Leisurely Tahiti

Explore Tahiti on an excursion designed for guests who wish to take in the sights with little or no walking. See One Tree Hill and Point Venus, where Captain Cook landed in 1769. View the Arahoho Blowhole and the tomb of Tahiti's last king. Travel to the Faarumai Valley for views of the island's most picturesque waterfall.

PHOTO OPPORTUNITIES
Tomb of Pomare V - The last king of Tahiti, Pomare V ruled for only a short time before his controversial decision to transfer sovereignty of his territories to France in 1880. The tomb is constructed from coral slabs and lava rocks in a tower-like shape that resembles a Grecian urn.

Monument of Captain Bligh - The National Geographic Society erected the monument in the early 1960s to commemorate the naval feats of Captain Bligh. The breadfruit tree under which the monument is erected is of special interest, it is an offshoot of one of the original trees Captain Bligh introduced to the Caribbean Islands in 1793.

Tahara'a "One Tree Hill" - Captain James Cook sailed the "Endeavor" into Tahiti's Matavai Bay in 1769 and sighted a single tree with bright red-orange flowers growing on the promontory above the bay. Cook used the tree as a navigational landmark and named this reference point "One Tree Hill." Although the gnarled old tree has long since disappeared, the lookout provides impressive panoramic views of the island of Moorea, the Sea of Moons and the surrounding coral reefs and lagoons.

Point Venus - The 18th-century explorers Bligh, Wallis and Cook landed here, Cook's expedition observed the Transit of Venus from the point in 1769. The monumental 110-foot tall lighthouse built in 1867 is still operational up to this day.

Arahoho Blowhole - Waves crashing through the volcanic basalt rock create the famous blowhole.

Faarumai Valley - The valley contains one of the most photographed and beautiful waterfalls on Tahiti.

WHAT YOU SEE ALONG THE WAY
From the pier, travel along the scenic east coast of Tahiti passing the famous Papenoo surfing beaches. At Point Venus, admire the black-sand beach that is recognized by the locals as the most popular beach on the island. Before returning to the ship, turn off into the interior of Faarumai Valley to view one of the most photographed and beautiful waterfalls on Tahiti.