When people talk about a Tahiti holiday, they’re often referring to the wider islands of French Polynesia — places like Bora Bora or Moorea. But this guide focuses specifically on the island of Tahiti itself: the main island, home to the international airport and the lively capital, Papeete.
Tahiti is usually where your journey begins, and for many travellers, it’s also where they spend the least amount of time. That’s a shame, because Tahiti offers its own incredible mix of experiences, from jungle waterfalls and black-sand beaches to colourful markets, surf breaks, mountain scenery, and cultural highlights.
Whether you’re planning a short stay before island hopping or building Tahiti into your main itinerary, this guide covers the best things to do in Tahiti, including family-friendly activities, must-see natural attractions, and bookable tours and experiences to help you make the most of your time on the island.
If you’re ready to start locking in activities, you’ll find plenty of inspiration below, plus easy options to book tours, adventures, and day trips as you go.
The best things to do in Tahiti, French Polynesia
Circle the island by car (or guided tour)
One of the best ways to experience Tahiti is to simply drive around it.
Tahiti is made up of two connected parts — Tahiti Nui (the larger, busier side) and Tahiti Iti (the quieter peninsula) — joined by a narrow isthmus. Hiring a car gives you the freedom to stop at beaches, roadside fruit stalls, waterfalls, grottos, blowholes, and scenic viewpoints whenever something catches your eye.
Plan a full day (or two) if you want to do the loop properly, especially if you’re travelling with kids and allowing for swim stops and snack breaks. If you’d rather not drive, there are also full-day guided island tours that cover the highlights with local commentary.
Shop (and snack) at Marché de Papeete
Papeete’s central market is a must-visit, especially if you’re looking for souvenirs or a bite to eat.
Inside, you’ll find tropical fruit, fresh pastries, coconut oil, vanilla, pearls, pareos (sarongs), shell jewellery, and plenty of small local crafts. Upstairs is great for souvenirs, while downstairs is ideal for grabbing lunch or an ice-cold coconut.
It’s lively, colourful, wonderfully local and an easy stop to combine with waterfront wandering in Papeete.
Visit Teahupoʻo and watch world-class surf
Even if you don’t surf, Teahupoʻo is worth the drive.
Famous for hosting some of the heaviest waves on the planet, this laid-back coastal area offers dramatic black-sand beaches, rounded river stones for kids to play with, and front-row seats to professional surfers when the swell is up. On calmer days, it’s simply a beautiful place to explore and unwind.
Explore Papeete’s waterfront & parks
Papeete makes a great half-day wander.
Bougainville Park is a leafy oasis in the middle of town, and from there you can stroll toward the harbour to watch ferries and yachts come and go. Along the waterfront, you’ll find casual eateries, food trucks in the evenings, and plenty of spots to pause with a coffee or fresh juice.
Spend time on Tahiti’s beaches
Tahiti offers a mix of white-sand beaches on the west coast and striking black-sand beaches on the east and south.
Papara and Taharuu are popular for swimming and sunsets, while Teahupoʻo and Tautira deliver that wild, volcanic-sand vibe. Don’t expect manicured resort beaches everywhere — Tahiti feels raw and natural, which is part of its charm.
Pack reef shoes for rocky areas and let the kids play around in the sand and rocks while you soak in the views.
Learn to surf in paradise
Tahiti isn’t just for watching surfers; it’s also an incredible place to learn.
Several local surf schools offer private or small-group lessons on gentler breaks suitable for beginners, including kids who can swim confidently. It’s a memorable family activity and a unique way to experience Tahiti from the water.
Discover Arahoho Blowhole & Faarumai Waterfalls
On Tahiti’s east coast, hire a car and find two of the island’s most impressive natural attractions, Arahoho Blowhole and Faarumai Waterfalls. They’re close enough to combine in one outing.
Arahoho Blowhole sends powerful bursts of air and spray skyward as waves crash beneath the rocks (kids love this). Access to get up close and personal with the blowhole is currently closed for safety reasons, but it’s still a nice place to stop and have a picnic. Nearby, Faarumai Waterfalls offers an easy jungle walk leading to a dramatic cascade surrounded by lush rainforest.
Bring insect repellent, water, and sturdy shoes and allow time to explore.
Join a half-day snorkelling tour
If your family wants an easy, high-reward introduction to Tahiti’s marine life, a half-day snorkelling tour is a fantastic option. These small-group boat trips head out from Papeete Marina and pack a lot into just a few hours on the water.
The adventure often begins with dolphin spotting, with long-billed dolphins frequently seen leaping and twisting alongside the boat. From there, it’s into the lagoon for snorkelling. One of the standout stops is a site locals call the Aquarium, where sunken planes and boat wrecks rest quietly on the seabed, surrounded by dense schools of tropical fish. It feels like swimming through a real-life underwater museum, with coral formations adding to the magic.
Most tours finish with a relaxed break in the lagoon, where you can refuel with fresh local fruit and cold drinks before heading back to shore. It’s a great way to experience Tahiti’s underwater world without committing to a full-day excursion, and it works well for families with younger kids or anyone short on time.
Explore Tahiti from the water on a guided Jet-Ski tour
For families with older kids or teens who want to dial things up a notch, a guided jet ski tour is a fun and surprisingly scenic way to explore Tahiti from the water. Departing from the lagoon in front of the InterContinental Tahiti Resort & Spa, this short but exciting experience is designed to be accessible even if you’ve never ridden a jet ski before.
The sheltered lagoon provides calm conditions, and rides are led by a guide, so you can cruise with confidence while taking in coastal views you simply don’t get from land. The jet skis are easy to handle and comfortable to ride, making them suitable for beginners as well as those who are a bit more adventurous.
Children aged six and up can ride as passengers.
So… should you stay on Tahiti?
Yes, absolutely.
Instead of flying straight through to Bora Bora, Moorea, Huahine or Raiatea, set aside at least two to four nights on Tahiti at the start or end of your trip. It balances resort time with real local experiences, and gives your family a taste of Tahitian culture, landscapes, and everyday life.
After all, you don’t want to skip Tahiti on your Tahiti holiday!
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