13 Things to Do in Tahiti

The world's most powerful surfable wave — site of the 2024 Paris Olympics surfing event, terrifying and mesmerising.

The beating heart of Papeete — black pearls, vanilla, pareo fabric, tropical fruit, and flowers.

Tahiti's wild, volcanic interior — waterfalls, lava flows, and ancient Polynesian marae temples in a lush valley.

Tahiti's dramatically volcanic black sand beaches at Taravao and Papara — wild, moody, and beautiful.

The finest Polynesian museum — natural history, navigation, art, and the European contact that changed everything.

July's month-long celebration of Polynesian culture — traditional dance, song, canoe racing, and javelin throwing.

The world's most feared wave — a thick-lipped barrel over a shallow reef, hosting the Olympics in 2024.

Spinner dolphins are commonly spotted in Tahiti's coastal waters — boat tours run daily from Papeete.

The historic point where Captain Cook observed the Transit of Venus in 1769 — a Pacific landmark.

A restored ancient Polynesian ceremonial platform — used for traditional ceremonies and cultural events.

Tahiti's offshore dive sites include Aquarium — sharks, rays, and Napoleon wrasse in 20m of crystal water.

Tahiti's gentler waves on the north coast are ideal for beginner surfers — lessons available in Mahina.

A 30-minute ferry to Tahiti's sister island — dramatic mountain valleys, a coral lagoon, and dolphins.