When Tahiti comes to mind, people picture the romantic getaway of their dreams: untouched white sand beaches, azure blue waters and hundreds of lush volcanic islands. A terrific way to experience the uniqueness of this island nation is via cruise ship. Windstar Cruises, as seen as a pit-stop prize on The Amazing Race, offers passengers the chance to immerse themselves in island culture and discover why Tahiti really is paradise on earth!

Most people think Tahiti is a far flung destination, but the gorgeous islands of French Polynesia are just an 8-hour flight from Los Angeles. Here’s a complete guide to exploring Tahiti.

PC: Miroslava via Unsplash

Tahiti’s Islands

Tahiti’s Islands are officially called French Polynesia. The area was settled by Polynesians between 300 – 800 AD and then later annexed as a colony of France in the late 1800s. Today, you’ll find predominantly people of Polynesian descent in Tahiti, but everyone carries French passports and the island’s official language is French. The dual French and Polynesian cultures create a unique atmosphere on the islands!

In its entirety, French Polynesia comprises over 118 islands, scattered halfway between Los Angeles, California and Sydney, Australia. They are clustered in 5 main archipelagos:

• Society Islands
• Tuamoto Islands
• Gambier Islands
• Marquesas Islands
• Austral Islands

Getting there and Around

National carrier Air Tahiti Nui flies nonstop from Los Angeles to Tahiti’s capital Pape’ete. Flights take 8.5 hours and are typically offered once daily.

To get around the islands, either take regional flights or join a cruise. Domestic carrier Air Tahiti offers short flights connecting 47 of the islands. If you’re visiting several islands, look into an Air Tahiti pass, which offers good value if you plan to fly to multiple islands within 28 days and don’t mind visiting each island just once.

Personally, we love the convenience and comfort of a cruise. Windstar Cruises offers a 2019 Dreams of Tahiti itinerary that explores six islands and provides authentic local experiences both on and offshore. From snorkeling among coral gardens to harvesting your own black pearl in the Raiatea, this 7-day sailing voyage is packed with unforgettable adventures. The best part? Windstar utilizes small ships that hold between 150-312 guests, so the ship is large enough to pamper yet small enough to explore secluded coves and small ports.

In the capital of Pape’ete, you can rent a car at the airport from Avis, Hertz or Europcar. Driving is on the right side of the road, international licenses are accepted, and driving rules follow the French system.

Fun Things to Do in Tahiti

In Tahiti, you can experience it all! Whether you want to blissfully relax in an overwater bungalow or have a more active, tropical adventure, there’s so much to do in French Polynesia. Here are 8 of our favorite suggestions:

PC: Jakob Owens via Unsplash

1. Go Snorkeling in Tahiti’s Natural Aquarium

Scientists refer to Tahiti’s turquoise blue waters as earth’s ‘richest natural aquarium’. They’re home to over 1,000 species of fish, colorful coral reefs and majestic big wildlife in the open sea.

If you visit the Tuamotu and Society Islands, you can spot nearly a third of all the dolphin species in the world! Meanwhile the quiet lagoons of the Austral, Gambier and Tuamoto Islands are the preferred nesting grounds for sea turtles and whales.

A great time to visit Tahiti is during the whale migration from July to November each year. Humpback whales slowly move from the icy Arctic to the warm shores of Tahiti to nest and feed. Since Tahiti’s waters are protected, with strict fishing regulations, Tahiti is the perfect place to spot all the underwater wildlife you’ve always dreamed of encountering.

PC: Sher She Goes

2. Visit Black Sand Beaches

Black sand beaches are some of the rarest and most beautiful beaches in the world. Two of the most popular include Papara Beach and Teahupo’o Beach. But watch out! Tahiti’s active volcanoes render these sands hot to the touch and your feet might just burn after a few steps.

PC: Sher She Goes

3. Shop for Cultured Pearls

Take home a piece of Tahiti with you and buy a beautiful cultured pearl. Polynesian designers create every shape, size and type of pearl jewelry you’re looking for and some of the most unique souvenirs incorporate both natural materials like wood and leather with the mother of pearl beads.

PC: Ishan via Unsplash

4. Treat Yourself to Tarumi (Polynesian Spa)

Want to really let loose? Try a traditional Polynesian massage, called Taurumi. The pressure relieving massage restores the mind and body as traditional practitioners apply pressure along your body’s energy lines. Polynesian healers are called Tahua and this traditional medicine is a meticulous craft handed down from generation to generation!

As an added bonus, spa treatments on the islands typically use local products like coconut, coffee and avocado to leave you soft, smooth and completely purified.

PC: Sher She Goes

5. Hike to the Summit of Mount Aorai

Mount Aorai is the third highest peak in the Tahitian Islands and an avid hiker’s dream. To reach the summit of giants, nearly 4,200 feet high, you’ll have to start the hike very early in the morning. Parts of the path are even nicknamed the Devil’s Peak.

But, with the difficult terrain comes a magical reward! Mount Aorai’s summit views are breathtaking and encompass not only the ocean but also the island’s lush peaks and valleys.

PC: Sher She Goes

6. Go on a 4×4 Safari Tour

Moorea is an emerald peaked, heart-shaped island in the Society Islands archipelago, formed from volcanic mountains. A fun way to explore its magic is via a 4×4 safari or an open air 4×4 truck.

Once you make it up the ‘Magic Mountain’, you’ll have an incredible view of the lagoons below you. Bring your camera! The combination of lush green forest and turquoise blue waters is postcard perfect.

PC: Sher She Goes

7. Taste Tahiti’s Traditional Cuisine

Tahiti is a Garden of Eden, with every imaginable exotic fruits and fish on the menu. Everything, from the fruits to the seafood, is incredibly fresh and often drizzled in a little coconut oil to finish!

Here are some must try foods on your visit to Tahiti:

• Breadfruit (‘uru)
• Orange Plantain Bananas (fe’i)
• Root vegetables like taro, tarua, ufior and ‘umara
• Tahitian Vanilla Beans: these are incredible, with a floral fruity flavor
• Perch, Mahi Mahi & Parrot Fish
• Poisson cru à la Tahitienne: seafood crudo marinated in lime juice and coconut milk
• Suckling Pig cooked in a himaa, or underground oven

PC: Vincent Camacho via Unsplash

8. Sway Your Hips in a Tahitian Dance Lesson

Did you know the famous hula dances of Hawaii have their origins in Tahiti?

Polynesian dance in Tahiti is called Ori Tahiti, and is the traditional art movement for a culture that relied on oral tradition. When in Tahiti, take a dance lesson so you can bust out the moves! Put on a Polynesian pareo, sway your hips and move to the beat of the Tahitian drums and ukulele.

There are a couple of different types of Tahitian dance, but two of the most famous variations are the Otea, a rapid military like dance traditionally performed by men, and the Aparima, a slow sensual dance with an emphasis on the arms and hips.

As you can see, there’s lots more to do in Tahiti than just relax in an overwater bungalow. Cheers to your unforgettable vacation!

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Sher Jordan

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