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Tubuai is best done as a slow, nature-forward long weekend: 3 days is enough for Fort George + the lagoon/motu experience + one “big view” day (Mount Taitaa) with time for beaches and crafts. Tahiti Tourisme highlights Tubuai for Fort George (Bounty mutineers), marae and the Saint‑Hélène hermitage, cycling/walking around Mataura, hiking Mount Taitaa, lagoon picnics on Motu Toena, and diving/kitesurfing—so this itinerary is built around those anchors.
Split stay (3 days)
Split stay (3 days)
Tubuai is small, so the most practical split stay is 2 nights near Mataura (main village/services) and 1 night on the quieter lagoon side to maximize beach/motu access and early starts. Tahiti Tourisme notes Mataura as a key area (bank/ATM, town hall, gendarmerie) and recommends getting around by bike or on foot, which is easiest when you’re based nearby.
Nights 1–2: Mataura base (central convenience)
Night 3: Lagoon-side base (quiet + beach access)
3-day Itinerary Tubuai
3-day Itinerary Tubuai
Day 1 — History + village orientation (Mataura)
Day 1 — History + village orientation (Mataura)
Morning
Start with a gentle circle-island drive/ride to get bearings (Tubuai has about 25 km of road per Tahiti Tourisme’s itinerary note).
Visit Fort George, built by the Bounty mutineers and highlighted as a key historical site.
Afternoon
Visit cultural sites: a marae (ancient temple platform) and the Saint‑Hélène hermitage near Mahu, both highlighted by Tahiti Tourisme.
Easy beach swim to cool off (Tubuai is noted for beautiful beaches and lagoon swimming).
Evening
Early dinner and prep for tomorrow’s lagoon day (reef shoes, sun protection, dry bag).
Day 2 — Lagoon & motu day (Motu Toena picnic)
Day 2 — Lagoon & motu day (Motu Toena picnic)
Morning
Do a lagoon excursion with a picnic to Motu Toena; Tahiti Tourisme specifically recommends this as a signature experience, often paired with a little fishing and snorkeling.
Afternoon
Snorkeling and relaxed beach time; keep the pace unhurried (atoll-style motu days are about calm water + long breaks).
Optional: if you’re an experienced rider and services are available, add a short kitesurf session—Tubuai is mentioned by Tahiti Tourisme as a kitesurf/watersports destination with steady wind.
Evening
Sunset walk and a low-key night.
Day 3 — Mount Taitaa viewpoint + crafts (lagoon-side night if you stay)
Day 3 — Mount Taitaa viewpoint + crafts (lagoon-side night if you stay)
Morning (start early)
Hike Mount Taitaa for the 360° panoramic view; Tahiti Tourisme calls the view “breathtaking” and notes you can go partway by ATV/4WD before hiking.
Afternoon
Stop at the craft center to see (and buy) tīfaifai quilts, woven hats, and baskets—explicitly recommended by Tahiti Tourisme before leaving.
Final swim break at a beach such as Tavana Beach (Tahiti Tourisme mentions cooling off with a dip here).
Evening
Pack, confirm transfer/flight timing, and keep dinner simple.
Top 10 activities (Tubuai)
Top 10 activities (Tubuai)
Even in a 3-day trip, these are the “menu” of best choices Tahiti Tourisme associates with Tubuai (pick 4–6 depending on weather):
Visit Fort George (Bounty mutineers history).
Visit marae (cultural sites).
Visit the Saint‑Hélène hermitage near Mahu.
Hike Mount Taitaa (or partial ATV + hike).
Picnic excursion to Motu Toena.
Snorkeling in the lagoon.
Fishing add-on during motu excursion.
Scuba diving (Tahiti Tourisme notes more than a dozen sites, including options for beginners).
Cycling the island roads (easy way to explore beaches).
Whale watching (July–November, per Tahiti Tourisme).
Top 10 attractions (Tubuai)
Top 10 attractions (Tubuai)
Fort George (historic reconstruction).
Mount Taitaa summit view.
Motu Toena (picnic islet).
The lagoon and barrier reef.
Tavana Beach (swim stop mentioned by Tahiti Tourisme).
Mataura village (services + base).
Saint‑Hélène hermitage (near Mahu).
Marae sites (ancient platforms).
Craft center (tīfaifai, woven hats/baskets).
“Raid Litchis” trail segments (November race route tied to Mount Taitaa).
Top 10 shopping (Tubuai)
Top 10 shopping (Tubuai)
Tahiti Tourisme directly recommends the craft center for local artisan work, and specifically mentions tīfaifai quilts plus woven hats and baskets.
For a small island, the best shopping list is category-based and centered on locally made items:
Tīfaifai quilts (craft center).
Woven hats (craft center).
Woven baskets (craft center).
Small woven gifts that pack flat (ask artisans).
Locally made carvings (often sold at craft centers).
Lagoon-friendly gear (reef shoes, rash guard) if available locally.
Postcards/books (limited; buy when you see them).
Local snacks/jams (limited; buy at small shops).
Souvenir textiles (smaller than a quilt for carry-on).
“Island essentials” restock in Mataura (basic supplies).
Official links
Official links
Tahiti Tourisme (PF): What to do in Tubuai.
Tahiti Tourisme: Discover Tubuai (overview).
Tahiti Tourisme: “Escape to Tubuai” itinerary suggestions.
Tahiti Tourisme: Restaurant finder (official directory).
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