10 Best Things to do in Tahiti (2024)

These best things to do in Tahiti cover the best sights, natural landscapes, beaches tours and cultural experiences; so you can plan the perfect trip.

French Polynesia’s largest island, Tahiti is a tropical paradise with its gorgeous landscapes, vibrant culture, and crystal clear waters. From nice beaches to mountains, from history to different cultures, there are plenty of things to do in Tahiti for everyone.

Best Things to do in Tahiti

See the natural beauty of Moorea

Included on Travel + Leisure’s list of the world’s most beautiful islands for 2018 is Moorea, aka the sister island of Tahiti, which provides a heady mix of dazzling landscapes and outdoor fun.

Moorea is a beautiful yet dramatic volcanic heaven, its lush valleys bring nature lovers to their knees. Riding the Ferris wheel is one of the most popular activities, with visitors rewarded with panoramic views of the island and the surrounding ocean from atop its summit on Mount Rotui.

The hike has its reward: the trail wends you through dense forests overflowing with terrifying flora and fauna that provide a visual as well as physical reward.

Moorea is also ideal for those who want to explore underwater because there’s plenty of marine life in its lagoons. The snorkeling and diving tours take you for a swim among all kinds of colorful fish, rays, and even sharks in their elements.

We recommend you find the best eSIM options for travelers and get an eSIM card to keep you interested while you’re here to share your beautiful trip right on the fly and navigate around to see the many attractions on the island.

Papeete Market

Visiting Papeete Market is one of the best ways to immerse yourself in the rich culture of the country. Here, you can try fresh produce and handmade crafts and you will find traditional Tahitian dishes there. The island’s spirit is apparent with colors; smells; and even sounds that buzz in the market and give off a sensory overload.

Traditional Dance shows

A must-do is attending a traditional dance show; another one of the best things to do in Tahiti.

Packed full of feather headdresses, flowers, and intricate rhythmic dances to narrate stories about the gods, nature, and ancestral history, elaborate costumes are worn by dancers. These performances are often part of festivals or special events, giving people a real look at the background of each dance.

Engaging with the local culture will help you understand the unique traditions that make Tahiti magical.

Climb Mount Aorai

Standing at 2,066 meters, Mount Aorai is another one of the best things to do in Tahiti and one of the most accessible peaks.

Known for its breathtaking views, the trek up Mount Aorai offers a challenging yet rewarding experience. The trail takes hikers through lush tropical forests, along narrow ridges, and past panoramic viewpoints that showcase the island’s dramatic landscapes and azure lagoons.

On clear days, you can even see neighboring islands in the distance.

For adventurers, the hike can be done in a day, but many opt to stay overnight in one of the mountain’s refuges, such as the Fare Ata or Fare Mato, to enjoy an unforgettable sunrise from above the clouds.

Whether you’re an experienced climber or a nature lover, Mount Aorai offers an incredible way to connect with Tahiti’s untamed beauty.

Fautaua Waterfall

Tahiti is renowned for its breathtaking natural beauty, and exploring its waterfalls and gardens is a must for any visitor. One of the most famous waterfalls is Fautaua Waterfall, which is approximately 300 meters high and can be reached via a scenic hike that takes you through the heart of Tahiti’s rainforest.

The trek offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape, with the sound of rushing water guiding you along the way. The waterfall is magical. It’s a perfect spot for photos and enjoying nature.

Vaipahi Gardens

In addition to waterfalls, Tahiti boasts exquisite botanical gardens, such as the Vaipahi Gardens. This serene oasis showcases a variety of native plants, flowers, and trees, providing visitors with a glimpse into the island’s rich biodiversity.

Walking through these gardens, you can appreciate the vibrant colors and fragrant scents that fill the air. Guided tours often explain the cultural significance of various plants.

Matira Beach

Another one of the best things to do in Tahiti is all about those beaches. Matira Beach is one of the most popular beaches in the neighboring island of Bora Bora, but is often confused for the lure of Tahiti. It offers gentle waves and a surrounding set up to ensure you can enjoy sunbathing, swimming or even just being under the shade of palm trees.

A welcoming calm lagoon offers visitors the opportunity to enroll themselves in a range of water activities including snorkeling or paddle boarding and see the beautiful underwater world teeming with marine life.

Lafayette Beach

Another great option for relaxing by the sea is Lafayette Beach. This is another beautiful beach to visit with dramatic scenery and a tranquil atmosphere.

You can relax on the sandy golden shores and see the lovely mountainous views all around, and it is all here. Beaches in Tahiti also provide beachside restaurants and bars where you can enjoy tasty local cuisine or refreshing cocktails while watching a sunset over the horizon, too.

For a more private experience, try unpopular beaches like Haapiti or Papenoo. They offer a quiet break from the hustle and bustle. Tahiti’s stunning beaches have it all. They range from lively scenes to quiet hideaways.

Papenoo Valley

Papenoo Valley is another popular place to explore in the country. Nestled in the heart of Tahiti, is a lush, verdant wonderland that showcases the island’s raw and unspoiled beauty.

Known for its dramatic landscapes, the valley is dotted with cascading waterfalls, dense rainforests, and crystal-clear rivers. Visitors can explore Papenoo Valley on a 4×4 safari tour, which takes you deep into the island’s interior, offering breathtaking views of rugged mountains and volcanic craters.

Go on a lagoon tour

Experience the beauty of Tahiti’s lagoons by joining a boat tour. Many operators offer half-day or full-day excursions that include snorkeling, swimming with rays and sharks, and enjoying a picnic on a secluded beach.

These tours provide an excellent opportunity to appreciate the island’s natural wonders while creating unforgettable memories.