point venus

The history of the site is based on its association with Captain Cook and the HSM Bounty. There is the lighthouse and monuments to Captain Cook and the HMS Bounty listing all the crew. There is a nice black sand beach that has calm waters. At the time we visited there was an aqua fit class taking place. It is also a location where the locals train in their sea canoes. There are many opportunities to take interesting photos. Definitely worth the stop.

Nice black sand beaches. There is little surf in the bay, so a great place to go paddle boarding and snorkeling. You have an amazing view of the sunset here. The sun just sinks into Moorea. The beach also seemed to be more of a local spot than full of tourists which was nice to see.

While there are nice views of the mountains and the water, it is easier to find better views around the island. This spot, not particularly picturesque itself, is primarily of interest because of the association with Cook. There is also a Bounty monument. We did not go into the water but it was very calm and the local residents clearly enjoyed it. There are also picnic tables.

We drove out to Point Venus to see some history about Captain Cook - unfortunately it was disappointing and neglected.

Historic lighthouse, a monument to Captain Cook, and the views around this area are beautiful so its worth a brief stop. There was a little shop with a nice selection of souvenirs ( the prices weren't to bad) and there was a local food truck in the parking lot if you are adventurous. I wouldn't spend any length of time here. The public beach was just that, filled with lots of locals enjoying their beach so I would have felt a little uncomfortable laying a blanket down and claiming a spot as their wasn't a lot of beach / shade areas to be had. There were facilities but they were not really clean or well maintained so be sure to carry some tissue and hand sanitizer...

History and astronomy buff's will get the most out of visiting here. 10km east of Papeete and easily reached by bus is the Point Venus headland, 1km down a side road from the main coast road. Buses go all the way down to the tip. This is where Captain Cook watched the rare transit of Venus in 1769, something which only happens about once every 100 years. Today Tahiti's only lighthouse stands on the site of Cook's observatory. Nearby are other memorials. One to the Bounty which came ashore here in Matavai Bay. Another commemorates the work done by missionaries. The whole area is a bit run down. The black volcanic sand is strewn with rubbish and plastic drinks bottles. Stray dogs wander about. The locals come here to swim, play beach volleyball or boules. The beach is not attractive at all and will shatter your vision of Tahiti as an island paradise. Last bus back to Papetee is early - 5pm, a friendly local may offer you a lift back.

It's beautiful but the dark sand and the crystal waters are a threat to your eyes and feet. The waves are great when learning to surf.

Nothing special to look at, but given its historical relevance, may as well give it a visit as part of a tour.

It was nice seeing where Cook and lT Bligh landed as well as where the 1962 version of ?Mutiny on the ?Bounty was filmed, but aside from looking at the lighthouse and seeing the old anchors there isn't much here from an attraction standpoint. If you are here for the beach this is a great spot the locals go yo.

The lighthouse was not much to look at, but was definitely something to see while in Tahiti. If you make a trip out of visiting the Faarumai waterfalls & blowhole you can pack a picnic lunch to eat on the black sand beaches!*Traveled in August 2012

Sorry guys but I am thinking, here we are all the way on the other side of middle of the world and this light house is just nice it's standing tall but nothing more then that . It is in area that need a lot of work I think Tahiti need extrem makeover , the country is coming up in the seems . I will say go to Hawaii enjoy America with the same flavor of island life . The wifi is awful here the service is awful they are really not into your need . They want the 2 weeks off in jan 1st -14th and that do t really care that you need to look for places that are open. Anyhow I will say thaiti was on my bucket list if I will had to re do it I will remove it but I must shut up and thank the univers . Go see the light house after all not much to see here .

This was my first stop after arrival in Papeete. After renting a car at the airport, I drove East on the main island road. The attraction is located at kilometer 10 and after following the sign-posted roundabout it’s approximately 1-2km off the main thoroughfare towards the beach. Bottom line: you shouldn’t have to struggle that much to find it but keep your eyes open for the signs.The area is probably the most historic location in French Polynesia and the list of people and achievements linked to the surroundings are a virtual who’s-who of European contact with the island: Samuel Wallis, James Cook (The Transit of Venus), William Bligh (The Mutiny on the Bounty), and the Protestant Missionaries. Fortunately, there are poster-boards describing all of these and individual memorials to them as well. A 19th Century lighthouse complements the surroundings well, although it apparently is inaccessible. As previous reviewers have mentioned, this is a public area and you will most likely run into a number of locals enjoying the beach, playing soccer, or just hanging out.Overall I would recommend a visit here for the historically inclined although others may find it less satisfying; there are far more picturesque places on the island if you just want to enjoy the water. I spent about two hours on-site although you could easily cut that in half and leave fulfilled. There is plenty of parking and “admission” is free. Like most places on the main island outside of a resort the area was a bit derelict and the natural setting couldn’t quite make up for it but it was still worth the time and effort spent.

You have to come to Point Venus for history's sake. I was not surprised by the state of disrepair as I had viewed many other tripadvisor pics and comments before going. It is an important place for me and perhaps for western visitors who have a connection with Cook or Bligh however, now it is a place where people come to swim, sit on the beach and where many canoe teams practise for the big ocean races. I was so impressed to see the relatively new Bounty memorial stone and right alongside a breadfruit tree. Our Marama Tours Circle Island tour guide Trevor stopped here of course. We knew all about Cook coming here to track the passing of Venus and Bligh coming to get breadfruit plants as a potential food supply for the West Indies (slavery). We did not know so very much about the missionaries (except as related to the suppression of traditional dancing and dress). Worth a visit but do not expect a well maintained memorial.

A truly wonderful spot.Lots of history...a replica of Captain Cook's fort has been built on the site of Cook's original, the old lighthouse and for me the most touching..a plaque to commemorate the departure point for the mutinous crew of HMS Bounty on their journey to Pitcairn Island. Now there's a story....All that right next to a beautiful black sand beech and wonderful place to swim.Idyllic!

This is one of the prettiest beaches I have ever been to. When I say pretty - I mean natural beauty. There is no development here - just sand and ocean.The sand is a beautiful metallic looking brown-black, creating a wonderful visual contrast against the blue sea.The day we were there, the waves were mild - perfect for cooling off while sun-bathing.From here, you can see Moorea in the distance, across the Sea of the Moon.There is a paved lot with free parking a few yards away.