7 Best Tahiti Tours You Need to Know About in 2024
Tahiti is undoubtedly one of my favorite destinations in the world. And, whether you’re visiting for the first time or a frequent traveler to this island paradise, one of the best ways to make the most of your time and discover the area is by taking a Tahiti tour! Within this post, I’ll share the 7 best Tahiti tours worth checking out and some insider tips!
7 Best Tahiti Tours (2024)
Before I dive into the details of the different types of tours available, here is a quick overview of what I’ll be covering! If you already have an idea of what you want to do, feel free to click ‘details’ and jump to that section of this post.
- Tahiti Island Tours — details
- Tahiti Boat Tours — details
- Tahiti Snorkel Tours — details
- Tahiti Food Tours — details
- Tahiti 4×4 Tours — details
- Tahiti Whale Tours — details
- Papeete Tours — details
🏝 PRO TIP: I know we’re all busy people and sometimes don’t feel like reading through an entire post. So, if you’re short on time or want an easy visual to look at, I’ve made a little comparison chart that summarizes everything!
1. Tahiti Island Tours
⭐️ RATING: 5 out of 5 – all 5-star reviews! | ⏳ LENGTH OF TOUR: 4.5 hours
The Private Island Tour includes:
- Direct pick-up from the airport, marina, pier, or hotel
- Visiting Arahurahu Marae — one of the most well-preserved ceremonial sites
- Wander around water pools at Maraa Grotto
- Explore the Water Gardens of Vaipahi
- See Arahoho Blowhole up close
- Visit Point Venus, where James Cook calculated the transit of Venus
- Private transportation in an air-conditioned mini-van
This half-day tour of Tahiti is one of the highest-rated and most popular Tahiti island tours available. It covers quite a bit of ground and allows you to see all the major tourist sites without feeling too rushed.
The guides are super kind, considerate of your interests, and extremely knowledgeable of the island and its long-standing history.
Thus, it’s perfect for those who have a short amount of time in Tahiti or simply prefer to explore the island via land instead of water!
Oh, and they charge per group, so if you happen to be traveling with your significant other, friends, or family, this can help make your trip to Tahiti more budget-friendly as opposed to other island tours!
“This tour provides an excellent way to see and explore all of the major sites around the coast of Tahiti with a very friendly and knowledgeable guide in air conditioned comfort. You won’t be disappointed.”
– Kenneth K. (seE MORE REVIEWS)
✅ 🌸 Check availability for this popular, private Tahiti Tour
2. Tahiti Boat Tours
⭐️ RATING: 4.5 out of 5 | ⏳ LENGTH OF TOUR: 3 – 4 hours | ⏰ START: 9 AM
The Half Day Tahiti Peninsula and Teahupoo Boat Tour includes:
- Witnessing the powerful Teahupoo wave!
- Cruise in the lagoon to Fenua Aihere
- Stopping at the Vaipoiri river
- Exploring one of the last tree forests
- Snorkeling in a coral garden on a white sand bar!
- Complimentary cffee, pastries, & alcoholic beverages
This boat tour is great for those who want to travel off Tahiti’s beaten path and see parts of the island that are only accessible by water!
Over 4 hours, your experienced captain and local guide will help you discover Tahiti Iti, which is the island’s smaller segment. Along the way, you’ll get to marvel at the famous Teahupo’o wave that only experienced and professional surfers dare to surf.
Afterward, you’ll make your way toward Fenua Aihere, which can only be reached by boat. Here, you’ll get to walk around and enjoy the Vaipoiri River. To finish, you’ll have a chance to snorkel in a coral garden teeming with marine life!
So if you’re looking for an unforgettable boat tour to take while in Tahiti, this is the one to do!
“The captain provides a comfortable and inviting experience. The boat is top notch and clean. You get to see such beauty; right up to the Teahupoo wave, the gorgeous shore of Tahiti Iti, swim through perfect coral, jump into a freshwater pool. You will not regret taking this boat trip!”
– Tour Guest (seE MORE REVIEWS)
✅ ⛵️ Check availability for this fantastic half-day tour around Tahiti-Iti’s Peninsula & to Teahupoo
3. Tahiti Snorkeling Tours
⭐️ RATING: 5 out of 5 – 85+ 5-star reviews! | ⏳ LENGTH OF TOUR: 4 hours
The Sea Scooter Snorkel Tour – Guided Ocean Safari includes:
- Snorkeling alongside plane and boat wrecks
- Visiting a vibrant coral garden in the heart of the Lagoon
- All the necessary snorkeling equipment
- Snacks and an assortment of drinks
- Photos and Videos
- Tour limited to 2 to 7 people
This half-day excursion is the most comprehensive, highest-rated, and most popular snorkeling tour in Tahiti! You’ll get to visit several different sites and swim amongst an array of sea creatures.
Some of the marine life you can look forward to seeing include leopard rays, friendly sharks, turtles, eagle rays, barracudas, and maybe even dolphins!
And, with a highly personable professional guide and the help of a fun sea scooter, you’ll be able to move through the clear waters with ease!
So, if you want to discover the magical ocean world near Puna’auia, this is the snorkel tour to take!
“This is the most awesome experience ever. We swam with Humpback Whales, Turtles, sharks, Eagle Rays. We also saw lots of Dolphins. The crew is the best. This is a must do.”
– JON H. (seE MORE REVIEWS)
✅ 🦈 Check availability for this highly-rated Sea Snorkel Tour
4. Tahiti Food Tours
⭐️ RATING: 5 out of 5 – 25+ 5-star reviews! | ⏳ LENGTH OF TOUR: 3.5 hours
The Papeete Food & City Tour includes:
- Exploring Papeete’s bustling Municipal Market
- 6 – 8 tastings of authentic Tahitian, French, and Chinese food.
- Trying seasonal fruits, snacks, and fish
- Touring around the local Notre Dame Cathedral
- Walking around the outside of the Presidential palace.
- Personalized attention with an intimate small-group tour
This Tahiti food tour is a dream for any foodie looking to explore the local flavors and culture of the island.
It comes highly recommended by guests who have taken it, and you get to discover some of the unique dishes and produce that make up the rich culinary landscape of Tahiti!
Plus, you’ll get to visit some historical and cultural sites along the way. So, if you’re ready to eat your way through Tahiti, check this tour out.
“Orama showed us multiple local places that we would never have found on our own. Her background explaining the culture and people of the area was invaluable. It was a walking tour. Saw so much of the market, city and history of Papeete while experiencing many wonderful dishes. The time and steps were well worth it!“
– Katie d. (seE MORE REVIEWS)
5. Tahiti 4×4 Tours
⭐️ RATING: 5 out of 5 — 160+ 5-star reviews! | ⏳ LENGTH OF TOUR: 8 hours
The Crossing Tahiti in a 4×4 safari includes:
- Transport in a comfortable, open-air 4×4
- Passing through local Polynesian villages
- Swimming in natural pools when sunny
- Admiring the view of multiple waterfalls
- Visiting archaeological sites
- Hotel pick-up available
For those looking to voyage through the island’s flourishing interior, this is the highest-rated 4×4 Tahiti tour, and for good reason!
As you traverse through Tahiti’s interior, you’ll take in the most breathtaking landscapes and panoramic views that aren’t accessible to most, see tons of tropical flora, and learn the unique history of the island from your expert local guide!
You’ll even have a chance to swim in some natural pools and visit Tahiti’s only natural lake! Thus, if you’re ready to experience a more hidden side of Tahiti and don’t mind a bit of a bumpy ride, I definitely recommend checking this tour out!
“An incredible tour that taught us a lot about Tahitian/Maohi culture and took us through the heart of the breathtaking island. Highly recommend this company! So much enthusiasm and good mana (energy). Mauruuru!”
– Nikhil A. (seE MORE REVIEWS)
✅ 🏔 Check availability for this 4×4 Safari Adventure through Tahiti’s Interior!
6. Tahiti Whale Tours
⭐️ RATING: 5 out of 5 – 70+ 5-star reviews! | ⏳ LENGTH OF TOUR: 4-5 hours
The Respectful whale excursion includes:
- Swimming with humpback whales, stingrays, and turtles
- Passing by Pointe Venus in search of long-beaked dolphins
- Visiting over 3 ocean wreck sites
- Docking on a sandbar to taste local fruits and drinks
- Snorkeling amongst all kinds of fish
- Hotel pick up available
- Private tour with only your group!
This is more of a seasonal activity that is only available during whale migration season (end of July to mid-November)…But, if you’re visiting during this period, then you won’t want to miss out on this private, ethereal whale experience!
Over several hours, an expert naturalist guide will help you respectfully observe and swim with all kinds of marine life off the coast of Tahiti, including dolphins, turtles, sting rays, and humpback whales!
This is truly an experience of a lifetime for anyone who wants to get up close and personal with these gentle giants of the sea!
“This was an incredible experience & would definitely recommend to everyone. The guides were very knowledgeable about humpback whales, and they definitely knew where to find them around the island. We had multiple encounters throughout the day.“
– gUEST (seE MORE REVIEWS)
7. Papeete Tours
⭐️ RATING: 4.5 out 5 | ⏳ LENGTH OF TOUR: 2 hours
The Papeete Walking Tour includes:
- Learning stories of Papeete’s complex past
- Walking around the Mairie de Papeete (city hall)
- Wandering through the lively Papeete Municipal Market
- Stopping by Papeete’s churches
- Admiring impressive street art
- Visiting the Queen Pomare IV gardens
- Sun umbrellas and fans
This Papeete tour is one of the most affordable Tahiti tours available and ideal for visitors who want to explore the city on foot with a passionate and knowledgeable local guide.
Along the way, you’ll get to learn about Papeete’s intricate history and culture while passing by several sites you would likely miss on your own!
So, if you’re keen on discovering Tahiti while getting all your steps in for the day, this is a great walking tour to consider.
“We learned much about the history and the culture of Tahiti, which is what we hope from a tour with a local guide. Christian is passionate about his country and about sharing it with tourists.”
– THOMAS K. (seE MORE REVIEWS)
✅ 🚶♂️ Check availability for this comprehensive walking tour through Papeete!
Tahiti Tours Cost and Comparison
Now, I know I just covered quite a bit and you might be thinking, “What did I just read again???”. So, to give you a little refresher on all that Tahiti has to offer, here are the essential details of each Tahiti tour I discussed.
🏝 PRO TIP: Turn your phone sideways if you are viewing on a mobile device. Changing the orientation so you’re reading on the long side will increase readability!
| Name | Duration | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Tahiti Island Tour | 4.5 hours | > Hotel pick up + private transport > See 6 different sites around Tahiti > Private transportation |
| Tahiti Boat Tour | 3 – 4 hours | > Travel around Tahiti Iti (smaller segment) > Marvel at the powerful Teahupoo wave > Snorkel along a white sandbar |
Tahiti Snorkel Tour | 4 hours | > Visiting 4 flourishing underwater sites > Underwater wrecks, sharks, rays, turtles > Small group activity with 2 – 6 people |
| Tahiti Food Tour | 4 hours | > 6 – 8 food tastings > Authentic Tahitian, French & Chinese food > Seeing Notre Dame Cathedral |
| Tahiti 4×4 Tour | 8 hours | > Traveling through Tahiti’s lush interior > Seeing lots of waterfalls and local villages > Visiting archaeological sites |
| Tahiti Whale Tour | 7 hours | > Swim with humpback whales and sting rays > See pods of dolphins > Enjoy a delicious rum punch cocktail |
| Papeete Tours | 2.5 hours | > Visit the local gardens, markets, churches > Catch a peek into the local life and culture > Hear fascinating stories of Papeete’s past |
What to Bring for Tours in Tahiti
Alrighty, so you’ve booked your tour and you may be wondering what you need to pack. This will likely depend on the type of tour you signed up for. But, there are a few items I recommend bringing for pretty much every tour to ensure a pleasant experience.
- 💧 Reusable Water Bottle: Stay hydrated throughout the day by bringing at least a big water bottle or two smaller ones. Tahiti is very humid, so expect to sweat a LOT.
- 🌞 Sunscreen: Apply sunscreen multiple times a day, even if the sun isn’t out. I swear the sun is just more intense in Tahiti, especially when you’re out on the water.
And, if you’re going to spend time in the water…please bring reef-safe sunscreen! We want future generations to be able to enjoy the beautiful coral reefs.
- ☔️ Umbrella or Raincoat: With Tahiti being a tropical destination, you can the weather change on a dime! Come prepared with a travel-sized umbrella or raincoat.
- 💵 Local Cash: Even though most areas in the world are becoming cashless, that’s not exactly the case with French Polynesia. I recommend carrying a bit of XPF currency with you in case you want to buy anything or tip your guide! (tipping culture is different in French Polynesia!)
Right picture: taken at the ‘Ārahurahu Marae, which you’ll visit on the unique island tour
Where to Stay in Tahiti
Around Tahiti, there are tons of different housing options, accommodating practically any budget you may have. So, if you’re looking for a place to stay around the island, here are my recommendations.
Low-Cost Stays
- Fare D’hôtes Tutehau — Enjoy a local homestay w/ the kindest family | ⭐️ 9.2 / 10
- Manaeva Lodge — Family-run place with free shuttles & spa access | ⭐️ 9.3/ 10
Mid-Range Stays
- Te Moana Tahiti Resort — Waterfront resort w/ 2 restaurants & 2 bars | ⭐️ 8.6 / 10
- Vanira Lodge — bungalow style housing near Teahupoo on Tahiti Iti | ⭐️ 9.2 / 10
Fancy Stays
- Intercontinental Resort Tahiti — Waterfront hotel w/ private balconies | ⭐️ 8.6 / 10
- Also, it’s the only place in Tahiti with overwater bungalows!
- Hilton Hotel Tahiti — Luxury hotel with 3 restaurants, 2 bars, and spa | ⭐️ 9.0 / 10
Alternatively, use the map below to explore other housing options. You can scroll around to compare prices across various booking platforms. And if you know your travel dates, put them in for the most up-to-date prices!
Getting From the Airport to Your Hotel
As you plan your stay in Tahiti, don’t forget to secure transportation from the airport to your housing accommodations. Some of the hotels above include free shuttles to and from the airport.
But, if your hotel doesn’t, I recommend renting a car. Just make sure to reserve your rental car WELL in advance because there is quite a limited supply. My friends and I booked through Hertz and had no problems with the company.
Now, if you’re staying on the island of Tahiti only for a day or two and don’t want to go through the hassle of renting a car, I recommend booking separate transportion from the airport to your housing. This is because there’s no Uber or Lyft in French Polynesia and public transportation is not exactly reliable or easy to use.
And if you’re thinking of just grabbing a taxi, I would carefully consider the costs. French Polynesia can be quite expensive in some areas, and one of these areas in the price of taxis. You can easily end up paying $25 to go a single mile, which just isn’t worth it.
Thus, if you aren’t going the rental car route, I recommend booking private transport between the airport and your hotel. This way you to don’t end up stranded at the airport, waiting for an overpriced taxi. 🫠🙅🏽♀️
✅ 🚗 Check rates & availability for this reliable car service.
Tahiti Tours: FAQ
Tahiti is known for its stunningly beautiful landscape, pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, and impressive waterfalls. It’s also the gateway to the 118 other islands in French Polynesia, each of which has its own unique culture and experiences!
In my completely biased opinion, Tahiti is well worth visiting. Even if you’ve been to Hawaii, Guam, or some other island destination, it just feels like a completely different world in Tahiti. But, for more information on what to expect, check out this post explaining whether Tahiti is right for you.
Since French Polynesia is such a remote destination, I do recommend staying at least 5 days. And, if you plan on visiting other islands aside from Tahiti, such as going to Moorea or Bora Bora, try to carve out at least 3 days in your schedule for Tahiti!
I stayed for 8 days during the dry season, and it was delightful! French Polynesia is easily one of my favorite places in the world…I’m even actively planning a trip back for later this year because I want more time to discover its islands 🙈!
In Tahiti, there are all kinds of activities to partake in: snorkeling, surfing, 4×4 tours, swimming with whales, swimming with sharks, visiting wreck sites in the nearby waters, food tours, walking tours, etc. You’ll find even more excursions available on Moorea!
Again, this depends on what you want to accomplish and what your interests are! But, since I know that’s the answer that most people despise… I would say the best tour is the sea snorkel tour or the Tahiti boat tour!
Wrap-Up: 7 Best Tahiti Tours (2024)
With such a diverse and gorgeous environment, there is a wide variety of activities and Tahiti tours to pick from! From hiking and snorkeling to learning about unique culture and history, taking a tour is undoubtedly the best way to explore this incredible island paradise.
You’ll not only get to experience the spectacular scenery and natural attractions but also learn all kinds of interesting tidbits about Tahiti directly from friendly locals who are genuinely passionate about sharing their knowledge.
So, if you want to make the most of your time, I highly recommend taking at least one tour while you’re in Tahiti. Regardless though, I wish you a safe and unforgettable journey!
📸 Appreciation Note: You’ll notice that a few of the pictures in this post were taken by my friend good friend Sol! You can see more of his amazing photography here!
