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Te Fare Iamanaha museum facing its gardens

West Coast · Half-day tour

West Coast Cultural Tour

Discover Tahiti’s history and traditions, with lagoon views and a visit to the caves of Maraa.

Duration
4 hours
Distance
37 miles / 60 km
Departures
9:00 AM or 1:30 PM
Pick-up
Hotel or cruise port
Effort
No hiking & No swimming

Places to see
along the coast.

Starting in Papeete, your tour follows the coast. William may adapt the stops to your interests, the time available and conditions on the day.

  1. 1Te Fare Iamanaha Museum
  2. 2PK 18 White Sand Beach
  3. 3Marae Ta’ata
  4. 4Maraa Fern Grotto

Museum closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.Entrance fees not included in the tour price.Open Wednesday to Sunday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

Map of Tahiti showing the west coast tour route from Papeete to Maraa
The west coast route from Papeete
  1. Suggested stop 1 / 4

    Te Fare Iamanaha Museum

    An introduction to the islands through their objects and stories.

    Te Fare Iamanaha, the museum of Tahiti and its islands in Punaauia, gives an introduction to the people and environments of French Polynesia. Its permanent exhibition covers subjects such as the settlement of the islands, ocean navigation, fishing and everyday life. Tools, works of craftsmanship and objects linked to sacred traditions help make these stories more concrete. This visit adds context to the marae and landscapes seen later on the route. Confirm museum opening and access with William when choosing your date.

    Museum entrance fees: not included in the tour price. The museum is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays. Confirm opening and the route with William for your date.

  2. Suggested stop 2 / 4

    PK 18 White Sand Beach

    Pale sand, lagoon colours and a view towards Moorea.

    Also known as Vaiava Beach, PK 18 is a white-sand beach in Punaauia, facing the lagoon and Moorea. Its pale shore offers a clear contrast to the black volcanic beaches on Tahiti’s north and east coasts. It is also a place enjoyed by local families for picnics and time by the sea. From the shore, take in the lagoon colours and the outline of Moorea when the weather is clear. This is a sightseeing stop; the tour does not include swimming.

  3. Suggested stop 3 / 4

    Marae Ta’ata

    Three sacred enclosures, a window into Tahiti’s ancestral world.

    At Marae Ta’ata in Paea, three adjoining stone enclosures offer a glimpse into Tahiti’s ancestral world. Once a place of religious ceremonies, this sacred complex reflects the power and alliances of the island’s chiefs. Look closely at the walls: fitted stones, regular courses of cut stone and more irregular masonry reveal three distinct architectural approaches. Take time to notice the courtyards and platforms as you explore this part of Tahiti’s heritage. Visit respectfully, leaving the stones in place and keeping off the structures.

  4. Suggested stop 4 / 4

    Maraa Fern Grotto

    A glimpse into Tahiti's shaded, fern-filled caves.

    In Paea, Maraa's caves open onto clear pools beneath rock ceilings draped in ferns and moss. Water seeps through the stone, keeping this sheltered corner green. French painter Paul Gauguin may have swum here. On this tour, enjoy the grotto and its lush surroundings from the visitor area. This is a sightseeing stop; the tour does not include swimming.

Make time for the west coast.

Tell William your date and where you’ll be staying or the name of your ship. He’ll confirm availability and help you choose the right route.

Wiser to reserve in advance.