It always feels special sailing into Papeete. There’s an energy here — a mix of island beauty, French flair, and the buzz of a real working port. This was our third or maybe even fourth visit to Tahiti, and it felt a little like returning to an old favourite.
Tahiti, the largest island in French Polynesia, has long been the cultural and political heart of the islands, with Papeete as its vibrant capital. The island’s recorded history stretches back to the great Polynesian migrations, but it entered the European story when Captain James Cook arrived here in 1769. His visit was part of a scientific expedition to observe the transit of Venus — an astronomical event where the planet passes directly between the Earth and the Sun. Observing it from different points on the globe allowed scientists to calculate the size of our solar system and the distance between Earth and the Sun — an incredible feat for the time. Cook’s observations in Tahiti not only advanced science but also marked the beginning of Europe’s fascination with these islands.
A few decades later, another famous chapter in maritime history unfolded nearby — that of Captain William Bligh and the Mutiny on the Bounty. In 1789, after collecting breadfruit plants in Tahiti to transport to the Caribbean, Bligh’s crew rebelled, famously setting him adrift in a small boat while many of the mutineers chose to remain in Tahiti. It’s one of those stories that has helped shape the romantic — and sometimes turbulent — image of these islands ever since.
With that history in mind, our visit this time was less about sightseeing and more about soaking in the atmosphere. Having been here several times before, we decided to stay close to the downtown area and enjoy some familiar favourites — especially the central market, Le Marché de Papeete.
The market is always a delight: colourful stalls, friendly faces, and the wonderful scent of vanilla, tropical flowers, and island fruit filling the air. Originally, this visit wasn’t supposed to involve any pearl shopping (famous last words!), but we couldn’t resist stopping by Miniarii Pearls, the well-known shop upstairs in the market.
We started just browsing, but as soon as Jan began looking through the bins of loose black pearls, the idea of a bracelet started taking shape. Out came the measuring tape, we mentioned our budget, and before long, a bin appeared filled with over fifty beautiful pearls — each one with its own shimmer and shade. Jan hand-picked about a dozen that complemented each other perfectly, creating what will truly be a one-of-a-kind bracelet. The staff were wonderful, promising to have it strung and ready by the next morning.
We also revisited the Robert Wan Pearl Museum, about a 15-minute walk from the ship. It’s an excellent stop for anyone wanting to learn about the history, cultivation, and artistry behind Tahitian pearls. Seeing how much care and tradition go into each one gives you a whole new appreciation for these local treasures.
For us, the real highlights of Papeete are the simple things — walking the waterfront, exploring the local shops, enjoying the incredible sunsets, and of course, the evening performances. One of our favourites, the local group Mana – The Spirit of Tahiti, once again came aboard to perform. Their show just keeps getting better each time — vibrant dancing, powerful drumming, and the most stunning costumes adorned with shells and feathers. It’s one of those performances that perfectly captures the pride and beauty of Tahitian culture.
All in all, it was another wonderful stay in Papeete — relaxed, colourful, and full of that unmistakable Tahitian spirit. Until next time, Tahiti.
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