French Polynesia: A photo guide to visiting Tahiti

Australia and OceaniaLuxury TravelTahiti

The beauty of Tahiti cannot be denied. It’s a dream vacation for many travelers with its white sand beaches and shallow turquoise water, dramatic volcanic rock mountains and lush green forests. So instead of telling you about Tahiti, how about we also… show you? ? ? ⛰ ☀ ?

Photo Guide to Visiting Tahiti: Archipelagos

Source: Getty Images

Tahiti, also known as French Polynesia, is made up of 5 archipelagos or island groups: Austral Islands, Gambier Islands, Marquesas Islands (famous for the TV show Survivor: Season 4), Tuamotu Atolls and the Society Islands, which are the heartbeat of the region with Tahiti, Bora Bora, Moorea and Raiatea located here. Here’s a closer look at the most visited: The Society Islands.

Tahiti

Photo Guide to Visiting Tahiti: Town of Pepette

Source: Getty Images

Tahiti’s capital, Papeete, is the economic centre of the archipelago. It’s a busting downtown area with busy streets and a marketplace where you’ll be able to pick up any Tahitian souvenirs that you want take home with you. Vai’ete Square becomes a hot spot of light, food and sound. Locals roll out les roulottes and Papeete’s gourmet food carts, and they serve everything from crepes and pizza to fresh fish, including Poisson Cru à la Tahitienne – the unofficial fish dish of Tahiti (pictured below).

Photo Guide to Visiting Tahiti: Poisson Cru

Source: Getty Images

 

Bora Bora

Bora Bora has become the unofficial honeymoon capital of the world. Couples make the trip only to find themselves wrapped up in a paradise that they never want to leave. Bungalows and beaches define the Bora Bora experience for most travelers, and this means plenty of seclusion. There is, of course, plenty to do in the water. Some of the most popular activities include snorkeling, swimming with rays, kite surfing, paddle boarding and scuba diving. Just past the island’s reefs, you can dive with lemon sharks and other exotic fish.

Photo Guide to Visiting Tahiti: Scuba Diving

Source: Flickr

 

Moorea

Photo Guide to Visiting Tahiti: Snorkeling

Source: Getty Images

Moorea is easy to access from Tahiti by a short plane or ferry ride. Along with beautiful beaches, the rugged terrain of Moorea makes it a popular destination in French Polynesia for adventure travel and active vacations. Taking a day to hike, drive, bike or ride an ATV through the lush green mountainsides is a must. Don’t miss Belvedere Lookout, the highest point accessible by vehicle on the island (Video: See the view).

Photo Guide to Visiting Tahiti: Moorea Beaches

Source: Getty Images

Photo Guide to Visiting Tahiti: Hiking in Tahiti Forest

Source: Getty Images

 

Raiatea

Photo Guide to Visiting Tahiti: Statue on Moorea Island

Source: Getty Images

Raiatea is a historical stop on a journey through the archipelago since it’s home to an archaeological marvel unparalleled anywhere else in French Polynesia. Along the southeastern coast, Taputapuatea (second picture below) is an ancient marae complex that is historically considered to be the spiritual centre of the territory. Made up of religious stone structures, it’s likely that sacrifices to Oro, the god of war and of fertility, were performed here.

Photo Guide to Visiting Tahiti: Raiatea Waterfall

Source: Getty Images

Photo Guide to Visiting Tahiti: Taputapuatea Marae

Source: Getty Images

It’s possible that Tahiti is a paradise on earth. Literally secluded from the rest of the world, this place offers you moments of peace where you can simply exist inside of that very moment. Breathtaking French Polynesia resorts abound throughout the region with endless spa treatments, tropical drinks served up fresh and a delicate cuisine that fuses local with luxury.

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