Included East Coast Highlights Experience
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Port
Papeete, French Polynesia
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Activity Level
Moderate Activity
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Excursion Type
All
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Wheelchair Accessible
No
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Starting At (prices in USD)
Information Not Currently Available
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Minimum Age
Information Not Currently Available
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Duration
Approximately 3½ Hours
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Meals Included
Meals not included
Board an air-conditioned motor coach with a knowledgeable local guide for an introduction to Tahiti’s bountiful attractions.
After passing through downtown Papeete, our first stop is at the “James Norman Hall Home”. This memorial museum is the exact replica of the original elegant green colonial home of this famous writer most known for the “Mutiny on the Bounty” trilogy saga and other known novels that were transformed into Hollywood movies. You will be guided through his beloved office and library with his original wooden desk & typewriter and over 3000 books containing seven generations of American literature. His precious gramophone, antique furniture, nostalgic family photos, favorite paintings and personal effects that decorate this charming house will bring you back to the romantic days.
We continue to the famous & historical “Venus Point” – the actual landing spot of all the original explorers including Capt Bligh in 1788, 1792 and the first Protestant missionaries in 1797. Its name was given to it by Captain Cook for his study and readings of the “transit of Venus” in 1769. Its monumental 110-foot-tall light house built in 1867 is still operational today. The architect was Robert Louis Stevenson’s father and when R.L Stevenson visited Tahiti in 1788 – he finally saw in person the lighthouse he had witnessed in drawings at his father’s office in 1766. Also, within the grounds lay monuments for Capt. Cook, the Protestant missionaries and Capt. Bligh and crew of the famous “Mutiny on the Bounty”. The site boasts an awesome black sand beach that is recognized to be the most popular beach on the island for locals.
After continuing along the scenic coastal road, we pass Tahiti’s famous Papenoo surfing beaches where Capt. Cook first witnessed Tahitians surfing in 1769. A rare view of the island’s interior is allowed at Faarumai Valley where a short hike will bring you to one of the most photographed and spectacular waterfalls on the island.
On our return route, a stop is allowed at Tahara’a “One Tree Hill” that overlooks the Bay of Matavai – where many of the original European explorers anchored including Capt. Wallis who discovered Tahiti in 1767, Captain James Cook 1769 & Capt. Bligh in 1788 & 1792.