3 Days in Tahiti Itinerary: The Best Things to Do & See

If it’s a white sand beach experience on a beautiful island you seek, it’s a great idea to start planning your Tahiti itinerary.

This South Pacific wonderland is known as the “Gateway to French Polynesia,” and it’s not hard to see why with its beautiful botanical gardens and stunning scenery.

While many travelers just fly into Tahiti and simply jet off to popular tourist destinations like Bora Bora, I’d say that is a HUGE mistake! Complete with amazing accommodations, incredible scuba-diving, world-renowned surfing, jaw-dropping landscapes, and wondrous coastlines, there’s definitely something for everyone on idyllic Tahiti.

Although this is a coastal oasis, the island’s interior felt to me like an untouched paradise, so much so that it felt like I was in Jurassic Park or Avatar. Some argue 4 days in Tahiti is better, but I found 3 days in Tahiti perfect for seeing the main island’s top attractions, tours and destinations.

Who knows, you may even extend your French Polynesia itinerary by island hopping to majestic Moorea or the Marquesas or Society Islands. This may sound too good to be true, but that’s the reality of a visit to Tahiti. Dreamy. 

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Tahiti Itinerary Overview

Welcome to my 3 day Tahiti itinerary, your go-to for the best tips to maximise your time in this idyllic island nation. The region of French Polynesia is packed with incredible experiences, and my itinerary includes everything that you could possibly hope to see and experience while here. Exploring lush valleys, diving with tropical marine life and world renowned surfing await, as well as delectable local cuisine. I’ve also included some handy Tahiti FAQs at the top and bottom of this itinerary, designed to streamline your trip to ensure it is even more blissful.

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What To Do In Tahiti

Before we jump into the full itinerary, I thought it would be helpful for you if I broke down the top things to do in Tahiti. Most of these make an appearance on my itinerary, and having experienced them myself, I can highly recommend each and every one!

Here are just a few highlights…

• Explore the Papenoo Valley in a 4×4.
• Make the trek to the Pito Iti volcano. 
• Explore Tahiti’s many captivating waterfalls. 
• Dive at world renowned marine spots. 
• Take a self-guided road trip around the island. 
• Get lost in the capital, Papeete.
• Take a dip in Tahitian grottos. 
• Wander along black sand beaches.
• Hit the waves at surfing paradise, Teahupoo.
• Indulge in authentic Tahitian cuisine.
• Partake in R&R with an island spa session.

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How To Get Around Tahiti

In Tahiti, you’re a little limited with how you can get around. Taxis and rental cars are the primary mode of transport for visitors. Taxis are great for those who simply want to get from A to B without the hassle of renting a car or the anxiety of driving in a new country. Your accommodation can easily call a taxi for you, to make things easier. If you’re more game and want to see a lot of the island without racking up cab fares, you can easily rent a car. There are no rideshare companies on Tahiti. Papeete also has a handy bus service that connects many districts of the island with the capital. 

If you intend on heading out to the outer islands of this magnificent French Polynesian destination, there are many ferry companies that offer these services and that depart from the main wharf in Papeete, or you can take a sea plane! Air Tahiti also has a great range of passes that you can choose from, that include flights to multiple islands in French Polynesia on the same ticket, including the Marquesas Islands, Bora Bora and more. Check out the Air Tahiti Multi Islands Pass.

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Tahiti Itinerary Day 1: Full Day 4×4 Valley Tour

First things first – if there is one tour/day trip you MUST experience while in French Polynesia – THIS IS IT!

Channel your inner Indiana Jones and embark on this bumpy 4×4 adventure through Tahiti’s iconic largest valley with towering mountains, massive waterfalls, and lush scenery. It’s not only about the scenery, though, as you’ll also learn all about the history of Polynesian culture, medicine, flora and so much more.

Several companies offer expeditions through the Papenoo Valley, but I recommend booking a trip with Iaorana Tahiti Expeditions. I was fortunate enough to spend eight hours on a private tour with the company’s founder and main tour guide, Teuai Lenoir. He is an absolute legend! Teuai is incredibly knowledgeable and passionate about everything to do with French Polynesia, and will show you the time of your life.

After a brief introduction to the tour, and a look at a map to understand where we’d be heading, our crew began an expedition into the valley’s depths. Making various stops along the way, you’ll learn about the plants used for many different medicinal and cultural purposes. You’ll also discover the history of the Polynesian people, which is as interesting as it sounds.

Enjoy the scenery as you drive in the back of the open-air 4×4 vehicle, and snap photos of the beautiful landscape, colorful flowers, and unbelievable waterfalls you’ll be blessed with along the way. 

If you book a full-day tour that includes lunch, you’re in for a real treat! The tour guide Teuai prepared (in front of us) a delicious buffet, and it was a fantastic and personal way to learn about Tahitian cuisine.

The real highlight for me was yet to come. The final 2-3 hour portion of the drive takes you along winding roads with stunning 360° views of the valley. You’ll pass through a tunnel and come out on the other side of the mountain, in the Mataiea District.

Here, you can admire the tropical paradise that lies before you, and admire the ancient volcano of Pito Iti. While the roads might be a little scary at times, it’s an adventure I’ll never forget.

Reach out to Teaui at Iaorana Tahiti Expeditions before your trip to Tahiti, and make sure you book one of his full-day valley tours!

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What to See in Tahiti On Your 4×4 Valley Tour

There are endless things to do in Tahiti Island’s eastern region, but here’s a brief recap of all the sights you’ll see as you explore the Papenoo Valley:

• Topatari Falls: As you drive south through the valley, you’ll come across this majestic waterfall that crashes out of the side of the mountain.
• Nyahururu Falls: This is a thin and tall waterfall that carves a space along the valley walls. If you ever find a waterfall that looks more like a thin white veil in the landscape than this, please let me know.
• Puraha Falls: Take in the views of this glorious waterfall that spills into the crystal-clear waters of a manmade lake.
• Mount ‘Orohena: Considering this mighty mountain dominates the beautiful island, it’s a pretty difficult landmark to miss. That said, don’t pass up the opportunity to snap some magi al photos of this mysterious mountain amongst the clouds.
• Pito Iti: Before you think you’ve seen it all, get ready to admire the ancient volcano of Pito Iti. It’s the second-highest peak on the island (after Mount ‘Orohena), so expect unparalleled views of the other Tahitian islands. 

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Tahiti Itinerary Day 2: Snorkeling / Scuba-Diving & Self-Guided Road-Trip

If you’re not scuba-certified before coming to French Polynesia – you’re doing it wrong!

One of the main reasons travelers come all the way to the islands of Tahiti is to explore its beautiful coral reef in the most up close and personal manner possible – diving! I was fortunate to experience a few of the most jaw-dropping dives of my life out there, and so will you!

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What to Expect On A South Pacific Scuba Dive

On the main island of Tahiti, I joined Top Dive, who are conveniently located inside the iconic InterContinental Resort. It’s also a great excuse to visit the InterContinental Resort and explore the upmarket property, home to many outstanding restaurants and bars. 

I explored the dive site “The Spring,” and I would recommend it to every diver. The colors of the coral garden along the massive underwater mountains were stunning, and we were fortunate enough to encounter around 5-6 different native turtles. It’s also common to spot reef sharks, lemon sharks and Humphead wrasses, especially if you do a night dive. A night dive is one of the absolute best things to do in Tahiti at night. Don’t miss out! 

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If you’re not a certified scuba diver but still want to explore the Tahitian waters, I’d still recommend one of the many snorkeling tours on the island. That’s right; they even cater to novice divers! There are popular shipwrecks to explore — I’m looking at The Aquarium — and it’s awesome to get out on the water and look at Tahiti’s coastline from the sea. You’ll get a much better appreciation for the sheer size of the landscape. The pristine waters and clear visibility also make it worth the experience.

Top Tip: If you visit Tahiti between August and October, you have a great chance of watching humpback whales migrate. You’re most likely to see them if you join a whale-watching tour like the one I did with Top Dive.

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Best Things to Do in Tahiti on a Self-Guided Road Trip

For the rest of your second day, hit the road and drive around Tahiti. While Tahiti may be the largest island of French Polynesia, driving around the picturesque coastline takes only a couple of hours. That said, you’ll want to take longer than that, due to the sheer number of sights you’ll want to stop by and take in. 

Here are some of the top stops to add to your Tahiti travel itinerary:

• Papeete: The bustling capital of French Polynesia should not be missed! Boasting lively markets, unique restaurants, pearl shops and boutique stalls — spend an hour or so walking around town before starting your drive. I also enjoyed visiting the Papeete Market!
• Plage de la Pointe Venus & Lighthouse: A beautiful black sand beach with stunning panoramic mountain views. This is also one of the best sunset vantage points on the island. You may even get to spot the sunset over the Magic Mountain on Moorea in the distance.
• Faarumai Waterfall: Located on the northeastern coast of Tahiti, this is a great stop along your road trip that offers easy hikes to three different waterfalls. There’s free parking at the entrance, and Vaimahuta Falls is only 0.3 miles from the road – not far at all!
• The Maraa Grottos: Located in Paea on the southwest coast, these two scenic grottos make for a memorable road trip stop. Bring your bathing suit and take a dip in this unique lava cave with hanging ferns. The site has free parking, toilet facilities and a gift shop, and I’m sure you’ll pick up a one-off handmade souvenir to take home with you. 
• Taharuu Beach & Restaurant: Another of Tahiti’s iconic black sand beaches, Taharuu is great for swimming and photo opportunities. You can also get your fill of fantastic French and local cuisine at Restaurant Taharuu.
• Teahupoo: This is the main focus for the 3rd day of this itinerary, but it’s worth including on any Tahiti road trip. While there’s not THAT much to do here when simply visiting as part of a road trip stop, it’s still a nice destination to drive to.

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Tahiti Itinerary Day 3: Teahupoo Surfari Full-Day Tour

Come and explore the “wild side” of Tahiti!  

For the third and final day in Tahiti, venture down to the quiet surf town of Teahupoo for the incredible Teahupoo Tahiti Surfari Tour. Trust me – this is an experience you’ll never forget!

I had never heard of Teahupoo before making my way to Tahiti, but it ended up being a major highlight of my trip. Teahupoo is renowned within the surfing community for its massive waves, breathtaking white sand beaches and as a locale for major surfing competitions. 

It’s so idyllic and offers such a gnarly surf that it’s even comparable to the best waves in Hawaii. So visiting Teahupoo and getting out on the water to sail along the coastline is a Tahiti must-do! Be ready to get wet though, as it’s one of the wettest areas in French Polynesia. Locals love explaining to visitors that they have their own sub-climate, so make sure you bring a warm rain jacket.

Unfortunately, on my scheduled day here, the weather was a bit too rough to do the complete tour. Some of the things I missed out on, which you can enjoy, include visits to various local waterfalls and swimming stops, cliff jumping, a lava tube, a blow-hole, coastline sails and lots more. There are a few different tours to choose from, so look at all the Teahupoo Excursions for an idea of what to expect.

I had the pleasure of meeting the company’s owner, Cindy, and she’s such a joy to be around. If you can, I’d do the full 8+ hour day trip, but if you don’t have a whole day to spare, they also offer a half-day trip. 

While I didn’t get to explore everything Teahupoo had to offer, my day sailing along the Tahitian coastline was truly spectacular! Starting off our day, we cruised out for just a few minutes to witness the iconic Teahupoo swells that surfers travel from all over the world to experience.

The image of the crashing waves with the Tahitian mountains as a backdrop is a sight you need to experience for yourself to understand how impactful it is! From there, we continued past “the end of the road.” This is the southwestern tip of the island and is only accessible by boat, so the valleys, mountains and beaches remain as untouched and pristine as possible.

The sheer size of the landscape is jaw-dropping and will have you feeling you’ve journeyed into the fictional land of Avatar. As you pass Faaroa Bay, you’ll see dozens of epic waterfalls flowing from the mountainsides. Tahiti truly is a magical island unlike anywhere else. 

During my Teahupoo Surfari excursion experience (which ended up being a customized private tour), we did a 2km walk through the jungle and along the rivers towards the mini lava-tube Puna. Here, we indulged in a delicious lunch in the waterside picnic area. The food was all local Tahitian food prepared right in front of me, and it was a truly authentic, home-cooked meal. 

The highlight of the day (which was a massive surprise to me) was that the company organized a masseuse to meet us at the picnic area. We started the treatment by preparing our own body scrub using local ingredients like coconut, turmeric and vanilla. I thoroughly enjoyed a 30-minute body scrub/ massage and then rinsed it off by taking a dip in the nearby river. As if that wasn’t sublime enough, this was followed by a heavenly “4-Hands” (two masseuses) 90-minute massage. I was left truly blissed out!

While this portion of the tour is not included in the usual package, I’d recommend contacting Cindy at Teahupoo Excursions to see if you can organize a similar experience. It was the icing on the cake of an amazing day. 

Teahupoo is not on every Tahiti traveler’s radar, but it 100% should be! I spent a few nights down here at an Airbnb homestay and had such an unique and memorable experience. If you’ve got 3 days in Tahiti, make sure you head down to Teahupoo and book one of the excursions.

Teahupoo is such a jewel in the crown of Tahiti, and my time spent here was an adventure that’ll live long in my memory. 

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Where To Stay in Tahiti For 3 Days

Now that you know what to do in Tahiti, let’s talk about my top accommodation recommendations. Tahiti is packed with accommodation offerings for any style of traveler and any budget, but there’s a clear winner in my book. 

Ninamu Pearl Resort Tahiti

During my three weeks in French Polynesia, I was lucky enough to stay at some amazing places — but the Ninamu Pearl Resort was my absolute favorite. Seriously, stop what you’re doing and book your stay here ASAP, because it’s the perfect place to stay in Tahiti. The hotel is luxurious yet affordable, has some of the best views on the island, kind and welcoming staff and an incredible on-site restaurant. Ninamu Pearl Resort is also located just a 4.5-mile drive from the Fa’a’ā International Airport, which is a bonus. The Tahitian resort offers sweeping views of the ocean and coastline, and even the island of Moorea in the distance.

Several different types of rooms are available, but I highly recommend booking one of their suites on the top level of the resort. These rooms include a Santorini-inspired bathroom leading to your own private infinity pool. The bedding is high-quality and comfortable, and the suites come with a fully-equipped kitchen and other handy inclusions. 

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Teahupoo Airbnb Homestay Experience – A Hi’o To Mou’a

Looking for a unique Tahitian homestay experience during your extra time in Tahiti? I’d encourage you to spend a few nights in Teahupoo (after your Surfari trip) and stay with Aimatarii and her family. They were such excellent hosts with a beautiful property, and comfortable private rooms open to travellers. The experience staying here was so quiet and relaxing that it really taught me a lot about the local way of life down in Teahupoo. The property is just steps away from the ocean, with an array of animals running around and fantastic hikes to waterfalls on the property.

This Tahiti accommodation offering is ideal for solo travelers or couples seeking a unique and budget-friendly experience. Either book through Airbnb or go through their official website at A Hi’o To Mou’a.

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InterContinental Resort Tahiti

Last, but certainly not least, is the pièce de résistance of a stay on Tahiti. The InterContinental Resort would be my choice for travelers looking for a 5-star luxury stay on the island. This iconic hotel has a lush garden and a fantastic pool with a turquoise lagoon that you can snorkel in! The restaurant’s food is tasty (although more on the expensive side), and its proximity to the airport makes it wildly popular for travelers beginning or ending their French Polynesia adventure in style.

The InterContinental Resort Tahiti is also one of the only accommodation options on the island that offers overwater bungalows. If that’s something you want to experience, but don’t want to pay Bora Bora prices, you can realise that dream right here in Tahiti. 

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The best restaurants in Tahiti

Before we wrap up this itinerary, I wanted to leave you with some final tips on eating and drinking in Tahiti. Starting with everyone’s favourite topic – food! One of the real treats of visiting Tahiti – pun intended – is the opportunity to sample the bliss of French Polynesian cuisine. I can attest to it myself! Tahiti is packed with amazing restaurants, and here are a selection of my favourites: 

• Hei Restaurant – A Trip Advisor award winner, Hei Restaurant is a high-end eatery right on the oceanfront in the Tahitian capital, Papeete. 
• Le Grillardin – Another Papeete standout, Le Grillardin is a gourmet restaurant that serves up traditional French cuisine – with a beautiful Polynesian twist!
• Le Lotus Restaurant – Located within the aforementioned Intercontinental Resort Tahiti, Le Lotus is a beautiful overwater dining experience with lagoon views. They even have a swim up bar! 
• Urban Cafe – Urban Cafe is a chilled out little spot that serves up exceptional meals, and should be your go-to for a boho brunch in paradise!
• Le Sully – Le Sully is one of Tahiti’s most popular restaurants, serving up delicious Polynesian fare from Paris-inspired interiors. 

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The best bars in Tahiti

The thought of enjoying a drink in Tahiti will likely conjure up mental images of delicious, fruity cocktails sipped on from cool beachfront bars, and all that and more awaits you on this unforgettable island! The bars in Tahiti are everything from fun and tropical to classically stylish and high-end. Here’s a few of my top picks: 

• Hotel Le Royal Tahitian  – The bar at the retro-inspired Hotel Le Royal Tahitian, on the island’s eastern coast, is the place to be on Friday and Saturday nights, when you’ll enjoy Tahitian music and dancing and tons of fun!
• Tiki Bar – Tiki Bar is located within the InterContinental Resort Tahiti and even non-guests can enjoy a drink here. Enjoy exceptional oceanfront views while sipping poolside cocktails. 
• Club Le Velvet – Hidden inside the Hotel Tahiti Nui, Club Le Velvet is a stylish bar and restaurant serving up French-inspired meals and beverages. 
• Heiva Lounge Bar – Located in Papeete’s Hilton Hotel, Heiva Lounge Bar is one of the most popular bars in Tahiti and offers unparalleled views to Moorea and beyond. 
• Bora Bora Lounge – If you’re killing time before your cruise or ferry leaves, Bora Bora Lounge’s location right near Papeete’s wharf makes this a cheap and cheerful place to enjoy a quick bite, or a refreshing drink. 

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Tahiti Travel Insurance

I never travel anywhere without booking a travel insurance policy, and buying a policy should be a non-negotiable. While French Polynesia is a very safe country with not much crime, there’s always potential for flight delays, accidents while hiking, medical emergencies, car rental issues or other holiday-derailing events. 

While you obviously hope you won’t need it, if something happens you’ll be so glad you’re fully covered to avoid any financial burdens that could ruin your trip to this idyllic island. 

I highly recommend HeyMondo due to their extensive range of cover for all situations and trip lengths, their fair pricing, and their handy app which allows you to not only manage any claims right from your phone, but also access free assistance online so you don’t need to rack up an expensive phone bill while abroad!

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Tahiti Travel Tips

To conclude this article, I’ll break down a few essential travel tips to help you out before embarking on your journey to Tahiti…

• Rent a car – While car rentals in French Polynesia can be expensive, budget options/deals are often available. It makes any trip so much more enjoyable when you have the freedom to explore and to get to places easily and on your own time. While two days on my Tahiti itinerary are for guided tours, you’ll be glad you had a rental car for impromptu trips. 
• SIM card / Internet – For those travelers who don’t have an international phone plan, you’ll want to make sure you pick up a local SIM Card at the airport. I used the company Vini and was happy with their services.
• Mosquito repellant – Just a friendly reminder to use bug spray every day on Tahiti, as this is a tropical destination and mosquitos are prevalent. While I found mosquitos MUCH worse on Moorea than Tahiti, they’re still buzzing around everywhere. 
• Cash / ATM – Many people told me to bring local currency (CPF) from home, but I don’t think that’s necessary. There were plenty of ATMs in Tahiti and most places accepted credit cards, so I rarely paid for things in cash.

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Am I Missing Anything From My 3-Day Tahiti Itinerary?

Have you recently visited Tahiti and think there’s something important I didn’t mention or should check out next time I’m in town? Please, do let me know. 

Keep in mind that this is a beachside paradise, so how about reading my review of the best sand-free beach towel? After all, the last thing you want is sand stuck all over you when you’re going straight from the beach to the bar!

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Looking for more island getaways to add to your bucket list?

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• Top 25 Islands in Southeast Asia: Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia + More
• A Backpackers Guide To The Perhentian Islands
• A Weekend Trip To Tioman Island, Malaysia
• 20 Best Beaches In Malaysia: Beach Resorts & Islands

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THANK YOU FOR READING THIS EPIC 3 DAY TAHITI ITINERARY!

SHARE THIS ITINERARY OF TAHITI WITH YOUR FAMILY AND FRIENDS, AND FOLLOW MY ADVENTURES ON FACEBOOK & INSTAGRAM!

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