The Tuamotus
The Rocher aux Tortues refers to a big coral outcrop lying about 4.5km north of the village on the exterior reef. Its base has been undercut by water…
Must-see attractions in French Polynesia
Hiva Oa
Restored for the 1991 Marquesas Arts Festival, the Tohua Pepeu faces Banque Socredo in the centre of town. It’s used today as a festivities centre, where…
Bora Bora
The small, private Musée de la Marine has a collection of model ships made by architect Bertrand Darasse. The opening hours are fairly haphazard, so you…
The Marquesas
From Hakahau, it’s a 30-minute walk east to deserted Anahoa Beach. From the Hakahau quay, follow the sign for Pukuéé pension and continue along the paved…
Maupiti
If you have a kayak, you can paddle to this completely isolated motu, but be sure to steer way to the north of Onoiau Pass, which is very dangerous due to…
Tahiti
The restored Marae Farehape site is almost directly below the ridge line on which the Relais de la Maroto inn perches; you can see an archery platform…
The Tuamotus
The tiny village of Pahua is divided by a pass a few metres wide and no deeper than 1.5m, suitable only for very small boats. A bridge spans the pass and…
The Marquesas
At the entrance of the village a sign marks the mountainside track to a waterfall. It has a deep round bathing pool that looks like something out of a…
Pape'ete
Pape’ete’s mairie is two blocks back from Blvd Pomare and a block north of Marché de Pape’ete. It was completed in 1990, in vague imitation of the old…
French Polynesia
The Bounty is remembered by a sign on the northeastern corner of the island marking the site of Fort George, where the mutineers attempted to set up camp…
The Marquesas
The neighbouring islet to Motu Teuaua, Hemeni is also a nesting ground for thousands of kaveka (sooty terns). Access to Hemeni is prohibited in order to…
Hiva Oa
Near the village of Taaoa, 7km southwest of Atuona, the eerie Tohua Upeke, with more than 1000 pae pae, some of which are restored, is a definite must see…
The Marquesas
Right in the centre of town is this enticing church made of wood and stone. Inside you’ll find some fantastic woodcarvings of religious figures with a…
The Tuamotus
A great way to get a feel for Ahe is to visit this islet, which has the only remaining patch of primary forest in the Tuamotus, which consists of imposing…
French Polynesia
Behind Teautamatea pension on the west side of the island are the well-preserved remains of Marae Tararoa, the marae(traditional temple) of the last…
French Polynesia
This is a sweet, picturesque spot at the southern end of the island. You’ll find a series of photogenic little coves fringed with white-sand beaches. A…
Ra'iatea & Taha'a
This small operation, on the east coast between Faaha and Hipu, is known for its quality vanilla pods at economical prices. Visitors will get the low-down…
The Tuamotus
Lying almost in the middle of the lagoon, the rocky Motu Puarua hosts several species of ground-nesting birds, including brown noddies and uaau (red…
Nuku Hiva
Other sites around Taipivai include the new Te Ai'tua mea'a built for the 2011 Marquesas Festival and decked out in interesting modern, mostly cement tiki.
Pape'ete
A great spot to just chill out, Parc Bougainville is a tropical oasis in the middle of the city. Lush and cool, it’s fronted by a 1909 bust of the great…
Ra'iatea & Taha'a
The second waterfall you'll pass along the Les Trois Cascades (Three Waterfalls) hike. After passing this waterfall, the trail follows the riverbed…
Pape'ete
You’ll be impressed by the massive proportions of the vividly colourful Chinese temple, also known as Kanti de Mamao. It’s a 10-minute stroll east from…
The Marquesas
Near the airport, Manihina Beach is a wonderfully scenic pebbly beach framed by basaltic cliffs. Sadly there are lots of nono. It’s accessible by a dirt…
The Tuamotus
The southeast shores of the atoll are fringed with truly amazing ‘Pink Sands Beaches’ that really do glow a light shade of pink, a result of finely…
The Marquesas
Next to the post office and expanded in 2017, the Te Ana Peua Museum houses a range of exhibits focusing on Marquesan culture, from fish hooks to stone…
The Tuamotus
Pouheva village is an administrative and school centre for the central Tuamotus. The church and the lighthouse near the pass are the only sights of…
The Tuamotus
This stunning beach is lapped by topaz waters and backed by arching coconut trees. This magical spot is a mere 15-minute boat ride away from Pouheva…
Bora Bora
An idyllic spot blessed with a lovely strip of sand and superb coral gardens just offshore. It's privately owned, so you'll need permission to get there.
Pape'ete
To the west, along Av Bruat, is the Ministère de la Culture. There’s an exhibition space here that is worth a peek.
Ra'iatea & Taha'a
The third waterfall on the Les Trois Cascades (Three Waterfalls) hike is the most splendid – a 40m beauty with a fabulous swimming hole at its basin.
Huahine
This little museum with explications about the Maeva Marae is located in a beautifully reconstructed meeting house complete with woven bamboo floors.
The Marquesas
This quiet, sheltered bay is popular with yachties. It’s fringed by a ribbon of white sand, lapped by multihued waters and backed by lush hills.
Mo'orea
Mo’orea’s lazy west-coast atmosphere continues right round to Atiha Bay (Baie d’Atiha), a quiet fishing village that also attracts surfers.
Rangiroa
There are free tours (in English) of the pearl farm next to the boutique. They include a pearl-grafting demonstration. Call for free pick-up.
Nuku Hiva
On the seafront, opposite the Kamake shop, you can’t miss this obelisk fronted by a cannon constructed in honour of Étienne Marchand.
The Marquesas
On the waterfront, the small petroglyph museum displays well-presented photographs of the petroglyphs around the island.
Around Tahiti Nui
The black-sand Plage de Hitimahana is exposed to the prevailing winds, which makes it an excellent kitesurfing and windsurfing spot.
The Tuamotus
At the eastern tip of the atoll and reached only by boat, this mesmerising site looks like a huge glinting turquoise swimming pool.
Maupiti
Motu Paeao, at the northern end of the lagoon, is ideal for swimming and snorkelling, with fabulous coral gardens and jade waters.
Tahiti
You'll need a guide to find Tahiti's best preserved petroglyphs deep on the Te Pari coast and accessible only on foot or by boat.
