Day 1 in Tahiti

Welcome to Tahiti! Upon arrival at the airport, you will go through customs and immigration. Should you opt to purchase a transfer to your hotel; a representative will be waiting for you as you exit immigration. Arrive at your hotel, check-in and do not give in to jet lag! There is so much for you to see and do!

We recommend you get acquainted with the island, take a stroll around lively Papeete the main city in Tahiti where passengers arrive by boat or plane, and where most of the island's activity is found. The harbor town offers visitors a plethora of eateries, shops, and other attractions including the bustling Papeete Market or Marche de Papeete. This is one of the best markets found in the South Pacific open daily from the early morning hours until around 5 pm. Grab a coconut at the entrance and listen to the soothing sounds of the ukulele tunes and adjust to `Tahiti time`. Popular items to look for at the market include monoi oils and traditional Tahitian black pearls, along with some of the most delicious pineapples on the island. Wander around the busy market place and witness the vibrant burst of color and activity with fruit stands, fresh fish, and seafood sitting on beds of ice and fresh cuts of meat at the butcher counter.

After the market, take a walking tour (there are bicycle and segway tours offered also) of Papeete and check out some of the capital city`s highlights including the Papeete Town Hall, the Notre Dame Cathedral, Paofai Gardens, and Queen`s Pond. Learn about the beautiful culture of Tahiti and witness the beautiful European style architecture, take a tour of the Tahiti Pearl Museum and learn all about the famed Tahitian black pearl industry, and possibly purchased one of these beautiful gems for yourself.

The beautiful volcanic island of Tahiti is the largest of the 118 islands which make up the archipelago of French Polynesia. Needless to say, the stunning island is surrounded by idyllic pristine beaches and spectacular tranquil turquoise waters perfect for swimming, snorkeling, surfing, and other nautical activities. Enjoy some beach activities or just relax in the comfort of your accommodations with relaxing swimming pools, spa amenities, or access the ocean right from your underwater bungalow.

As the early evening approaches, head out on a romantic sunset cruise out on the spectacular tropical waters of the South Pacific Ocean. This is a wonderful and relaxing excursion offered by many tour groups on the island, enjoy cocktails and appetizers as you sail along the mesmerizing blue waters and soak in the vibrant colorful sight of the setting sun.

For dinner head to one of the many amazing restaurants found in Tahiti. Freshly caught fish and seafood are the main attraction on many of the menus on the island, Tahiti's is the ideal place to sample some of the most delicious seafood in the region. Mahi Mahi, grouper, and tuna are some of the most popular dishes served up and the national dish of Tahiti is `Poisson cru` which is raw tuna marinated in coconut milk and lime juice with vegetables served similar to ceviche.

Day 2 in Tahiti

Start your day with a delicious breakfast, many of the resorts and hotels offer a magnificent buffet spread filled with anything and everything you can imagine. Be sure to sample the fresh sliced fruit, French Polynesia is renowned for its superb tasting fresh fruits like pineapple, coconuts, and bananas. And don’t forget the crepes!! Delicious fresh crepes are served almost everywhere on the island.

Today head out to explore more of the island, Tahiti features a stunning coastline and a verdant forested interior, both well worth exploring. Rent a car for the day or head out on a motorcycle or scooter to travel around. There are possibilities to hike up Aoraki Mountain, see stunning cascading waterfalls such as Fautaua Waterfall via a helicopter ride, and take a 4WD safari into the deep lush valleys.

Travel around the island and see some of the highlights including a 19th-century lighthouse, and awe-inspiring natural attractions like a blowhole and a grotto. Stop off at some of the beaches and take in the scenery, many of the beaches in Tahiti feature black sand which is quite the contrast against the glistening turquoise waters.

The stunning miles of sparkling shorelines on the island offer endless possibilities for nautical activities like surfing, scuba diving, snorkeling, swimming, canyoning, kite surfing, and deep-sea fishing. Spend your day doing any of the exciting activities offered on the island, or simply lie back and relax on a beach or the pool and soak up the sand, sun, and sea with a cocktail in hand.

Early evening time, make your way down to Place Vaiete, or Vaiete Square, the busy waterfront area of Papeete which is brimming with` roulettes` (food trucks), traditional live music, and drinks in a vibrant atmosphere. Be sure to work up an appetite, as the square is filled with delicious food and a wide variety of cuisine, try the national dish `Poisson cru` or pizza, or crepes. The waterfront peninsula juts out into Matavai bay, you can access the black sand beach from here and watch another magical sunset.

There are many resorts and hotels on the island that offer great evening entertainment with live bands, traditional Tahitian dance, and beachside bars under the stars.

Day 3 in Tahiti

Today head out to the beautiful island of Moorea, the closest neighboring island to Tahiti just 27 miles offshore. A ferry ride can be taken from Papeete to Moorea which is lined by lovely white sand beaches and charming secluded bays. Rent a car, or scooter or take a guided tour around the circumference of the island which is 45 miles, visit some picture-perfect lookout spots, and explore tropical fruit plantations. Other points of interest on the circular island road tour include Cook`s Bay with its dramatic shoreline and soaring mountain peaks, where the spectacular Saint Joseph Catholic Church can be viewed.

Opunohu Bay features stunning untouched shorelines where famous Explorer Captain James Cook first anchored in 1777. Belvedere Lookout winds through the lush verdant forest passing ancient Polynesia temples leading out to a spectacular viewpoint with magnificent views of Mount Rotui, Opunohu, and Cooks Bay. Stop at the Les Tipaniers Hotel and Beach for some delicious fresh seafood for lunch and tasty tropical cocktails with views of the water. Relax on the beach here after lunch and swim in the clear blue waters that boast excellent snorkeling conditions.

The Moorea lagoon is a protected area situated just off the coast of the island filled with vibrant coral reefs, tropical fish and other marine life. Take out a transparent kayak for a unique tour experience and see the colorful tropical fish swimming below in the clear turquoise waters. There is an anchor point with rocks poking out in the middle of the lagoon where you can take a break and sip on a rum cocktail served in a coconut. There are fish feedings in the coral garden in the lagoon daily held at 11:30 am and 2:00 pm.

A highlight on Moorea is the Tiki Village Cultural Center which offers guests a memorable experience for the evening. Explore the traditions and lifestyle of French Polynesia where you can witness stone carvings, painting, and weaving. The highlight of the evening is the dinner and show with sounds of the ukulele and a delicious traditional dinner cooked deep in the ground with hot volcanic stones. After dinner, enjoy traditional dance performed by beautiful local dancers that tell the story of how Tahitian warriors journeyed to Hawaii, Samoa, and New Zealand in search of pearls.

Additional Days in Tahiti

If you are able to spend additional days in Tahiti be sure to visit La Plage de Maui, the pearly white beach located on Tahiti`s southern shore with clean warm waters in the dazzling lagoon. Enjoy some delicious beachside food from the snack bar.

Visit Fautaua waterfall during the rainy season, this dramatic cascading fall is located in the verdant Fautaua Valley, a natural wonder with a large pool at the base for swimming. Take the guided hike up to the waterfall, a strenuous journey but well worth it when you reach the breathtaking falls.

Your Last Day in Tahiti

Depart from your hotel to the airport for your return flight home. We recommend that you purchase a private transfer to the airport if so the representative will meet you at your hotel with plenty of time to get you to the airport for your flight out.