When the sun sets in Tahiti, the island comes alive with revelers. Indeed, Tahiti is considered to be one of the most vibrant ports in the South Pacific. Dancing, dining, gambling and romance are nightly parts of the Tahiti experience.

Casinos

Get lucky at one of the three hotel casinos in Tahiti. The Pacifica, Prince Hinoi and Royal Papeete hotels now offer private, 24-hour gambling casinos. Spin the roulette wheel, or try your hand at blackjack, mahjong or poker.

Clubs

Toss off your inhibitions - and your shoes - and dance the night away at one of Tahiti’s many clubs.
Clubs provide an excellent opportunity for visitors to mingle with the locals. Some of Tahiti’s clubs boast a ballroom ambiance, while others jump to the driving rhythms of disco beat or rock ‘n’ roll.

More curious visitors will want to check out the clubs on the northern end of Boulevard Pomare, where sailors, writers, transvestites and other thrill-seekers gather for a good time.

Local Bars

Tahiti’s local bars possess an almost mythic quality. Packed with revelers, these no-nonsense, smoke-filled nightspots present a great opportunity for visitors to mix with the locals.

Outdoor Cafes & Bars

Romance awaits those who visit the open-air cafes and bars that dot Tahiti’s waterfront. From its swank coffeehouses to its modest yet lively saloons, Tahiti’s outdoor scene veritably crackles with action.

One thing can be said about a stay in Tahiti: you will never go hungry! The island offers a staggering variety of dining choices, from the budget priced Les Roulottes (mobile diners), to an endless array of patisseries, brasseries, pizzerias, cafeterias and deluxe restaurants.

Les Roulottes

These colorful food-vans provide good, fast food at reasonable prices, and every evening hundreds of Tahitians and visitors gather to eat, laugh and enjoy the end of the day.

Meals range from barbeque steaks, chicken and shish-kabob to pizza cooked in a wood-burning stove or freshly cooked delicacies from the provinces of China. Dessert includes a tempting array of crèpes.

Restaurants

Whether you’re in the mood for Chinese, French, Italian, Tex-Mex, Vietnamese, or beyond, Tahiti’s restaurants offer something for every palate.

In Tahiti, French culinary standards combine with native sensibilities, resulting in mouth-watering food you won’t experience anywhere else. For example, it’s not unusual to find restaurants specializing in Tahitian-Chinese cuisine, or Tahitian-French fare.

Groceries

Should you opt to “make your own,” Tahiti boasts a variety of supermarkets and mom-and-pop grocers that carry all the familiar amenities, as well exotic fresh fruits, meats, fish and produce.

Outdoor Cafes

Soak up the atmosphere in one of the many outdoor cafes, where you can relax after a day of your favorite activity by eating sandwiches, delicious seafood, Italian, Chinese or Tahitian specialties. Many establishments offer waterfront seating, where you can sip your espresso or beer as you admire the shimmering sea.

With a wide selection of Tahitian-made textiles, arts and crafts to choose from, no visitor can afford to go home without a souvenir. Take in some shopping at Le Marche, the Papeete Public Market, or at the various markets around the island, or pick up custom crafted items at a fair or festival.

Tahiti merchants carry an assortment of locally-produced goods, including tie-dye apparel, wood carvings and woven items such as hats, baskets and wreaths. Black Pearls are one of the most popular Tahitian keepsakes, and are widely available.

Curio Shops

Pick up some inexpensive knick-knacks at one of the islands curio shops. Some of these shops cater to tourists with their assortment of handicrafts, postcards, t-shirts and assorted bric-a-brac. The island’s more upscale curio shops carry quality bags, shells, traditional dance costumes, wood carvings, woven goods and other indigenous merchandise.

Black Pearl Jewelers

The mysterious and beautiful black pearl is an important part of Tahiti folklore. Visitors can learn about the history of this legendary gem at various jewelry stores on the island of Papeete. Whether you’re in the market for a reasonably affordable black pearl necklace, or a costly black pearl ring, Tahiti’s jewelers have what you’re looking for.

Tattoo Shops

Don’t just take home a memento of your Tahiti visit - wear it. Tahitian tattoo parlors specialize in Polynesian-style designs featuring ornate geometric designs, palms, animals, birds and other tropical imagery.

The Market (Le Marche)

At the Papeete open-air market, you will find the works! On the downstairs level there is meat, produce, the freshest in fish, pineapples, flowers, plants, pastries and over a dozen banana varieties. Upstairs are pareos in every color of the rainbow, post cards, a restaurant and various gift shops filled with souvenirs. On both levels there are shells, straw bags, Tahitian soaps, Monoi oil, wood carvings, ukuleles, and local vanilla beans. Around the outside perimeter of The Market, you will find local textiles hand crafted into table cloths, quilts (called tifaifai) and pillows. Here, you will also see Tahitians making fragrant fresh leis (flower necklaces) and heis (flower crowns). If you need a mid-day refreshment buy a coconut and they will cut the top open for you and drop a straw into it. Now you know you are in Tahiti!

The Market is open everyday from 5am to 6pm.

Le Marche History

In 1850, the Papeete Market originally started by selling fish, fruits, vegetables and poultry. In 1869 it moved to its current location. In 1927, The Market was replaced by a metal structure and by 1960 grew to over half and acre. Then in 1987, The Market space was tripled to meet the needs of over 500,000 local and international visitors it attracts annually.

The Market is open Monday - Saturday from 5am to 6pm and Sunday from 5am to 9am.

Places to visit

With its remarkable combination of natural wonders and man-made landmarks, Tahiti is a sightseer’s paradise. The island brims with must-see landmarks.

Harrison W. Smith Botanical Garden

Teeming with footpaths where visitors can view its acres of well-cultivated plants, the Botanical Gardens of Papeari feature bamboo, bananas, palms, hibiscus and mapes (an indigenous chestnut tree). The Gardens are a testament to the work of American botanist Harrison Smith, who moved to Tahiti in 1919 to set up the vast garden on his 137-hectare Motu Ovini estate.

Bougainville Park

Relax in the shade of the massive banyan tree at Tahiti’s Bougainville Park. Named in honor of the french explorer and navigator, Louis Antoine de Bougainville (1729-1811), this scenic park is lined with concrete benches where visitors can relax in the shade of a huge banyan tree.

Cathedral of Notre Dame of Papeete

Located in the center of Papeete, the majestic Cathedral of Notre Dame is one of Tahiti’s most awe-inspiring structures. The exterior’s modest grey facade is offset by a red-tiled spire. Indoors, the church features gorgeous original stained glass dating back to 1875.

Vaihiria River & Vaihiria Lake

Tahiti’s only real lake, Vaihiria is a vast reservoir for rain and the river water that plunges down the outer wall of the Papenoo crater. Surrounded by luxuriant, green mountains, the Vaihiria Lake area is popular for its large eels and nearby banana plantations.

Maraa Fern Grotto

These fern-covered caverns have become a must-see destination for Tahiti visitors. The site actually features three grottos - yawning holes in the cliff with shallow pools of water inside. The lush, emerald vegetation hangs over Paroa Grotto (”great wall”) like so many stalactites. The grotto gives the optical illusion of being smaller than it actually is.

Musee de Coquillages (Museum of Seashells)

Both collectors and the curious will enjoy a visit to this unique museum housed inside a handsome, white colonial-style building. The museum also features a gift shop which sells quality crafts, including woven baskets, hats, and hand-made purses.

Musee de Tahiti et ses Isles (Museum of Tahiti and her islands)

A visit to Tahiti would be incomplete without a stop to the Musee’ de Tahiti, which has been judged one of the finest and most modern museums in the South Pacific. Founded in 1978, the museum features a broad range of exhibits on Tahitian culture, history and geology. Visit the Exhibition Building and enjoy the museum’s superlative collection of paintings, prints and sculptures.

Paul Gauguin’s Home & Mataiea Village

Painter Paul Gauguin (1848 -1903) is world renowned for his earth-hued portraits of Tahiti and its natives. Located in Punaauia, just south of Papeete, visit the home where the famed painter created some his most famous masterpieces. Art lovers will also want to visit the hut at Mataiea Village, where Gauguin created more masterworks.

Gauguin Museum

Dedicated to the work of Paul Gauguin, the Gauguin Museum is situated in a contemporary, Japanese-style building just opposite the Botanical Gardens of Papeari.

The facility features exhibits and memorabilia from the late painter himself, including sketches, documents (mostly in facsimile), block prints, reproductions and a handful of original creations.

Vaima Center

With its heavy concentration of businesses and services, Vaima Center is one of the main nerve centers of Tahiti. Situated directly across the waterfront, this four-level, block-square shopping center has everything from airline bureaus, banks and boutiques, to book stores, travel agencies and restaurants.

Pearl Museum

Located in the heart of downtown Papeete, in the Vaima shopping center, the Robert Wan Pearl Museum is dedicated specifically to pearls.

Here, you will gain a full perspective into the world of pearls. From historical times to the present day, you will learn of the pearl and its relation to art, religion, mythology and even to the lives of such important figures as Christopher Columbus, The Queen of England and The Pope.

The museum is open Mon.-Sat. 8am-7pm and on Sundays from 9am-7pm.

James Norman Hall Home

The James Norman Hall home, situated in Arue, a few kilometers from Papeete, looks out northwards to the famous Matavai Bay where Cook first landed in 1769. Visitors may walk around Mama Lala’s magnificent garden or relax under the terraced mango tree enjoying fresh beverages and local Tahitian pastry from the family kitchen, now a coffee and tea room.

Land Activities

Though Tahiti is best known for its tropical lore, deep blue waters and laid-back philosophy, the island offers just as much in the way of inland activity. Most activities can be arranged by hotels.

Golf

Golf enthusiasts will surely want to take in a game at the Oliver Breaud International Golf Course, which is Tahiti’s only golfing green. Located at Atimaono in the Papara district, this 6944-yard, par 72 course features two man-made lakes and sprawling fairways. Formerly a cotton plantation, the course was recently renovated and now includes a new clubhouse, driving range, pool, restaurant, pro shop and tennis courts.

Hiking

Adventurous travelers will love the exciting guided tours that lead them on explorations of the rugged interior. Stops can include spectacular waterfalls and natural pools (some in which you can swim), mountain peaks with panoramic views, archeological sites (ancient temples, or “marae”), grottos and lava tubes: underground burrows with meandering streams running through them.

Horseback Riding

For the horse enthusiast Tahiti has a number of first-class riding stables. Experienced riders can saddle-up the island’s New Zealand and Marquesan horses, while private lessons are available for the beginner. Rides in the mountains are often accompanied by picnic lunches.

Tennis

Raise a racket at any of the numerous tennis courts around Tahiti. Many of the island’s hotels and private clubs have courts, while more informal courts can be found further inland.

Mandara Spa

The name Mandara comes from an ancient Sanskrit legend about the gods’ quest to find the elixir of immortality and eternal youth. Mandara Spa has embraced the legend with unique and exotic spa treatments that reflect the beauty, spirit and traditions of those ancient times and the soul and ritual of Asian culture.

The legend tells of the ten stages of destruction and the means by which these are overcome. In this legend Mandara Giri is a sacred mountain from which flows the water of life - a magical elixir with the power to keep you forever young.

Water Activities

Diving, fishing, sailing, surfing - Tahiti is a dream come true for water sports enthusiasts. Marvel at the island’s dazzling array of aquatic life from a glass-bottom boat (Tahiti’s waters are alive with eels, rays, sharks, and exotic fish). Feed fish by hand, or take underwater photography lessons. The possibilities are as numerous as Tahiti’s waters are blue. Most activities can be arranged by hotels.

Diving

Divers of all stripes will appreciate Tahiti’s many diving sites, which give visitors the opportunity to glimpse sunken planes, wrecks, exotic fish and sharks. Some sites even offer night diving.

Fishing

The waters outside the barrier reef are home to a eye-popping assortment of fish - marlins, mahimahi, yellowfin tuna and others. Some vessels cater to deep-sea anglers.

Surfing

The surf is always up in Tahiti. Surfing is especially good in winter, when the swells break strong along the reefs, resulting in high, “tubular” waves. Both the northern and southern coasts of Tahiti offer good surfing.

Sailing

For a truly unforgettable Tahitian vacation, try renting a fully-provisioned boat for several days or weeks. Rentals include bareboats, catamarans or yachts. For those visitors who can’t steer a vessel, skippers are available to help make your sailing experience even more memorable. You can even rent hosts and cooks.

Snorkeling

Snorkeling conditions are excellent in Tahiti. Fish are abundant, and the waters are flat-calm.

Non-stop, direct or connecting flights are available to Faa’a Airport in Papeete on the island of Tahiti from most of the major and regional airports in North America. Non-stop flights from Los Angeles are approximately 7 ½ hours.

Flight transportation between the many islands offered by Pleasant Tahitian Holidays can take from 10 minutes for a quick hop between Tahiti and Moorea, to 2 ½ hours from Tahiti to the Marquesas. A ferry that makes the journey between Tahiti and Moorea takes approximately 45 minutes and is also available.

For those visiting the island of Bora Bora, upon your flight’s arrival, a speedboat or catamaran transfer of approximately 20 minutes is necessary to reach your resort. The over-water transfer provides a dramatic introduction to what is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful islands in the world.

Our Airline Partners Serving Tahiti:

Air France

Air New Zealand

Air Tahiti Nui

Entry Requirements

Foreigners wishing to visit French Polynesia must have a valid passport, which, depending on the nationality of the visitor, contains a valid visa. Such visitors must also have an airline ticket back to their resident country or to at least two more continuing destinations. Visitors must also have a sufficient amount of funds to cover their planned stay in the territory.

Visa Formalities

1. Visitors Eligible for Three-Month Stays.

Citizens of certain countries are exempt from all visa requirements for stays of three months or less. They are citizens of European Union Countries: Germany, Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, The Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, Sweden and the United Kingdom. They are citizens of the following other countries: Andorra, Liechtenstein, Monaco, Norway, San Marino, Switzerland, the Vatican, and Australia*.

2. Visitors Eligible for One-Month Stays.

Citizens of the following countries are exempt from all consular visa requirements for stays of one month or less: Argentina, Bolivia, Brunei, Canada, Chile, Costa Rica, Croatia, Cyprus*, Czech Republic, El Salvador*, Equador, Estonia, Guatemala, Honduras, Hungary, Iceland, Japan*, Latvia, Lithuania, Malaysia, Malta, Mexico*, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, Poland, Singapore*, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Korea, the United States of America**, and Uruguay.

3. When Visas are Obligatory

Citizens from all other countries are obliged to have a consular-issued visa for French Polynesia issued by a French consulate office in the country where the citizen lives. The visa must include the following wording: “Valable pour la Polynesie Francaise” (valid for French Polynesia).

4. Other Situations

A foreigner with a residence card for the United States is not exempt from having a visa for visiting French Polynesia. This person should contact French consular officials based in the United States of America. The entry formalities from French Polynesia are subject to modification without notice. Foreigners planning to visit French Polynesia are, therefore, urged to contact their nearest French Consulate or an airline serving Tahiti.

As visa requirements may change, click here for visa information posted by the Consulat Général de France.

*Except for paid activities in French Polynesia.
**Just like in France, short-stay visas are required for American citizens in the following cases: holders of diplomatic and official passports on assignment, students enrolled in courses in French Polynesia, journalists on assignment, crew members, as well as those who will have paid activities in French Polynesia (including scientists and artists).

Custom Regulations

In addition to personal effects, the following are allowed into Tahiti duty-free: 200 cigarettes or 100 cigarillos or 50 cigars or 250 grams of smoking tobacco, 50 grams of perfume, 500 grams of coffee, 100 grams of tea and 2 liters of spirits.

To import plants and flowers, special permission is necessary from the Service of Rural Economy, P.O. Box 100, Papeete, Tahiti, Tel. 42.97. 80 (Fare Ute - Papeete)/ 82.49.99 (Faa’a airport). All passengers importing plants, flowers, fruits or vegetables, must be in possession of an international certificate.

Importation of live animals is prohibited. Contact the above mentioned service if you have questions. Open daily from 7:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., and from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Non-prohibited items should be re-exported in a maximum deadline of six months.

Certain types of animal life and flora are protected by customs regulations:

by the Washington agreement (requires a CITES certificate issued by the Nature Protection Service)

by territorial regulations (certain shells, etc. …)

Tahiti is a magical Garden of Eden. The islands of French Polynesia stimulate the mind, refresh the soul, and bring out the sense of adventure in all of us. Ask travelers who have been lucky enough the visit Tahiti and Her Islands to describe the experience, and you’ll most likely hear words that range from “awesome� to “unbelievable!� Be kind. Most of us aren’t poets, and even if we were, nothing can prepare you for the first time you visit these mythical South Sea islands.

Come discover a world of intoxicating aromas, flower-strewn valleys, deserted stretches of white sand beaches, over water bungalows, isolated motus (small islands) sapphire lagoons, and a palette of colors so vibrant only a painter like Gauguin could come close to capturing them.

Watch mere words melt away in the smiles of the friendly Tahitian people, who are happy to share their world with you. Come refresh yourself in this unhurried Garden of Eden; the type of magical place that perhaps you thought had disappeared.

Many visitors arriving in the capital of Papeete no doubt expect grass huts, pareo-clad natives and the quiet crash of the surf. They are surprised to discover that Papeete is a modern, bustling port. Just accept our promise that the Tahiti of legend does live on elsewhere on the island; then, start to enjoy Papeete’s unique cosmopolitan charms.

Shopping is definitely one of them. Hop aboard le truck - as the locals call the open-air bus - to downtown, where an amazing selection of boutiques offer shell leis, woven hats, purses and other native handicrafts, while their neighbors feature the latest in French fashions.

Part of the fun of Papeete is sipping a drink and people- watching at a sidewalk cafe. In the city’s many restaurants you’ll discover that Tahitians enjoy an enticing variety of native, French, Asian and other cuisines.

Away from Papeete, Tahiti’s landscape changes to an array of stunning colors and rugged vistas, all surrounded by crystalline waters.

There’s plenty to do on Tahiti - from a game of golf on French Polynesia’s only course (72-par with majestic views of the island and outer reef), to a breathtaking helicopter ride to Mount Aorai. Or try your hand at big game fishing, water skiing, scuba diving, sailing and windsurfing. And to see the sights that have made this island a legend, try a tour to Matavai Bay, Cook’s Monument at Point Venus, the Gauguin Museum, the Museum of Tahiti and Her Islands or the fascinating Lagoonarium.

Prior to the arrival of Europeans, the music of Tahiti was dominated by festivals called heiva. Dancing was a vital part of Tahitian life then, and dances were used to celebrate, pray and mark almost every occasion of life. Examples include the men’s ?ote?a dance and the couple’s ‘upa?upa.

Professional dance troupes called ?arioi were common, and they moved around the various islands and communities dancing highly sensually and erotically. In the early 19th century, however, colonial laws severely restricted these and other dances, which were considered immoral. They were replaced instead by genres of Christian music such as himene tarava.

Traditional instruments include a conch-shell called the pu and a nose flute called the vivo, as well as numerous kinds of drums made from hollowed-out tree trunks and dog or shark skin.