Landmark· Tahiti· French Polynesia — Society Islands
Maraa Grotto (Paea)
17° 44.7′ S · 149° 34.0′ W
A fern-hung cave at the foot of a cliff right on the coast road in Paea, holding a still freshwater lake whose arched roof plays tricks on your sense of depth.
Practical
Coordinates from Tahiti Heritage. Four grottoes follow each other (Ana Paero, Vaipoiri, Matavae, Puahotu). Legend links the cave to the old dead, and Tahitians traditionally avoid swimming in it; the lake extends 60–70 m back (Tahiti Heritage, quoting an early visitor). A roadside stop on a round-the-island drive south of Marina Taina.
Best for
A cool roadside stop on the west-coast drive
Nearby
- Plage de Rohotu (Paea)2.6 NM away
- Marae Arahurahu (Paea)3 NM away
- Paea Passes Dives (Fausse Passe, Arche & Voûte de Paea)4.3 NM away
- Taharuu Black-Sand Surf Beach (Papara)5 NM away
- Plage de Vaiava (PK18), Punaauia5.6 NM away
- Vaiava (PK18) Lagoon Snorkel (Punaauia)5.6 NM away
- Atimaono / Faarearea Pass Dive (Papara)5.9 NM away
- Temaruata (off PK18, Punaauia)6 NM away