Best things to do in Punaauia

Learn about the history and culture of French Polynesia at Museum of Tahiti and the Islands, housing an extensive array of exhibits, artifacts, and audio-visual experiences. Examine the ethnographic displays featuring traditional tools, dress, and boats used by the island's native inhabitants, then delve into its natural history through the collections of shells, taxidermied animals, and ornithological drawings. The onsite cafe, shop, and well-maintained parkland make the museum a well-rounded place for relaxation as well as education.

Shop for a variety of goods including locally sourced food and handcrafted goods at Municipal Market, an attractive covered market hall. Locals and tourists flock here for their shopping needs and to enjoy the feast of colors. Dedicated vendors attend stalls selling a rich diversity of products, pearls and wood-carvings to vanilla and perfume. Take time to see the impressive floral displays used in the traditional dances of French Polynesia, and to sample the freshly cooked local cuisine on offer from the numerous food carts. Bring cash in local currency, as most vendors do not accept foreign denominations.

Tahiti Lagoon Paradise runs private cruising and snorkeling tours that ensure lots of chances to spot dolphins, whales, turtles, and tropical fish. It's the ideal opportunity to sightsee at your own pace, on an exclusive tour that starts and ends at your convenience. All tours include all the needed snorkeling gear, with free pictures of the experience sent to you by email within 24 hours. Visit the website for contact details, information about all available trips, and booking instructions.

Swim with rays, sharks, and tropical fish at Lagoonarium, a protected underwater environment off the coast of Moorea. Take a three-minute boat trip out to the reserve before plunging beneath the waters to inspect the marine life so abundant in French Polynesia. An untouched coral garden provides the backdrop for your views, and the helpful and friendly staff remain on hand to inform, entertain, and assist you during your experience. Bring your own snorkeling gear, or rent what you need. An onsite cafe serves food, although you are also welcome to bring your own picnic.

Take a rejuvenating trip to Punaauia Beach, a quiet sandy beach renowned for its snorkeling opportunities and calm, shallow water. Popular with locals, the beach's clear water makes it a great place to spot colorful sea creatures and coral, whether you're paddling, swimming, or snorkeling. Gaze out to sea at the island of Moorea, and relax under the palm trees that line the shore. Browse the handicraft shop that operates here, and treat yourself to a souvenir or snack.

Combine sunbathing with a bit of Tahitian culture and history at Point Venus, a public black-sand beach. Said to be the spot from which Captain Cook watched the planet Venus cross in front of the sun, the beach includes a monument commemorating the explorer, as well as a lighthouse designed by the father of "Treasure Island" author Robert Louis Stevenson. Take a dip in the shallow waters and gaze across the sea at the island of Moorea. With ample shade, the site also presents a great opportunity for a picnic.

Indulge at Papeete Roulottes, a charming waterfront cluster of food trucks offering local and international cuisine. Locals and tourists alike flock here for the diverse selection of reasonably priced fare made fresh throughout the day. Chinese, Japanese, Belgian, French, and Italian--you have your pick of the world's most popular cuisines in the outdoor cooking environment. Browse the variety of colors, smells, and tastes before making your decision.

Learn about the history of pearl cultivation and its cultural importance to the country at Musee de la perle et Bijouterie, an informative and interesting set of exhibits and displays. Discover the processes of grafting, selecting, and farming pearls, and the historical and cultural context of the pearl industry in French Polynesia. The world's first museum focusing solely on pearls, the venue displays some of the finest pearls, and pieces created using them, in a relaxing and educational environment. Head to the boutique gift shop and let the knowledgeable staff assist you in finding a present or memento to take home.

Find an exquisite gift or a precious memento of your time in Tahiti at Eva Perles Pearl Buying. The boutique shop offers a diversity of creations by artist and designer Eva, who has over 25 years of experience making jewelry from different Tahitian pearls. Buy personally tailored pieces that complement your character and suit your tastes. Pieces include rings, necklaces, pendants, and earrings--all handcrafted and made using locally sourced pearls. The relaxed environment and expert advice of the designer will help you in finding what you are looking for.

Taste the fresh flavors of French Polynesia at Moorea Tropical Garden, a family-run horticultural center. The gardens specialize in growing native fruits and vegetables, including magnificent crops of vanilla bean plants, mango trees, and pineapples. Set in a lush, hilly landscape, the center boasts extensive views of the bay, and its arrangement blends cultivation with wilderness. Learn about local farming and gardening techniques, and enjoy fresh platters of seasonal foods on the veranda.