Tahiti
Tahiti is a beautiful French Polynesian island that combines tropical living with French influences.
Why Tahiti
Here are some of the top reasons to visit:
• The Lagoons: Tahiti features shimmering turquoise and sapphire lagoons that are perfect for cruising.
• Incredible Marine Life: Visitors can swim with gentle stingrays and majestic manta rays. The waters are also home to reef sharks, turtles, dolphins, and vibrant tropical fish.
• Mesmerising Culture: Tahitian dancers perform with dazzling energy and joy to pounding drums and ukulele music.
• The People: Tahitians are famously warm, welcoming, and relaxed, often greeting visitors with flowers, smiles, and music.
• French Charm: Papeete, the capital, blends island life with chic boutiques, French wines, designer perfumes, and excellent bakeries.
• Accessibility: For Australians, Air Tahiti Nui now offers direct flights from Sydney, making the island more accessible without exhausting stopovers.
Cruise Ships in Tahiti
Carnival Splendor sails year-round from Sydney and is Carnival’s longest-running ship in Australia. Originally built for Costa Cruises, it was reassigned to Carnival. The ship offers short getaways, New Zealand trips, and enrichment voyages. Read more
Carnival Luminosa is homeported in Brisbane and retains an Italian touch despite its refit. Built in 2009, it offers a mid-sized, family-friendly cruise experience for 2,200 passengers, featuring spas, bars, and entertainment for a relaxing getaway. Read more
The Pacific Adventure, soon to be Carnival Adventure, has joined Carnival Cruise Line after a rebranding. Originally part of P&O Australia, the 108,865-ton Sydney-homeported ship now offers Carnival’s signature fun. Read more
Carnival Magic
Carnival Magic blends sophistication with adventure. This outdoor recreation area includes the first ropes course at sea, an outdoor gym, and a two-level mini-golf course, making it a thrilling cruise experience. Read more
Carnival Panorama
Carnival Panorama, launched in 2019, sails from Long Beach to the Mexican Riviera, stopping at Cabo San Lucas, Mazatlán, and Puerto Vallarta. It features SkyRide, WaterWorks, Cloud 9 Spa, and diverse dining. Ideal for families and adventure seekers alike.
Sailing year-round from Brisbane, Carnival Encounter offers fun and relaxation for all with kids clubs, adult retreats, pools, waterslides, thrilling activities like ziplining, and diverse dining—perfect for families, couples, and friends.
At a Glance
Tahiti is shaped like a figure-eight, consisting of two volcanic masses connected by a narrow isthmus.
- Tahiti Nui: The larger section houses the capital, Papeete, and most of the island's commerce, culture, and coastline.
- Tahiti Iti: The smaller section jutting to the southeast is wilder, quieter, and largely undeveloped.
- When to go: The dry season runs from May to October, bringing cooler temperatures and lower humidity. The wet season from November to April brings warm, lush conditions with intense downpours, but it is quieter and features spectacular waterfalls. Average temperatures sit between 24 and 30 degrees year-round.
Tahiti Destinations
Activities
Tahiti packs a remarkable range of experiences into a single island.
- Beaches and Snorkelling: Relax on the striking black volcanic sands of Lafayette Beach or the white sands of Vaiava Beach (PK18). Boat tours can take you to coral gardens to swim with reef sharks and turtles, and humpback whale sightings are possible from August to November.
- Hiking and Nature: The interior of Tahiti Nui features dense rainforests and waterfalls plunging into untouched valleys. You can hike the Fautaua Valley to see a 40-metre waterfall or take a 4WD tour of the dramatic Papenoo Valley. Energetic travellers can even hike Mount Orohena, the highest point in French Polynesia.
- Culture: In July, the island hosts the Heiva festival, a two-week event filled with traditional dance competitions, outrigger racing, and stone-lifting contests.
Cruise Line Packages Visiting Tahiti
Tahiti is both a destination in its own right and a gateway to the wider region.
- Azamara: Azamara Quest sails a 14-night intimate voyage connecting Tahiti with Samoa and Fiji.
- Ponant: Paul Gauguin explores Tahiti and the Society Islands on a 7-night relaxed itinerary tailored for shallow lagoons. From October 2026, the Le Jacques Cartier will also launch immersive expeditions.
- Silversea Cruises: The 7-night Silver Whisper sails a loop of the Society Islands featuring all-inclusive, small-ship luxury.
- Seabourn: The Seabourn Quest offers a 23-night Pacific crossing from Peru to Tahiti.
- Norwegian Cruise Line: The Norwegian Spirit sails a 12-night one-way voyage from Hawaii (Kona & Maui) to Tahiti.
- The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection: The sleek Evrima offers a refined 7-night loop through the Society Islands.
- Crystal Cruises: Crystal Serenity embarks on an epic 31-night passage from San Diego to Tahiti across the remote Pacific.
- Windstar Cruises: The Star Breeze yacht sails a 7-night Society Islands loop with a signature Polynesian Feast & Fire event on the beach.
- Oceania Cruises: Oceania Riviera travels on a 10-night voyage from Papeete across the South Pacific to the Cook Islands, Samoa, and Fiji.
- Regent Seven Seas Cruises: The ultra-luxury Seven Seas Splendor sails a 21-night voyage from Tahiti to Sydney.
- Aranui Cruises: The working freighter Aranui 5 delivers supplies to the remote Austral Islands while hosting passengers on a rugged 12-night adventure. The new Aranoa will launch in early 2027 to expand this unique cargo-passenger concept.
Top Dining Experiences
Tahiti's food scene is shaped by Polynesian, French, and Asian influences.
What’s Included
• Papeete's Marché Municipal: The central market is humming by 5am. It offers tropical fruits, vanilla beans, and sashimi-grade fresh tuna.
• Roulottes (Food Trucks): Found along the Papeete waterfront every evening, these trucks serve affordable grilled mahimahi, chow mein, crepes, and steak-frites.
• Poisson Cru (ia ota): The national dish of Tahiti features fresh tuna marinated in lime juice and served with coconut milk.
• Restaurants: Excellent options include L'O à la Bouche for French-style cooking, Meherio Tahitian Bistro for casual dining by the marina, and Maru Maru for a cosy atmosphere.
Flights & Cabin Experiences
Air Tahiti Nui is French Polynesia's flagship carrier. It flies a fleet of Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners direct from Sydney.
• Moana Economy: The cabin features a 3-3-3 layout, turquoise accents, USB ports, and a Panasonic eX3 entertainment system. Passengers are served satisfying meals and can enjoy a Tahitian Bliss LED lighting system designed to fight jetlag.
• Manava Premium Economy: Guests get priority check-in, boarding, and a roomy 2-3-2 seating configuration. This cabin includes upgraded amenities, a 33cm touchscreen, and highly charming service.
Activities
Tahiti packs a remarkable range of experiences into a single island.
- Beaches and Snorkelling: Relax on the striking black volcanic sands of Lafayette Beach or the white sands of Vaiava Beach (PK18). Boat tours can take you to coral gardens to swim with reef sharks and turtles, and humpback whale sightings are possible from August to November.
- Hiking and Nature: The interior of Tahiti Nui features dense rainforests and waterfalls plunging into untouched valleys. You can hike the Fautaua Valley to see a 40-metre waterfall or take a 4WD tour of the dramatic Papenoo Valley. Energetic travellers can even hike Mount Orohena, the highest point in French Polynesia.
- Culture: In July, the island hosts the Heiva festival, a two-week event filled with traditional dance competitions, outrigger racing, and stone-lifting contests.
Accommodation
Tahiti offers a variety of relaxed stays with a focus on outdoor living and easy water access.
- InterContinental Tahiti Resort & Spa: Close to the airport, this classic resort offers tropical gardens, overwater bungalows, a lagoonarium, and traditional dance shows.
- Hilton Hotel Tahiti: Conveniently located in Faa'a near Papeete, it offers a large pool, modern rooms, and a relaxed, urban-resort feel.
- Le Tahiti by Pearl Resorts: Situated on Lafayette Beach, it pairs luxury with a dramatic volcanic black sand setting.
- Te Moana Tahiti Resort: Found in Punaauia, it features a large infinity pool merging with the ocean and apartment-style accommodation.
- Vanira Lodge: Located near Teahupo'o in the south, it focuses on eco-design with elevated timber bungalows and access to famous surf breaks.
