Maupiti

11 km² • 1 302 residents • 380 m (Mount Teurafaatiu)

A rocky peak in the centre, a turquoise lagoon all around, and motu forming a necklace: a miniature version of Bora Bora, but without a single international hotel. The local inhabitants have chosen to stick to family-run guesthouses. You can cycle around the island in an hour, walk across to Motu Auira, and manta rays pass through the channel.

Access

55-min flight from Tahiti

Good to know

Maupiti is renowned for manta ray sightings.

Ideal for

Independent travellers, local immersion, hiking, keeping costs under control.

Not to be missed 

• Tereia Beach and the walk across to Motu Auira
• Climbing Mount Teurafaatiu (360° views)
• The manta ray swimming site
• Onoiau Pass
• The Haranae petroglyphs
• Vaiahu Marae
• Motu Tiapaa

Image credits
1, 2, 3, 4 – ©TAHITI TOURISME/Michael Runkel
5 – ©TAHITI TOURISME/Frédéric Cristol