Plage de la Pointe Venus: A Historic Black Sand Beach

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Discover Tahiti's historic Plage de la Pointe Venus: black sands, stunning views, and a glimpse into Polynesian and European history.

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Plage de la Pointe Venus

Plage de la Pointe Venus is a captivating black sand beach located in Mahina, Tahiti, French Polynesia. Known for its historical significance and stunning beauty, it's a popular destination for both locals and tourists. The beach offers a relaxing atmosphere with views of Matavai Bay and Moorea, making it an ideal spot for swimming, sunbathing, and picnicking.

A brief summary to Plage de la Pointe Venus

Local tips

Bring an umbrella or sunscreen, as there's limited shade on the beach.
Visit during the week to avoid the larger crowds that gather on Sundays.
Take a stroll to the Pointe Venus Lighthouse and learn about the area's maritime history.
Enjoy the sunset over Moorea for a spectacular view.
Pack a picnic to enjoy on the beach, or grab a snack from the nearby snack bar.

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Getting There

Public Transport

From Papeete, take the bus towards Mahina. The bus departs approximately every three hours and the journey takes about 17 minutes to Mahina. From there, it's a short walk to Plage de la Pointe Venus. Bus fare is approximately XPF 300.
Taxi

Taxis are readily available in Papeete. A taxi ride to Plage de la Pointe Venus takes about 20 minutes. Expect to pay around XPF 2500-3450 during the day. Prices may be higher at night.
Driving

From Papeete, drive east along the main coastal road. Follow the signs to Mahina and Pointe Venus. The drive is approximately 12 km and takes about 12 minutes. Free parking is available at Plage de la Pointe Venus, though spaces can be limited.

Discover more about Plage de la Pointe Venus

Plage de la Pointe Venus, situated in Mahina on the north coast of Tahiti, is renowned for its unique black volcanic sand and historical importance. The beach gets its name from Captain James Cook's 1769 observation of the transit of Venus. The iconic Pointe Venus Lighthouse, built in 1867, stands nearby as a testament to the region's rich maritime history. The beach offers a picturesque setting with clear waters and views of Matavai Bay and the island of Moorea. Visitors can enjoy swimming, sunbathing, snorkeling, and beach volleyball. The area is also ideal for picnics, with picnic tables available. A craft shop and snack bar are located close to the beach. Plage de la Pointe Venus is a significant historical site, marking the meeting point between Europeans and Polynesians. Besides Captain Cook, other notable explorers such as Captain Samuel Wallis and Louis-Antoine de Bougainville anchored in Matavai Bay. The HMS Bounty also arrived here in 1788. Today, Plage de la Pointe Venus is a popular spot for families, history enthusiasts, and those seeking relaxation.