Bucket list experiences in Tahiti you can’t miss

With its awe-inspiring mountains, lush valleys, pristine rivers and beaches, Tahiti is a destination known for its sheer beauty. Add to this a healthy dose of Mana – the sacred spirit Tahitians believe to link all living things – and the largest island in French Polynesia evokes a sense of wonder all its own.

Tahiti – the queen of the islands – is the pulsing heart of the five archipelagos that make up The Islands of Tahiti. Here exists a never-ending list of experiences that will stay with you long after you leave – these are just a few that should be at the top of that list.

Stay in an overwater bungalow

The best way to experience Tahiti’s lush environment is to stay in an overwater bungalow, surrounded by crystal clear ocean. Polynesians have long used simple wooden huts on stilts as shelters for fishing, but the luxury overnight accommodation that you see today is a modern invention from the 1960s. In fact, the installation of a glass floor panel in early designs was known as a “Tahitian television”.

Modern bungalows incorporate the natural surrounds beautifully while providing luxurious comfort – they are often what springs to mind when you think of idyllic tropical escapes. Best of all, you don’t have to venture off the main island of Tahiti to experience them.

The InterContinental Tahiti Resort & Spa offers luxurious overwater bungalows with uninterrupted views of the island of Moorea. Just two kilometres from the airport, it’s the perfect base from which to explore. Of course, there are many other resorts across the islands where you can enjoy the overwater experience – the only hard part is deciding which one!

Immerse yourself in Polynesian culture

Polynesians are known and loved for their warm, friendly hospitality and in Tahiti you’re welcomed with open arms and smiles. Before long, you’ll be settling into the laid-back rhythm of island life like a local.

Tahiti’s thriving ancestral culture remains strong today with music, dance and art part of everyday life. It also has deep sporting heritage, with javelin throwing and surfing regarded as the sport of gods.

Tahitian dance – Ori Tahiti – is an integral part of Polynesian culture and a must-see for visitors to the island. Exotic costumes, sensual dance steps and traditional music combine in a magical performance rich with cultural symbolism.

Polynesian culture is also expressed through skilled craftsmanship, including weaving, sculpting and even oil making. Skills passed from generation to generation transform natural materials such as pandanus leaves, coconut fibre, precious woods, volcanic stone and Tahitian pearls into works of art that are not only beautiful but tell a compelling story.

The preparation of mono’i oil is an art form in itself – the perfumed coconut oil is known the world over and used for massages, skincare and haircare. The traditional process involved in the creation of mono’i requires patience and expertise – which you can experience during your visit.

Explore underwater wonderlands

Whether you’re a surfer, snorkeller or swimmer, Tahiti has a beach to suit. Venus Point on the east coast has all bases covered and is popular with families. Known for its black sand and historic lighthouse, the ocean swell comes from the north creating great waves for surfers. And an aquatic trail offshore is the perfect place to explore marine life with just a mask and snorkel.

Another snorkelling hotspot is Tetiaroa, a stunning atoll off Tahiti’s east coast. The seabird sanctuary offers unspoiled white sandy beaches and a lagoon which is home to a thriving underwater ecosystem. The calm, shallow waters make it accessible for all skill levels, and you’ll see colourful coral reefs, tropical fish and turtles. Guided excursions are available to help you navigate the lagoon’s hidden treasures safely.

Vaiava Beach on Tahiti’s west coast is a great spot for picnic, with a crystal-clear lagoon ideal for families, and where you can snorkel on the nearby reef amongst the tropical fish.

Chase the waterfalls

Tahiti might be known for its sunshine and sparkling lagoons, but the island’s tropical rains reveal another side of its beauty – cascading waterfalls that tumble from the mountains down to the coast.

A full-day adventure through the lush Papenoo Valley in northern Tahiti leads you to some of the island’s most breathtaking falls – Topatari, Vaiharuru and Puraha. The journey itself is part of the magic, winding past ancient temples and hidden corners of history that showcase Tahiti’s rich cultural tapestry.

For those seeking serenity, Vaiharuru Waterfall is a tranquil escape. A short hike through emerald greenery leads to clear, cool waters perfect for a refreshing dip or a peaceful picnic surrounded by the sounds of nature. Nearby, Puraha Waterfall offers a more secluded experience, where moss-covered rocks and ferns frame a shaded pool at the waterfall’s base. Wade into the water for a closer view – you may even spot a few harmless eels gliding by.

On the island’s eastern side, the Vaihi Waterfall at Faaone provides another idyllic picnic spot, while the towering Fautaua Waterfall near Pirae rewards experienced hikers with an unforgettable panorama after a half-day trek through the forest.

Set out on a culinary adventure

Sampling the local cuisine will give you the true flavour of Tahiti. The island’s location means the food is a unique combination of Polynesian staples and French influences, resulting in flavourful dishes that will leave you wanting more. Fresh, local produce is the star of Tahitian cuisine, along with vanilla which is used to flavour both sweet and savoury dishes.

Poisson cru is the signature dish of the Islands of Tahiti – raw tuna fish marinated in coconut with a zest of lime, served with fresh, raw vegetables. Another seafood delicacy are chevrettees, freshwater prawns in coconut milk perfumed with vanilla, or in a coconut milk and curry sauce.

Traditional Polynesian cooking requires an ahima’a (earth oven) and is a practice now reserved for festive occasions and family meals. Fish, pork, taro, fe’i bananas and ‘uru (breadfruit) are wrapped in banana leaves and slowly steamed on red-hot stones until succulent and ready to eat.

Po’e is the favourite dessert of Tahitians. Fruit such as cassava, banana, pumpkin or papaya is mashed into a pulp, mixed with starch and cooked in an oven or an ahima’a, then served with fresh coconut milk.

Perhaps the most traditional, and divisive, dish in Tahiti is Fafaru – raw tuna or marlin marinated in sea water and fermented for several days using the heads of freshwater prawns. The result is a succulent, albeit smelly dish, served with fermented coconut milk. Locals love it – visitors often need more convincing.

The best way to start the day in Tahiti is with a breakfast of firi firi, a Polynesian style donut made from coconut flavoured flour and shaped in a figure 8. And if you’re lucky to be in Tahiti on a Sunday, you can sample the delectable pua’a rôti – a sweetened roast pork dish that Tahitians enjoy as part of their Sunday brunch. You can buy it in markets and roadside stalls all over the islands on Sunday mornings.

Start planning your Tahiti escape with the experts at Spacifica Travel – discover our range of ready-to-go holiday packages or let our team craft a tailor-made Tahitian adventure designed just for you. We work closely with trusted local operators to create once-in-a-lifetime experiences, and all packages can be customised to suit your needs. Call us 1800 800 722 to start creating your dream getaway today.