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Tahiti & Bora Bora
Paradise Found in French Polynesia
By Grace Toby
Tahiti and Bora Bora have long been the crown jewels of the South Pacific, but untapped gems with recent UNESCO designations and unique outdoor offerings await further exploration.
Tahiti: Love Island
The largest island in a long, winding chain of 118 islands in the Pacific Ocean is postcard-perfect Tahiti. Shaped like a figure eight, it’s affectionately called the “island of love.” It’s impossible not to be instantly seduced by its crystalline waters, cerulean lagoons and majestic mountains. Fresh from showcasing its natural wonders for the 2024 Summer Olympics where Tahiti hosted the surfing events, it continues to welcome visitors with its gracious hospitality, natural beauty and its sandy shorelines. But if you’re seeking the black-sand beaches, head straight to Lafayette Beach on the north shore, just 20 minutes from the capital city of Papeete. Then, continue east to enjoy the easy-to-access, stunning triple waterfalls at Fa’aruma’i Waterfalls. If you’re chasing one of the tallest waterfalls in the world, then head inland and a 20-minute zigzag directly south of the capital to Cascade de Fautaua. Here, a more challenging hike reveals an impressive drop into a pool of azure below.
Bora Bora: Twice as Nice
Presiding over the island’s centre is the iconic screensaver-worthy Mount Otemanu, jetting up to 727 metres and visible from every coast. The sand-ringed island with swatches of pristine white beaches and a vibrant blue lagoon is an idyllic tropical paradise. Famed for its overwater bungalow-style hotels, you’d be forgiven for hanging in your hammock with waters in shades of blue ombre. When the adventure bug strikes, get ready to explore via jet ski, lagoon cruise or catamaran. To get a view from near the top, you can climb the two dormant volcanoes at Mt. Otemanu, the highest peak, and its neighbouring peak, Mt. Pahia.
Moorea: More to Discover
Hop on a quick ferry ride from Tahiti and head northwest across the channel to Moorea Island. Approaching the atoll (a ring-shaped island, including a coral rim that encircles a lagoon), you’ll marvel at the astounding beauty of this natural wonder. Find your bearings and take an ATV ride through fragrant vanilla and pineapple fields. Head to the island’s centre to hike Belvedere Lookout for some of the highest views of the interior and bays. This trailhead is also a great launching pad for other hiking and cycling trails. Go by car, foot or ATV to Magic Mountain, accessible from the northwest of Moorea, and climb to a lookout with two breathtaking bays.
With coral reefs wrapping its perimeter, it’s a goldmine of species awaiting snorkellers and scuba divers. Additionally, depending on your comfort, you can swim within or outside the protected lagoon and spot dolphins, stingrays and sharks. For a more personal experience, book a whale-watching excursion with a knowledgeable guide who will have you safely swimming with these gentle giants. Stingray World offers swimming or snorkelling with blacktip reef sharks and stingrays. Want to catch some waves? Take a surf lesson at Moorea Iriatai Surfschool.
Marquesas Islands: A Dozen Reasons to Go
Appearing like a dozen dollops of jagged, earthy green mass ascending from the middle of the Pacific Ocean lies the stretch of the Marquesas Islands. This archipelago of 12 volcanic islands, of which six are inhabited, is one of the most remote in the world. The islands are 1,500 kilometres northeast of Tahiti and a world away from anyplace else. Tahiti provides the main gateway to this cluster of islands, allowing them to maintain their authentic, secluded vibe. Its Polynesian name is Te Henua Enata, the Land of Men. These islands surely left an impression on one group of men—Crosby, Stills and Nash, whose song “Southern Cross” highlights the Marquesas. This past summer, it received more recognition and was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Highlights include its diverse flora, marine life, and bird species, plus being virtually free from human exploitation, and its significant archaeological sites.
Nuku Hiva: Second Nature
Start your exploration of this volcanic archipelago on Nuku Hiva, renowned as the largest of the Marquesas Islands. Its sheer beauty reveals itself with dramatic rocky spires that plunge straight into the ocean in all shades of emerald. An adventurer’s playground—go by foot, horse or four-wheel-drive. Well-known for its waterfalls, it has one of the highest in French Polynesia: Vaipo Waterfall. Seasoned hikers need to book a boat and guide. Trek beyond a coastal village and then nestled deep in the rainforest at Hakaui Valley you’ll come to a clearing and your reward. For whale lovers, book a day at sea to observe large pods during migration season (July to November). Every year, the humpbacks make their way from Antarctica to these warmer waters to mate and give birth.
Hiva Oa: Garden of Eden
The second largest island in the Marquesas archipelago, Hiva Oa is as abundant in its natural beauty as it is for its artistic offerings. Known as the “Garden of the Islands,” it’s complemented by the warm and generous spirit of its people.
At the foot of Mt. Temetiu, the island’s highest peak, you can visit the main village of Atuona. It houses the residence and resting place of French artist Paul Gauguin, who called the island home. Then head to the self-titled cultural centre that houses a significant collection of the artist’s paintings. If swimming with hammerhead sharks is on your list, Marquises Diving will suit you up. If horseback is more your speed, a guide can lead you through trails alongside mountain ridges. For speed with a side of culture, take a four-wheel-drive tour to the main cultural sites. Start with a visit to the largest tiki statues in French Polynesia (legend says they continue to watch over the island). Stop at Lipona, one of the most important archaeological sites in the Marquesas. Cap off your visit to the ceremonial complex, Upeke, and take in a traditional dance performance.
Did you Know?
Herman Melville wrote his first book, Typee, a travel and adventure narrative based on his experiences living on the island of Nuku Hiva. Melville later went on to write the classic Moby–Dick.
Embrace the Mana
You may frequently hear the word “mana” when on the islands. It’s what locals call the supernatural force that permeates the universe and that anyone or anything can have.
Travel Planner
To start your trip planning to The Islands of Tahiti, visit TahitiTourisme.ca
