Tahiti Shore Excursions - Holland America
Cultural Tahiti
Learn all about Polynesian culture with a visit to the Museum of Tahiti & her Islands , created in 1978. The museum is a leading authority on all the features of the Polynesian history, geography, culture and traditions. At Marae Arahurahu, see how Polynesian temples were built in ancient times. Polynesians did not have any formal religion and believed in different gods: god of the sea, god of the rainbow, etc. A marvelous focus on Polynesian culture and traditions!
Full Day Circle Island Tour
This unique opportunity to discover the hidden charms of Tahiti takes you towards the east coast of the island, with a stop at the Tahara'a View Point overlooking the Matavai Bay and the island of Moorea . At Point Venus, view the historic landing site of European discoverers and evangelists. Watch the Arahoho Blowhole, where the sea is pressed into an old lava tube, and then explodes in a sudden noisy spray. You will cross the isthmus of Taravao that links Tahiti Nui (Big Tahiti) and Tahiti Iti (Small Tahiti) before arriving at the Paul Gauguin Museum . You will learn all about this famous artist's life and artwork. The museum does not display any original art from the artist, but rather is a study of his life and times. Lunch will be served at the Gauguin Restaurant, then you will visit Vaipahi Garden and the Mara'a Grottos--natural caves formed by the sea. Finally, you will stop at the Museum of Tahiti & her Islands . Located in Punaauia, on the west coast of Tahiti, the museum displays a large array of archeological finds, Polynesian artwork, and costumes that tell the story of ancient Tahiti .
NOTES:
Bring water and insect repellant.
This tour includes a meal--lunch on daytime tours, or dinner on evening tours.
In the Footsteps of Gauguin
Departing from Papeete , this tour will take you to the West Coast of Tahiti. In the residential district of Punaauia, stop at the Museum of Tahiti and Her Islands located at La Pointe des Pêcheurs (Fishermen's Point) for the most interesting visit. This fascinating museum, created in 1978, is truly a treasure and will give you a unique opportunity to learn more about Polynesian history, geography, culture and traditions. Highlights include a unique display of wooden and stone sculptures, petroglyphs, traditional ornaments and musical instruments. The Paul Gauguin Museum , set in a spacious tropical garden, will allow you to discover and understand the famous artist's life. Gauguin lived in French Polynesia from June 1891 to August 1893 and from August 1895 to May 1903, the time of his death in the Marquesas Islands . The museum features an interesting retrospective of the artist's life in the islands through documents, letters, writings and his household objects. Please note that the museum does not display any originals, most of them being spread all around the world. The last stop will be at the romantic Mara'a Grottos, natural caves formed by the sea, where Paul Gauguin used to swim.
NOTES:
Bring water and insect repellent.
Off the Beaten Track: Tahiti by 4-Wheel-Drive
Board a 4x4 vehicle for a great adventure deep into the unspoiled interior of Tahiti . You will head towards the East Coast, and make your way to the Papenoo Valley . Pass cascading waterfalls, luxuriant tropical vegetation and exotic flowers, and discover an array of unspoiled treasures. Make sure you bring your camera to capture the beauty of the scenery and the breathtaking views from this valley. Take a refreshing dip in the river on the way.
NOTES:
Wear your swimsuit; bring a towel. Itinerary is weather permitting. Bring water and insect repellent.
Tahiti & Her History
This tour features the fascinating James Norman Hall's House, the Tahara'a lookout point and Point Venus. The James Norman Hall's House nestled in a romantic tropical garden is dedicated to the American writer, James Norman Hall, author of the legendary best seller, Mutiny on the Bounty. This rebuilt colonial house encloses an interesting library with thousands of books of American literature, antique furniture, family photos, paintings and other personal effects that belonged to the writer. At the Tahara'a View Point, enjoy a beautiful view of the island of Moorea and Matavai Bay , where the Mutiny of the Bounty movie was filmed. Stop at Point Venus to see the only lighthouse of the island, surrounded by Aito trees (also called iron trees) and tropical plants. Point Venus has been the landing site for European discoverers and evangelists for many centuries. Captain Cook named its beautiful black sand beach area Point Venus while he was conducting some observations of planet Venus.
NOTES:
Bring water and insect repellant.
Tahiti Lagoon Discovery
This boat tour will take you across the blue waters of Tahiti , to the east or west coast, depending on the weather conditions, wind, and currents.
The East Coast: After a brief tour in the harbor of Papeete where you will see the fisherman's wharf, you will make your way to the East Coast of the island. Your Captain will anchor off the Tahara'a Coast and you will be able to dive in the refreshing waters of Matavai Bay . Masks and snorkels are available for those who wish to discover some of the sea life living by the coastal reef. Fresh fruits will be offered during the tour. Water will be available during the entire excursion.
The West Coast: After a short tour in the harbour of Papeete where you will see the fisherman's wharf, you will make your way to the West Coast of Tahiti. Pass Tahiti's International Airport , the Sheraton, Beachcomber and Sofitel hotels. Enjoy a nice boat ride to the reef before anchoring off the airport for some swimming and snorkeling. Masks and snorkels are available for those who wish to discover the varieties of tropical fish living in these waters. Depending on the underwater visibility, you may be able to see some of the wrecks that lie on the bottom of the turquoise sea.
NOTES:
This tour includes a small snack or tasting of local specialties. The snack is not a meal.
Bring water and insect repellant.
Tahiti 's Natural Treasures
On this complete island tour, discover the natural beauties of Tahiti . You will head towards the east coast with a stop at the Tahara'a View Point to look out at the island of Moorea and Matavai Bay with its black sand beaches and green cliffs. Continue to the Arahoho Blowhole to see and hear nature's awesome power, and Vaipahi Garden , where rare species of precious wood, tropical plants such as bird of paradise, torch of ginger flowers, taro and giant elephant ears, and Tahitian chestnut trees grow prolifically. Mara'a Grotto is a natural semi-cave formed by the sea and surrounded by legend and lore. Before returning to the pier, stop at the Marae Arahurahu, an ancient, sacred site surrounded by tropical trees and flowers. |
