The Islands of Tahiti are a dream destination that seems even better when you wake up. Pure, natural, and unspoiled by mass tourism, The Islands of Tahiti preserve their rich Polynesian heritage, which blooms in some of the most beautiful tropical settings on Earth.
Welcome to the Real Tahiti
Papeete serves not just as French Polynesia’s economic hub, but its gateway to the world. Before you fly on to the fantastic resorts that have made the more remote islands famous, spend a couple of days here, exploring Tahiti on its namesake island, and immersing yourself in the history, culture, cuisine, and art of French Polynesia. Time in Papeete also gives you a chance to mingle with locals, reminding you that there’s a living, vibrant, and very welcoming community behind all that postcard perfection.
Exploring the marae, remains of Polynesian settlements dating back centuries, is a great way to start exploring French Polynesia’s history. Bringing things into the present, explore Papeete itself, particularly spots like Notre Dame Cathedral, the Marina, Vaiete Square and Pā’ōfa’i Gardens. You’ll see the remnants of French colonial rule and the archipelago’s transition into a modern protectorate, with street art giving the city its own unique look and energy. Then, there’s street food. You haven’t eaten in Papeete until you’ve pulled up a plastic chair at Les Roulottes, the city’s famous food truck spot, famous for its variety of dishes across many cuisines made with fresh, local ingredients.
Of course, Tahiti holds its own for natural beauty as well. There are snorkelling and diving spots, spectacular viewpoints such as Ta Pahi and Point Venus, beautiful black sand beaches that reveal the truth of French Polynesia’s volcanic past, and white sand beaches ideal for relaxing under tropical skies. Explore the Papeno’o Valley on a 4x4 tour, visit the waterfalls and grottos that dot the island, or catch the surfers showing off their skills on Tahiti’s east coast. It’s no surprise that Tahiti was chosen to host surfing events for the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Mo’orea: Tahiti’s Head-Turning Neighbour
The largest and most accessible of French Polynesia’s ‘resort’ islands, Mo’orea has come to shape much of what we imagine when we think of The Islands of Tahiti. It has the lush hinterland and white sand beaches ideal for swimming, yet it’s still large enough to offer its own shopping and rich cultural experiences, while providing slightly more affordable rates than atolls like Bora Bora.
Hike (or ATV) up to Magic Mountain for unbeatable views over Mo’orea, or take in the sunset view from Belvedere lookout. Rent a sea-scooter for a little powered underwater sightseeing, or experience the thrill of spotting whales in the wild from July to November. Mo’orea is also an island known for its authentic, yet innovative Polynesian flavours, with a European twist. Pineapple champagne is a celebratory drink of choice here, and you can also enjoy authentic Neapolitan pizza made with fresh local ingredients. For a more traditionally local tasty bite, tuck into some poisson cru, fresh fish cured in coconut milk and lime juice that is French Polynesia’s most quintessential dish.
Bora Bora… Hey, Don’t Wake Up! You’re Not Dreaming.
The image of countless honeymoon postcards, the island of Bora Bora, looks too perfect to be real. A dramatic turquoise lagoon separates the white sand beaches of the main island from the thin strips of land protecting the lagoon. The volcanic plug of the extinct volcano Mount Otemanu towers above the island, its lower slopes shrouded in a luxurious green gown of tropical vegetation. Beneath its gaze, you can snorkel with sharks and rays, explore viewpoints and historic sights by jeep or 4x4, or simply relax on powdery white beaches lapped by gentle waves.
If you’re feeling up to a challenge, try a hike through the tropical forest (hire a guide for safety) up Mount Pahia for awesome views of Bora Bora with Mount Otemanu in the background. Adrenaline junkies can hire a jet ski to explore the lagoon, but peaceful stand-up paddleboarding is one of Bora Bora’s most popular activities, and the gentle waters of its lagoon offer an ideal environment in which to learn. You can also interact with the local sea life in a more active, sustainable way by helping care for sea turtles at the Bora Bora turtle sanctuary.
Food and drink are also a major part of Bora Bora’s culture. Pull up a wooden seat at one of the many trendy bars around the atoll, order a Hinano lager and enjoy a laid-back experience.
Taha’a: Vanilla is the Perfect Flavour
Each island offers its own personality and range of activities, but it’s hard not to follow your nose to Taha’a. With the sweet scent of vanilla floating in the air, a visit to a vanilla plantation is a must — along with other local activities such as snorkeling the coral garden, sampling Polynesian rum, exploring the trails and beaches, and visiting a pearl farm in search of the perfect souvenir. If you’re staying in Taha’a for a few days, consider a day trip to the neighbouring island of Raiatea, where you can visit the Marae Taputapuātea, which was officially declared an UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2017.
Planning (& Saving on) Your Trip to French Polynesia
Faaʼa International Airport connects Papeete with nonstop flights to cities on the US West Coast, along with destinations across the Pacific and Asia, as well as Paris. Connecting flights with a range of partners are available from Canada. Spend a couple of days in Papeete to begin your deep dive into Polynesian culture before transferring to one of the further islands.
While many resorts in The Islands of Tahiti offer luxury experiences, there are plenty of smart and simple ways to enjoy them without breaking the bank. Booking in shoulder season from December to March can help reduce costs. Showers are usually brief during these months and can offer a welcome respite from the day’s heat. Some resort chains offer discounts if you book with them across multiple islands, and it’s worth checking food and drink package options to maximize value, particularly on smaller islands where off-resort restaurant options may not be so plentiful.
Finally, staying in an overwater bungalow is one of the most renowned bucket-list items in The Islands of Tahiti, but it often comes with a bucket-list price tag. If you’re stretching your dollars, consider booking an overwater bungalow for just one or two nights, then transfer to a lower-priced room for the rest of your stay. Most resorts will be happy to switch you over. There are also cost-effective accommodations that allow visitors to immerse themselves in the culture, such as staying in a Tahitian guesthouse with locals.
Discover The Islands of Tahiti on a custom vacation with Goway.
Christian’s first globetrotting adventure saw him get lost exploring the streets of Saigon. Following his nose to Asia’s best coffee, two lifelong addictions were born. A freelance writer and novelist, Christian’s travels have since taken him around his native Australia, Asia, Europe, and much of North America. His favourite trips have been through Japan, Spain, and Brazil, though with a love of off-beat, artsy cities, he’ll seize any opportunity to return to Paris, New York, or Berlin.
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