Things to see and do in The Islands of Tahiti

Attractions in The Islands of Tahiti

Arahoho Blowhole: a natural wonder

Arahoho Blowhole is a natural wonder carved by waves smashing against rocks over the millenniums and creating a small opening that shoots water skywards.

Bora Bora: hike through beautiful scenes

Ascend the two mountains of Otemanu and Pahia on the island of Bora Bora, and find yourself a wonderful lookout point across this most famous of the Leeward Islands, only 45 minutes from Tahiti by plane.

Bora Bora: venture into crystal waters

There are plenty of opportunities to go deep-sea fishing, scuba diving, snorkelling or swimming on a nearby motu (a small sandy atoll within a reef), or take a trip by glass-bottomed boat around the lagoons of Bora Bora. The sea around the South Pacific islands is excellent for scuba diving and other popular watersports include windsurfing, water skiing, surfing and kite-surfing.

Fakarava Atoll: swim with sharks

A UNESCO Biosphere Reserve site, Fakarava is a protected coral atoll and home to many rare species of birds, plants and crustaceans. The lagoon of Fakarava is nicknamed the "Wall of sharks" as divers often swim along hundreds of sharks - usually a mixture of black tip, white tip, white lagoon and gray sharks.

Fatu Hiva Island: explore an idyllic location

The island of Fatu Hiva, with its Valley of Hanavare hidden between volcanic rock on the Bay of Virgins, is simply magical. This also contains the significant archaeological site of Puama'u, with its ancient statue of a tiki (a male figure in Polynesian myth).

Marquesas Islands: discover a heritage of arts

Visit the burial spots of the French artist Paul Gauguin and Belgian singer Jacques Brel on the Marquesas Islands, both of whom are buried on Hiva Oa. For greater insight into the life of Gauguin, the famous French Post-Impressionist painter of the 19th century, visit the Paul Gauguin Museum on Tahiti.

Mo'orea: bask on exquisite shores

You can't beat the supreme beaches of the Islands of Tahiti. With white sand as pure as snow, transparent lagoons and volcanic vistas, the islands are nirvanas for sun seekers. But which is the best? Tough call, but we'd recommend the sandy shores of Mo'orea.

Opunohu Valley: wander into an ancient valley

Visit the beautiful Opunohu Valley on Mo'orea, an ancient dwelling place with 500 structures including temples, some of which have been restored. The marae (open-air temples) of Mahaiatea, on Tahiti, are also worth a visit.

Papeete: pick up some local trinkets

Papeete makes a good base for exploring Tahiti. Most of the activity in Papeete centred around the waterfront along Boulevard Pomare, as well as around its lively public market, Le Marché. The bazaar is open Mon-Sat 0500-1700 hours. On Sunday, only the food stalls are opens from 0400-0800 hours.

Taha'a island: take a stroll and breathe in the scent

Inhale the faintly sweet aroma that lingers on the "Vanilla Island" of Taha'a. The breeze constantly carries the smell of vanilla from the island's numerous vanilla plantations. Taha'a also shares a coral reef with the island of Raiatea, and offers a tranquil and relaxed beach break.

Teahupo'o: a surfer's paradise

The Teahupo'o region is known for its world-famous breaks and home to seven premiere surf spots within five miles of one another, offering endless opportunities to hang loose. The best time to surf is from May to August. Taapuna and Papara are the other surfing spots.

Ua Huka: saddle up for horse riding

Go horse riding between the numerous valleys of Ua Huka. Hourly and day-long horse riding tours can be arranged through Club Equestre de Tahiti and Centre de Tourisme Equestre de Tahiti (Equestrian Tourism Centre), both at the Hippodrome, Pirae, Tahiti. For more equine-related fun, Tahitian-style horse racing can also be seen at the Hippodrome in Pirae.

Tourist offices

Tahiti Tourisme in the USA

Tahiti Tourisme's UK Office