Location

• Mountains

In the Society Islands and the Marquesas Islands, with peaks and ridges between 1 000 and 2 000m altitude near the ocean, the contrast between land and sea creates striking landscapes. Le Diadem is a peak in Tahiti, clearly visible from the plain of the Pirae district, whose shape is reminiscent of a jewel in the form of a half-crown. The Tahitian name is “Te Hena O Mai’ao”…

• Waterfalls and rivers

Waterfalls are nestled in the valley bottoms of volcanic islands; the most spectacular ones are in Tahiti and Nuku Hiva.

• Gardens and historical sites

A recent proactive government policy encouraged the creation or rehabilitation of landscaped gardens such as peaceful Paofai Gardens on the capital’s waterfront, while historic buildings such as the Papeete market are vibrant institutions that are worth visiting.

• Sacred sites

The Islands of Tahiti hold many places with Mana, or sacred energy. Mana is a lifeforce and spirit that surrounds us. Taputapuatea in Raiatea is the epicenter of several ancient marae. Protestant temples and Catholic churches have also integrated the religious landscape with intricate stone, mother-of-pearl or coral details.

• Mythical waves

Teahupo’o is a must for professional surfers from all over the world with its legendary wave and its perfect tube, particularly powerful between May and August. Other sites are also accessible to all levels, in Tahiti and other islands such as Rangiroa or Tikehau or further north in Tahuata in the Marquesas Islands, a real playground for board sports: bodyboarding, SUP, kitesurf.

• Beaches and lagoons

The mythical white sand beaches and dreamy blue lagoons of Bora Bora, Tetiaroa or Moorea have been featured in Hollywood productions over the years. There are also beaches with pinkish hues in the Tuamotus, and black volcanic sand beaches in Tahiti with golden hues at sunset.

• Bays and marinas

The first explorers discovered Tahiti with emotion in Matavai Bay or Moorea in Opunohu Bay, mysterious gateways inviting to discover the island. The Marquesas Islands with the Bay of the Virgins in Fatu Hiva is also cinematic. On the yachting side, the marina de Papeete or Punaauia offer dream settings a stone’s throw away from the city.

• Underwater

A diver’s paradise, the Tuamotus with Rangiroa, Fakarava and Tikehau’s lagoons are impressive by their sheer size. Their passes teeming with life featuring multicolored fish, sharks, dolphins and turtles. In season from August to October, whales seek refuge near Tahiti, Moorea, Tubuai and Rurutu islands, a breathtaking scene.