DESTINATION TRAINING The Islands of Tahiti
‘Ia Ia ora n na e Maeva!
CHAPTER 5 ACTIVITIES & TOURS
What to See and What to Do • The Islands of Tahiti have a lot to offer as far as activities • A lot are of course water oriented but there are also some amazing ways to explore the islands’ lush interiors
Water Aficionados Active • Surfing (best and more accessible: Tahiti, Moorea and Tikehau) • Stand up paddle boards and kayaks (all islands except the Marquesas) • Waverunner tours (Moorea, Bora Bora, Taha’a) • Fishing (all islands for deep sea, Society, Tuamotu, Austral & Gambier for lagoon, Rangiroa and Fakarava for fly fishing)
Water Aficionados Animal Encounters in the Wild • Snorkeling (all of the islands) • Scuba diving (most of the islands with the Tuamotu archipelago offering the most amazing) • Swimming with the Sting Rays (Moorea, Bora Bora, Taha’a) • Whale watching (seasonal, usually July to October - Society Islands, Austral and Tuamotu Archipelago) • Snorkeling with Manta Rays (multiple islands)
On Land Easy • Hiking (beginner level - Tahiti, Moorea) • Bus tours (all of the islands except Marquesas, Austral & Gambier) • Museums, historical & archeological sites (Tahiti) • Rental cars (Society Islands) • Public markets, craft centers (Tahiti, Raiatea, Bora Bora, Rangiroa)
On Land Active • Hiking (all levels - Tahiti, Moorea, Raiatea, Huahine, Marquesas, Austral & Gambier) • 4WD discovery tours (all) • Quads (Tahiti, Moorea, Bora Bora) • Horseback riding (Tahiti, Moorea, Huahine, Marquesas)
From the Air • Parasailing (Moorea, Bora Bora) • Skydiving (Tahiti, Bora Bora)
Golfing • Available in Tahiti (Olivier Breaud International Golf Course - 18 holes) and Moorea (Moorea Green Golf - 18 holes) • Equipment available on-site for rent • The Moorea Golf Course is a Jack Nicklaus designed golf course
Pampering • With eden-like islands, French Polynesia is an immense spa and sanctuary on its own • Resorts boast amazing spa options using a mix of traditional and international techniques and treatments • Real treats: a massage above the lagoon at sunset, a bath in refreshing river water, or a scrub with crushed papaya seeds and coconut oil
Special Events Highlights The Heiva Festival • The Heiva Festival is one the major events in French Polynesia and a true celebration of life • During several weeks every evening in July, dance troupes will perform and compete for the award of “Best Dance Troupe,” “Best Costume,” “Best Musicians,” etc. • Tahiti and Bora Bora have the biggest ones while Huahine, Taha’a and Raiatea have a smaller versions
Special Events Highlights The Heiva Festival • During the day, traditional sports will provide great entertainment • Those include javelin throwing, stone lifting, fruit carriers’ races, outrigger canoe races etc. • The Heiva lasts for about three weeks and it usually starts at the end of June • More on: https://TahitiTourisme.com/en- us/tahiti-activities/festivals- events/
Special Events Highlights Hawaiki Nui Canoe Race • Usually held in early November, Hawaiki Nui Va’a is one of the longest and toughest outrigger canoe races in the world • For 3 days, teams from the islands and other countries will compete, starting from Huahine, heading to Raiatea, Taha’a and ending in Bora Bora • The finish line in Bora Bora is quite impressive and is probably the only time of the year Bora Bora gets a little crowded
Special Events Highlights Bora Bora Liquid Festival • The first week of December, the Bora Bora Liquid Festival celebrates non-motorized watersports: stand up paddle boards, kayaks, outrigger canoes • A great occasion to enjoy some competitions as well as some demonstrations
Special Events Highlights Tahiti Pearl Regatta • Every year in May, teams from around the globe participate in this sailing competition that starts in Raiatea, the yacht charter base • In Raiatea, a regatta village is set up a few days prior to the kick off start, for everyone to enjoy demonstrations, local food and folkloric shows
Special Events Highlights For a full calendar of events, please refer to our website: https://TahitiTourisme.com/en-us/tahiti-activities/festivals- events/
Eat, Pray, Love... • Foreigners can now get married legally in French Polynesia • Same-sex marriage is also now legal in The Islands of Tahiti • It is important to note that even with a legal wedding in the islands, one must still go to city hall for paperwork in the US
Traditional Tahitian Ceremonies • Guests who choose to get married in their home country can purchase a Tahitian Ceremony at most resorts, performed by a Tahitian Master usually accompanied by dancers and musicians • Each resort offers their own versions, from the most intimate to the fanciest • Those are quite popular as they are so authentic
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