37 Best Things To Do in Tahiti For 2026

Welcome to the guide that will outline all the best things to do in Tahiti and Tahiti Iti.

 

We will highlight famous activities, as well as activities that most travelers miss!

 

Let’s get started!

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

✅ Different activities: Tahiti offers luxury stays, cultural experiences, outdoor adventures, and natural wonders.

 

🌊 Water activities: From snorkeling in coral gardens, kayaking in lagoons, and sunset cruises to big-wave surfing at Teahupo’o, the island’s water activities are definitely in the top 5 things to do in Tahiti!

 

🏞 Culture:  Explore Polynesian heritage through traditional DANCE lessons, PEARL farming, HISTORICAL sites, and museums.

 

 

Overwater bungalows

One of the activities you absolutely must do when going on a trip to Tahiti is staying in an overwater bungalow that offers direct access to the blue lagoon, from where you can swim or snorkel.

 

Resorts like InterContinental Tahiti Resort & Spa provide overwater bungalows with spectacular views of the ocean, spacious terraces, and modern amenities.

 

The InterContinental Tahiti Resort & Spa is even one of the best overwater resorts in French Polynesia!

 

Prices start at €500–€1,000 ($540–$1,080) per night. Doubting if it’s worth it? Read the post from The Travel!

Spa retreats

Enjoy a traditional Tahitian monoi oil massage at luxurious resorts like the InterContinental Tahiti Resort & Spa.

 

These spa retreats use locally sourced ingredients to provide a relaxing experience.

Snorkeling in the coral garden

Snorkeling in the coral garden is one of the best things to do in Tahiti. You can see colorful coral formations, tropical fish, and blue waters.

 

On Tahiti Island, some of the best snorkeling spots include:

• The Lagoonarium at Punaauia – Shallow waters with marine life, great for beginners.
• Pointe des Pêcheurs – A lesser-known snorkeling area with coral patches and reef fish.
• Papenoo Reef – Offshore snorkeling with deeper coral gardens and occasional sea turtles.
• La Plage de Maui – A mix of white sand and coral formations, ideal for easy snorkeling.

 

We recommend booking with Teahupoo Lagoon Tour, a famous and trustworthy local tour operator in Tahiti!

 

So many great water activities are TOP things to do in Tahiti! Keep reading.

 

 

Take a scenic flight over Tahiti

A scenic flight gives you a full view of Tahiti’s volcanic peaks, valleys, and turquoise lagoons.

 

As Tahiti is the largest French Polynesian island, you have quite the distance to cover (1,045 km² or 403 square miles).

 

Tahiti is part of the Society Islands; all islands are famous for their rugged landscapes, turquoise lagoons, and deep, green, lush valleys.

 

Tahiti Nui Helicopters offers a 20-minute tour starting at €323 ($350).

 

Flights depart from Faa’a International Airport. Book a tour on Tahiti Nui Helicopters.

Sunset cruise

One of the other TOP things to do in Tahiti is to go on a sunset cruise to enjoy views of Moorea’s peaks (and island only 30 minutes by ferry away), calm blue lagoons, and the open ocean.

 

Most cruises include cocktails, local music, and Polynesian storytelling.

 

Prices start at €80 ($85) per person for a shared catamaran experience. Book your cruise here.

 

 

ATV adventures

Explore Tahiti’s mountains and valleys (like Papenoo Valley) on an ATV tour, covering rugged trails, waterfalls, and panoramic viewpoints.

 

Tours range from €130–€180 ($140–$195) per person for a half-day ride.

 

Book through Tahiti Safari Expedition. Don’t worry about huge crowds being on the island; The Daily Beast described it as one of the islands like Hawaii but without the crowds! Book your ATV tour here.

 

Let’s look at another one of the top things to do in Tahiti! 

Black Pearl Museum

The Black Pearl Museum in Papeete explains the history of Tahitian pearls and their cultural significance.

 

Black pearls are actually one of the biggest export products of French Polynesia, and their is a whole Tahitian culture about cultivating pearls!  

 

While entry is free, many people have noted that the museum is small and more focused on selling pearls than history. If you’re looking for a deep dive into Tahitian pearl culture, consider a visit to an actual pearl farm instead.

 

 

Point Venus

Point Venus is a site featuring a lighthouse and a black sand beach.

 

It’s known for its historical significance as the landing site of Captain James Cook during his voyage to observe the 1769 transit of Venus.

 

The area is popular for picnics and offers panoramic views of Matavai Bay. Entrance is free.

 

Another famous black sand beach is Taharuu Beach, which is on Tahiti’s southern coast in Papara.

 

Go on a mountain safari in Papenoo Valley

A 4×4 mountain safari through Papenoo Valley, the largest valley in Tahiti, will take you deep into Tahiti’s tropical rainforest, waterfalls, and river crossings. A mountain safari definitely deserved its spot on the list of best things to do in Tahiti! 

 

The valley is one of the most remote areas of Tahiti, with a landscape shaped by volcanic activity.

 

You cannot do this with a rental car as the roads are steep and uneven.

 

Tours start at €90 ($100) per person. Book your tour here. 

 

Hiking the Pass of the Three Coconuts

The Pass of the Three Coconuts hike offers one of the best views over Tahiti’s interior and coastline.

 

The trail is 6 km (3.7 miles) long, with moderate difficulty and an elevation gain of 300 meters (984 feet).

 

It takes about 3–4 hours to go on a round trip. No permit is required, and entrance is free.

Visit Fautaua Waterfall

One of the highest waterfalls in Tahiti, Fautaua Falls drops 300 (!) meters (985 feet) into a natural pool where you can swim in the warm waters.

 

The 6-km (3.7-mile) round-trip hike is steep and takes about 3–4 hours. You need a permit (€6 / $7) from Papeete’s City Hall before visiting.

 

Kayak in a lagoon

Another popular things to do in Tahiti is to go kayaking in Tahiti’s calm lagoons.

 

This will offer access to hidden motus (small islets) and coral reefs. Rentals cost around €20–€40 ($22–$45) per hour, and most resorts offer kayaks for free. 

 

Popular kayaking spots include Punaauia Lagoon and Point Venus.

Scenic lagoon tours

A lagoon boat tour takes you along the highlights of Tahiti’s coastal waters, where you can see coral reefs in the blue water, colorful fish, and secluded sandy beaches.

 

Some tours also include snorkeling stops and a local-style picnic on a motu.

 

Prices start at €70 ($75) per person. You can, of course, also opt for private tours. Book your lagoon tour here.

 

La Plage de Maui

La Plage de Maui is one of the few white-sand beaches in Tahiti (compared to some of the beautiful black-sand beaches like Point Venus; see below).

 

It is located on the southern coast and has calm, turquoise waters and a beachside café serving fresh seafood.

 

Maui Beach is one of the most beautiful beaches in Tahiti, just as Matira Beach is for Bora Bora and Temae Beach for Moorea.

 

Entrance is free, but it can get busy on weekends.

Go surfing

Tahiti is WORLD-FAMOUS for big-wave surfing, with Teahupo’o being one of the most challenging waves in the world.

 

There is also a yearly competition for the Teahupo’o wave.

 

If you’re a beginner, there are other surf spots for you. Papara Beach on the West Coast offers gentle waves and surf schools.

 

Board rentals start at €20 ($22) per hour. Book your tour here.

 

Teahupo’o

Teahupo’o is home to one of the heaviest waves on the planet, drawing pro surfers worldwide.

 

The best time to see or surf it is between May and September.

 

You can take a boat tour to watch surfers up close for €40–€70 ($45–$75) per person.

 

More information is on the official government website of Tahiti!

Cultural festivals

Heiva i Tahiti is the island’s biggest cultural festival every July.

 

It features traditional Polynesian dance, music, and competitions.

 

Performance tickets range from €15–€40 ($16–$45).

 

 

Food truck hopping in Tahiti

Les Roulottes, the food truck on Papeete’s waterfront and main shopping street, serves delicious traditional dishes like poisson cru, steak frites, and crêpes.

 

Meals cost around €8–€15 ($9–$16). The best time to visit is after 6 PM when all vendors are open.

 

Dining at top restaurants

Try Le Coco’s in Punaauia, known for French-Polynesian fusion cuisine for fine dining.

 

A three-course meal costs around €80 ($85) per person.

 

Traditional cooking classes

One of the most popular activities on the island is taking a local cooking class, where you can learn how to prepare Tahitian dishes like poisson cru and coconut bread.

 

Tahitian cuisine is quite different than European and American dishes.

 

Classes cost around €50 ($55) per person and last 2–3 hours. Book your cooking class here. 

 

Tahitian dance lessons

Learn the basics of Ori Tahiti, the traditional Tahitian dance, in a 1-hour lesson.

 

Prices start at €25 ($27) per class. 

 

Museum of Tahiti and Her Islands

This museum covers history, geology, and Polynesian culture. Entry costs €8 ($9) per person.

Papeete Market

The Papeete Market sells local produce, crafts, and souvenirs.

 

It’s open daily from 4 AM to 6 PM, the busiest day being Sunday morning.

 

Notre-Dame Cathedral

Built-in 1875, Notre Dame Cathedral is one of the oldest churches in Tahiti.

 

It has stained glass windows depicting Polynesian interpretations of Christian stories. Entrance is free.

 

Arahoho blowhole

Located between Papenoo and Tiarei, the Arahoho Blowhole is a natural phenomenon where ocean waves rush into a lava tube, creating a powerful spray accompanied by a loud, dull roar.

 

This site is easily accessible with a nearby parking area and is free to visit.

 

Hiking Aorai Mountain

Mount Aorai, the magic mountain, is Tahiti’s third-highest peak, standing at 2,066 meters (6,778 feet).

 

To hike Mount Aorai, you must head to the well-maintained trail near the O Belvédère Restaurant in Pirae, which offers beautiful views.

 

The sunrise from the summit is exceptional, offering a wide view of Moorea island, the sister island of Tahiti.

 

No permit is required, and entrance is free.

 

Vaipahi gardens

The Vaipahi Gardens are lush botanical gardens with a variety of native and exotic plants, as well as walking trails that lead to small waterfalls and ponds.

 

It’s a spot ideal for a leisurely stroll. The entrance is free, and the gardens are open daily, deserving a spot as one of the best things to do in Tahiti.

 

DID YOU KNOW: A short distance from the Vaipahi Water Gardens, the Harrison Smith Botanical Garden features groves of palm trees, vibrant hibiscus bushes, and a diverse collection of tropical plants brought from the Americas, Asia, and Africa.

 

 

Petroglyphs of Te Pari

The Te Pari area is home to ancient petroglyphs—rock carvings that glimpse Tahiti’s early history.

 

Located in a remote part of the island, visiting these petroglyphs requires a guided tour due to the challenging terrain.

 

You’ll pass through pineapple fields before discovering the ancient archaeological site.

 

Bougainville Park

Situated in the heart of Papeete, Bougainville Park is a green oasis with tropical flora, shaded benches, and a tranquil pond.

 

Tomb of Pomare V

The Tomb of Pomare V in Arue is the final resting place of Tahiti’s last ruling monarch, who abdicated in 1880.

 

The tomb is made of coral and volcanic rock, reflecting Polynesian and European influences.

 

While the site is simple, its historical significance makes it a must-visit for those interested in Tahiti’s royal past.

 

The site is open to the public, and there is no entrance fee.

 

Local art galleries

Tahiti has several art galleries showcasing both contemporary and traditional Polynesian art.

 

Galleries such as the Manua Exquisite Tahitian Art in Papeete feature paintings and sculptures.

Visit a pearl farm

Learn about the cultivation of Tahitian black pearls by visiting a local pearl farm.

 

While most pearl farms are located in Raiatea, Huahine, and Tahaa, tours explain the process of pearl farming and often offer the opportunity to purchase pearls directly from the source.

 

Book your tour here.

 

Explore the hidden grottos of Tahiti

Tahiti’s Maraa Grottoes are natural caves with freshwater pools surrounded by lush vegetation.

 

The caves are easily accessible and provide a cool retreat on a warm day.

 

The entrance is free, and the site is on the island’s west coast. Book your tour here.

 

Go stargazing

Tahiti’s remote location and minimal light pollution make it an excellent spot for stargazing.

 

On clear nights, the night sky is filled with stars, especially in areas away from city lights like Point Venus.

Les Trois Cascades

Also known as the Faarumai Waterfalls, Les Trois Cascades is a series of three picturesque waterfalls near the east coast village of Tiarei.

 

You can reach the first waterfall via a short, easy trail, while the other two require a bit more hiking.

 

The area is serene and offers a refreshing experience. Entrance is free.

Musée Gauguin

Dedicated to the famous French artist Paul Gauguin, the Musée Gauguin showcases reproductions of his works and provides insights into his life in Tahiti.

 

Gauguin was a French painter who rejected European artistic traditions in favor of a simplified, bold, and colorful style influenced by Tahitian landscapes and Polynesian culture.

 

He left France in 1891, seeking inspiration from Tahiti’s natural beauty, indigenous people, and traditions. His paintings often showed Tahitian women, daily life, and mythology.

 

Some of his most famous works include “Where Do We Come From? What Are We? Where Are We Going?” (1897) and “Tahitian Women on the Beach” (1891).

 

The museum is located in the town of Papeari.

 

James Norman Hall Museum

This museum is last on our list of top things to do in Tahiti, but it is worth a visit!

 

This museum is the former home of James Norman Hall, co-author of “Mutiny on the Bounty.“

 

Book Mutiny on the Bounty: The mutiny took place when a group of sailors, led by Fletcher Christian, rebelled against Captain Bligh while sailing in the South Pacific. They took control of the ship, forcing Bligh and his loyalists into a small boat. Despite being stranded at sea, Bligh navigated over 6,700 km (4,164 miles) to safety, one of the most impressive survival feats in maritime history. Meanwhile, the mutineers settled on Pitcairn Island, where some of their descendants still live today.

 

The museum, located in Arue, just outside Papeete, shows Hall’s personal belongings, manuscripts, letters, and memorabilia.

 

You can also explore Hall’s library, filled with classic literature, and learn about his experiences as a World War I pilot, journalist, and novelist. A small café on-site serves refreshments, making it a peaceful stop for history and literature enthusiasts.

 

📍 Location: Arue, Tahiti
🎟 Entry Fee: Around €7 ($8)
⏰ Opening Hours: Typically Monday–Friday, but check in advance.