Sight guide · Tahiti · French Polynesia
Visiting Maraa Grotto
Beside the coast road in Paea, a short path leads to fern-hung caves with a still, cold pool reflecting the rock overhang.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Quick answer
Maraa Grotto is a nature spot in Paea, Tahiti. Allow 30 minutes; it is free. Booking ahead is not usually needed.
Key facts
- Type
- Nature
- Area
- Paea
- Time needed
- 30 minutes
- Cost
- Free
- Book ahead
- Not usually needed
- Good for
- free, nature and kids
- Best months
- July–September
Plan a trip to Tahiti
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About Maraa Grotto
Beside the coast road in Paea, a short path leads to fern-hung caves with a still, cold pool reflecting the rock overhang. It makes an easy stop on a circle-island drive.
Tip: Visit early in the day to have the grotto to yourself, and keep to the path, which can be slippery.
Plan your visit
- Time needed: 30 minutes.
- Cost: Free — no ticket needed for the main area.
- Book ahead: not needed; you can simply turn up.
- Where: Paea, surf beaches, gardens and quiet villages between Paea and Taravao.
Best time to visit Maraa Grotto
Maraa Grotto is outdoors, so weather matters most. The driest, most comfortable months are:
- July: 28°C (82°F) highs, about 6 rainy days, very busy crowds.
- August: 28°C (82°F) highs, about 6 rainy days, very busy crowds.
- September: 29°C (84°F) highs, about 6 rainy days, busy crowds.
When to visit Tahiti has the full month-by-month picture.
Fit it into your trip
Maraa Grotto is not on our short itineraries, so plan it as an extra once you have seen Marché de Papeete and Roulottes at Place Vaiete.
- No. 10 of the 14 sights in our Tahiti things-to-do list.
- Listed in free things to do in Tahiti.
- One of the picks in outdoors in Tahiti.
- A family favourite in Tahiti with kids.
Near Maraa Grotto
Also in Paea, so you can walk between them:
- Marae Arahurahu — 45 minutes, free
If you like Maraa Grotto
- Teahupo'o — Tahiti Iti, Half a day
- Point Venus — Arue and Mahina, 2 hours
- Faarumai Waterfalls — Tiarei, 1 hour
- Arahoho Blowhole — Tiarei, 20 minutes
Staying near Maraa Grotto
Stay in Papara and the south coast ($$) to walk here: surf beaches, gardens and quiet villages between Paea and Taravao. All areas to stay in Tahiti.
Questions travellers ask
+How long do you need at Maraa Grotto?
Plan 30 minutes. With Marae Arahurahu nearby, it fits a half-day in Paea.
+Is Maraa Grotto free?
Yes, it is free to visit.
+When is the best time to visit Maraa Grotto?
July–September for the most comfortable weather. Visit early in the day to have the grotto to yourself, and keep to the path, which can be slippery.
+Do I need to book Maraa Grotto in advance?
No: it is free to visit, so you can decide on the day.
+Is Maraa Grotto good for kids?
Yes, it is one of our family picks in Tahiti. Tahiti suits families who enjoy the outdoors: calm lagoon beaches in Punaauia, waterfalls, a blowhole and the evening food trucks.