Things to do in Tahiti & French Polynesia
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Arboretum
The fact that so many species have adapted to the dry Marquesan soil opens up great possibilities for local agriculture. The species best adapted to the climate are used for reforestation where the vegetation has been destroyed by wild goats and horses. The arboretum is located halfway between Vaipaee and Hane.
reviewed
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Museum
Located next to the mayor’s office, this little museum features pestles, tiki, finely carved sculptures, pahu (drums), jewellery and period photos as well as a ha’e (traditional house). Donations are appreciated. Hours are erratic; ask at the mayor’s office.
reviewed
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Sunset Boulevard
We’re talking of two open-air, permanently moored boats as well as two decks in a tropical garden right by the lagoon. The emphasis is on local dishes with a contemporary twist; a few zesty treasures include ‘BBQ King’ (skewered fish and beef) and ‘Humeur du Chef’ (an assortment of sushi and sashimi).
reviewed
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Olivier Breaud International Golf Course of Atimaono
Golf is all the rage with the nouveau riche of Tahiti and luckily they have the Olivier Breaud International Golf Course of Atimaono, a beautiful 18-hole par 72 course with some rather difficult par 3s. The Tahiti International Pro/Am is held around late July. Club rental is 2500 CFP.
reviewed
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Tiki Village
This is a Tahitian cultural village where tourists can watch local people ‘living’ in the traditional way. The main draw is the spectacular 60-person evening dance performances (the biggest on the island). Daytime shows are an OK alternative but lack some of the intense energy you’ll see at night.
reviewed
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Au Jardin des Îsles
For fruit and veggies stop at this roadside stall which has a selection of imported fruit like apples (around 580 CFP per kilo) and some other produce from around French Polynesia and Rangiroa. They’re not exactly giving the food away but prices are only marginally more expensive than in Pape’ete.
reviewed
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Atelier Despert
Even if you can’t afford to purchase the original paintings, it’s worth stopping by this lovely little studio to chat with the charming artist and check out his latest work. Alain Despert only does originals (no prints), and his work has gained worldwide acclaim for its bold and bright patterns.
reviewed
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Restaurant Librarie
Climb up the metal spiral staircase in downtown Fare to dine on light mains such as a variety of salads (from 700 CFP) or good breakfasts (from 1000 CFP). While you’re up there, check out the bookstore that sells a few English titles including a small collection of cheap, used paperbacks.
reviewed
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Dolphin Quest
If you want a calmer environment in which to commune with dolphins (or if you just get way too seasick to brave the boat!), try for a ‘shallow-water encounter’ with captive dolphins in an enclosure at the Intercontinental Moorea Resort & Spa. Snorkelling with dolphins is 19,000 CFP.
reviewed
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Snack du Jardin Botanique
This humble beachside snack (snack bar) is right in the Jardin Botanique parking lot. Dishes like grilled fish in vanilla coconut sauce, steaks and shellfish are some of our favourites on this coast and on Sundays there’s a full authentic ma’a Tahiti for 3000 CFP.
reviewed
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Pink Coconut
We love this lively spot located right on Marina Taina among the sailboats. Dine on French-inspired fare like delicious risotto with scallops and wild mushrooms or French-style shellfish platters. At night it’s candlelit and there’s sometimes live music and dancing on the weekends.
reviewed
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Snack Matira
This unfussy little eatery could hardly be better situated: it’s right on the beach at Matira (think terrific lagoon views). The menu concentrates on simply prepared dishes as well as burgers and omelettes. Eat alfresco or grab your victuals and find your picnic spot on the beach.
reviewed
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Papeete Inner Island Full-Day Jeep Safari
8 hours (Departs Papeete, French Polynesia)
by Viator
Discover the best of Papeete on this full-day 4WD safari adventure. You'll travel through almost impenetrable rainforest to discover some of the jewels of…Not LP reviewed
from USD$106.74 -
Bora Bora Parasail
Bora Bora Parasail, based at the Novotel Bora Bora Beach Resort, is a reputable outfit that offers 15-minute trips starting from 25,000 CFP for two (18,000 CFP for one). If you want to get high (literally), you can take the 300m-high trip. Free pick-ups.
reviewed
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Bora Bora Yacht Club
The Yacht Club delivers all the stereotypes expected for its location and name: a terrace overlooking the lagoon and fairly expensive fare in elegant (but not snooty) surrounds. The menu features all the usual suspects, with an emphasis on fish dishes. North of Vaitape.
reviewed
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Aito Restaurant
Run by Corsican Jean-Baptiste, who’s a real character, and his wife Vanina, this newly expanded lagoonside restaurant is one of the musts on Mo’orea. The food is French, Corsican and Tahitian, and the ambience is lively, breezy and boozy. Live music is on Friday nights.
reviewed
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Centre Jacques Brel
Housed in a big aircraft hangar, behind the Espace Culturel Paul Gauguin, is Centre Jacques Brel. In the centre is Brel’s plane, Jojo; posters tracing the musician’s life adorn the walls and his music plays dreamily over the sound system.
reviewed
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Western Grill
Tired of raw fish? Tie your pony up at this saloon, complete with a Native American statue by the door and Western kitsch a go-go, for a good ol’ American steak or burger and a beer. There are also creative but delicious interpretations of Mexican food available.
reviewed
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Maria@Tapas
Order a (not-sogreat) burrito and enjoy the music at this funky little Tex-Mex joint (mains 1000 CFP to 2000 CFP). You can check your email while you imbibe at the bar. It’s best to reserve well in advance on nights when there is music (entry fee 500 CFP).
reviewed
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Restaurant Taumatai
Grab a terrace table at this delightful little place right across the street from Loula and Remy, serving the town’s best French and Tahitian food in an elegant garden setting. The restaurant is hidden behind a stone wall so it’s a little hard to find.
reviewed
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Chez Marie Claire
It’s amazing that a place this big out in the middle of nowhere can fill up nightly but Chez Marie Claire does. It’s a basic open restaurant with red plastic chairs, an extensive and very good Chinese-Tahitian menu and lots of local atmosphere.
reviewed
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La Plantation
Lots of Cajun specialities as well as some of Mo’orea’s best vegetarian dishes are available at this classy, white-clad, jazz- infused restaurant. There’s often live music on Saturdays and the wine list and service are just as good as the food.
reviewed
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Bora Bora Snorkel, Shark and Ray Feeding Excursion
3 hours (Departs Bora Bora, French Polynesia)
by Viator
Experience the thrill of watching the reef sharks and rays being fed by hand. Board a motorized outrigger canoe, and depart for a memorable experience in the…Not LP reviewed
from USD$92.48 -
Hoa Nui
Hidden amid a jungle-like foliage, this modest eatery specialises in Marquesan cuisine (think pork, fish, seafood or goat), though the desserts are disappointing. Chinese specialities are sometimes offered too, but are much more ordinary.
reviewed
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Chez Luciano
Catering to hungry French Polynesian families, this place serves giant pizzas (plenty of toppings) for five people for very reasonable prices. There’s a cat-theme decor and the chef lets out an occasional meow as he spices his creations.
reviewed