The Best Bars in Tahiti to Watch the Sun Go Down Over the Ocean

Sit back with a drink by the Tahitian sunset after chartering a boat.

Be sure to stake out a good seat early here, as it soon packs out in good weather. The bar – part of the contemporary Manava Suite Resort, just a ten-minute drive from the airport – features a sandy peninsula accessed via a bridge. The main area is housed in an open-air hut, where you can take your pick from the daily happy hour menu. Popular choices include classic mojitos, Polynesian mai tais and virgin coladas. Settle in for a drink while watching the sunset over Moorea across the way.

Nestled in Matavai Bay overlooking a black sand beach, the Bay Bar at Le Tahiti by Pearl Resort makes for a serene location to watch the sun go down. Happy hours run daily, with a range of Instagrammable, sunset-hued cocktails on offer. Grab a seat on the terrace overlooking the volcanic sands or opt for one at the bar by the pool. The staff here get top marks for friendliness.

Moor and jump ashore at Marina Taina in Punaauia, close to the Tahitian capital, and watch the sun go down over your mast from the comfortable surrounds of Casa Bianca. This European-style bar and restaurant is a great place to unwind, and the home-made pizzas get rave reviews. Wash one down with a cocktail or choose from a good selection of ales, courtesy of local Les 3 Brasseurs microbrewery.

For a sophisticated tipple, head to the Vue bar at upscale Sofitel Kia Ora resort on Moorea. This bar, which prides itself on having one of the best liquor selections in French Polynesia, features a smart, circular bar and a dark wood terrace over the water. You’ll find everything from classic manhattans to inventive cocktails such as the Black Pearl – a heady blend of tequila, Malibu, pineapple juice, red berries and vanilla syrup. If you’re feeling peckish, tapas is also on offer.

Elevate your sunset drink by popping into the InterContinental, which is located on the coast, just a short drive from Papeete. This resort is home to a dreamy swim-up bar where you’ll certainly want to take a picture or two. Don your swim gear and slip into the balmy waters for a refreshing drink as the sun goes down. There’s everything from fruit smoothies to champagne.

Beloved by yachties, the Moorea Beach Café is a top place to watch the sunset, with a prime location next to the golden sands and a relaxed atmosphere throughout. The restaurant and bar, in the north of the heart-shaped island, offers a mix of classic cocktails. Alternatively, push the boat out with a chilled bottle of Veuve Clicquot served in a yolk-coloured cooler.

Bag yourself your own floating bar by booking an excursion with Akivai. This company specialises in sunset cruises around the Moorea lagoon onboard luxury vessels, with slides, plush leather lounge chairs and bartenders who keep the drinks and nibbles rolling. Savour a magical sunset amid stingrays and sharks while enjoying a glass of cooling Tahitian Hinano beer or a moreish rum punch.

The clue is in the name of this low-key bar and restaurant. The rustic establishment boasts a top setting on the golden sands of Punaauia Beach, with large windows affording great views of the setting sun. On the drinks front, specialities include frozen margaritas, punchy mai tais and creamy piña coladas topped with pineapple wedges and cocktail umbrellas. There’s also a stash of Moët for those who enjoy bubbles, and a sumptuous selection of seafood.

Hop between the finest Tahitian bars by renting a boat.

Did you know – Culture Trip now does bookable, small-group trips? Pick from authentic, immersive Epic Trips, compact and action-packed Mini Trips and sparkling, expansive Sailing Trips.