DESTINATION TRAININGThe Islands of Tahiti

‘Ia ora na e Maeva!

CHAPTER 5 ACTIVITIES & TOURS

What to See and What to Do

• The Islands of Tahiti have a lot to offer as far as activities

• A lot are of course water oriented but there are also some amazing ways to explore the islands’ lush interiors

Water AficionadosActive

• Surfing (best and more accessible: Tahiti, Moorea and Tikehau)

• Stand up paddle boards and kayaks(all islands except the Marquesas)

• Waverunner tours (Moorea, Bora Bora, Taha’a)

• Fishing (all islands for deep sea, Society, Tuamotu, Austral & Gambier for lagoon, Rangiroa and Fakarava for fly fishing)

• Snorkeling (all of the islands)

• Scuba diving (most of the islands with the Tuamotu archipelago offering the most amazing)

• Swimming with the Sting Rays(Moorea, Bora Bora, Taha’a)

• Whale watching (seasonal, usually July toOctober - Society Islands, Austral and TuamotuArchipelago)

• Snorkeling with Manta Rays (multiple islands)

Water AficionadosAnimal Encounters in the Wild

On LandEasy

• Hiking (beginner level - Tahiti, Moorea)

• Bus tours (all of the islands except Marquesas, Austral & Gambier)

• Museums, historical & archeological sites (Tahiti)

• Rental cars (Society Islands)

• Public markets, craft centers (Tahiti, Raiatea, Bora Bora, Rangiroa)

On LandActive

• Hiking (all levels - Tahiti, Moorea, Raiatea, Huahine, Marquesas, Austral & Gambier)

• 4WD discovery tours (all)

• Quads (Tahiti, Moorea, Bora Bora)

• Horseback riding (Tahiti, Moorea, Huahine, Marquesas)

From the Air

• Parasailing (Moorea, Bora Bora)

• Skydiving (Tahiti, Bora Bora)

Golfing

• Available in Tahiti (Olivier Breaud International Golf Course - 18 holes) and Moorea (Moorea Green Golf - 18 holes)

• Equipment available on-site for rent

• The Moorea Golf Course is a Jack Nicklaus designed golf course

Pampering

• With eden-like islands, French Polynesia is an immense spa and sanctuary on its own

• Resorts boast amazing spa options using a mix of traditional and international techniques and treatments

• Real treats: a massage above the lagoon at sunset, a bath in refreshing river water, or a scrub with crushed papaya seeds and coconut oil

Special Events HighlightsThe Heiva Festival

• The Heiva Festival is one the major events in French Polynesia and a true celebration of life

• During several weeks every evening in July, dance troupes will perform and compete for the award of “Best Dance Troupe,” “Best Costume,” “Best Musicians,” etc.

• Tahiti and Bora Bora have the biggest ones while Huahine, Taha’a and Raiatea have a smaller versions

Special Events HighlightsThe Heiva Festival

• During the day, traditional sports will provide great entertainment

• Those include javelin throwing, stone lifting, fruit carriers’ races, outrigger canoe races etc.

• The Heiva lasts for about three weeks and it usually starts at the end of June

• More on: https://TahitiTourisme.com/en-us/tahiti-activities/festivals-events/

Special Events HighlightsHawaiki Nui Canoe Race

• Usually held in early November, Hawaiki Nui Va’a is one of the longest and toughest outrigger canoe races in the world

• For 3 days, teams from the islands and other countries will compete, starting from Huahine, heading to Raiatea, Taha’a and ending in Bora Bora

• The finish line in Bora Bora is quite impressive and is probably the only time of the year Bora Bora gets a little crowded

Special Events HighlightsBora Bora Liquid Festival

• The first week of December, the Bora Bora Liquid Festival celebrates non-motorized watersports: stand up paddle boards, kayaks, outrigger canoes

• A great occasion to enjoy some competitions as well as some demonstrations

Special Events HighlightsTahiti Pearl Regatta

• Every year in May, teams from around the globe participate in this sailing competition that starts in Raiatea, the yacht charter base

• In Raiatea, a regatta village is set up a few days prior to the kick off start, for everyone to enjoy demonstrations, local food and folkloric shows

Special Events Highlights

For a full calendar of events, please refer to our website: https://TahitiTourisme.com/en-us/tahiti-activities/festivals-events/

Eat, Pray, Love...

• Foreigners can now get married legally in French Polynesia

• Same-sex marriage is also now legal in The Islands of Tahiti

• It is important to note that even with a legal wedding in the islands, one must still go to city hall for paperwork in the US

Traditional Tahitian Ceremonies

• Guests who choose to get married in their home country can purchase a Tahitian Ceremony at most resorts, performed by a Tahitian Master usually accompanied by dancers and musicians

• Each resort offers their own versions, from the most intimate to the fanciest

• Those are quite popular as they are so authentic