Tahiti Island Discovery Tour: Private, 5.5h, Waterfalls

Three waterfalls cascade into pools you can swim in, tucked inside rainforest only locals know how to reach.

A private 5.5-hour tour of Tahiti's west coast by air-conditioned van with a live guide in English, Spanish, French or Russian. The route moves between Faarumai Waterfalls (three cascades ranging from 40 to 100 meters) the restored Marae Arahurahu temple, freshwater Mara'a Caves, and viewpoints over Matavai Bay and the island's interior valleys. Pickup and drop-off are tailored to your hotel or location. The van includes complimentary water, towels and Wi-Fi.

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore Tahiti's culture and nature

• Visit Marae Arahurahu temple
• Explore the Caves of Mara'a
• Stop at Papara surf beach
• Walk in Mataiea freshwater springs
• See Valhi Waterfalls
• Hike to Faarumai Waterfalls
• Relax at Point Venus beach
• Enjoy Tahara Viewpoint panorama

The experience

Five and a half hours means you move through six distinct stops without rushing any of them. The tour opens at Marae Arahurahu, a restored Polynesian temple in Paea's lush valley where stone platforms and tiki statues mark the site of ancient ceremonies. From there the route follows Tahiti's west coast, stopping at the Mara'a Caves (freshwater caverns wrapped in ferns and tropical growth where the air stays cool and still), and then at Papara's black-sand beach, where you can watch local surfers or wade into the lagoon yourself. The Tahara Viewpoint sits high enough to frame the whole coast and the Pacific beyond it.

Faarumai Waterfalls is the centerpiece. Three separate cascades (Vaimahuta at 80 meters, Haamaremare Rahi at 100 meters, and Haamaremare Iti at 40 meters) drop into natural pools surrounded by rainforest. A short hike leads to each one. You can swim in the pools or simply stand in the mist and listen to the water. Valhi Waterfalls, another stop on the route, offers a quieter alternative with its own crystal-clear pool. Point Venus, on the northern coast, adds history: the black-sand beach and lighthouse mark where Captain Cook observed the transit of Venus in 1769, and the site later became central to French missionary activity.

The van is modern and air-conditioned, with complimentary bottled water and cool towels for every guest. Wi-Fi onboard lets you share photos as you go. Your guide speaks English, Spanish, French or Russian and knows the stories and legends tied to each stop. Pickup happens at your hotel or a location you choose, and drop-off works the same way: no separate transport to arrange.

What’s included

• Private air-conditioned van with pickup and drop-off at your hotel or chosen location.
• complimentary bottled water and cool towels throughout the tour.
• Wi-Fi onboard.
• live guide in English, Spanish, French or Russian.
• access to Faarumai Waterfalls, Marae Arahurahu temple, Mara'a Caves, Valhi Waterfalls, Papara beach, Tahara Viewpoint and Point Venus.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 09:00

Book up to4h before

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish, Spanish, French and Russian

Audio guideEnglish, Spanish, French, German, Italian and Japanese

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 24 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated 17 days ago

Good to know

Easy physical levelInfant seats availablePublic transport nearby

Operated by Tahiti Private Island Tours

Is this one for you?Pickup at your hotel or a location you choose means you don't need a rental car or local transport to reach Tahiti's west coast and its hidden waterfalls. The van collects you and handles the whole route, ideal if you're staying in Papeete without a vehicle.

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Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English, Spanish, French and Russian.

What are the three waterfalls at Faarumai, and can you swim in them?

Faarumai has three cascades: Vaimahuta at 80 meters, Haamaremare Rahi at 100 meters (the tallest), and Haamaremare Iti at 40 meters. Each drops into a natural pool at the base where you can swim. A short hike connects them through the rainforest.

Does the tour include meals, or should I eat before we start?

Meals are not included in the tour. You'll want to eat before pickup or bring snacks. The 5.5-hour route has time for stops but not for a sit-down meal.

What is Marae Arahurahu, and why is it on the route?

Marae Arahurahu is one of Tahiti's best-preserved ancient Polynesian temples, located in Paea's valley. Stone platforms and tiki statues mark where spiritual and social ceremonies once took place. It's a restored site that shows the island's traditional culture and history.

How does pickup work if I'm staying at a hotel in Papeete?

Pickup is tailored to your hotel location or any address you choose in Papeete or nearby. The van collects you and returns you to the same spot at the end of the tour, so you don't need to arrange separate transport.

What is Point Venus, and what makes it worth a stop?

Point Venus is a historic landmark on Tahiti's northern coast, named after Captain Cook's 1769 observation of the transit of Venus from this spot. It has a black-sand beach, an iconic lighthouse, and views of Matavai Bay. The site is rich in both astronomical and colonial history.