Take in all of Tahiti’s “must sees,” from the Arahoho blow hole to Faaruumai waterfalls, the Gauguin Museum, and the Botanical Gardens. Walk on the black sand beach at Point Venus where Discoverers Wallis, Cook, and the Bounty crew first came ashore, and be charmed by Tahitian homes, gaily painted in all the colors of the rainbow.
Full day, with lunch - approx $93 per person.
Rental Car
Rent a car and follow the fortunes of the road which winds around Tahiti Nui (“big Tahiti”) and the peninsula of Tahiti’Iti (“little Tahiti”). Spectacular vistas, pearl and ebony beaches, fascinating historic sites, colorful gardens and glimpses of traditional village life await you. (International driver’s license not required).
Daily rate - from $90 per car.
Interior Island Safari
Get a closer look at Tahiti’s interior, a land of unbounded natural beauty where almost-vertical vegetable plantations edge their way into bamboo and fern forests, and waterfalls cascade into hidden pools watched over by stone-faced tiki.
Full day - approx $86 per person
Golf
Tee off on Tahiti’s 18-hole international championship course, unique in French Polynesia. Located about 45 minutes from Papeete, this par-72 course, designed by Robert Baldock, a California golf course architect, measures 6550 yards and affords unparalleled island and reef views ... keeping your eye on the ball won’t be easy!
18 Holes Green Fee - approx $60 per person. Clubs rental available.
Hiking
Adventurous travelers will love the exciting guided tours that lead them on explorations of the rugged interior. Stops can include spectacular waterfalls and natural pools (some in which you can swim), mountain peaks with panoramic views, archeological sites (ancient temples, or "marae"), grottos and lava tubes: underground burrows with meandering streams running through them.
Horseback Riding
For the horse enthusiast, Tahiti has a number of first-class riding stables. Experienced riders can saddle-up the island's New Zealand and Marquesan horses, while private lessons are available for the beginner. Rides in the mountains are often accompanied by picnic lunches.
Tennis
Raise a racket at any of the numerous tennis courts around Tahiti. Many of the island's hotels and private clubs have courts, while more informal courts can be found further inland.
Scuba
Divers of all stripes will appreciate Tahiti’s many diving sites, which give vacationers the opportunity to glimpse sunken planes, wrecks, exotic fish and sharks. Some sites even offer night diving.
Fishing
The waters outside the barrier reef are home to a eye-popping assortment of fish - marlins, mahimahi, yellowfin tuna and others. Some vessels cater to deep-sea anglers.
Surfing
The surf is always up in Tahiti. Surfing is especially good in winter, when the swells break strong along the reefs, resulting in high, "tubular" waves. Both the northern and southern coasts of Tahiti offer good surfing.
Sailing
For a truly unforgettable Tahitian vacation, try renting a fully-provisioned boat for several days or weeks. Rentals include bareboats, catamarans or yachts. For those visitors who can't steer a vessel, skippers are available to help make your sailing experience even more memorable. You can even rent hosts and cooks.
Snorkeling
Snorkeling conditions are excellent in Tahiti. Fish are abundant, and the waters are flat-calm.
