Tahiti, the largest island in French Polynesia, is a vibrant destination known for its stunning landscapes, rich culture, and beautiful beaches. For wheelchair users, Tahiti offers a range of accessible options to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable visit. Here’s a detailed wheelchair travel review of Tahiti.
Attractions
- Papeete Market (Le Marché de Papeete): A bustling market in the heart of Papeete, offering local produce, crafts, and souvenirs. Smooth, paved surfaces throughout the market. Some aisles may be narrow and crowded. Accessible entrances and restrooms.
- Tahiti Lagoonarium: An open-air aquarium showcasing the marine life of Tahiti. Ramped walkways and accessible viewing areas. Some outdoor areas may have uneven terrain. Accessible restrooms and educational displays at wheelchair height.
- Museum of Tahiti and Her Islands (Musée de Tahiti et des Îles): A museum dedicated to the history and culture of Tahiti. Fully accessible with ramps and elevators. Accessible restrooms, audio guides, and wheelchair-accessible exhibits. Minimal barriers, making it a highly accessible attraction.
- Botanical Gardens (Jardin Botanique): A beautiful garden featuring a variety of native plants and flowers. Mostly paved pathways with some gravel areas. Some pathways may have slight inclines.Accessible restrooms and benches along the paths.
- Cultural Experiences: Engage with local culture through traditional dance shows and craft workshops. Venues like Te Fare Manaha and Heiva i Tahiti offer accessible seating and entrances. Some older venues may have limited accessibility.
Outdoor Activities
- Snorkeling and Diving: Clear waters and vibrant marine life make snorkeling and diving popular activities. Some tour operators offer adaptive snorkeling and diving equipment. Accessible boats available for excursions like TopDive Tahiti and Scubatek Tahiti. Check with operators about specific accessibility needs.
- Catamaran Cruises: Enjoying a scenic cruise around Tahiti’s coastline. Accessible catamarans with ramps and space for wheelchairs. Some operators offer sunset dinner cruises with accessible dining area like, Tahiti Yacht Charter. Confirm accessibility features fit your needs with operators before booking.
- Accessible Beaches: Several beaches in Tahiti have accessible features, like Plage de Taharuu and Pointe Venus Beach. Beach wheelchairs available for rent, accessible restrooms, and ramps leading to the beach. Sand can be challenging without a beach wheelchair.
Transportation
- Airport Transfers: Tahiti’s Faa’a International Airport offers accessible services. Accessible shuttles and taxis available for transfers to hotels and resorts from companies like Tahiti Nui Travel and Tahiti Shuttle Service. Advanced booking is recommended.
- Taxis: Accessible taxis are available in Papeete and surrounding areas by Tahiti Accessible Taxi Service. A man named Robert Carpentier has a van and portable ramps, which is best designed for manual wheelchairs but power wheelchairs are possible too. Pleases email Robert for details.
- Buses: Some buses are equipped with ramps and wheelchair spaces; check schedules in advance.
- Boat Taxis: Accessible boat taxis, like Terevau and Aremiti, for island hopping can be arranged through hotels and resorts. Discounts are given to passengers who are disabled. If you country doesn’t have a card to identify this, one can purchased. Ramps and elevators allow wheelchair access onto the boats.
Dining
- Le Coco’s Restaurant: A fine dining restaurant offering French and Polynesian cuisine. Elegant setting with ocean views. Ramped entrance, accessible seating, and restrooms.
- Le Lotus at InterContinental Tahiti: An upscale restaurant with a focus on gourmet cuisine. Overwater dining with stunning sunset views. Accessible entrance, seating, and restrooms.
- Le Retro: A casual dining spot in Papeete, popular for its local dishes and relaxed atmosphere. Ramped entrance and accessible seating. Accessible restrooms available.
Accommodations
- InterContinental Tahiti Resort & Spa: A luxurious resort with stunning views and extensive amenities. Wide, smooth pathways throughout the resort. Accessible swimming pool with a lift, spa services, and dining options. Accessible rooms with roll-in showers, grab bars, and lowered beds.
- Tahiti Pearl Beach Resort: A beachfront resort with a focus on relaxation and comfort. Paved pathways and ramps connecting all areas of the resort. Accessible beach area, swimming pool, and multiple dining options. Accessible rooms with roll-in showers, wide doorways, and accessible balconies.
- Manava Suite Resort Tahiti: A modern resort offering a range of accessible amenities. Smooth, paved pathways throughout the property. Accessible swimming pool, fitness center, and dining facilities. Accessible suites with roll-in showers, grab bars, and lowered beds.
Health and Wellness
- Spa Treatments: Most luxury resorts offer spa services, including massages and treatments. Resorts like InterContinental and Tahiti Pearl Beach have accessible spa facilities with adjustable treatment tables. Some smaller spas may have limited accessibility; it’s best to inquire beforehand.
- Fitness Centers: Many resorts provide fitness centers with accessible equipment. Adjustable and accessible workout machines, free weights, and spacious layouts.
