Sporting Events in The Islands of Tahiti
Sports competitions play a central role in the Polynesian calendar. Whether on the water, on land, or in the mountains, these events typically bring together motivated competitors and a large audience in a warm and festive atmosphere!
Surfing, va’a, triathlon, and running competitions are held throughout the year. So, you’ll have the chance to enjoy them, no matter when you’ve planned your trip to French Polynesia.
So, what sporting events are worth checking out in The Islands of Tahiti? Here’s an overview of all the must-see gatherings.
Note: This list and the events dates are provided for informational purposes only and are subject to change from year to year. We encourage you to confirm the details with the organizers of the current edition.
Traveling between January and June? The must-see attractions
Moorea Marathon
Estimated date: March / April
Let’s start the year’s program with a run! And not just any run… the Moorea Marathon, organized by the VSOP-XO club, takes place in an exceptional setting on Moorea, Tahiti’s sister island. This lively marathon is enjoyed by both runners and spectators who come to cheer on their loved ones. The opening of this annual event is also an opportunity to enjoy a beautiful traditional performance.
Polynesian Battle Games : CrossFit
Estimated date: March / April
This is THE CrossFit competition in Tahiti. Every year, local and international athletes share their love of fitness by taking on unique challenges, either solo or in pairs. If you’d like to participate during your trip to Tahiti, note that the qualifying rounds are accessible online.
Pacific International Padel Cup
Estimated date: Between March and May
Do you love padel? The Phenix Sports Association is organizing a major international tournament. Whether you’re a competitor or a spectator, this is a fun event where you can enjoy exciting games while soaking up the festive atmosphere and visiting the food stands open to the public.
XTERRA Moorea TRAIL RUN
Estimated date: Between May and July
A competition surrounded by Polynesian nature, organized by the VSOP-XO club. The event typically features a variety of formats to suit a wide range of participants: from intense endurance races to runs open to everyone, including a race just for kids! Athletes from around the world are welcome.
TAUATI Ferry SwimRun de Moorea
Estimated date : Between May and August
As its name suggests, the TAUATI Ferry SwimRun is a sporting competition that combines open-water swimming and running. You’ll get to explore Moorea’s crystal-clear lagoon and mountains while pushing yourself to the limit in a variety of challenges. It’s a unique way to enjoy the Polynesian scenery!
Te Aito : va’a individuel
Estimated date: May / June
The va’a (outrigger canoe) is one of the most popular sports in French Polynesia, and the Te Aito race is a must-see event for enthusiasts. It is an international individual (V1) marathon held in Tahiti. As a spectator, you’ll have a front-row seat to discover what drives the spirit of Polynesian watermen: a deep connection between man and the sea.
Vodafone Channel Race : va’a in teams
Estimated date: June
It’s the season for iconic va’a races! In fact, June is also the month of the Vodafone Channel Race Tahiti, a Polynesian canoe team competition. This spectacular race offers participants a unique challenge: an open-ocean crossing between Tahiti and Moorea. It also features other routes in a variety of categories.
Tahiti Moorea Sailing rendez-vous: sailing rally
Estimated date: June/July
If you’re sailing into French Polynesia, this is an event you definitely don’t want to miss! This sailing rally is a friendly race for international recreational sailors visiting French Polynesia. The goal? To celebrate their Pacific crossing while spending time with the local community. This friendly rally between Tahiti and Moorea lasts several days and includes numerous activities: va’a races, dance performances, meals, and meet-and-greets with skippers from across the Pacific.
Traveling between July and December? Iconic sporting events
WSL Tahiti Pro Teahupo’o: surf
Estimated date: August
It’s one of the must-see events on the Polynesian sports calendar. This key stop on the World Surfing Championship tour is organized by the World Surf League. The spectacular Tahiti Pro promises days full of excitement on French Polynesia’s most beautiful wave, Teahupo’o. Many service providers offer the chance to watch the competition from “taxi boats.” Be sure to make your reservations in advance.
XTERRA Transtahitienne
Estimated date: September
This famous race takes place in an exceptional setting, fully immersed in nature. It’s an opportunity to cross the valleys of Tahiti and discover the incredible rivers, mountains, and waterfalls hidden in the heart of the island. The Transtahitienne offers two formats to suit your preferences: a solo trail run or a run-and-bike race in pairs.
Mangareva Pearl trail
Estimated date: September
Head to a secret and unspoiled Polynesian archipelago: the Gambier Islands. The Mangareva Pearl Trail is a true athletic challenge and a unique cultural immersion in an absolutely exceptional setting. The Gambier Islands’ distinctive topography offers magnificent views of the lagoon throughout the course. Choose the distance that suits your fitness level to enjoy this event while giving it your all: 17, 36, or 72 km over four days!
Air Tahiti Nui VA'A RACE
Estimated date: October
Open only to clubs affiliated with the Tahitian Va’a Federation, this event is a V6 va’a race (teams of 6 rowers) organized by the Air Tahiti Nui Va’a sports association. Join us on site to watch the outrigger canoes compete in a friendly atmosphere.
Hawaiki Nui Va’a
Estimated date: October / November
This is one of the oldest and most famous sporting events in Polynesia! The Hawaiki Nui Va’a is an annual international Polynesian canoe race for teams of six (V6). It brings together va’a enthusiasts from all over the world. The race takes place in three stages, between the islands of Huahine, Raiatea, Taha’a, and Bora Bora. The race culminates in a grand finale with a festive local atmosphere in Marita, one of the most beautiful beaches in Bora Bora.
TAHITI MOOREA ULTRA TRAIL
Estimated date: Between October and December
Want to take on a sporting challenge in the heart of a true paradise on Earth? This event is for all sports enthusiasts and passionate athletes: from the extreme 105-km race to shorter distances suitable for amateur athletes, there’s something for every skill level! And there’s even a challenge for kids. Perfect if you’re traveling with your family!
X TERRA Triathlon Moorea
Estimated date: November
As part of the XTERRA World Tour, this triathlon is the most famous in French Polynesia. The flagship event, the full-distance Triathlon (M-distance), consists of a 1.5 km swim in the lagoon, a 34 km mountain bike ride, and a 10 km trail run through the heart of the tropical forest. A true physical challenge combined with an unforgettable adventure for nature lovers.
Other sporting events in Tahiti with variable dates
Tahiti Pearl Regatta : local sailing rally
This spectacular sailing race takes place in the Leeward Islands, on Raiatea and Taha’a. The TPR is, above all, a festive gathering: throughout the event, sailing enthusiasts have the chance to enjoy Polynesian entertainment and performances, culminating in a grand evening celebration. It is this distinctive atmosphere that makes it one of the must-see events on Tahiti sports calendar.
PACIFIC PUDDLE JUMP : International Sailing Competition
Here’s a sailing rally on a whole new level. Here, sailors cross the Pacific Ocean, between the American continent and French Polynesia, setting off on an incredible adventure that lasts several weeks! The Pacific Puddle Jump itinerary allows sailors to discover numerous islands along the way and to participate in the Tahiti-Moorea Sailing Rendez-vous at the end of the journey.
Super Aito : solo va’a
A legendary va’a race, the Super Aito is reserved for the rowers who achieved the best results at the Te Aito. This time, competitors will race primarily on the open ocean along a much longer course. It’s another opportunity to celebrate Polynesian culture while marveling at incredible athletic performances!
The other sporting events in French Polynesia
Many other competitions are held in The Islands of Tahiti throughout the year. To make sure you don’t miss anything during your stay, be sure to check the Tahiti Tourisme calendar. There, you’ll find all upcoming events listed by date and by island.