Sight guide · Tahiti · French Polynesia
Visiting Point Venus
A black-sand point on Matavai Bay where James Cook observed the transit of Venus in 1769, now a shaded park with an 1867 lighthouse, memorials to Cook and the Bounty, and a swimming beach.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Quick answer
Point Venus is a beach in Arue and Mahina, Tahiti. Allow 2 hours; it is free. Booking ahead is not usually needed.
Key facts
- Type
- Beach
- Area
- Arue and Mahina
- Time needed
- 2 hours
- Cost
- Free
- Book ahead
- Not usually needed
- Good for
- free, history, outdoors and kids
- Best months
- July–September
Plan a trip to Tahiti
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About Point Venus
A black-sand point on Matavai Bay where James Cook observed the transit of Venus in 1769, now a shaded park with an 1867 lighthouse, memorials to Cook and the Bounty, and a swimming beach. Locals picnic and surf here at weekends.
Tip: Visit in the late afternoon when the sand has cooled, and bring water shoes because the black sand can be scorching.
Plan your visit
- Time needed: 2 hours.
- Cost: Free — no ticket needed for the main area.
- Book ahead: not needed; you can simply turn up.
- Where: Arue and Mahina, north-coast villages around Matavai Bay and Point Venus.
Best time to visit Point Venus
Point Venus 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
Our 3-day Tahiti itinerary visits Point Venus on day 3, together with Papenoo Valley and Vaipahi Water Gardens.
- No. 5 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.
If you like Point Venus
- Faarumai Waterfalls — Tiarei, 1 hour
- Arahoho Blowhole — Tiarei, 20 minutes
- Maraa Grotto — Paea, 30 minutes
- Plage de Vaiava (PK 18) — Punaauia, Half a day
Staying near Point Venus
Stay in Arue and Mahina ($$) to walk here: north-coast villages around Matavai Bay and Point Venus. All areas to stay in Tahiti.
Questions travellers ask
+How long do you need at Point Venus?
Plan 2 hours.
+Is Point Venus free?
Yes, it is free to visit.
+When is the best time to visit Point Venus?
July–September for the most comfortable weather. Visit in the late afternoon when the sand has cooled, and bring water shoes because the black sand can be scorching.
+Do I need to book Point Venus in advance?
No: it is free to visit, so you can decide on the day.
+Is Point Venus 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.