Tahiti & Moorea

Tahiti is the largest island in French Polynesia — actually consisting of two volcanic cores, connected by a narrow isthmus: Tahiti Nui (big Tahiti) and Tahiti Iti (small Tahiti).

• Papeete — the capital with about 136,000 inhabitants (metropolitan area); more bustling than touristy. Marché de Papeete (market) is lively in the mornings
• Roulottes at Place Vaiete — the food truck culture at the harbor, from around 6 PM
• Musée de Tahiti et des Îles — cultural history museum
• Fautaua Waterfall — tall waterfall in the mountains (hiking)
• Papenoo Valley — 4x4 tour into the green mountain landscape
• Venus Point (Pointe Vénus) — historical site where Captain Cook observed the transit of Venus in 1769, now a beautiful black sand beach and lighthouse
• Teahupoʻo — world-famous surf spot on the southwest coast (venue for surfing at the 2024 Summer Olympics)

Tahiti is mostly a transit point — many travelers stay 1-2 nights in or near Papeete and then fly onward.

The "sister island" of Tahiti, only 17 km away and reachable by ferry in 30-45 minutes. Many consider Moorea to be the most beautiful island in French Polynesia — dramatic mountain silhouette, twin bays, relaxed character.

• Cook's Bay & Opunohu Bay — the famous sister bays. Sunsets from the Belvédère viewpoint are spectacular
• Mount Rotui (899 m) — separates the two bays; hiking trails to the summit
• Lagoon tours — snorkeling with stingrays and blacktip reef sharks (in shallow water, impressive and safe when guided)
• Dolphin watching year-round, humpback whale watching July-November
• Pineapple plantations and rum distillery — Moorea produces most of Polynesia's pineapple juice
• Tiki Village Cultural Center — traditional Polynesian shows

For many, Moorea is the more authentic, affordable alternative to Bora Bora with similar beauty. The complete package of mountains, lagoon, culture, and price level makes it a top travel destination.