Papeete
The Island of Tahiti is quite literally an existing legend… Playing many roles, Tahiti is French Polynesia’s largest and most glamorous tropical island- and home to its unique capital city of Papeete. Sometimes called the Island of Love, Tahiti is shrouded in legend and the central character in many stories of travel, romance and intrigue. Not all these stories are grounded in fact. Most notable is the common referral of the word “Tahiti” to represent all the islands of French Polynesia. This is incorrect. Tahiti is in fact the largest and most populated island of the 118 islands and atolls that comprise Tahiti Polynesia and of course the most famous.
Papeete is a unique city like no other in the world. French Polynesia’s capital and center of business, it’s population is reported to be between 90 -120,000 people, depending on where the city limit is defined, accounting for well over half of the Island of Tahiti’s overall population of 180,000 people. Although virtually ALL travelers arriving in French Polynesia inevitably venture into Papeete (due to it’s having Polynesia’s only international airport), very few stay for very long or attempt to explore or experience it’s unique flavor. These folk don’t know what they are missing out on! …undeniably, there is no other place like Papeete in the world.
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Scenic Highlights
Municipal Market
Most of the local farming as well as handcraft products are represented. Come and discover the uru, fei, taro or tamarins, carambolas and corossols. The craft industry is constituted of subtle hand engraved objects. These souvenirs are authentic and the work is of quality. Don’t forget to try the well known Monoï, to smell the vanilla and to taste the jams. Moreover, there is also a great variety of fish from blue thin tuna to the “parrot” and you will be able to buy 24 hours a day a wide variety of tropical flowers that are sold by friendly mamas in traditional clothes.
Pearl Museum
Inaugurated October 20, 1998, the Pearl Museum is unique in the world and recounts the history of the pearl from Cleopatre to today, as well as the arts, legends and techniques used. Many pearls of Tahiti are exposed among which a 28 mm diameter pearl.
Museum of Tahiti and Her Islands
This museum recounts the history of Polynesia, from the islands formation to nowadays. It is located within a 5 ha park along the ocean and facing Moorea. It includes 4 permanent exhibition rooms dedicated to natural environment, maohi past culture as well as more recent history.
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Activities
- Enjoy snorkeling in the crystal clear waters of Papeete
- Explore an amazing underwater world, all sorts of diving is readily available in Papeete
- Experience a day on the water, go sailing for the day
- Enjoy a traditional Tahitian show with Tahitian food and dance
- Visit the Aquarium or Lagoonarium to view marine life
- Visit the Museums and learn the heritage of the Island.
- Enjoy fishing on Papeete, guided fishing trips are always at hand
- Water sports are always on hand; surfing, windsurfing, jetskiing, jetboating, waterskiing, swimming, kitesurfing.
- Enjoy a round of golf at the 18 hole course in the Mataeia district
- Go hiking around the peninsula
- Take a privately guided or independent tour of Papeete
- Relaxing is always an option in Tahiti, so sit back, put your feet up and enjoy the sun!
