Tahiti (Papeete), French Polynesia
Tahiti is not just an island - Tahiti has always been a state of mind. The bustling capital of Tahiti and her islands, Papeete is the chief port and trading center, as well as a provocative temptress luring people to her shores. Immortalized in the novel "Mutiny on the Bounty," who could blame the men of "HMS Bounty" for abandoning their ship in favor of basking in paradise? And what would Modern Art be without Tahiti's influence on Gauguin and Matisse? Today the island is a charming blend of Polynesian "joie de vivre" and Gallic sophistication. But venture out from Papeete and you find a landscape of rugged mountains, lush rainforests, cascading waterfalls and deserted beaches.
Contrasting with other French Polynesian ports, Papeete's coastline initially greets you with a vista of commercial activity that graciously gives way to both black and white-sand beaches, villages, resorts and historic landmarks.
Points of Interest
- Island Drive
- Tahara'a "One Tree Hill"
- James Norman Hall's Home
- Point Venus
- Museum of Tahiti
- Tomb of Pomare V
- 4WD Excursion
- Faarumai Waterfalls
Easy Papeete
- Island Drive
- Tahara'a "One Tree Hill"
- Point Venus
This tour is designed for passengers who prefer to see some sights from the motorcoach with little or no walking involved. Explore Tahiti's highlights on this half-day excursion. Take in One Tree Hill and Point Venus, where Captain Cook landed in 1769. View the Arahoho Blowhole, the tomb of Tahiti's last king and make a photo stop at picturesque Faarumai Valley.
Easy Activity
$69.95
Circle Island Drive
- Island Drive
- Tahara'a "One Tree Hill"
- Point Venus
Circumnavigate the island of Tahiti by motorcoach on a scenic half-day adventure that takes in the top attractions. Fill your camera with the beauty of the Vaipahi waterfalls and gardens, feel the spray at the Arahoho Blowhole, marvel at the panoramic vistas from Tahara'a Hill and Point Venus, then climb through Mara'a Fern Grotto Caves.
Moderate Activity
$89.95
Highlights of Tahiti
- Island Drive
- Tahara'a "One Tree Hill"
- James Norman Hall's Home
- Point Venus
This half-day tour unveils Tahiti's history and natural beauty. Tour the James Norman Hall Museum, and witness the Monument of Captain Bligh and the tomb of Tahiti's last king. View island highlights such as the Arahoho Blowhole, the popular black-sand beach at Point Venus and the breathtaking Faarumai Valley.
Moderate Activity
$89.95
Papenoo Valley & Waterfall by 4WD
- 4WD Excursion
Board a 4WD vehicle and witness breathtaking views of the east coast of Tahiti and the Papenoo Valley. This half-day tour takes in a tropical forest, graceful waterfalls and dramatic basalt cliffs. Also enjoy a refreshing swim in a forest pool and the panoramic view at one of the island's scenic lookouts.
Moderate Activity
$99.95
Undiscovered Tahiti
- Island Drive
- Museum of Tahiti
Explore the west coast of the island of Tahiti along with visiting one of the island's most popular museums and a local home.
Moderate Activity, Includes snack
$99.95
Lagoon Sail & Snorkel Tour
Explore the watery wonders of this tropical paradise on a scenic cruise and snorkel dive. After a relaxing sail around the lagoon aboard a sailing catamaran you'll stop for a swim and snorkel in the inviting turquoise waters teeming with colorful marine species.
Strenuous Activity, Includes snack
$129.95
Best of Papeete
- Point Venus
- Island Drive
- Tahara'a "One Tree Hill"
- Museum of Tahiti
Spend the day exploring the highlights of the island of Tahiti. View such sights as the famous Arahoho Blowhole, Tahara'a Hill, Point Venus, and the Vaipahi waterfalls. Make a stop at the Museum of Tahiti and Her Islands, ranked as one of the best museums in the South Pacific, and enjoy a lunch buffet at Restaurant du Musee Gauguin.
Shopping Opportunities, Moderate Activity, Includes meal
$149.95