Pointe Vénus Beach
Experience Tahiti's unique black volcanic sand beach, crowned by a historic lighthouse and famous for its breathtaking sunsets.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Golden hour for photos & sunsets
Pointe Vénus Beach
Best Time
Golden hour for photos & sunsets

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Experience Tahiti's unique black volcanic sand beach, crowned by a historic lighthouse and famous for its breathtaking sunsets.
"Awesome spot! The volcanic sand is awesome to the touch as there are no stones."
☀️ Sand Gets Hot!
The black sand heats up quickly. Wear sandals or water shoes to protect your feet!
🚗 Parking fills up
Free parking is available but can fill fast, especially on weekends. Arrive early!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Black Volcanic Sand
Unique, soft black sand perfect for relaxing and soaking in the Polynesian sun. Feels amazing underfoot!

Pointe Vénus Lighthouse
Beachfront
Iconic 105-ft. lighthouse offering panoramic views and a touch of maritime history.

Spectacular Sunsets
Witness vibrant, unforgettable sunsets painting the sky over the Pacific Ocean.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Black Sand
Sunset Spectacle & History
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
☀️ Sand Gets Hot!
The black sand heats up quickly. Wear sandals or water shoes to protect your feet!
🚗 Parking fills up
Free parking is available but can fill fast, especially on weekends. Arrive early!
🌅 Sunset Views
This is THE spot for sunset. Stick around after the sun dips for incredible colors.
🌊 Easy Sea Entry
The water entry is smooth and clear, great for swimming and relaxing.
Spot for intermediate surfer in November -- Pointe Vénus/Papara?
Tips
from all over the internet
☀️ Sand Gets Hot!
The black sand heats up quickly. Wear sandals or water shoes to protect your feet!
🚗 Parking fills up
Free parking is available but can fill fast, especially on weekends. Arrive early!
🌅 Sunset Views
This is THE spot for sunset. Stick around after the sun dips for incredible colors.
🌊 Easy Sea Entry
The water entry is smooth and clear, great for swimming and relaxing.
📸 Photo Ops Galore
Black sand, lighthouse, and stunning sunsets make for epic photos.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Pointe Vénus Beach is a beloved local spot praised for its unique black volcanic sand, clear waters, and stunning sunset views. Visitors appreciate the historical lighthouse and convenient amenities like showers and toilets. While some find the underwater snorkeling limited, the overall experience is highly recommended for relaxation and scenic beauty.
"Nice local beach with black sand, very good entering to the sea. Nice view for mountain. Clear water and good place with local street food. Recommended)("
Vasyl Kurulenko
"Nice beach with interesting history and black sand. Good place to relax. The sand gets really hot in sunny weather and there isn’t too much to see underwater"
Andrew Yang
"awesome spot! the volcanic sand is awesome to the touch as there are no stones. locals come here after work"
Bohdan Babiak
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Pointe Vénus Beach is located in Mahina, on the northern coast of Tahiti. You can reach it by car or taxi from Papeete. Many visitors rent a car to explore the island at their own pace.
Yes, there is free parking available at Pointe Vénus Beach. However, it can fill up quickly, especially on weekends and during peak hours. Arriving earlier in the day is recommended.
Public transport options are limited on Tahiti. While local buses might pass nearby, it's generally more convenient to arrange a taxi or rent a car for easier access to Pointe Vénus Beach.
The beach has a relatively easy entry into the sea, and the sand is soft. However, the black sand can get very hot, so be prepared with appropriate footwear.
Renting a car offers the most flexibility for exploring Tahiti, including Pointe Vénus Beach. Taxis are available but can be more expensive for extensive sightseeing.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Pointe Vénus Beach is a public beach and does not have an entrance fee. You can enjoy the black sand, lighthouse, and ocean views for free.
Pointe Vénus Beach is accessible at all times, as it's a public beach. However, facilities like restrooms and showers may have specific operating hours. The lighthouse is a historical landmark.
No advance booking is required for Pointe Vénus Beach as it's a public access area. You can visit anytime.
Yes, Pointe Vénus Beach is home to the historic Pointe Vénus Lighthouse and several historical markers detailing its significance.
Pointe Vénus Beach offers amenities such as toilets and showers, making it convenient for a day trip.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can relax on the unique black sand, swim in the clear waters, admire the historic lighthouse, and enjoy stunning sunset views. It's also a great spot to observe local life.
Yes, the water is generally clear and offers a good entry point for swimming. The sea bed is smooth, making it pleasant for visitors.
The beach is famous for its striking black volcanic sand, a result of the island's geological history. It's soft and unique to experience.
While the beach is beautiful, some visitors note that there isn't a lot to see underwater for snorkeling enthusiasts. The main draw is the beach itself and the views.
Kids can enjoy playing on the black sand, swimming in the calm waters, and exploring the lighthouse area. It's a great spot for family relaxation.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, you can find local street food options near the beach, offering a taste of Polynesian cuisine. Mama's Beach House across the street is also a convenient spot for a quick lunch.
Absolutely! Bringing your own picnic is a great way to enjoy the beach. Remember to clean up after yourself to keep the area pristine.
Local vendors often serve fresh seafood, tropical fruits, and other Polynesian specialties. It's a great way to experience authentic local flavors.
Mama's Beach House is located across the street and offers a convenient dining option with views. For more extensive dining, you might need to travel back towards Papeete.
Street food and local vendors are generally more affordable than sit-down restaurants, offering a budget-friendly way to dine.
📸 📸 Photography
Late afternoons and evenings are ideal for photography, especially during sunset, to capture the dramatic colors and soft light on the black sand.
The contrast of the black sand against the turquoise water, the iconic lighthouse, and the vibrant sunsets create stunning photographic opportunities.
The area around the lighthouse offers great perspectives. The shoreline itself, with the unique sand, is also a prime subject.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive beach and lighthouse. A polarizing filter can help enhance the colors of the water and sky.
Drone regulations can vary. It's advisable to check local rules and regulations regarding drone usage in public areas before flying.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While there isn't extensive underwater life for snorkeling, the novelty of the black sand and the presence of the historic lighthouse provide plenty of interest. Pack plenty of water and snacks, and consider bringing water shoes as the sand can get hot. It's a wonderful spot for a relaxed family outing with beautiful scenery.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Aim for the golden hour and the period just after sunset for the most vibrant colors. Wide-angle lenses are excellent for capturing the expansive beach and lighthouse. Don't forget to experiment with different angles and compositions to make the most of this visually rich environment.
🚗 Day-Trippers
With amenities like parking, toilets, and showers, it’s convenient for a quick visit. Grab a bite from a local vendor or enjoy a picnic. It’s a fantastic way to experience a unique aspect of Tahiti’s natural beauty and history without committing to a full day.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Allure of Black Sand Beaches
The experience of walking on and relaxing on black sand is unlike any other, making Pointe Vénus a distinctive destination for those seeking something beyond the ordinary. It’s a powerful reminder of the natural forces that shaped Tahiti and its stunning landscapes.
This unique characteristic is a major draw for photographers and travelers alike, offering a visually captivating backdrop for memorable vacation photos and a truly immersive natural experience.
History and the Pointe Vénus Lighthouse
The beach itself is named after the HMS Venus, a British ship that anchored here in 1769 to observe the transit of Venus across the sun. This astronomical event was crucial for scientific understanding at the time, and the location's significance cemented its name. Exploring these historical markers adds a layer of depth to your visit, transforming it from a simple beach outing into an educational experience.
Many visitors find the combination of natural beauty and historical context to be particularly compelling. It’s a place where you can relax on unique sand, enjoy a beautiful sunset, and connect with the island's rich past.
Capturing the Perfect Sunset
To make the most of your sunset experience, aim to arrive in the late afternoon. This gives you ample time to find a good spot, perhaps near the lighthouse, and enjoy the changing light. The golden hour leading up to sunset provides a magical glow, perfect for photography. Many visitors recommend staying a little while after the sun dips below the horizon, as the sky often continues to put on a show with lingering colors.
Whether you're a professional photographer or just looking to snap some memorable vacation photos, the sunsets at Pointe Vénus are sure to impress. The unique black sand provides a dramatic foreground, while the vast ocean and sky offer an endless canvas for nature's artistry.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit