Silversea Luxury Cruises A PAPEETE (Tahiti)

Discover the exquisite natural wonders and tropical landscapes along the east coast of Tahiti during this panoramic, half-day sightseeing excursion.

Papeete, East Coast Drive, Faarumai Waterfalls, Arahoho Blowhole, Black-Sand Beach, Geyser

Depart the pier for the scenic, approximately 50-minute drive to the Faarumai Waterfalls. Located in the valley of Faarumai, see the beautiful waterfall which offers wonderful photo opportunities. Leaving the falls, re-board your coach and continue on to the Arahoho Blowhole. Perched along the rocky coast of Tahiti and bordered by an exquisite, black-sand beach, the Arahoho Blowhole is one of the island's most visited natural wonders. The right swell conditions produce a geyser-like fountain of water rising up through the blowhole; a spectacular sight to behold.

Pointe Venus & Taharaa Viewpoint

Next, re-board your coach and head to Pointe Venus. Situated in the north on the edge of Matavai Bay, it is famous for having been the site of successive landings of European navigators. Captain James Cook named the site 'Venus' in memory of his scientific trip to observe the planet. Your last stop is at the Taharaa Viewpoint. Upon arrival, take in spectacular panoramic views across to the east coast and all the way to Papeete, as well as the impressive silhouette of Moorea. At the conclusion of your visit, re-board your coach and commence the short drive back to the pier.

Some of Tahiti's most beautiful spots are accessible only by a four-wheel-drive vehicle. Journey into the island's heart as you travel unpaved trails up the Papenoo Valley. Take in views of tropical forest, graceful waterfalls and dramatic basalt cliffs.

Four-Wheel-Drive Safari

Meet your guide and four-wheel drive vehicle at the pier and travel to the scenic east coast of Tahiti and the famous Papenoo Valley. After a short coastal drive, turn inland at the mouth of Papenoo River and begin the ascent up the largest valley on the island. The view of the surrounding mountainsides carved by centuries of erosion and covered with rich, thick, multi-green rain forest will awe you. The adventurous drive crosses rivers and includes photo stops of the numerous waterfalls.

Retrace your path down the valley and time permitting, stop at the famous surfing and black-sand beaches of Papeenoo before returning to the ship.

Please note: This tour is offered to in-transit guests continuing on to the following cruise. It requires a moderate amount of walking, most of which is on unpaved, uneven and sloped paths. There is a high step to get in/out the vehicle. It is not suitable for guests with limited mobility or those who utilise a wheelchair. The jeeps travel on unpaved roads and paths that may be bumpy and muddy, therefore this tour is not recommended for guests with neck or back conditions or those not prepared for mud and wet splashes. Insect repellent is suggested.

Discover the natural beauty of Tahiti during this half-day look at the island.

Depart the pier for the drive through Papeete, then head along the East Coast en route to the James Norman Hall.

James Norman Hall Museum

Begin you tour with a visit to a modest museum dedicated to the memory of a modest man: James Norman Hall. He was an American author best known for the novel Mutiny on the Bounty with co-author Charles Nordhoff. The site including both a house and its gardens is classified a historic monument since 1993. After years of perseverance of the Hall, the house is tediously rebuilt by the country identically, down to the smallest detail. Even the garden regained its past glory. It was inaugurated on January 17, 2002 to become a museum. Today, it restores the daily environment of this hero of the First World War, adventurer, poet and major writer of contemporary American literature. His office, library of 3000 books, his typewriter, precious wood furniture, some fetish objects, old photos and his favorite paintings, it is all the special atmosphere of the tropics in the inter-war period that guests can discover.

Marae Arahurahu

Next, proceed to Arahurahu which is the only marae (traditional temple) in all of Polynesia that has been fully restored, and it is maintained like a museum. It is Tahiti's best example of ancient Polynesian temples and meeting places, and its exhibit boards do a good job of explaining the significance of each part. These structures were used by Polynesians for ceremonial gatherings, such as religious rituals, important weddings, celebrations of military victories, enthronement of kings.

Vaipahi Gardens

A place to stop off in the circuit around the island of Tahiti, the public gardens of Vaipahi offer wonderful views of water, light and exquisite vegetation. This haven of peace of over a hectare invites you to take pleasant walks among its natural treasures. Nearly 75 different plant species composes its abundant flora, planted close to the basins and waterfalls which flow directly into Lake Vaihiria.

Following this stop, journey back to Papeete and the ship.

Please note: This tour is available to in-transit guests continuing on to the following cruise. It requires a moderate amount of walking and is not wheelchair accessible. Guests are advised to bring bottle of water from the ship. Order of the stops may vary depending on traffic & weather conditions. On rainy days and for security reasons, some of the stops could be replaced. Operation is subject to minimum participation. Disembarking guests continuing on to the airport may accompany this tour.

Discover the natural beauty of Tahiti during this half-day look at the island.

Depart the pier for the drive through Papeete, then head along the East Coast en route to the James Norman Hall.

James Norman Hall Museum

Begin you tour with a visit to a modest museum dedicated to the memory of a modest man: James Norman Hall. He was an American author best known for the novel Mutiny on the Bounty with co-author Charles Nordhoff. The site including both a house and its gardens is classified a historic monument since 1993. After years of perseverance of the Hall, the house is tediously rebuilt by the country identically, down to the smallest detail. Even the garden regained its past glory. It was inaugurated on January 17, 2002 to become a museum. Today, it restores the daily environment of this hero of the First World War, adventurer, poet and major writer of contemporary American literature. His office, library of 3000 books, his typewriter, precious wood furniture, some fetish objects, old photos and his favorite paintings, it is all the special atmosphere of the tropics in the inter-war period that guests can discover.

Marae Arahurahu

Next, proceed to Arahurahu which is the only marae (traditional temple) in all of Polynesia that has been fully restored, and it is maintained like a museum. It is Tahiti's best example of ancient Polynesian temples and meeting places, and its exhibit boards do a good job of explaining the significance of each part. These structures were used by Polynesians for ceremonial gatherings, such as religious rituals, important weddings, celebrations of military victories, enthronement of kings.

Vaipahi Gardens

A place to stop off in the circuit around the island of Tahiti, the public gardens of Vaipahi offer wonderful views of water, light and exquisite vegetation. This haven of peace of over a hectare invites you to take pleasant walks among its natural treasures. Nearly 75 different plant species composes its abundant flora, planted close to the basins and waterfalls which flow directly into Lake Vaihiria.

Following this stop, journey to the International Airport. The coach brings you to the departure drop-off area at the airport, where you collect your luggage and independently head to check-in for your flight. Arrival at the airport is approximately 13:30.

Please note: This tour is offered only to guests disembarking the ship with flights after 3:00 p.m. and it ends at the airport. It requires a moderate amount of walking and is not wheelchair accessible. Guests are advised to bring bottle of water from the ship. Order of the stops may vary depending on traffic & weather conditions. On rainy days and for security reasons, some of the stops could be replaced. Operation is subject to minimum participation. This tour will stop at the airport to allowing departing guests to debark the coach.