Tahiti Cruises 2023/2024

Tahiti Travel Guide

Tahiti Cruises Things To Do

• 
  La Plage de Maui

  One of the top reasons that so many tourists visit Tahiti is the beaches, sand, and clear blue waters. Although many of the island's beaches have volcanic sand, this is one of the few beaches on the island that dazzles with white sand. The water is very clear in this area and you can see right to the bottom. It is about 40 miles southeast of the island's capital Papeete and you will need to drive carefully to reach there.

  Best Time To Visit

  Most times of the year are good to visit La Plage de Maui in Tahiti because the island experiences pleasant year-round water.

   

  You Should Know

  Head over to the snack bar area for some fresh local seafood. Bring snorkeling gear to snorkel as well as other beach essentials.
• 
  Fautaua Waterfall

  Fautaua Waterfall is a beautiful stunning waterfall on the island, which swells up with extraordinary views when it rains. The water cascades into a large pool at the bottom. Unfortunately, to get there you must embark on a fairly difficult hike, which is usually best done with a guide or an experienced group. But it is well worth the trip as most will attest.

  Best Time To Visit

  Visit the Fautaua Waterfall is during the rainy seasons, November through April.

   

  You Should Know

  Be sure to bring some insect repellant with you as mosquitoes are common during the hike there. The best thing to do is hike with a group for safety reasons.
• 
  Papenoo Beach

  Papenoo Beach is located in a small village called Papenoo just a few miles from the island's capital and gives an amazing glimpse into the island's volcanic history. The Punaauai Beach showcases the island's characteristic volcanic sands which it has become well known for. It's also a great alternative from the more populated La Plage de Maui on Tahiti. You may have to compete for some beach space with the island's local surfers, but this can be a nice getaway.

  Best Time To Visit

  Almost any time of year is good to visit Papenoo Beach.

   

  You Should Know

  There are not too many amenities on the beach here. You won't have to travel too far to find food in the village of Papenoo. This is well worth the small trip from the capital.
• 
  Papeete

  Papeete is the capital city of Tahiti and where a lot of the local activities are located. It also happens to be the capital of the rest of French Polynesia. You'll find plentiful opportunities for beaches, nightlife, shopping, and local seafood and culinary destinations here, as well as local markets with souvenirs, clothing, handmade items and more. 

  Best Time To Visit

  Papeete is a top destination to visit on Tahiti throughout the entire year.

   

  You Should Know

  Restaurants here are expensive across the board almost entirely. You will find a surprisingly diverse range of options including Italian, French, and Chinese. The local markets are good for cheaper local seafood and other fare.
• 
  Plage du Taharuu

  This is a beach which is located on the southern coast of Papara and has volcanic black sands, palm trees and is known for being large and wide, offering a lot of room to enjoy the beach, lay out or even swim. It's known for having great swimming conditions and you will also see surfers here. Step out on this beach to enjoy the unique sand and beautiful waves.

  Best Time To Visit

  This beach is excellent to visit almost any time of year, the summertime is more humid from November through May, the wintertime has more pleasant conditions from May through October.

   

  You Should Know

  If you surf you will want to check this one out since this is a more open and less populated beach which can be a good alternative.
• 
  Moorea

  Moorea is the sister island of Tahiti and it is much more rugged yet well worth the quick trip. There are beautiful ATV tours to enjoy the varied lush local terrain and you can also take hikes to the top of the cliffs and mountains for some extraordinary views. Enjoy scuba diving and snorkeling at the lagoonarium as well as the Moorea Dolphin Center where there are plentiful marine mammals to check out. Getting to the island is a quick ferry trip from the terminal at Papeete and a round trip costs around $28 or 3,000 French Polynesian francs. You can get around the island by bus or taxi once you arrive.

  Best Time To Visit

  This is an excellent destination to visit throughout the year but the winter months of May through October can have more pleasant weather. 

   

  You Should Know

  Don't miss the lagoonarium as it's a favorite among both locals and visitors, with opportunities to get up close to sharks and fish. Temae Beach also offers a quiet atmosphere and beautiful pristine conditions.
• 
  Museum of Tahiti

  The Museum of Tahiti and her islands is dedicated to educating the visitors and locals about the unique history of the archipelago. Four sections of the museum cover different aspects including natural history, geography, the impact of colonization, and natural wonders. There are also beautiful beaches right outside of the museum to explore when you get bored and other nearby attractions.

  Best Time To Visit

  Any time of the year is good for visiting the Museum of Tahiti.

   

  You Should Know

  Recent visitors appreciated how nicely organized the museum and exhibits are. There are displays in both French and English for convenience. Many have also said that the local gift shop is also excellent.
• 
  Faarumi Waterfalls

  Faarumi Waterfalls is located in Tiarei, a village on the island, and it requires a quick hike through the forest to reach. There are three waterfalls in total, the first is known as Vaimahutu, and the second (Haamarere Iti) and third (Haamarere Rahi) take an additional hike of about 20 minutes to reach. The falls are beautiful and a bit easier to access than some of the other destinations on the island. The falls are about a 30-minute drive from Papeete and sit along the northern coast of the island.

  Best Time To Visit

  Any time of year can be good to visit Faarumi Waterfalls but the winter months of May through October may present more pleasant hiking conditions.

   

  You Should Know

  Be sure to wear insect repellant on the trip as the hike is known for having mosquitoes. There is no fee and you may also want to wear long clothing to avoid the aggressive mosquitoes.

Tahiti Cruise Packages

• Winter - Dry Season - May to October

  The winter months are also the dry season on the island, so it should be noted that many of the waterfalls may not be as active during these months compared to the summer. The temperatures range from the upper 60s to the mid-80s during the day, making it prime for outdoor activities or spending time on the beach. It's also a lot more comfortable to be outside due to the lower humidity. However, you can expect hotel rates to be higher during the winter due to higher demand. 

• Summer - Rainy Season - November to April

  The summer months of November through April will have higher temperatures and higher humidity, as well as much more rainfall. Some of the months receive an average of 12 inches of rain per month such as December. Temperatures will range from the low 70s to the high 80s or higher on average while hotels can be more affordable during this time of year. If you don't mind the heat, a summer trip can still be pleasant and there are plenty of ways to cool off at the local beaches and attractions. A lot of tourists prefer a much quieter and secluded experience for themselves. If you are one of those and don't mind the scorching heat over your head, then visiting in the summers can also be a better option for you.

Tahiti Cruises Frequently Asked Questions

• What is a Tahiti Ocean Cruise?

  A Tahiti ocean cruise in French Polynesia is typically a momentary stopover on a longer cruise. Most cruises will stop on the island for a few days before moving onto a nearby destination such as Moorea or other French Polynesian islands.

• What is included on a Tahiti Ocean Cruise?

  Typically cruise packages will include room, board, entertainment, WiFi, an alcoholic or non-alcoholic beverages package, and other amenities that vary based on the package that you pick.

• What’s the Best Cruise for a Tahiti Ocean Cruise?

  There are typically several options, you will usually find a multiple destination cruise to Tahiti that will take you to other locations throughout the world. The best option will depend on your goals, if you want to stay in Tahiti longer, consider a cruise that will stopover for more than a few days. If you don't mind a quick visit which is typically all you need to see most of the top attractions, most cruises to Tahiti will work.

• How Much Does a Tahiti Ocean Cruise Cost?

  A Tahiti ocean cruise will vary significantly depending on the package that you purchase and other factors, the cost can range around $3,000 to $5,000 USD for a shorter cruise with multiple amenities up to $15,000 to $40,000 or more for a worldwide or multiple destination cruise with luxury amenities from a cruise provider like Princess or Viking.