Hiking or in an ATV tour drive, the trail in the valley of the Maroto takes you through the heart of the luxuriant natural environment of Tahiti. The trail leads to the Maroto waterfall and its superb pool 6 meters below. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can dive down. If not, then just stroll back down and slip gently into the refreshing, crystal clear water
It would be a shame to visit Moorea without going for a snorkeling session on the ray and shark sandbank. Located about 100 meters from the beach at Haapiti, beautiful stingrays and blacktip sharks have decided to call this sandbank home. The water is only about one meter deep and is perfectly clear, so it’s the ideal spot for admiring this exciting and majestic underwater ballet.
The atoll of Tetiaroa is three hours by boat from Tahiti, and consists of 13 motu with white sandy beaches dotted around a turquoise lagoon. One of these is Bird Island. Masked boobies, red-footed boobies, brown boobies, sooty terns, crested terns, spectacled terns… In all, there are about fifteen species of bird living in this ornithological reserve. You’re welcome to swim around the motu, but it is strictly forbidden to set foot on the islet in case you disturb the birds.
Designated as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in July 2017, the marae of Taputapuātea in Raiatea is the largest and most important marae in The Islands of Tahiti. The marae of Taputapuātea is the heart of the Polynesian triangle. The site houses several marae and has been immaculately restored. A visit to this sacred site on the “Sacred Island” of Raiatea is essential for understanding its fundamental role in the history of the Polynesian civilization.
On the east coast of the island of Tahiti, the three waterfalls of Faarumai have reopened to the public following the restoration of the site in 2022. Just a short walk from the road, the first waterfall, Vaimahuta, cascades down from a height of 80 meters in an impressive flow of water. It’s a twenty minute walk to the second waterfall, Haamaremare, and the third, Iti is just a little further on.
A pleasant trail by foot, quad or ATV drive, leads to the scenic viewpoint at ‘Opunohu. At 240 meters high, the view is breathtaking over Opunohu Bay on the left and Cook Bay, on the right, named after the famous British navigator who landed in Moorea in 1777. Standing proudly in the center of this magnificent view is the majestic Mount Rotui.
The island of Huahine is reputed for its deep, crystal clear, lagoon, magnificent bays and white sandy beaches. One of the most beautiful beaches is in the main village of Fare, close to the Maitai Lapita Hotel. Superb white sandy beaches, clear turquoise water and a view of the island’s mountains and valleys. It’s the perfect spot for a swim, a paddleboard session, or a day spent lazing on the beach.
One of the most beautiful beaches on the island of Moorea. Make a stop at the scenic viewpoint at Toatea from where you can admire the long curve of white sand that is Temae beach, with the turquoise water of the lagoon lapping on its shore. From the beach, you have a superb view of the island of Tahiti. A large coconut plantation, magnificent corals and clear water that’s alive with tropical fish, rays and sea turtles. A true picture postcard.
Endless green meadows, wild horses and cows, the route up to the scenic viewpoint at Taravao on the peninsula of Tahiti could almost be part of the Great Plains. But once you get to the top, the view is something else altogether. Looking out over the isthmus that connects the peninsula to Tahiti, the green is replaced by the blue of the vast Pacific Ocean.
There are two sites you should definitely visit when you’re on the Sacred Island. The first is the botanical garden which opened in 2020. Stroll through the landscaped gardens and admire the tropical plants and flowers, some of which are endemic to Raiatea. Then go on to the scenic viewpoint at Faaroa, from where the breathtaking view looks out over the caldera of the valley of Faaroa.
Botanical Garden of Fa'aroa in Raiatea
Botanical Garden of Fa'aroa in Raiatea
Botanical Garden of Fa'aroa in Raiatea
