Tahiti is made up of 118 islands and atolls of which 67 are inhabited. French and Tahitian are the official languages but English is widely spoken. The ingredients that make up these islands are rugged mountains, coral reefs, white sand, palm-fringed lagoons and lush carpeted green landscapes. 

Tahiti resorts and Luxury Accommodation 

All the major islands offer world-class resort hotels including overwater bungalows ideal for both romantics and honeymooners. One of the first things that strike you when you arrive on a Tahiti vacation is the amazing

mountains with their unusual jagged peaks formed by volcanoes roughly ten million years ago. Also on these islands are deep canyons, waterfalls, verdant forests, and black sand beaches and surrounding them are the coral fringes that play an important role in making Tahiti as attractive as it is. 

Something else that captures the eye is the abundance of tropical flowers which seem to be everywhere on the islands and particularly in the hair of Tahitians. Hibiscus blossoms are often worn behind the ear.

Tahiti Travel Highlights

Activities in Tahiti are many. There are 4 x 4 safaris, nature hikes, scuba diving, snorkeling, canoeing, sailing, jet skiing, windsurfing, surfing, bike riding, tennis, golf on the islands of Tahiti and Moorea, horseback riding, deep-sea fishing, shopping, circle-island tours, helicopter tours, museum visits and archaeological tours.

Marae 

Typical in Tahiti is the open-air sanctuaries called Marae. These large, sacred, stone structures, akin to temples, once hosted important events of the times including the worship of the gods, peace treaties and celebrations of war. Also special is the beauty, drama, and power of today’s Tahitian dance, an important part of Polynesian culture. In ancient times, one would dance for joy, welcome a visitor, pray to a god, challenge an enemy, and seduce a mate. Modern Tahitian music is enjoyable with a sound that often blends Polynesian rhythm and Western melody.

Tahiti diving 

The islands of Tahiti offer world-class diving and are famous among divers for their large marine life, drift dives, warm and pristine waters, and uncrowded dive sites. The clear lagoons, coral gardens, underwater passes and oceanic drop-offs all create excellent diving opportunities on your Tahiti vacation.

Tahiti Tours 

You can explore the mountainous interior on a 4 x 4 wheel drive guided safari, a guided nature hike or simply take a helicopter ride. For excellent panoramic views on Tahiti tours, visit the Plateau of Taravao which connects the two parts of the island.  

Museums

The Paul Gauguin Museum with exhibits of this famous painter’s works, the Museum of Tahiti, an ethnographical museum with many interesting artifacts and cultural themes and the Robert Wan Pearl Museum, the world’s only museum dedicated to pearls. 

Tahitian Pearls

For shopping enthusiasts, consider the following local “buys” – wood carvings, wooden drums, quilts, sculptures, mats woven from coconut and local artists’ paintings. Of course, one of the major offerings here is Tahitian Black Pearls which actually come in an array of colours. One can visit any of the pearl farms on the island.

Water Sports and Diving

For the more active, Tahiti offers many water sports such as snorkeling, scuba diving, windsurfing, water skiing, horseback riding and deep sea fishing. There are many world-class diving sites on the island with its clear waters in which there is a plethora of tropical fish and even mantra rays to view. One unusual attraction is the ability to watch reef sharks being fed up close. 

Golfing 

Tahiti has one of the two golf courses available in French Polynesia, the Olivier Breaud International Golf Course.

Tahiti Wedding

As is offered elsewhere in the islands, one can have a traditional Tahitian Wedding Ceremony which is recognized in both Canada and the United States. 

Helva Festival

If visiting in July on a Tahiti vacation, consider attending the colourful Helva Festival, a celebration of traditional culture, music and dancing. 

Tahiti Lagoonarium and Water Gardens of Vaipahi

The Tahiti Lagoonarium is a not to miss attraction, especially for marine life lovers. It is actually an aquarium beneath the water with more than 1,000 species of wonderful marine life that includes colorful tropical fish, sea turtles, and reef sharks. Then for lovers of horticulture, do visit the Water Gardens of Vaipahi with its exotic flowers and plants. 

Where to visit in Tahiti 

Papeete 

Now that the magical attractions to lure you to travel to French Polynesia have been detailed, the decision is then where to visit. Tahiti, the largest island with its capital Papeete, has a distinctly French flavour with its sidewalk cafes and stores selling French fashions. It is an island crowned by a circle of majestic peaks with both white and black sand beaches. Its interior is adorned with deep valleys, clear streams and high waterfalls. Highlights are the Paul Gauguin Museum, the Black Pearl Museum, the Arts and Crafts Village and the Marae Arahurahu, an ancient Tahitian outdoor temple.

Moorea 

Reached by a small plane or high-speed catamaran from Tahiti, Moorea appears to soar majestically out of the ocean. With its vertical mountains and tumbling waterfalls, it also has wonderful beaches. The natural beauty of this island is nothing less than breathtaking. The wide shallow lagoon that surrounds the island makes it a perfect destination not only for swimming but also for snorkeling and scuba diving.

Bora Bora

In many ways, a trip to Bora Bora is the ultimate romantic tourist destination. It has been described many times as the most stunningly beautiful island anywhere. This is hardly surprising given its striking colours of a blue-green sea and a lush green interior. Bora Bora, reached by plane from Tahiti or Moorea, has excellent white sand beaches and emerald waters in which coloured fish abound. For the adventurous, you can swim among stingrays, sea turtles and reef sharks at the Lagoonarium. With its dramatic sunsets, your Bora Bora vacation pictures are sure to make your friends and relatives envious.

Huahine

Huahine is Tahiti’s best-kept secret and is known as the Garden of Eden. Rugged and isolated, it boasts lush forests, untamed landscapes and quaint villages.

Raiatea

Raiatea, known as Sacred Island is slower and more remote. It is the centre of local religion and culture where ancient legends exist. It is also known for its coconut-strewn jungles. As the cultural heart of Tahiti, it offers fascinating history and legends together with its significant archaeological sites. 

Taha

The small island of Taha’a is reached by boat from its neighbour, the island of Raiatea. The two islands are actually enclosed by the same coral reef and may have once been one island. Shaped like a flower, its soft mountain shapes hover in the background. The island is very fertile, known mainly for its production of vanilla whose scent is everywhere along with the aroma of hibiscus trees.

Tuamotu

The Tuamotu Islands are decidedly remote and perfect for the traveller wanting to get away from it all. They make up the world’s largest chain of coral atolls with a total of 78.  

So to sum up, whatever your style, whatever your interests, one of our Tahiti vacation packages will definitely give you a travel experience never to be forgotten. 

"Globetrotting with Goway" blog articles

For some additional reading, the following articles are from our blog “Globetrotting with Goway”….. a great source of information for those people who are, or who want to be, world travellers!

Top 5 Day Trips to Enjoy in Bora Bora While on Your Islands of Tahiti Vacation

Your First Look at the New Conrad Bora Bora in the Islands of Tahiti

Beachcombing for Culture on a Vacation in the Islands of Tahiti

New Ways to Indulge on an Islands of Tahiti Vacation

Experience the Breathtaking Beauty of Moorea on the Islands of Tahiti Vacations

Bora Bora Vacation - The Ultimate Romantic Getaway

Finding Paradise in the Lesser-Know Islands of Tahiti

There's More to a Bora Bora Vacation Than Beaches

Tahiti vs Fiji: Tips to Help You Choose

Tahiti's Top Experiences to get you off the beach and into an Unforgettable Adventure 

Best Snorkelling Spots in the South Pacific

A Foodie's Guide to Tahiti

Indulge in Exceptional Luxury Hotels on a Goway Vacation

Tahiti Vacation Information

At Goway we believe that a well-informed traveller is a safer traveller. With this in mind, we have compiled an easy-to-navigate travel information section dedicated to Tahiti vacations. 

Learn about the history and culture of Tahiti, the must-try food and drink, and what to pack in your suitcase. Read about Tahiti's nature and wildlife, weather and geography, along with 'Country Quickfacts' compiled by our travel experts. Our globetrotting tips, as well as our visa and health information,  will help ensure you're properly prepared for a safe and enjoyable trip. The only way you could possibly learn more is by embarking on your journey and discovering Tahiti for yourself. Start exploring...book one of our Tahiti vacations today!

Extend your Stay

Consider an additional stopover after or before your Tahiti vacation at one of Goway's other South Pacific destinations. You can choose from our selection of Australian vacations, New Zealand vacation packages, one of our Fiji resorts or perhaps take a Cook Island vacation. 

• 50 plus reasons to go Downunder with Goway