Otemanu mountain vista
Tahiti is a dream destination for beach-lovers, thrill-seekers, honeymooners, and families, and these top five things to do in Tahiti are essential experiences to enjoy during your vacation.
You could find yourself sipping cocktails as the sunset turns the sky orange, pink, and purple. You could snorkel around breathtaking coral reefs or dive to see what magnificent marine creatures swim in the sparkling French Polynesia waters. Cultural markets, neighboring islands, and gushing waterfalls will also blow you away during your stay in Tahiti.
In this article, find the top five things to do in Tahiti for a glimpse of some of the additional experiences and activities you can enjoy when you vacation in the tropical beauty of French Polynesia.
Marché Papeete Market, Tahiti
Tahiti’s main market, Marché Papeete, is a treasure trove of cultural discoveries for you to explore during your vacation.
The massive marketplace is laden with stalls that sell all sorts of goodies, from fresh fruit and vegetables to local handicrafts, beautiful textiles, stunning souvenirs, and exquisite traditional delicacies.
Explore the breadth and depth of Tahitian traditions as you wander from one colorful stall to the next, taking your time to chat with the locals in broken English and learn more about their fascinating way of life.
Cultural Experiences in Tahiti: Museum of Street Art Tahiti | Place To'atā | Pearl Museum | 'Ārahurahu Marae | Papenoo Valley
Faarumai Waterfalls, Tahiti
The Faarumai Waterfalls are a treasured Tahitian destination that offer travelers exceptional photography opportunities amongst the flourishing forests that cover large portions of the island.
The cascades themselves lie on the other side of shady forest trails that weave around the jungle-clad landscape and allow visitors to witness the endemic flora and fauna en route to the viewing deck. Arriving at the falls, the mighty sheet of falling water will absorb you and make your trek through the forested landscape well worth it.
Popular Waterfalls in Tahiti: Fautaua Waterfall | Moorea Waterfalls | Afareaitu Falls | Vaioro Falls | Tahiti Iti Waterfalls
Moorea Island
Tahiti is a gateway to many marvelous islands in the French Polynesian region, namely Moorea and Bora Bora. During your tropical vacation you can board a charter and set sail across the cyan sea to see these sensational islands first-hand and explore their distinct charms.
The turquoise lagoons and white-sand beaches of Moorea reflect the dreamy brochures of the islands of Tahiti. Vertical peaks plunge into lush slopes that glint against the pristine coastline. Bora Bora is the island of dreams, with captivating waters that shift between sapphire and indigo. The island is full of white-sand beaches, emerald rainforest, and basalt summits.
Things to Do on Moorea and Bora Bora: Marae Titiroa and Marea Ahu-o-Mahine | Magical Mountain | Coastal Defense Guns | Bora Bora Lagoon
Taapuna, Tahiti
Surfers, paddleboarders, and travelers wishing to learn the beloved water sports flock to Tahiti to find the best swells in the world. Greater French Polynesia boasts a collection of surf spots, each with its own unique waves.
Some are massive and challenging for even the bravest surfers, others are small and ideal for beginners. No matter your skill level, you can enjoy surfing, paddleboarding, or watching others glide across the face of endless summer waves at the premier surf spots and beaches of Moorea, Rangiroa, Tahiti, and Tikehau.
Best Surf Spots in French Polynesia: Teahupoo | Maraa | Papara | Papenoo Rivermouth | Taapuna
Venus Point beach in Tahiti
There are many ways to soak up the spectacular seasides of Tahiti, all of which you can do during a vacation on the island in French Polynesia. You can cruise around the vast archipelago in search of surreal snorkeling spots to see stingrays, sharks, and colorful fish swimming amongst the coral.
You can lounge on the sun-washed shores with your feet in the sand and watch the sunset with a cocktail in hand. You can also sail the sea in a private yacht or kayak across the indigo lagoons, cinematic experiences that you will find well-documented in glossy brochures.
Best Beaches in Tahiti: Lafayette Beach | Papenoo Beach | Toaroto Beach | Bain Lot Beach | Venus Point Beach
Bora Bora beach
Tahiti is a breathtaking island in French Polynesia that offers adventure travelers, enthusiastic explorers, families, and couples dream experiences and sensational things to do during a vacation on the island.
If you wish to visit Tahiti for a vacation, be sure to enjoy these top five things to do. If you want more travel inspiration check out sample itineraries on our Tahiti Vacations or chat with a Tahiti travel specialist to plan your custom trip by calling us on 1-888-265-9707.