Skim across the atoll by boat to watch sea birds from afar as they live and play on the protected motu we call “bird island.” A quick trip to another motu leads to a hopping-off point for a walk through primary forests that seem right out of the Jurassic era. Here, you might be lucky enough to spot a bright blue kaveu coconut crab that can grow up to 3 feet across while being mindful of ancient archeology sites just steps off the paths. No matter your interest, from history to wildlife, from water to land, the Ultimate Tour is a taste of Tetiaroa and the perfect place to start your explorations.

A short boat ride across shallow waters leads to bird sanctuary for 7 of the 10 species of sea birds who live, feed, and breed here year round. You’ll be sure to spot boobies, terns, noddies, and egrets –four of these 10 species that call Tetiaroa home. Other migratory birds also visit Tetiaroa as their summer residence.

Your guide will share the work Tetiaroa Society researchers carry out to study and learn about the habits of the flocks who live and work in harmony on the motu, the atoll, and beyond.

Hop aboard a boat as we set a course for the outer limits–toward the barrier reef that protects the atoll. As we move closer, we’ll drop anchor for a snorkeling tour through the coral gardens.

Supervised by a Tetiaroa Society Guide, you’ll see different types of coral firsthand and interact with a variety of sea life, from fish to sea cucumbers, and with some luck, stingrays and sharks. After just a few minutes, you’ll quickly learn how this entire ecosystem supports its inhabitants, with the coral serving as guardian to keep the Pacific Ocean at bay, and as the very foundation upon which the entire atoll is built.

A short boat ride leads to a pass between motus, a narrow waterway ideal for viewing life above and below the water. We’ll anchor a few feet offshore and let you explore the beach for crabs and other land animals before taking to the water in kayaks.

With a Tetiaora Society guide leading you, we’ll meander through calm waters to see nesting sea birds on the shore, schools of fish gliding effortlessly below, and the picturesque outlines of the motus in the distance. As you gaze at the swaying palms and lush foliage, it’s at that moment you’ll note, if only for a second, that you are indeed in the South Pacific. Just you, here with nature in this idyllic place called Tetiaroa.

Go behind the scenes to learn how research, scientific studies, and innovation efforts led by the Tetiaroa Society become reality in a real-world environment. The Brando implements these ideas to show you how a world-class luxury resort can produce a climate-positive stay for guests. The Research Station is a live-work space for scientists and the starting point for a tour that’s all about how sustainability is practiced at the resort.

Highlights include a sea water air conditioning (SWAC) system used to cool your villa, organic gardens which supply our restaurants, and thousands of solar panels that provide electricity. The elements of this tour show how sustainability is adapted, practiced, and continually expanded in a luxury resort setting.

Climb aboard a bike for a leisurely tour of the Onetahi motu, taking in a bit about the history, archeology, and spirituality of Polynesia. Led by Tetiaroa Society Guides, you’ll explore Polynesian temples on sacred sites, learn about the royalty who called the atoll home, and gain an understanding of the importance of nature to the Polynesian people and their culture.

A boat ride brings you to discover a bit of the history of Tetiaroa on Rimatu’u, the motu where Marlon Brando lived when he first came to the island.

Here you’ll find old buildings and archaeological sites, take a walk to a serene lake in the middle of the motu, and learn about indigenous plants and how Polynesians use them. Then cool off with a swim before heading back to the boat for a relaxing ride back home.

(unfortunately, a swim is not really possible, since the most of the time, we are lacking some time: it is a very long walk, very often under the sunlight between 10AM and 3PM, so guests walk quite slow : the solution would be to extend the tour for 2,5 hours instead of only 2 hours. Still in discussion with the GEM and Leisure team)

You may want to combine elements of different excursions into one longer day. We can create private tours with experiences that range from snorkeling to bird watching, walking on untouched white sand beaches, discovering ancient cultural sites, or just relaxing in natural pools of water. We can even create a private picnic on a motu—the perfect end to the perfect day.

Contact our concierge for more information.