Tahiti is the largest and most populated island of French Polynesia; tropical, beautiful and a scuba diving paradise.

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Being the largest islands of French Polynesia, Tahiti is the touristic center and starting point for trips all around the archipelago. There are nice cascading waterfalls, deep green valley, steep mountains and beautiful shorelines. Still, many tourist only stay for a few days and move to more romantic islands such as Moorea, Huahine and Bora Bora.

The capital Papeete, situated on the northwest coast, is virtually the only place in French Polynesia with some real nightlife with many bars, discos and restaurants you can choose from. You can learn some Tahitian history in its national museum, visit Paul Gauguin's artistic work in the Gauguin Museum or stroll around the Harrison Smith Botanical Gardens. Along Papeete's promenade you can shop for black pearls, handicrafts or visit the public market Le Marché. The Circle-Island tour is a great trip along Tahiti's rugged coastline, ancient sites, viewpoints and pretty lookouts. Safaris are popular as they are the best way to spot remote regions such as the Papenoo valley, Pari Region, Maroto Pass and the natural Lake Vaihiria. Hikers amongst us can visit Faarumai, Tahiti's small sister Tahiti-Iti or hike to the highest point of Mount Orohena. Other highlights are Bougainville Park, Vaima Shopping Center, James Norman Hall Home, the volcanic black sand beaches of Venus Point and Matavai Bay. Some of the popular activities include golf, fishing, scuba diving, sailing and snorkeling. There is some good surfing at Teahupoo, Papara and Taapuna.

The diving is world class with many underwater caves, blowholes and stunning reefs. There even is a small Cessna plane and cargo wreck to be explored. Outer ocean dives will bring you underwater cliffs, pristine reefs and steep drop-offs such as the Arue Dropoff. Lemon sharks, tiger sharks, black and white tip reef sharks are common while drifting through the Paea Pass. Marine life is thriving, visibilities are excellent and the waters are warm and clear; all you need for an excellent scuba diving holiday.

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