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?

Mount Aorai seen from the sky,one of the highest hike available on the mountains of Tahiti_© Grégoire Le Bacon _ LionAiles

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.

Welcome to Tahiti, enjoy the Traditional Polynesian hospitality © Grégoire Le Bacon

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.

Why visit Tahiti?

Fill up on vitamin D

From pristine white sand beaches to secluded black sand beaches, Tahiti offers a wide range of breathtaking ocean views.

Discover

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.

 

Things to do in Tahiti?
View from the Belvedere of Taravao portrait - Tahiti Tourisme © Kristiyan Markov
Boat trip to Teahupo'o the end of the road, Tahiti © Ra'i Mao

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.

Tahiti iti seen from the sea © Grégoire Le Bacon
Tahiti iti seen from the sea © Grégoire Le Bacon
3 Ori Tahiti traditional dancers © Grégoire Le Bacon

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.

A rich cultural heritage

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 Natural Heritage
Hiking in Tahiti aerial view of the waterfalls of Tahiti © Grégoire Le Bacon - Tahiti Nui Helicopters
Nature yoga session in front of a waterfall in the Papeno'o valley, Tahiti

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.

The Flora and Fauna of Tahiti
Turtle swimming over the coral reef in the islands of Tahiti© Grégory Lecoeur
rare & endangered iconic bird of Tahiti

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.

Islands and Archipelagos
View of the two bays of Moorea from the valley of Opunohu © David Kirkland
Vue aérienne sur une plage de Tetiaroa © Tahiti Fly Shoot

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.

More experiences
More experiences

HOLIDAY PACKAGES FOR TAHITI

Book Your Trip

Latest offers

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.

All holiday packages

8 days

Overwater Romance in Bora Bora

Bora Bora, Tahiti

From 7770 NZD per person
From 1099 NZD per person

14 days

Discover the Marquesas islands by sea

Marquesas Islands, Other Tuamotu Islands, Rangiroa, Tahiti

From 11513 NZD per person

7 days

Silversea Cruises: Society Islands

Bora Bora, Huahine, Moorea, Raiatea, Tahiti

From 6399 NZD per person

10 days

A whole new world

Bora Bora, Moorea, Tahiti

From 14295 NZD per person
All holiday packages
Vue sur les sommets montagneux de Tahiti © Grégoire Le Bacon Tahiti Nui Helicopters

Suggested itinerary

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.

Discover
Se deplacer en Truck © Ra'i Mao

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.

A rich, ancestral tahitian & Marquesian culture ©Grégoire Le Bacon
Vue aérienne sur l'atoll de Tetiaroa © Tahiti Tourisme

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