Tahiti: Scenic Polynesian Day Tour Waterfalls & Sacred Marae｜France

Meet your guide and begin a scenic 5-hour journey into Tahiti’s Polynesian culture. Along the way you will learn about local traditions, geology, plant life, wildlife, and the island’s history.

Start at Point Venus, a striking black sand beach loved by locals. It sits on Matavai Bay, a key historic landing point where European navigators arrived in 1767.

Visit the Tahara'a, view one of the island’s top lookout spots. Take in sweeping views over Matavai Bay, with Moorea in the distance and Papeete nearby.

Continue to visit Vaimahuta waterfall in the Faarumai Valley. One of three waterfalls in the valley, this is the easiest to access, 100 meters tall and flows year round.

After that, drive Tahiti’s unspoilt east coast before crossing the isthmus to wander through the Water Gardens of Vaipahi, once a sacred place for the Teva clan and used for spiritual purification. The waters are still respected today. You will find tranquil pools, small cascades, and fish like tilapia and koi, plus shy freshwater eels.

Drive past the Maraa Grotto, a fascinating natural site formed from an old lava tube. It is now filled with cool fresh water from nearby springs. The locals often swim here, the water is so inviting that many pause to enjoy the refreshing atmosphere.

Next, stop at Ārahurahu Marae, a restored sacred complex where Polynesians once gathered to honour their gods. Many marae across Tahiti were damaged or abandoned after conversion to Christianity, but this one has been carefully rebuilt.

If you choose the 8h full day option, we will also visit the Belvedere de Taravao for the amazing view of the isthmus from 600 m and then Teahupoo, home to one of the world’s most famous and dangerous waves and the location of the 2024 Olympic surfing event. For an extra thrill, you can take an optional taxi boat out for a closer view of the break. In Papara at Taharuu you can watch surfers near the river mouth and take in another beautiful black sand beach that is popular for learning to surf.