Beyond the Beach: The Islands of Tahiti Are an Adventurer’s Dream

The Islands of Tahiti aren’t just a honeymoon destination. The remote Islands of Tahiti, scattered across the South Pacific Ocean, are home to some of the world’s most stunning wildlife and natural environments. Made up of five archipelagos that include over 118 islands, there’s so much more to this paradise destination than just luxury resorts. And it’s only a three-hour time difference and one connecting flight away from Vancouver.

Island visitors are invited to feel the mana, the sacred force that connects all living beings and nature, experienced in the Polynesian peoples’ traditions and relationship to nature. Every island has its own unique culture and history, with an abundance to explore and marvel in. French Polynesia is the dream destination that will leave you wanting to come back for more.

Blooming Biodiversity

The Islands of Tahiti are home to biodiverse, breathtaking natural beauty with unique flora and fauna both on land and in the sea. Feel the preserved sense of paradise in every moment, whether you’re relaxing on the white sands of Matira Beach in Bora Bora, scuba diving among sea turtles in the clear turquoise lagoons of the Tuamotu Islands or hiking to the Fautaua waterfall near Papeete.

Immerse yourself in the intersection of history and nature by visiting the three UNESCO World Heritage Sites: The Fakarava Biosphere Reserve, known for its renowned marine ecology; the Taputapuātea marae in Raiatea, widely considered the birthplace of Polynesian culture; and the Marquesas Islands, where jagged cliffs meet the ocean to produce one of the last wild marine areas in the world.

The Islands of Tahiti are working to protect this paradise through sustainable tourism practices. Whether it’s protecting endangered marine life through educational tours with the Manta Trust in Bora Bora or preserving the ancient ma’ohi culture at the marae of Taputapuātea, the Islands encourage responsible tourism alongside creating reserves and protected zones. Locals are also actively involved in continuing traditional, centuries-old practices that respect this relationship with nature through mana, as seen with agriculture, traditional Polynesian medicine and fishing practices.

Take a Hike

This preserved environment is a haven for those seeking a deeper connection to nature through adventure: the Islands of Tahiti are a hiker’s dream in the South Pacific. From majestic waterfalls and high mountains to sweeping valleys and verdant forests, there is a wide variety of hikes and sites across the 118 islands and atolls to explore.

There’s something for everyone, with accessible hikes for all ages and skill levels, including kids or explorers seeking new heights. Take a guided hike to the caves on the limestone cliffside of Rurutu in the Austral Islands, or trek to the top of Mont Taitaa and take a photo of the panoramic view of Tubuai Island. With picturesque views and unmatched photo opportunities, any hike in French Polynesia is sure to be breathtaking (and without non-native species like snakes and spiders—a definite plus).

Wonders in the Water

The Islands of Tahiti are known for some of the world’s best diving and snorkelling destinations. Whether swimming or observing from a distance, you will experience an abundance of sea life that’s unmatched. Think: hundreds of colourful fish, manta rays, sea turtles, coral reefs, dolphins, sharks and whales. Beginners and experts alike are sure to be amazed. Thrill seekers can drift among the grey sharks in Fakarava in the Tuamotu Islands, officially designated a UNESCO biosphere reserve, or even explore the Nordby shipwreck in Raiatea.

West Coast surfers will feel at home in the Islands of Tahiti, also known for some of the world’s best waves (Tahiti even hosted the surfing competition in the 2024 Paris Olympics). Novices can learn to surf in the turquoise waters, and pros can try their hand at the world-class Hava’e Pass at Teahupo’o on the island of Tahiti. No matter the activity, the warm, clear waters of French Polynesia welcome you.

Get Cruisin’

One of the most popular ways to travel around French Polynesia is by boat. Most of the region’s surface area is water—99 percent of it, in fact. Hop on a catamaran with the family or take a cruise from Papeete to travel from island to island and see the destination from a different perspective: on the water. You can even try a Polynesian canoe, or va’a, and experience the thousands-of-years-old traditional means of fishing and travelling.

Getting around French Polynesia is also made easy with inter-island airlines like Air Tahiti and Air Moana. The region stretches thousands of kilometres, both on land and across the sea. Inter-island ferries are also a popular way to explore, including the Vaeara’i Ferry, Aremiti Ferry and Terevau Ferry, which travel between Tahiti and Moorea, or the Apetahi Express and Vaeara’i Ferry, which connect the Society Islands. Whether it’s boating or flying, there are plenty of affordable and accessible options to get around the Islands of Tahiti.

Like a Local

The memorable experiences from the Islands of Tahiti will last a lifetime, but what stays with visitors long after they leave is the welcoming people and rich culture. Tour and expedition guides are locals, leading a range of experiences that include diving trips, waterfall hikes, island exploration and cultural immersion from an authentic perspective. There is a genuine welcome from islanders to share and teach visitors about the ma’ohi culture and heritage. Take the time to learn about the Indigenous Polynesian culture and history as it’s expressed through dance, dress, tattoos and artistry. Through it all, you’re invited to slow down and see the Islands of Tahiti like a local.

Experience the spirit of mana yourself in the Islands of Tahiti. Visit tahititourisme.ca to learn more and plan your trip to paradise.

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