You’ll be easily enchanted by this South Pacific idyll. From the scent of jasmine in the air to the juicy tropical fruit on sale in the market, and the coconut-colored sands underfoot, this pearl of an island offers a sensory fiesta. Our insider, Lisette Muratore, explains.
Tahiti rises from the Pacific Ocean in the shape of two ancient, inactive volcanoes bound by a slender waist of land: Tahiti Nui, the bigger of the pair, and Tahiti Iti, the small wilder one. To the west, the misty peaks of the island of Mo’orea rise out of the shimmering water.
Sail into the harbor on Tahiti Nui and the colors intensify: deep blue ocean, turquoise lagoon, green mountains shrouded in wispy cloud. The harbor itself is in the industrial center of the low, sprawling city of Papeete, which has attracted traders since the 1830s and became a French territory in 1842. These days, Papeete is still a major hub for copra, sugarcane, mother-of-pearl, vanilla, and coffee exports.
To ease the pressure of increasing numbers of cruise ships in the South Pacific, the dedicated terminal has undergone a $19.5 million upgrade, opening in 2025 under the name Te Anuanua, after the god ‘Oro’s pirogue. Nearly 30,000 square foot in size, it’s an open and breezy building, designed to be accessible, with lots of seating and bathroom facilities. Yet, opposite the concierge desk, there's a counterpoint to this slick modernity – an artists’ market showcasing handmade crafts such as shell jewelry, sarongs, wooden ukuleles, and sculptures.
What to see in Papeete
Papeete has plenty of cultural treasures; explore on foot to take them in and feel the mood of this bustling tropical city. Take a look at the Mairie de Papeete – a faithful replica of the 19th-century French colonial-style palace of Queen Pomare IV – and stroll through the flourishing gardens to discover four striking stone sculptures: a double-sided tiki, a modern take on the moai from Easter Island, an abstract homage to Queen Pomare by the queen’s descendant, and a collaborative work of a mother celebrating new life by three contemporary female artists.
Onwards to Papeete Market, which opened in 1869, to browse aisles filled with intricate shell jewelry, dried vanilla, and hats and bags woven from the leaves of the pandanus tree. Then purchase tropical fruits, stewed mape (the Tahitian chestnut), and a coconut milk coffee to snack on. Next, step into the oldest Catholic church on the island, Notre Dame Cathedral, built in 1875, to see the uniquely Tahitian touches: hand-carved wooden sculptures and stained-glass windows depicting images of breadfruit, tiare flowers, conch shells, and seabirds.
French Polynesia is famous for its luminous pearls, and the store Tahiti Pearl Market is one great way to explore the variety of color and shape. Upstairs, select a loose pearl from an array of trays bearing them graded by size and color, and work with the staff to design a bespoke piece, or browse ready-made necklaces, bracelets and earrings in the showroom on ground level. For a quick bite, Vini Vini Fish ‘N’ Chill has a wide selection of locally fished sashimi and sushi, or try an ice cream made with local fruits such as passionfruit, mango and soursop at Bount’iti before wandering back along the marina.
This being a French territory, Tahiti has patisserie to rival that created in Paris. Start your day with a moment of indulgence trying the macarons, hot chocolate, and delicately sculpted cakes at Les Rêves de Lucieon the Avenue du Général de Gaulle, before browsing Papeete’s shops. Vaima Shopping Center and the surrounding streets offer a lively mix of surf brands and boutique shops, but on ground level at the shopping center you'll also find Art’griculture, an artists’ market showcasing cosmetics crafted from local ingredients, as well as bold art prints and playful T-shirts. For Tahitian fashion – typically vibrant tropical prints – cross Avenue du Général de Gaulle to browse floral shirts and dresses at Hinano Life, or seek out tattoo-inspired tees and tanks at Tara Tahitian Artwear.
Pearls hold a special place in Tahitian mythology and culture; they're said to be the tears of the gods and bring prosperity and protection to those who wear them. Learn about the history of the pearl – adventurers have risked life and limb to bring rare black pearls to Europe since the 1800s – through to modern-day production practices at the Robert Wan Pearl Museum. This free museum is small but packed with information on how pearls are cultivated, harvested, graded, and woven into clothes and jewelry.
Find calm and tranquility in the garden hidden behind the French Polynesian Assembly where the palace of Queen Pomare IV once stood. The freshwater pool is adorned with floating lily pads and the scent of Tahitian jasmine hangs in the breeze; this is where the Queen once took her daily bath. Wander back towards the terminal via Paofai Gardens, the park that runs alongside the waterfront, shaded by coconut trees and blooming with bird of paradise and hibiscus.
You’ve a bit more time, so head out of the city. It’s a 20-minute drive (5.7 miles) into the mountains to Rainbow Park, a series of high ropes and ziplining courses in the treetops of the jungle. Go even higher to find a good lunch stop at O Belvédère, a restaurant with a wide view of jungle, city rooftops, sparkling ocean, and hazy Mo’orea in the distance. The turntable spins an eclectic mix of records including funk, reggae, disco, and jazz.
Alternatively, on the east coast, the city gives way to winding coastal roads with mountains on one side and waves on the other. Passing Arue, stop at the James Normal Hall Museum for a tour of the 1930s French-Colonial home of the writer of Mutiny on the Bounty. See the typewriter where he tapped out his novels, his 3,000-book library, and photographs that give a glimpse of life in Tahiti in the period between the two World Wars.Next visit the tomb of King Pomare V, the last ruling monarch, who died in 1891. The imposing tomb, which stands opposite 'Outua'ia'i beach, is constructed entirely from blocks of coral that have turned black with age.
Further on, at Pointe Vénus, stands the lighthouse built in 1867 at the place where Captain James Cook observed the transit of Venus in 1769. This surf beach is much more beginner-friendly than the Olympic-sized swell surfers battle at Teahupo'o, so rent a surfboard, take a surfing lesson, or just relax on the volcanic black sand. For a casual lunch on the beach, try Mama’s Beach House, Restaurant Hiti Mahana, or the restaurant at Arue Yacht Club.
While Tahiti Nui is possible to circumnavigate within one day (Tahiti Iti will be out of your reach unless you are staying for a few days before or after your cruise), give yourself more time to explore the west coast, where water cascades from the mountains to feed lush gardens, flow in waterfalls, and drip from the stalactites of freshwater grottos.
On the way out of Papeete, there are abundant possibilities for lunching on fresh, local produce. Try plates of perfectly pink lamb and grilled octopus at Yellowfin, Tahiti La Plage for pasta with local shrimp and lobster, or Le Lotus for Michelin-rated chef Bruno Oger’s signature curried catch of the day, which are all found between Papeete and Punaauia. Or relax with a piña colada on a sandy motu (island) at Taapuna Beach Bar before heading to the restaurant for sharing plates of lobster rolls and charcuterie.
At Punaauia, a 20-minute drive from Papeete (9 miles), The Museum of Tahiti and The Islands brings ancient Polynesian society to life through artefacts of the everyday: polished coconut shell bowls, wooden weapons, carved bone and mother-of-pearl jewelry, and woven ceremonial costumes show how the Tahitians lived before the arrival of Europeans. Cool off at Plage Vaiava (PK18), one of the few white-sand beaches in Tahiti, where you can snorkel among the colorful angelfish and parrotfish close to the shore. (The beach is well-equipped with lockers, showers and bathrooms.)
Venture as far as Source Vaima, and you can take a dip in this refreshing spring amid a tangle of jungle. The water is said to have healing properties that will ease any aches and pains… you might spot one of the friendly resident eels. Then wander along paths lined with porcelain rose, basins of pink and purple waterlilies, delicately-scented pomelo trees, and other plants used in traditional medicines in the neighboring Water Gardens Vaipahi. There are freshwater grottos to explore at Les Grottes De Mara’a as you make your way back towards the city.
How to spend an evening
Watch the sun set over Mo’orea with a cocktail in hand and 360-degree views at rooftop bar Reeftop. Prefer a craft beer? Sample a paddle at boutique breweries Les 3 Brasseurs or Brasserie Hoa. Then, onto dinner. For elevated French cuisine, try L’O à La Bouche, Le Sully or Le Grillardin. For a creative and gastronomic experience, there’s Maru Maru or Restaurant Hei. For casual street food, Place Vai'ete is where to find food trucks offering barbecue, burgers, and crepes. Many resorts offer a Polynesian dance spectacular alongside dinner. Visit The InterContinental or Le Tahiti by Pearl Resorts websites for the latest shows.
How to get around
Crystal runs shuttle buses to the nearest town or city on many of its cruises. When onboard, check departure points and times in your copy of our daily bulletin, Reflections.
To book a taxi, please inquire at the Concierge desk onboard. Alternatively, there are two nearby taxi ranks: one on the corner of Rue Jeanne D’Arc and Boulevard Pomare (three-minute walk, 720ft), the other at the Gare Maritime, Mo’orea-Papeete ferry terminal (four-minute walk, 1,470ft).
There are two main bus terminals and some buses also leave from the bus stop in front of the Gare Maritime (four-minute walk, 950ft). For buses to the east coast, the terminal is in front of the Mairie de Papeete (Town Hall) on the Rue du Père Collette (four-minute walk, 950ft). For buses to the west coast, the terminal is behind the Papeete Market on the Avenue du Maréchal Foch (five-minute walk, 1,150ft). A sign on the front of the bus identifies wheelchair-accessible buses. For bus timetables and fares, visit www.teretahiti.pf.
To Faa’a International Airport: 20-30 minutes (3.9 miles) on the 30A from the Gare Maritime.
To PK18 (Plage Vaiava): 25 minutes (10.7 miles) on the 20 from the terminal at the Papeete Market.
To the Museum of Tahiti and The Islands: 30 minutes (9.2 miles) on the 30 from terminal at the Papeete Market.
To Pointe Vénus: 20 minutes (7.2 miles) on the 21 or 31 from the terminal at the Mairie de Papeete.
Electric bicycles are available for hire at E-Bike Polynesia on Rue Yves Martin (two-minute walk, 490ft). Scooters can be hired through Hello Scoot and can be found at the Gare Maritime or at the Papeete Market.
Automatic and manual cars can be hired at Tahiti Rent, 25 Avenue du Prince Hinoi (5-minute walk, 1,150ft).The Port Cable Car soars up from near the W hotel to the sea-facing side of Montjuïc hill. On the inland-facing hilltop, beside the castle entrance, Montjuïc Cable Car travels to the lower-level station, Parc de Montjuïc. Here, a funicular train runs to Paral·lel metro station, one stop from Drassanes on the L3.
It is possible to walk into the city from the port. Exit the terminal’s main gate and turn right onto Boulevard Pomare to head towards Paofai Gardens or Bougainville Park (each a 10-minute walk, 0.5 miles).From the Boulevard Pomare, turn left onto Rue Francois Cardella to go towards the Papeete Market (three-minute walk, 720ft), or continue straight and turn left at Rue Jeanne d’Arc for Vaima Shopping Center and the Papeete Cathedral (each a seven-minute walk, 1,500ft).
The sidewalks of Papeete are of mixed quality and may present challenges to passengers with mobility issues. However, there’s still plenty to be seen around the cruise-ship terminal and most modern attractions have been built with accessibility in mind. Boulevard Pomare and Paofai Gardens are both flat and wheelchair friendly. Attractions that offer ramped or off-street access include the Robert Wan Pearl Museum, the Museum of Tahiti and Her Islands, and the Papeete Market (although some aisles may be narrow or crowded). Restaurants close by the terminal with good accessibility include Restaurant Le Moana, Meherio Tahitian Bistro, and Le Retro. Le Retro.
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