Situated in the heart of the Society Islands in French Polynesia, Tahiti is a name that evokes dreams worldwide. From the vibrant city centre of Papeete to the tranquil drives through the peninsula, Tahiti offers a stunning array of scenery and activities. The island boasts lofty mountains for hiking, crystal-clear seas and lagoons for swimming, and soft white or black sand beaches for sunbathing. Explore museums, savour international and traditional Polynesian cuisine at local restaurants and food trucks, and enjoy sports events and festivities throughout the year.
What makes it so special
Why visit Tahiti?
An outstanding tourist destination
With its imposing, majestic mountains, the largest island in French Polynesia reigns over the ocean with regal splendour. The mountainous interior conceals mysterious valleys, crystal-clear rivers fed by pure springs, and breathtaking waterfalls cascading down rugged cliffs.
The majority of the island’s population resides along the coast, preserving the interior’s authenticity and untouched beauty, even with the bustling capital of Papeete nearby. Papeete, meaning ‘water basket’ in Tahitian, serves as the heart of this island nation. It is a modern city, boasting world-class hotels, gourmet restaurants, vibrant nightclubs, a colourful market, museums, and an array of shops, including numerous pearl boutiques, of course.
An authentic experience
Polynesians are famous for their sense of hospitality, and in Tahiti, the welcome is warm and friendly. The first thing tourists notice is the casual conviviality of the local population.
In Tahiti, warm smiles greet you at every turn, as locals eagerly engage in conversation and readily offer assistance or guidance. Visitors quickly embrace the welcoming atmosphere, effortlessly settling into the laid-back rhythm of island living.
Not to be missed
Things to do in Tahiti?
There is so much to see and do in Tahiti: delve into museums, trek majestic mountains, venture into the expansive lagoon, and beyond, unwind on pristine sandy beaches, and indulge in exquisite dining and lively nightlife.
When is the best time to go ?
The best moment to schedule a trip to Tahiti largely depends on the type of experience you’re seeking. If you’re looking to enjoy warm, sunny weather, the peak tourist season from April to October is ideal. December and January offers more of a tropical atmosphere and vibrant events with greener mountains explained by a more humid weather. March is a great time for those who prefer fewer crowds, as the weather remains pleasant, and the island’s beauty can be enjoyed in a more peaceful setting. For those interested in cultural experiences, June to August are the months to visit, with various festivals celebrating Polynesian traditions. However, if you’re drawn to the island’s serene atmosphere, February can be a great choice, though it falls within the humid season, which brings occasional showers but also lush landscapes. Regardless of when you choose to visit, Tahiti’s stunning beaches, rich heritage, and the legacy of famous figures like Paul Gauguin make it a fantastic destination year-round.
Culture and history
Tahiti’s historic heritage: a vibrant culture
Tahiti, the largest of The Islands of Tahiti, is a land of culture, music, and dance. Experience the mesmerising ‘ori Tahiti’ dance, explore contemporary art exhibitions, attend modern theatre performances, or revel in live concerts. Papeete thrives as a vigorous hub of artistic expression across various mediums.
Tahiti’s Natural Beauty
Tahiti, a true natural paradise, offers incomparable beauty with its lush hills, black and white sand beaches, and unique landscapes. The island is filled with breathtaking sights such as the Faarumi waterfalls, the Papenoo valley, and the Vaipahi water gardens, each offering an immersion into preserved nature with verdant mountains, fast-flowing rivers, and a wide variety of tropical plants.
Tahiti’s Flora and Fauna
Tahiti is home to an exceptional fauna, including rare species like the Tahitian monarch. Its coral reefs are teeming with tropical fish, sea turtles, manta rays, and dolphins. Every year, humpback whales come to its waters to give birth. The island also boasts almost 400 endemic plant species, many of which are endangered, making it a truly remarkable biodiversity hotspot.
You’ll also enjoy
The neighboring islands
Tahiti is surrounded by the vast and beautiful Pacific Ocean, but it isn’t completely isolated. Just a few kilometers from Papeete, the capital, is the island of Moorea. Explore its beaches and mountains and appreciate the tranquility. Go a little further and you’ll find bird island, Tetiaroa, the preserved atoll of Marlon Brando. Further away the Tuamotu islands offer completely different views & experiences with unhabited islands & preserved ecosystems. Totaling 118 islands in the south Pacific, the hardest choice would be choosing the islands you’re not going to visit.
Be inspired
Experiences
Stay on the island of Tahiti and experience the natural beauty of French Polynesia. Take advantage of our holiday packages to explore the island’s untamed interior and immerse yourself in the vibrant Polynesian way of life.
HOLIDAY PACKAGES FOR TAHITI
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Let yourself be seduced by our holiday offers and discover the allure of French Polynesia. Experience the warmth of its people, the untamed beauty of its nature, its priceless art of living, and the charm of its islands.
14 days
Discover the Marquesas islands by sea
Marquesas Islands, Other Tuamotu Islands, Rangiroa, Tahiti
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Four days in Tahiti
Explore the luxuriant interior, majestic mountains, cascading waterfalls, and deep, mysterious valleys of Tahiti. Discover the island’s rich cultural heritage and vibrant history. Savour fine cuisine, enjoy traditional entertainment, shop for unique treasures, relax on beautiful beaches, and indulge in water sports of all kinds. Take the time to truly get to know Tahiti.
Getting here and getting around
The main port of entry into French Polynesia is Tahiti-Faa’a International Airport, with flights arriving from major cities around the world, including Paris, Los Angeles, Seattle, San Francisco, Tokyo, Auckland, and Honolulu. Upon arrival, you can rent a car, take a taxi, or catch a bus to the centre of Papeete or directly to your hotel.
To explore other islands in French Polynesia, you can choose from sailboat cruises, passenger ferries, or domestic flights operated by Air Tahiti, which services 48 different islands, including Bora Bora, Rangiroa, and the Marquesas Islands.
There are plenty of ways to get around Tahiti, offering a variety of transport options to help you discover what makes The Islands of Tahiti so unique and special.
History and Society of Tahiti
Tahiti has a deep and fascinating history. Originally inhabited by the Polynesian people, it became part of the French colonial empire in the 19th century. In 1797, the Pomare family, the royal Tahitian dynasty, signed the first treaties with the British and French. The island was formally annexed by France in 1880, becoming part of French Polynesia, with the people of Tahiti remaining at the heart of its administrative, political, and cultural life.
The local population, known as Tahitians, have preserved their rich Polynesian heritage despite the island’s modern influences. French is the official language of the country, though Tahitian language is still spoken widely.
Over the years, Tahiti’s capital, Papeete, has evolved into a bustling modern city, while still retaining a connection to its Polynesian roots. The island’s society is built on respect for the elders, family, and community, with traditional values influencing everyday life.
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