Beach· Tahiti· French Polynesia — Society Islands

Plage Teatea (Papenoo)

17° 30.5′ S · 149° 26.0′ W

The long black-sand surf beach of Papenoo, also called Rairoa, at the mouth of Tahiti's biggest valley: beginner surf, river views and no lagoon.

Society IslandsTahiti & Moorea

Practical

Coordinates from Tahiti Heritage. Very popular with surfers (Tahiti Heritage); the commune is known for black-sand beaches and beginner-friendly surf (French Wikipedia). Two reefs break off the bay: Toa Maha at the village end and Toa Mahiti near Fare Paa point, where the white water is strong enough to break off coral. Motu Anapa lies off the beach. No reef shelter or anchorage: visit by car on a round-island drive. Swim only in small surf.

Best for

Watching surf and a black-sand walk on the island drive

Season

Surf year-round; dangerous in north swell

Nearby