While going through social media, we've all seen photographs of Tahiti. Water that is impossibly blue, palm palms that line empty beaches, and magnificent mountains that stretch far down to the ocean below. Well, it's all true, and the photographs may not even do the island of Tahiti justice!
Tahiti and Her Islands, a destination with vistas so breathtakingly gorgeous that they have led people to tears of delight, is the ideal location for your next holiday. Tahiti is far bigger than the brief glimpses you get on Instagram. Although Tahiti is generally referred to as a single island, French Polynesia is really five groupings of islands, with Tahiti being the biggest. Putting Tahiti and Her Islands at the top of your travel bucket list will allow you to experience adventure and leisure like few others. The feeling of thankfulness that comes with stepping into these verdant islands is palpable.
I've been to French Polynesia twice now, and both times I felt like I had to keep picking my jaw up off the floor. The scenery is breathtaking, and there are so many interesting activities to keep you occupied throughout your stay on the islands. I won't criticize if you just put on your favorite swimming suit and relax on the beach.
In this blog post, BUT, we're here to show you why you should travel around these islands! From beach bums to history aficionados, we offer something for everyone in Tahiti!
1. French Polynesian cuisine
Polynesian cuisine is a kind of French cuisine that originated in Polynesia
The islands are loaded with some of the most breathtaking views, as clear as the Tahitian Ocean, and we'll definitely get to those, but...we'd like to believe we've got our priorities right by starting with food! French Polynesian food is out of this world, a delectable blend of flavors derived from the island's rich history and many cultures. French Polynesian cuisine offers a unique combination of traditional French dishes with locally obtained exotic ingredients. Tropical fruits, healthy veggies, and fresh seafood are plentiful. Poisson Cru, a raw fish marinated in coconut milk and lime, is one of their hallmark dishes.
Le Marché and Les Roulottes are two foodie hotspots not to be missed. Both are in the city of Papeete, in the center of Tahiti's island. The public market Le Marché is where you can literally breathe in the culture. Colorful fish, tropical fruits, oils, shell necklaces, sculptures, flowers, the famed Tahitian vanilla, and much more will surround you! Les Roulottes are food trucks that come every evening across the street from Le Marché. They provide Asian cuisine, pizza, crepes, steak, and seafood, among other things. In terms of flavor and atmosphere, it's unrivaled!
2. Stunning peaks
While lagoons and beaches come to mind when thinking about French Polynesia, the towering mountains, rock faces, and peaks are arguably the most spectacular scenery in the archipelago. Mount Mouaputa, on the island of Moorea, is the most famous, protruding out of the water and soaring high into the sky.
3. Waterfalls
Tahiti has several natural treasures, one of which is the country's waterfalls, which are nestled among lush fern valleys. The majority of them take a climb to get there, but the natural pools at the bottom make it worthwhile. Les Trois Cascades, commonly known as the Faarumai Waterfalls, is one of the most well-known and magnificent falls in the area.
4. Polynesian Art and Culture
French Polynesia has a distinct culture that eases you into the island as you are greeted with warm smiles from the locals. Tahitians are incredibly proud of their past, and the islands are woven together by unbreakable tradition. Music, dancing, weaving, carving, and tattooing are some of the ways they display their traditions. They are among the nicest people you will ever meet, and they are always willing to show you around their house.
There are constantly festivals going on, each one providing you with a different perspective on the culture. Film festivals, fashion week, a tattoo convention, and a slew of other events abound! The annual Heiva festival, held in July, is the most important event.
From dance to javelin throwing, this event celebrates all facets of the culture. Are you unable to attend a festival? Visit the Maison de la Culture in Papeete, the cultural capital of French Polynesia!
5. Bungalows on the Water
The lake is genuinely that blue, and you'd be sitting right on top of it in a lovely house. It is not the most inexpensive choice, but it is certainly unforgettable. Because they are the most frequent picture connected with Tahiti, photos of these bungalows will overwhelm your Google search. The floor's glass panel is essential for enjoying your morning coffee while watching fish swim beneath your feet! Bora Bora is famous for its amazing bungalows, which are one of the most beautiful spots to watch the sunset while sipping sparkling wine from a coconut shell! Is there anything else we can say?
6. Tours in the Jungle
A jungle trip through Tahiti's jungles will keep you on your toes if lounging on the lagoon seems too boring. It's an opportunity to experience Tahiti's stunning diversity, from reef to jungle.
7. Surfing on large waves
Tahiti is famed for its large wave surfing, which may challenge even the best surfers in the world. Teahupoo is regarded as the world's most deadly break because of its magnitude, force, and strength, as well as the razor-sharp reef beneath it. If you're not a surfer, don't worry; you can still go out on a tour boat to observe this tremendous force of nature.
8. Whale Observation
Humpback whales migrate from Antarctica to French Polynesia every year for around four months (June-October) to breed and give birth. Polynesia was designated as a Marine Mammal Sanctuary in 2002, and as a result, there are tight laws in place to preserve the whales. You may rent a sightseeing boat and your tour guide will ensure that you are aware of the rules. You may snorkel with the whales if the weather is favorable and they are resting!
9. Scuba diving and snorkeling
Few locales can claim to be as beautiful below water as they are above it, but French Polynesia can! The most difficult element is deciding where to begin your plunge into the beautiful seas. Determine what sort of marine life you'll see based on the island you choose and whether you'll be snorkeling or diving. There are over 800 different types of fish, as well as sea turtles, sharks, coral reefs, rays, and even dolphins! Don't believe you'll be able to keep your cool in the presence of sharks? Don't worry, you'll be able to see everything from the boat! The island's Shark and Ray Snorkeling Safaris are a favorite among Tahitian tourists. You snorkel as your tour leader feeds the friendly reef sharks, then go stingray swimming and have a BBQ lunch.