Tahiti, a gem of the Pacific Ocean, has long captivated visitors with its serenity and breathtaking scenery. The exotic island features vivacious jungle mountains, enclosed on all sides by powder beaches and clear, turquoise waters. A stay in one of the island’s iconic overwater bungalows offers one of the most relaxing vacations anywhere in the world!
What to do
Tahiti offers an abundance of excursions for those looking to get out and experience what the largest of French Polynesia’s 118 islands has to offer.
To get a better understanding of Tahiti’s fascinating history, visit the Museum of Tahiti and The Islands. Originally founded in 1974, the museum was charged with the protection and preservation of Tahitian artifacts and legacy. Portraying life in Tahiti both pre- and post-colonialism as well as the geological history and natural wonder of the region, the museum showcases stunning art pieces and rare relics.
Hiking through Tahiti’s jungle trails is always an adventure, especially when they lead to some of the most magnificent places in the world! The Fautaua Waterfall is purely stunning with its dramatic 980-foot drop. Although seeing Fautaua requires somewhat of an advanced trek, the effort is worth the reward!
Whale watching is vastly popular for visitors of Tahiti. Every year, humpback whales migrate from Antarctica to French Polynesia for breeding and birthing season – roughly a 4,000-mile swim! Guides for this excursion are highly trained to understand whale behavior and, therefore, maneuver alongside them respectfully. Depending on the conditions, you may be able to hear a male humpback sing underwater!
If you want to glam up your wardrobe with accessories you will not find anywhere else on the planet, spend a day shopping at the markets of Pape’ete, Tahiti’s capital city. It is the only place in the world where you can find Tahitian Pearls. These pearls come from a very specific species of oyster, native only to the waters of Tahiti. Tahitian pearls have a much darker body color and have a remarkable illustrious color range of greens, purples and shining black.
A Tahitian vacation does not have to be limited to Tahiti alone. A half hour sail on the Aremiti Ferry can take you to the paradise of Mo’orea, which many believe to be the most striking island in French Polynesia. The best way to take in Moorea’s splendor is to rent an all-terrain vehicle and ride up one of Moorea’s eight mountain peaks, offering some of the most spectacular views in the Pacific.
What to Eat
Tahiti’s cuisine is a perfect marriage of seafood and fresh local ingredients that are prepared with iconic French technique, reflecting the cultural history.
One of the island’s staples is e’ia ota, a Tahitian spin on the French classic poisson cru, or “raw fish.” This dish is prepared like ceviche where the fish, usually tuna, marinates in lemon and lime juices, which cooks the protein without heat. Once the fish is chilled and ready, it is mixed with onion, peppers and tomatoes. What makes e’ia ota unique is the infusion of coconut milk, just before the dish is served, delivering a sweeter, tropical flavor. E’ia ota can also be served in coconut shells to enhance the coconut flavor even more.
Another mouthwatering dish that spotlights Tahiti’s diverse cultural ingredients is poulet fafa. Poulet fafa is a chicken dish where the poultry is fried and combined with coconut cream and taro leaves to create a velvety, succulent dish. Taro is a crop native to southeast Asia that is revered for its health benefits but is poisonous when raw and needs to be boiled in salt water before consuming. Because of this, it is difficult to find anywhere else in the world.
When to go
Tahiti enjoys beautifully warm weather all year round with temperature highs averaging between 80- and 90-degrees Fahrenheit. However, May through October gives you the best chance to avoid the island’s rainy season, which is at its height in December and January.