck (roulotte), and offers a spectacular sunset view. It holds historical significance as the site where Captain Cook first landed in Tahiti, adding to its charm and appeal.
- Taharuu Beach: We stumbled upon Taharuu while touring the island, and it quickly became my favorite because of its incredibly long and peaceful shoreline. The beach is lively with fishermen, surfers, and even dogs, which reminded me of Bali.
- Tautira Beach: A stunning black sand beach with mountains in the background, located on the Tahiti Iti peninsula facing the Vaitepiha Valley. The contrast between the black sand and lush green mountains is magical. Due to its remote location, very few visitors venture here, making it a serene and pristine spot to enjoy.
Discover Tahiti’s Waterfalls
- Faarumai Waterfalls : Located in the Papenoo Valley, these three stunning waterfalls are easily accessible and surrounded by verdant rainforest. The first waterfall, Vaimahutu, is just a 5-minute walk from the parking area and is definitely worth a visit for its impressive beauty. Unfortunately, access to the other two waterfalls has been closed for over 6 months as of June 2024, and there is no indication of when they will reopen.
- Fautaua Waterfall : One of the tallest in Tahiti and the 28th highest waterfall in the world, requires a half-day hike through lush rainforest to reach. The challenging trek typically takes several hours round trip, depending on your pace and conditions. Once there, hikers are rewarded with spectacular views and natural rock slides to enjoy in the refreshing pool at the base of the waterfall.
Exploring these waterfalls is a great way to experience Tahiti’s natural beauty and enjoy some adventure in the island’s lush landscapes.
Things to do in Tahiti : Experience a Day Trip to Tetiaroa
Tetiaroa, once owned by Marlon Brando, is a private atoll near Tahiti. Celebrities like Beyoncé and Obama love its beaches and clear waters. Staying at the luxury hotel is pricey, so opt for a day trip. There are several companies offering trips to Tetiaroa. The catamaran ride is 3.5-4 hours each way, but it’s worth it for this unforgettable experience at one of the world’s most stunning private atolls.
Unfortunately, our planned excursion with Escapade Charter was canceled the day before due to insufficient bookings, which left me feeling very disappointed.
Dining in a ‘Tahitian Roulotte’
For an authentic experience of Tahitian culture, don’t miss dining at a roulotte during your stay in Tahiti. These food trucks are scattered across the island and offer a variety of local dishes at affordable prices! Of course you need to try Poisson cru (raw fish salad), grilled fish, and lemon chicken. While the most famous ones are located in Papeete at Place Vaiete, we’ve enjoyed meals at several others and have rarely been disappointed. The portions are enormous! Tahitians eat a lot—just one dish was enough for both of us, and my husband is a big eater. The next day, we ordered two dishes and were able to eat for two days straight with the leftovers. It’s a fantastic way to experience Tahitian cuisine and culture.
I hope you enjoyed my suggestions for things to do in Tahiti! Tahiti is a paradise that offers a mix of adventure, relaxation, and cultural experiences. From soaring above the island with paragliding to enjoying the unique flavors of local cuisine, each activity offers a glimpse of the island’s richness.
Don’t miss out on my soon-to-be-released interactive map of Polynesia, showcasing the best things to do, restaurants, beaches, and more. Enhance your journey and discover every hidden gem this paradise has to offer!
Follow me on Instagram to stay updated about what to do in Tahiti! My stories are filled with condensed information (find them in the highlights)
Love,
