Raised in the south of France and now based in Tahiti, ocean photographer Ben Thouard is renowned for his powerful and evocative underwater images.

Tahiti

"There’s a famous sandbar where all the sharks and the rays are. They're mostly blacktips and stingrays, and stay on that sandbar in the lagoon. All the boat tours stop by and it's like a natural aquarium."

Banc de Sable Raies et Requins

"Tahurai Homestay is my friend's place in Teahupo’o. He welcomes surfers and people to stay, and he will show you the surf and the waterfall in the background of Teahupo’o."

Tahurai Homestay

"Every July there is the Heiva show — Heiva means July in Tahitian. Every year there is a big festival for dancers; the culture of Polynesian dancers is unique and that's something you really have to see if you come to Tahiti."

Heiva Festival

"My favorite one is probably in Mo’orea — there's a hike in the middle, which is called Mont Rōtui. You're on the edge of the mountain all the way up and you have a huge view, 360 degrees. It’s the most amazing hike I've done in Tahiti."

Mont Rōtui

"My friend Cindy Drollet has the Teahupo’o Surfari boat tour and she will take you from Teahupo’o Marina all the way to Teahupo’o. You can shoot or surf Teahupo’o, which is one of the heaviest waves in the world, but also one of the most amazing."

Teahupo’o Surfari

"There is a big market in downtown Papeete. It’s very famous — there's always people playing ukuleles and singing, and they sell all the fish. It's a good place to buy some souvenirs from Tahiti but also to feel the local lifestyle."

Papeete Market