Tahiti East Coast: Small Group Tour with Waterfalls & Blowhole

Summary

Black sand beaches, Faarumai Waterfalls and local artists in Tahiti

You’ll wander lively markets in Papeete, feel sea spray at Arahoho Blowhole, walk under Faarumai Waterfalls’ misty rush, and meet local artists by quiet riversides. With pickup included and stories from your guide woven through every stop, this small group day trip lets you feel Tahiti’s east coast up close—sometimes messy, always real.

What’s the experience like?

Li was already laughing before we even got to the market — I guess my attempt at “Ia orana” was that bad. The morning started in Papeete, squeezing past fruit stalls where the air smelled like overripe mangoes and fried something I couldn’t quite place. Our guide (he called himself Manu, but said everyone just calls him “bird”) pointed out the old colonial palace and told us a story about French politicians that made me wish I’d paid more attention in history class. We didn’t linger long — just enough for a photo and a quick lesson on how politics here is its own kind of tropical weather.

The drive along the east coast felt like someone kept turning up the color saturation. Black sand at Matavai Bay, green cliffs dropping into blue water — you know when you see a place and it feels both wild and lived-in? That’s how it felt. Manu talked about Captain Cook and mutineers while we walked where Marlon Brando once stomped around pretending to be Fletcher Christian. There was this moment at Arahoho Blowhole when the sea crashed through the lava tube so loud it startled everyone except an old lady selling coconuts nearby — she just grinned at us like she’d seen it all before.

I didn’t expect to care much about waterfalls but Faarumai surprised me. The walk was short but humid, everything sticky with flower scent. At the bottom, spray on my arms, I tried to take a photo but mostly just stood there listening to water hit rock — it’s louder than you think. Later we met local artists near a riverbank; one let me try painting with his brush (I’m terrible), another showed us river eels twisting in clear water. It felt less like a tour and more like being let in on someone’s daily rhythm for a few hours.

We ended up on some hilltop looking out toward Moorea as clouds drifted over — not quite sunset yet, but close. Someone said it looked like an old postcard; I thought it looked like something you’d want to remember even if you never took a photo. So yeah, if you’re thinking about a day trip from Papeete or want something quieter than the usual beach scene, this Tahiti east coast tour sticks with you in odd little ways.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Tahiti's east coast highlights

• Photo at colonial style Palace
• Visit lively local farmers market
• Watch local artists at work
• Discover black sandy Bay of Matavai
• View Arahoho Blowhole coastal lava tube
• Walk to Faarumai Waterfalls base
• See hilltop ocean views from Squirmish Hill
• Meet locals by fresh water river eels

Top questions

How long is the Tahiti east coast small group tour?

The full day tour covers several stops including waterfalls and beaches; exact duration depends on pace but plan for most of the day.

Is hotel pickup included in this Tahiti day trip?

Yes, hotel or port pickup within Papeete zone is included in your booking.

Are entrance fees or lunch included?

Bottled water is provided; lunch isn’t specified so bring snacks or ask your guide about options during stops.

Can travelers with mobility issues join this tour?

This tour isn’t suitable for wheelchairs or walkers due to uneven surfaces; private tours may be possible if arranged ahead.

What are the main attractions visited on this tour?

You’ll visit Faarumai Waterfalls, Arahoho Blowhole (Trou de Souffleur), Matavai Bay’s black sand beach, local markets, and meet artists along riversides.

Is this Tahiti east coast tour suitable for children?

No specific age restriction is listed but moderate fitness is required; check directly if traveling with young kids.

What kind of vehicle is used for transport?

A luxury air-conditioned Mercedes minivan ensures comfort throughout the journey.

Are group sizes large or small?

This is a small group tour designed to keep things intimate—no big buses here.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel or port pickup from Papeete zone, bottled water throughout the journey, live commentary from an English-speaking guide who knows all the local stories, comfortable rides in an air-conditioned Mercedes minivan with only a handful of fellow travelers—and plenty of chances to meet locals along the way before drop-off back at your starting point.