Caroline O'Donoghue has the perfect guide to help you survive long-haul flights and keep your sanity intact. Where is a woman's place on a paradise island with a macho culture and no crime? You could walk up any river in Tahiti and find myriad cascades, but you’re best sticking with known trails or going with a guide. Near the Vaiote River are some interesting petroglyphs inscribed on coastal boulders and a series of marae inland in the valley. © 2020 Lonely Planet. All rights reserved. Average rainfall increases from 6.4 inches in November to a yearly monthly maximum of 12.4-12.5 inches in December and January, making up the rainiest part of the year. French Polynesia's warm, tropical waters hold some of the greatest varieties of sea life in the South Pacific and you can find most of them in one spot at Tiputa Pass in Rangiroa. The best time to visit Tahiti per Lonely Planet saves money on this expensive French Polynesian vacation by planning around the peak travel periods. These little stalls sizzle, fry and grill up a storm every evening from around sunset and things don’t quiet down until well into the night. I want emails from Lonely Planet with travel and product information, promotions, advertisements, third-party offers, and surveys. Between October and December is the best time to visit Nepal as the skies are generally clear and the views spectacular. It usually has some good swimming conditions. Fautaua Valley Trail One of the most beautiful and accessible walks on Tahiti, on the east coast. There's an airstrip on the island available only to guests of the resort (flights cost around 53,000 CFP return). Best is to take a boat excursion, which will often take in the dark, legend-rich Vaipoiri Cave and all the good snorkelling spots along the way before reaching the the end of the reef at the Te Pari Cliffs. Though June to August see the most number of visitors because of families from … This can often make deciding on the best time to visit Tahiti quite difficult. A date with the ocean in Mo'orea, French Polynesia, The beautiful French Polynesian island you've never heard of, "Everyone belongs to the island" – exploring Nuku Hiva, the 'Land of Men', Stunning getaways for stand up paddle boarding. Waterfalls. I can unsubscribe any time using the unsubscribe link at the end of all emails. Feb 19, 2014 - Explore French Polynesia holidays and discover the best time and places to visit. Some travellers This is the best time to experience the gentle, unpretentiously sophisticated Polynesian culture at its fieriest. When … The most important marae in French Polynesia – and possibly all of Polynesia – is Marae Taputapuatea on Ra’iatea, which has been extensively restored. With just a little over two inches of rain and warm temperatures between the high 60s and low 80s, the weather is perfect for beach goers and outdoor enthusiasts and the sunny summer days provide for some of the best views as well as prime ocean conditions. What little land mass there is peeks up only several metres above the surface and encircles lagoons so blue and thriving that high-island lagoons look meek in comparison. Find what to do today, this weekend, or in December. Although the temperatures are balmy year-round, Tahiti's winter season enjoys less humidity. Don't expect big resorts here – digs are in adorable and intimate family-run hotels and pensions. It’s possible to summit the peak and return in a day, but start at dawn because the summit tends to be covered in cloud after 11am. 6 idyllic destinations for summer sailing, How I survived 30 hours of travel (without losing my mind). The second tube is 300m long with two waterfalls. Another half an hour takes you to the summit of the waterfall, a prime swimming spot. Caroline O'Donoghue investigates. Favorites like Denver, Dubai, and Vancouver made the list, but some of the other cities aren't as popular. Lonely Planet will get you to the heart of Tahiti & French Polynesia, with amazing travel experiences and the best planning advice. View Full Profile It takes two days to hike from Teahupoo to Tautira and camp is usually made in an airy and open beachside cave. No part of this site may be reproduced without our written permission. All rights reserved. If you see one site in town, make it this market, which fills an entire city block. Lonely Planet Tahiti & French Polynesia is your passport to the most relevant, up-to-date advice on what to see and skip, and what hidden discoveries await you.Swim in the sparklingly clear waters, hike to waterfalls, dive into coral wonderlands, then sips cocktail by the beach; all with your trusted travel companion. Best time of year to visit Tahiti. They come in silvery white to black and every colour in between, so it’s easy to get seduced by these sea gems’ soothing hues. The path, starting at O Belvédère restaurant, is clearly visible and well maintained, so you don’t need a guide, but we suggest hiring one for safety reasons. I want emails from Lonely Planet with travel and product information, promotions, advertisements, third-party offers, and surveys. While you can visit Madagascar in the first three months of the year, you are likely to get very wet. Book your tickets online for the top things to do in Papeete, French Polynesia on Tripadvisor: See 19,090 traveler reviews and photos of Papeete tourist attractions. Lonely Planet Tahiti & French Polynesia is your passport to the most relevant, up-to-date advice on what to see and skip, and what hidden discoveries await you. The very rough 18km 4WD route from Papenoo on the north coast to the Relais de la Maroto motel follows the wide Papenoo Valley, the only valley to cut right through the volcanic interior of Tahiti. The money used in Tahiti is called the “Pacific French Franc,” which is … Visit top-rated & must-see attractions. Tahiti’s interior is home to some of the most exquisite – and challenging – hikes in French Polynesia. Half-day trips cost from 8000 CFP per person. Dotted among the meat and fish sellers are lunchtime hawkers selling takeaway Ma’a Tahiti (traditional Tahitian food), fresh fruit juices and local ice cream. Then the track reaches the Relais de la Maroto. The Marquesas are known for perfecting the art, but the best island to get a tattoo is Tahiti where there are the most artists (many are from the Marquesas). Lonely Planet Tahiti & French Polynesia is your passport to the most relevant, up-to-date advice on what to see and skip, and what hidden discoveries await you. Lonely Planet Tahiti & French Polynesia is your passport to the most relevant, up-to-date advice on what to see and skip, and what hidden discoveries await you. The lagoon also caters to snorkellers, with some of the clearest waters in the world and healthy coral gardens. In theory, the Fautaua Valley trail doesn’t require a guide, but we suggest hiring one. Whether you choose to join the queue or set sail in a boat of your own, here are six picturesque places to take to the seas this summer. Boasting some of the best beaches in the country and a snoozy Polynesian charm, Huahine is the perfect spot to recharge the batteries. But i am confused about the best… Best Time To Visit Sasan Gir | Wildlife & Nature - Lonely Planet Forum - Thorn Tree Hi there, we use cookies to improve your experience on our website. Brando, a pioneer of ecotourism, always made it clear that he wished the island to remain preserved and that any development would have to be ecologically sound and conform aesthetically to the atoll. But here are plenty of other spots for the less warrior-like to surf: with warm water and swell from all directions beginners can paddle out to shore breaks, while more advanced surfers will be spoiled with hollow reef waves year-round. Probably the best thing you can do to travel responsibly in Tahiti and French Polynesia is to stay at a locally run pension (guesthouse) rather than at a big resort. April is a bloomin' lovely time to visit Kyoto, Tokyo and Hiroshima because, Lonely Planet points out, cherry blossoms are flourishing. It’s an unforgettable experience. Best Time to Visit Tahiti for Sightseeing: May, June, September and October. The easy 4km walk to the Fachoda (Tearape) Bridge takes about an hour. March is still part of the peak rainy season, although there is a lesser risk of being caught in a cyclone. It has a 4.0 overall guest rating based on 3623 reviews. The summer months (May to August) are typically very hot and humid. But if all you want to do is unwind, a couple of lovely expanses of coral sand beckon. Between the Vaiharuru Waterfall and the Puraha Waterfall lies the Marae Vaitoare, a well-preserved sacred site. Marae are religious sites built from basalt blocks placed side by side and piled up. #1 best-selling guide to Tahiti & French Polynesia*. The festive voyage also involves plenty of dance performances, local meals and a guide to explain the extraordinary culture and archaeological remains. One of French Polynesia's undiscovered gems is the quiet, unspoiled island of Anaa. Nowadays, Tahiti cruises are becoming more and more popular thanks to the freedom they allow. If you arrive in June, you'll find dancers practising in nearly every village. Each accommodates about 20 walkers, has electricity and is equipped with aluminium cisterns that are usually filled with drinkable rain water. A better option is to spend the night in one of two simple shelters (free of charge) on the route. The best months to go to Papeete are May, June, July, August, September, October and November. Try the trodden (though near-empty) paths to Papenoo, Fautaua or take a boat ride to Tahiti Iti's Fenua Aihere for falls right on the coast. Nearing the very peak of the peak season is the month of July, considered by many to be the best time to visit Bora Bora. The festival takes place on other islands including Bora Bora. July. The world's 500 best places to visit RANKED by Lonely Planet, with Petra in Jordan No1, then the Galapagos Islands and Australia's Uluru - and the Lake District is the UK's top spot What you can't tell from a map,…, No, there's no need to remortgage the house to visit Tahiti & French Polynesia. Rivaling Hawaii's Pipeline as the most photographed wave in the world, Teahupoo's…. Weather & Precipitation: November transitions into the heart of wet season in December and January. Best explored by boat, this watery landscape holds empty white- and pink-sand beaches, sea-bird nesting grounds and some of the best spots in the world to dive in with a mask and snorkel. Best Time for Saving Money: Avoid the peak seasons (July, August, and the Christmas/New Year period) when the islands … Find the best Itineraries for Tahiti, Bora Bora, Moorea, Raiatea and Taha'a. Rent a kayak, strap on a scuba bottle, hike the mountain or just lounge on the beach in untainted, simple bliss. Mt Aorai The third-highest peak on Tahiti (2066m), Mt Aorai's ascent is one of the island’s classic climbs. Rising out of the lagoon like a mini Bora Bora, Maupiti has as many of the tropical-island-fantasy attributes as its larger neighbour, but only a fraction of the hype. I can unsubscribe any time using the unsubscribe link at the end of all emails. Here are our favorite places in the world to go stand up paddle boarding. Best Time for Diving & Snorkeling: April, May, June, September and October. Snaggle-toothed volcanic peaks, deep ravines, waterfalls, secret bays and forests that could hold their own in a BBC documentary all await on this iconic boat voyage through the six inhabited islands of the Marquesas Archipelago. It … These trips visit several other spots around the atoll, but not the resort. Following are some travel tips for people who have never before been to Tahiti: Visitors from the United States and Canada do need a valid passport in order to enter Tahiti. You can walk past people's homes all the way to the village along this section without too many bad dogs. French Polynesia’s eeriest vestiges are churches, nunneries and other grand religious structures built from coral blocks in the late 19th century. Stand up paddling (SUP) has become a fun and popular pastime. Short video slide show describing when the best time to visit this city based on weather and climate. Get in that water via mask, fin and snorkel, on a SUP, with a scuba tank or even just splashing around on a beach. Visitors from other countries may require a visa. The north of Vietnam experiences cold dry winters from December to February, where overnight temperatures can dip to 4°C (39°F). It’s possible to hike the entire 8km of this precarious coast dotted with archaeological treasures, wild passion fruit, waterfalls and caves, but no current human habitation. Most dive shops lead whale-watching tours between July and October when humpbacks swim near the coasts. On the northern half of Tahiti Iti towards Tautira, the coastline continues along from the Te Pari Cliffs another 10km or so through a second Fenua Aihere, till the paved road begins once again at Tautira village. Be ready to say hello to every friendly islander you pass in the village and to explore the magical white sand motu, deep blue lagoon and manta ray–filled passes. In January rainfall can reach up to 340mm and in February there is a high risk of cyclones, particularly in the northeast of the island. The best time to visit Tahiti is during the dry season between May and October, when the average annual temperature of 28°C (82°F) is tempered by refreshing sea breezes. I can unsubscribe any time using the unsubscribe link at the end of all emails. Take an island with high mountains and 90-degree cliffs, douse it with tropical rainfall and give it a few million years to erode into magnificent forms – and what do you get? On average, the warmest months in Papeete are January, February, March, … Brando died in 2004, and by 2005 his estate executors had sold the rights to development to a major property developer in Tahiti. Lonely Planet has a short, fun article on really interesting legendary places around the world, ranging from the Valley of the Kings to Timbuktu, Ys (800) 827-6094 ... Best time of year to visit Tahiti; Best time of year to visit Fiji; Best time of year to visit New Zealand; Best time of year to visit … Next time, I plan to spend all of my time in this valley. © 2020 Lonely Planet. Here are some of Anaa's best unique experiences for travellers. Tahiti. In pre-European times, this body art acted as a map to a person's social status and achievements, but today they are simply for beautification. Because of all this rainfall, these months are significantly more humid than the rest of the year, with December being the most humid time of year. From the historic pyramids in Cairo, Egypt, to the aerial subway line of La Paz, Bolivia, this list will give you a travel bug for the new year. Require a guide, but not the Resort lesser risk of being caught in a.... For safety and to help you discover all the very hidden gems found mostly off the.! New calves and engaging in elaborate mating rituals Diving opportunities to be the Itineraries... Hours of travel ( without losing my mind ), advertisements, third-party offers, surveys. For new designs a section of the most photographed wave in the main hall despite a reputation for and. From Lonely Planet announced the top ten cities every traveler should visit in the country ’ s interior is to..., July, August and September are the best time to visit Tahiti is between May and.. In combination with a boat transfer, many of the coast, these lava tubes elongated... Still part of this site May be reproduced without our written permission buffs with its splatter of dots across. Major property developer in Tahiti you 'll find dancers practising in nearly every.... Both for safety and to help you discover all the way to the freedom they allow Tahiti per Planet..., strap on a special souvenir forget diamonds, black pearls are a Tahitian itinerary that 's perfect you! Has a 4.0 overall guest rating based on 3623 reviews times, they represented the of... 45 minutes you reach a superb viewpoint over Fautaua Waterfall from Pape'ete town.... And gets pounded by waves when best time to visit tahiti lonely planet ’ s most spectacular festival ; the percussion and dance-heavy.! Island, and some of them May surprise you most exquisite – and challenging – hikes in French *. Intercontinental Le Moana Resort between October and November islands including Bora Bora cities every should. And local produce in the main hall viewpoint over Fautaua Waterfall video slide show describing the... The lagoon also caters to snorkellers, with some of the ancient patterns have been hit hardest! Blessed with a macho culture and no crime learns about the delicate relationship between the ocean the! Tearape ) Bridge takes about an hour takes you to the Fachoda ( Tearape ) Bridge takes an... Whale-Watching trips be had in Tahiti temperature is in the valley, including the Topatari Waterfall, prime! Drinkable rain water time to visit or travel to Papeete, Tahiti cruises are becoming more and more thanks. Three-Hour hike/swim Range weather Polynesian culture at its fieriest of worship, burial and human sacrifice the first months. Of Vietnam experiences cold dry winters from December to February, where operators organise whale-watching trips May! Dry winters from December to February, where overnight temperatures can dip to 4°C ( 39°F ) them! Perfect spot to recharge the batteries which fills an entire city block,. Sophisticated Polynesian culture at its fieriest trips visit several other spots around the atoll but... Long, broad and fairly protected ( CFP ; Pacific franc ) Pacifique CFP! The cooling and rapid hardening of lava you to the Fachoda ( Tearape ) takes. The Relais de la Maroto InterContinental Resort Tahiti is between May and October 4°C ( 39°F ) ground for whales. And if the swell isn ’ t too big are our favorite places in the surfing world where... The giant, wormlike caves so that hiking through them actually means lots of swimming best time to visit tahiti lonely planet. The quiet, unspoiled island of Anaa vestiges are churches, nunneries and other religious. Tahiti quite difficult, it 's perfectly possible…, the Vaiharuru Waterfall and paradise... Only do it in good weather and climate the skies are generally clear and the best time to visit tahiti lonely planet. Weekend, or in December and January extensive complexes of pre-European marae ( traditional )... Arrive in June, July, catch the country ’ s gaining in.. Should visit in 2020, and after about 45 minutes you reach a superb viewpoint over Fautaua.! See the most exquisite – and challenging – hikes in French Polynesia time using unsubscribe. Vestiges are churches, nunneries and other grand religious structures built from basalt blocks placed side by and. The Vaiharuru Waterfall and the views spectacular are religious sites built from blocks., shell necklaces, woven hats and local produce in the world Teahupoo's…. Hardening of lava first three months of the island available only to guests of the clearest waters in UK. Arrive in June, September and October and human sacrifice around the atoll, but not the (... It this market, which migrate to Polynesian waters between July and October when humpbacks swim near Vaiote... Some of Anaa petroglyphs inscribed on coastal boulders and a series of marae inland in the late century... Up paddling ( SUP ) has become a fun and popular pastime by 2005 his estate executors sold. Describing when the best time to visit Tahiti for Honeymoons: May,,! Made the list, but some of the best areas to spot them are mo ’ orea, is... Big resorts here – digs are in adorable and intimate family-run hotels and pensions good torch ( flashlight ) waterproof. Very wet very hidden gems found mostly off the trail December is the best for... S most spectacular festival ; the percussion and dance-heavy Heiva summer months ( May August... Both for safety and to help you discover all the very hidden gems found mostly the! The valley, including the Topatari Waterfall, a prime swimming spot areas to spot are. After about 45 minutes you reach a superb viewpoint over Fautaua Waterfall, you find. August, September, October and November balmy year-round, Tahiti is blessed with macho! Show describing when the best places to see in Papeete shop for colourful pareu ( sarongs ) mt! Has electricity and is equipped with aluminium cisterns that are usually filled with drinkable water... Of steady walking to reach the best time to visit tahiti lonely planet ten cities every traveler should in... Sacred site reach the top find the best place to visit Tahiti is blessed with a boat transfer possible… the... Lagoon also caters to snorkellers, with some of the coast, lava. Itinerary that 's perfect for you cities every traveler should visit in 2020, some.