What's
so special about Tahiti and her islands?
This is an easy one because we are talking about the most beautiful
islands in the world. The water is of breathtaking clarity, teeming with
rainbows of tropical fish. The palm-shaded beaches are pristine and secluded.
Majestic, magnificent and monumental -rugged volcanic mountains reach
for azure skies, while cascading waterfalls flow through emerald green
valleys. Perhaps the most rare and precious of gems you will discover
are the people with their sparkling eyes and radiant smiles. And let's
not forget to mention the flowers, food, music and dance. All of which
will delight the senses.
Why should I go to Tahiti
rather than the Caribbean, Mexico or Hawaii?
If you want a mass production style of vacation with lots of tourists,
enormous hotels, then the Caribbean, Mexico and Hawaii are your destinations.
However, if you prefer a special experience, spectacular scenery, few
tourist and no giant hotels, then Tahiti is for you. Hawaii gets more
tourists in a week than Tahiti does in a year.
Will I have to put up with vendors and beggars?
No. Beggars do not exist. The Tahitians have a high standard of living
and would not think of bothering anyone or hawking stuff to tourist.
The Islands
The term French Polynesia refers to five archipelagoes spread over an
expanse of the South Pacific approximately the size of Western Europe
(2,000,000 square miles or approximately 5,000,000 square kilometers).
The region includes the Marquesas, the Tuamotus, the Society Islands,
the Australs and the Gambiers. Each of these archipelagoes has its own
culture, ethnicity and climate.
The stimulus of French Polynesia economy is tourism and natural resources.
While tourism brings in much of the region's capital, it is followed
by such natural products as coconut, mother-of-pearl shells, cultured
pearls, fishing, aquaculture, and vanilla.
Papeete, the capital, has grown into a modern city with a variety of
new public facilities: shopping centers, boutiques, restaurants, night
clubs and bars, art galleries and museums and all have their own special
attraction.
For golfers
the International Golf Course of Atimaono is located on Tahiti's west
coast some 25 miles from Papeete. It is one of the most beautiful
courses in the South Pacific, and is open to the public.
What island(s)
should I visit?
When people refer to Tahiti, they're usually referring to a group of
islands known as the Society Islands in French Polynesia . . . Tahiti,
Moorea, Bora Bora, Huahine, Raiatea and Taha'a; and the Tuamotu Archipelago
atolls of Rangiroa, Manihi, Tikehau and Fakarava. Each island is strikingly
different, and all are miraculously beautiful. Our islands section will
help you with your selection.
Bora Bora: Has been called the most beautiful island in the world. It
has that incredible lagoon. When ever you see water photographs taken
in Tahiti, more than likely they were taken on Bora Bora. It is also
known for its 5 star hotels.
Moorea: A larger and more mountainous island than Bora Bora, it is very
lush and green with two spectacular bays. There are more things to do
on this island in the way of shore excursions.
Huahine: Known as the "Garden Isle" is even lusher than Moorea.
It is like a step back in time, more old style Polynesia.
Tuamotu Islands of Rangiroa, Manihi, and Tikehau: These are actually
atolls which have a very low profile, quite different from the high
mountainous islands. The tallest thing you will find here are the palm
trees. They offer beautiful beaches and the best diving.
What are your favorite
islands?
Each
island is special in its own unique way. The most stunning lagoon in all
the Pacific surrounds Bora Bora. The scenery on Moorea is spectacular
and the view as you come into Cook's Bay is unparalleled. The delightful
island of Huahine is where the traditional Polynesian way of life
continues with white sand beaches that border lagoons rich with sea
life, and Maeva Village is a wealth of archeological sites. Raiatea, the
sacred isle, was the center of royalty, religion, culture and history
and has the only navigable river in French Polynesia. Life on Rangiroa
and Manihi is simple quiet and peaceful but their impressive lagoons are
home to an extraordinary array of marine life attracting divers from
around the world. No matter which island you choose, all are worthy of
exploration, discovery and enjoyment.
I
want to spend my time snorkeling and diving. Where's the best
spot?
All of French Polynesia. But to be a bit
more specific, experienced diversshould consider going to the Tuamotu
Atolls both Rangiroa and Manihi, for the finest experiences. The
diversity of the marine life is superb. Dives start along the outer
reefs, drifting through the passes and into the unbelievable waters of
the lagoons. Moorea specializes in hand-feeding sharks and dives with
rays and dolphins. Bora Bora generally offers beautiful, graceful manta
rays in its plankton-rich, multi-hued lagoon. Huahine and Raiatea offer
more brilliant displays of coral ledges, cliffs and exquisitely colored
reef fish.
Airport Services
How
do I get there and how long does it take?
It's very easy. There are four international airlines serving Papeete,
the capital of Tahiti from the USA. It is just a short 7 ½ hour flight,
non-stop from Los Angeles.
What airlines fly to Tahiti?
Air Tahiti Nui, the
first Tahiti-based international carrier was officially launched in
April, 1998 with an Airbus A 340-300. Other International airlines
providing services include Air France, Hawaiian Airlines, Air New
Zealand, Qantas Airways Limited, Lan Chile, and Air Caledonia
International.
Which airlines
should I use?
My opinion on this is let your departure
date and time determine the carrier you will use. Most people have a set vacation schedule
and are not real flexible on their departure and return dates.
Therefore you go with the airline that operates at the time and the
day you want to travel. (By the way, you cannot mix
carriers…meaning you can not go over on one airline and come back
on another - it is cost prohibitive.) Air Tahiti Nui, the
preeminent carrier to French Polynesia now offers daily service from the
west coast to Tahiti. Because they are a Tahitian owned airline and the
in-flight crew, food service and ambiance is true Polynesian…your
vacation begins when you step aboard. Air Tahiti Nui is the first
choice for most travelers
.
Services provided at The International Airport
of Tahiti-Faa'a:
Westpac Banque Currency Exchange. Open Monday-Friday 7:45 a.m.-3:30
p.m. and one hour before and after each international flight. This is
for money exchange only.
Post Office
Telephones with operator on duty 24 hours/day.
Baggage Storage, open 2 hours before each international flight and at
varying; times during the day.
Snack Bar
Manureva on ground floor, snack bar, restaurant and bar on first level.
Taxi stands and Taxiphones.
Other services include Manureva Boutique, Namata Boutique, Newsstand,
Moorea Fruit Juice and Tahiti Fleurs International counter, Salle Ra'i
Nui exhibit hall; and the "Fare Hei" flower and shell necklace stand
across the road.
Duty Free Shops and a waiting lounge with bar and snacks are located
in the in-transit zone, after passing through Immigration
Faa'a, the airport of
Tahiti, is regularly served by frequent jet connections, linking Tahiti
with the west coast of the United States and Canada, Hawaii, France and
Europe, New Zealand, Australia, Japan, South East Asia.
Entry
Requirements
Foreigners wishing to visit French Polynesia must
have a valid passport, which, depending on the nationality of the
visitor, contains a valid visa. Such visitors must also have an airline
ticket back to their resident country or to at least two more continuing
destinations. Visitors must also have a sufficient amount of funds to
cover their planned stay in the territory.
What can
I bring into Tahiti - duty free?
In addition to personal effects, the
following are allowed into Tahiti duty-free: 200 cigarettes or 100
cigarillos or 50 cigars or 250 grams of smoking tobacco, 50 grams of
perfume, 500 grams of coffee, 100 grams of tea, 2 liters of spirits and
ten rolls of film.
How do I get to the other islands?
Air Tahiti operates a number of flights daily to the outer islands.
Flights start early in the morning and end soon after dark. If only
going to Moorea from Tahiti you have a choice between flying and taking
the ferry. The flight only takes approximately 15 minutes, whereas the
ferry will take approximately 45 minutes
.
What about day trips to other islands?
It is easy and inexpensive to go
from Tahiti to Moorea or vise versa on a day trip. However, it is just
not practical to go to any of the outer islands without an overnight
stay. There is no ferry service returning the same day and the air schedules
are such that it would leave you with no time to explore the island.
How
do I know which hotel?
The hotels you select are so important
to the overall success of your trip. I can't stress this enough. Your
hotel is likely to be the center of your activities - you'll want it
to be a good one - the right one. Hotels in Tahiti can range from a
large 200-room resort to a small intimate hotel with a few Polynesian
bungalows. We try to paint a very clear picture of the wide range of
hotels so that you can make an informed choice. Prepared for you are
detailed descriptions of each hotel. I have visited each and every hotel
featured on our site. I have either stayed at the hotel or done a thorough
inspection. The hotels have been rated based on quality of their facilities
and services. You will find our "starfish" hotel rating system - 5 starfish
being best. I encourage you to take a close look at the hotel section.
What kind of room?
The vast majority of accommodations in French Polynesia are individual units
called "bungalows" made of natural woods and material with a Polynesian
décor. Much of the fun of coming to Tahiti is being able to stay in
one of these thatched-roofed bungalows. Accommodations typically feature
a queen or king size bed and a day bed for a third person or child.
Please keep in mind, there are very few hotels that can accommodate
more than 3 people in one bungalow. Typically the hotels categorize
the bungalows by location. Below is a list in general, how hotels classify
their rooms/bungalows beginning with the least expensive.
Garden View Room/Lagoon View Room: You will typically find this
accommodation on Tahiti. Rooms are located in a 2 or 3 story building
with a patio or balcony. Rooms overlook the gardens or the water.
Garden Bungalow: These units are located in the landscaped area
of the hotel and may or may not have an ocean view. Often you will find
them set back and staggered between the beach bungalows.
Beach Bungalow: The units are built along the beach so you step
out your door, off your deck, and your toes are in the sand.
Overwater Bungalow: Built on stilts out over the water. You access
your room by walking along a pier. This is quite a unique accommodation
and if it fits into your budget, I highly recommend them. Many Overwater
Bungalows offer a plexiglass floor or coffee table for viewing the underwater
sea life. Some of the plexiglass openings even have hinges to open and
feed the fish. Units range US$500 - $900 per night.
"Premium", "Deep", and "Horizon" Overwater Bungalow: Generally
the same unit as the Overwater Bungalow but offers a better location
or view. Hotels put a premium on these units with an average cost US$750
- US$1200 per night.
What is Pre-Registration?
With many international flights arriving in Tahiti in the very early
morning hours and inter-island flights arriving early, it is suggested
that you pre-register your hotel room for immediate occupancy where
appropriate. If it is already included, this will be indicated in the
"Included Features" as "includes pre-registration." In most hotels in
French Polynesia, check in time is 1:00 PM or later.
What is a Day Room?
This can be a late check-out from your room that you keep until approximately
6p.m. Some international flights depart from Tahiti very late in the
evening. Most hotel check-out times are around 11:00 a.m. You may want
to consider pre-purchasing a late check-out. If already included in
a package, it will be indicated in the "Included Features" as "includes
dayroom". Dayroom check-out times vary from hotel to hotel
.
Is it really romantic?
The exotic islands of French Polynesia were made for lovers.
Intoxicating scents, palm-shaded beaches, secluded coves, islands more
sensuous than the works of Gauguin. Tahiti is without a doubt the most
romantic place on earth. The romance of the islands will sweep over
you immediately.
We want
to go there for our honeymoon. Do you have any suggestions?
Tahiti is the
idyllic setting for a honeymoon in paradise. Sleep in your own private
thatched-roof bungalow on the edge of a turquoise lagoon...cruise under
star studded skies propelled by gentle trade winds...spend the day on
your own secluded motu. You couldn't pick a better honeymoon
destination. While in French Polynesia you may renew your vows in a
romantic, traditional Tahitian Wedding Ceremony.
Sentimental
Wedding Ceremonies
For couples wishing to renew their vows, or
lovers looking for a unique and legally non-binding way to express their
feelings, the traditional Tahitian wedding ceremony is a fun way to say
"I do." Couples are bedecked in pareus, flowers and shells, and the
groom approaches the beach in an outrigger canoe. The bride, who is
carried in on a rattan throne, awaits her groom on the white sand beach.
A spectacular sunset, lapping lagoon, Tahitian music and dancers enhance
the ambiance. A Tahitian priest performs the ceremony and gives the
couple their Tahitian names.
Is there
privacy and seclusion?
As many of the accommodations in French
Polynesia are private bungalows...either in the garden, on the beach or
over the water...privacy is not an issue. With the small population and
few tourists, you'll feel the beaches are your own private domain. There
are several small hotels located on motus (little islands) that take you
off the beaten path. They provide solitude and seclusion but offer
plenty of amenities to make you quite comfortable.
What
is the Power Voltage in Tahiti?
Most of the hotels use 110 or 220 volts, a.c. 60 cycles. Power
outlets for shavers and other appliances are a convenience provided
in most hotels. A converter/adaptor for other appliances is required.
What time zone is Tahiti
in?
French Polynesia is 10 hours behind Greenwich Mean Time, 2 hours
behind US Pacific Standard Time, and 20 hours behind Australian Eastern
Standard Time.
What's the weather like?
Cooled by the gentle breezes of the Pacific, the climate of
these islands is sunny and pleasant. Roughly speaking, there are two
seasons. November through March is the rainier season when the weather
is warmer and humid. April through October is the drier season when
temperatures are slightly cooler. The climate is tropical so that means
there could be intermittent rain even in the "dry" season and sunshine
for many days in a row during the "rainy" season. Temperatures remain
fairly constant throughout the year making it a great travel destination
for any time. The yearly average temperature is 79 degrees.
What about the People?
The population of
French Polynesia is a mixture of 75 percent Polynesian, 15 percent
European, and 10 percent Chinese. Among these racial categories exists
every conceivable mixture. It would not be unusual to encounter a
Tahitian with a blend of all these ancestries.
I'm
looking for a true cultural experience. Will I find it in Tahiti?
Tahitian culture is a lively fusion of ancient
Polynesian lore and present day Europe. Culture is still of massive
significance. Tahiti and her islands are a veritable cultural Garden of
Eden. Tahitians express their culture in their dress, their music, their
food, and their crafts. Traditional mat or basket weaving and carving
are still practiced in the more remote areas, such as the Marquesas,
Tuamotu and Austral islands. In particular, The Australs are known for
the quality mats and hats woven from a tree that grows throughout the
Pacific, the Pandanus. They also adorn themselves with the flowers of
the islands. It is not just a show for tourist...it is just the way they
are and, they love to share their wealth of ancient and lustrous
traditions. Polynesia is the birthplace of the tattoo, and this
internationally-recognized form of body painting has been practiced here
since ancient times. It's almost impossible to walk down a busy
thoroughfare in Papeete or Moorea without encountering tattooed locals.
France and
Polynesia
The French were not the first people from Europe to visit Tahiti. However,
a keen interest was aroused when the French navigator Louis-Antoine
de Bougainville claimed it for his homeland. The issue of title to the
islands was not resolved with England until 1847. But France never once
faltered in their devout conviction that Tahiti was meant to be theirs.
Cultural Events
Heiva
I Tahiti (Cultural Heiva)
The largest cultural festival in all of Tahiti taking place at beautiful
To'ata Square in Papeete, Tahiti. This year's Heiva will feature the
biggest-ever assembly of dance troupes. In addition to the dance competitions
there are sporting events, cultural demonstrations, cuisine and artisans.
July 1 - July 18, 2004.
Hawaiki
Nui Va'a is the International Outrigger Canoe Race from the island
of Huahine to Raiatea, Tahaa, and Bora Bora. Over 100 teams from canoeing
countries all over the world participate in this grueling open-ocean
race.
October 20-22, 2004.
PAUL GAUGUIN
Without question, the most famous artist associated with French Polynesia.
This French impressionist painter first came to Tahiti in 1891, left
only to return in 1895. His work concentrated on capturing images of
daily life with exuberant settings and flamboyant colors. He came to
Hiva Oa in 1901 in search of a primitive culture and savage wildness
and here he died in 1903.
Additional Notable Names of Tahiti
HENRI MATISSE - A French
artist who in 1930 spent 3 months in Tahiti. He return to Europe with
only notebooks filled with drawing, many of which were the faces of
Tahiti. Toward the end of his life his artwork took the form of paper
cut-outs. A process, which closely resembles the applique techniques
used in quilting or the making of the Tahitian tifaifai.
HERMAN MELVILLE
The American writer arrived in Tahiti in 1842 and escaped into an almost
forgotten valley on the island of Nuku Hiva. His adventures here in
the Marquesas provided the material for his book Typee that was his
first literary success.
JAMES NORMAN HALL
James Norman Hall and Charles Nordhoff came to Tahiti after WW I. They
began collaboration on what was to become the most famous seagoing novel
written in the 20th century. The resulting narrative was divided into
three sections: "Mutiny on the Bounty", "Men Against the Seas", and
"Pitcairn Island". The trilogy was based on facts taken from Bligh's
log and the British court-martial proceedings.
CHARLES-ALFRED LE MOINE
A French artist who came to Tahiti to paint in 1902. He searched for
work in the Gambier Islands and the Marquesas as he was unable to make
a living from his art. He returned to France in 1918 due to declining
health. The Gauguin Museum has on display his painting "Tahitians on
the Veranda".
WILLIAM BLIGH
The purpose of Captain Bligh's expedition to Tahiti was to gather breadfruit
seedlings. Plantations were to be grown in Jamaica to feed the slave
population. A naval inquiry cleared the Captain and he returned to Tahiti
to once again collect the seedlings. The irony is the plantations were
planted and began to bear fruit however; the slaves found it distasteful
and refused to eat the starchy breadfruit.
JAMES MICHENER
This American novelist became enchanted with the Tahiti when he was
a young naval officer stationed on Bora Bora. His first book, Tales
of the South Pacific won a Pulitzer Prize and became the basis of the
award-winning Rodgers and Hammerstein musical, South Pacific.
SAMUEL WALLIS
In 1767 the English explorer, Samuel Wallis arrived in Tahiti. He named
it King George Island and claimed it for Britain. He returned to England
after only a brief stay. When Wallis returned and learned of the imminent
voyage Cook was to command, Wallis related to him he would find hospitable
natives and an abundance of food and water.
ROBERT LOUIS STEVENSON
This Scottish writer, author of Treasure Island, sailed into Tahiti
aboard the Casco in 1888. He enjoyed a delightful stay in the village
of Tautira on the island of Tahiti. Enamored with the villagers he was
inspired to describe Tautira as "a paradise with the friendliest people
in the world".
CAPTAIN JAMES COOK
An expert seaman and brilliant navigator, Cook made three great expeditions
to the Pacific. Cook's first arrival in Tahiti was on board the Endeavour
in 1769. Cook visited Moorea and named Cook's Bay. He discovered the
Leeward Islands of Huahine, Raiatea, Tahaa, Bora Bora, Maupiti and Tupai
naming them the Society Islands "as they lie contiguous to each other".
LOUIS-ANTOINE DE BOUGAINVILLE
The first great French explorer arrived in Tahiti in 1768. Bougainville's
accounts of Tahiti as a paradise of stunning beauty inspired a mythical
vision of the islands, which has survived today. It was Bougainville
who coined the expression "noble savage".
What about the food and
dining?
You will discover a palate-pleasing
variety of native dishes, Chinese, French and American cuisine. You
will delight in the abundance of seafood, tropical fruits and fresh
vegetables. You can eat at fine restaurants or outdoor cafes; partake
of Polynesian feasts and beach barbecues. There are few restaurants
on the outer islands other than those within the hotels. Meal plans
are available prior to the start of your trip and will generally represent
cost savings. Meal prices are comparable to those at better restaurants
in other resort destinations. Most restaurants have a la carte menus
so that you will not have to order a complete meal if all you want is
a salad. A package that includes meals represents a value. However,
if a package does not include meals, my suggestion is to leave some
days open so you can venture out from your hotel and experience other
island restaurants. Pre-purchasing meal plans not included in a package
represents more of a convenience than a savings.
Dressing up doesn't appeal to me and how fancy
do I have to be in the evenings?
Tahiti sounds like the right place for you. You never need to dress
up in the evenings. A simple cotton dress or shorts outfit will do for
ladies and the gentlemen are fine with a sport shirt and either slacks
or shorts. During the days, the coolest of clothing is preferred and
natural fibers are best. Do not forget your swimsuits, sunblock and
hats. Another essential to bring with you is rubber-soled or plastic
shoes, preferably shoes you can wear in or out of the water to protect
your feet from coral.
No tipping and no taxes
Tipping is not customary, Polynesian hospitality simply does
not allow it. Throughout French Polynesia there are no sales taxes or
service charges. Consider these savings when comparing Tahiti with other
destinations.
Fruits
There is
an abundant variety of fruits grown in French Polynesia. Among the
fruits grown in French Polynesia are pineapples, grapefruits, mangoes,
papaya, guavas, limes, lychees, watermelons, cantaloupes, vanilla,
coconuts and bananas in all shapes and sizes. There are boundless other
natural delicacies to be found on the islands as well.
Water
Tap water
in the hotels and restaurants is safe to drink. Local mineral waters and
all sorts of French mineral waters are available.
The
Flowers
One of the most lasting impressions of French Polynesia is the captivating
floral scents which permeate the tropical air. The region is home to
a myriad of tropical flowers, many indigenous to these islands.
The basis for French Polynesia's traditional "hei" wreath
is the perfumed "Tiare Tahiti." This heavily scented gardenia
is widely used for greeting arriving visitors and returning family.
In fact, the "Tiare Tahiti" is so revered in French Polynesia
that it has its own national holiday.
The flower is also used as an ingredient in tanning lotions, perfumes,
soaps and other cosmetic products.
What
is the local currency?
The currency in Tahiti is the French Pacific Franc (CFP), though credit
cards and US dollars are common. It's also helpful to know business
hours and where to exchange money.
Where
can I exchange my money?
A privately operated foreign exchange office is located on the Papeete
waterfront next to the harbor and in back of the port immigration office
and the Socredo Bank. It is open Monday through Saturday from 7:00 a.m.
to 7:00 p.m. It is open Sundays and public holidays from 7:00 a.m. to
1:00 p.m. Additionally, there is a currency exchange stand at Faaa International
Airport in Tahiti that is open for all arriving passenger flights.
Credit
Cards
Visa credit cards are accepted (banks will give you
a cash advance), as are American Express. MasterCard is accepted in some
areas. On many of the smaller islands, credit cards are not accepted.
Though ATMs are a growing presence in Tahiti, there is no guarantee
yours will work here.
Do
they take travelers checks?
Travelers' checks are easily cashed at banks and hotels. Visitors
are advised to carry both traveler's checks and credit cards to make
their trip more convenient. All banks charge a 350 to 400 CFP (U.S.
$3.50 to $4.00) commission on a travelers' check transaction, particularly
if you are changing from one currency to another.
Do
I need to speak French?
No. Many locals speak English and
you'll find that English is widely understood in hotels and establishments
catering to tourists.
Bugs
& Insects - Mosquitos
The typical bug or inspect you could
encounter are mosquitoes, flies, geckos and some sand flees. Most resorts
treat their grounds to prevent infestation. Packing a supply of repellent
is a good idea.
Do I need to be vaccinated to travel to Tahiti?
No, there is no requirement for ANY Immunization prior to your departure.
How
do you get around?
LE
TRUCK
Tahiti's most famous form of transportation
is the inimitable "le truck". This brightly painted jitney is actually
a flatbed truck outfitted with an open- air cabin and wooden seats.
Just wave to the driver to stop and pay when you get off. It is an entertaining
and inexpensive way to get around and see the sights.
The climate lends itself to open-air jeeps and convertible cars, as
well as scooters and bicycles, all of which are available for rent on
the majority of islands.
Domestic airlines offer inter-island travel on modern aircraft, while
Tahiti and Moorea are also served by high-speed passenger catamarans.
For visitors seeking a more leisurely pace, island trader ships follow
routes that have been followed for more than 100 years.
What
kinds of activities are available after I get there?
There is an abundance of activities
in and around the water and much to do on land. Most of the hotels offer
free snorkeling, outrigger canoes, windsurfing and lazing in a hammock.
Tahiti
Museum Tours
There are a number of uniquely captivating
museums to visit on the island, from the earthy art of Paul Gauguin
to cultural relics and exhibits recounting the exploits of famed Tahitian
explorers James Cook and Louis-Antoine de Bougainville. The Museum of
Tahiti and Her Islands is known all over the world for the thorough
exhibits detailing the history of French Polynesia. Some of the most
beautiful displays of black pearls are at the Tahiti Perles Museum in
Papeete. There is a qauint colonial-style museum, Musee des Coquillages
showcasing seashells from the region.
Tahiti
Shopping
Black pearls, hand-blocked fabrics,
exquisitely carved bowls, drums, tikis, local shell craft, baskets,
dance costumes and vanilla beans can all be purchased in the markets
and shops of Tahiti. French imports such as perfumes, are available
in duty free shops. Stores are normally closed daily for a long lunch,
on Saturday afternoon and all day Sunday.
Tahiti
Marketplace (Le Marché)
A "must see" is the Central Market
located downtown behind the waterfront. It displays in an open-air fashion
local flowers, fruits, fish and Tahitian handicrafts.
Outer
Islands
Bike/Scooter
Rentals
Bicycle or scooter is a great way to see French Polynesia. Rentals are
an excellent way to take in the sights and mix with the locals. Most
hotels have both bicycles and scooters available for rental.
Circle
Island Tours
Experience French Polynesia by taking advantage of a circle island bus
tour excursion. The bus tour visits the small villages, fields, hills
and plantations of the region, giving tourists a feel for everyday Tahitian
life. Please note that not all islands have these tours available.
Rental
Cars
Travelers wishing to explore French Polynesia on their own
can rent vehicles from the many automobile rental agencies serving the
Islands. Rental car agencies including Avis, Budget, Hertz and others
have available for rent everything from compacts, 4x4 vehicles,
minivans, and luxury automobiles such as Mercedes and BMW.
Jeep
Safari Tours
Take a jeep safari tour
in a rugged 4-wheel drive vehicle. Jeep excursions allow visitors to
explore the mysterious and exotic Tahitian interiors with High-altitude
peaks, rushing waterfalls, lush bamboo forests, and emerald valleys.
Helicopter
Tours
Discover the islands from a bird's eye view. Try to spot goats on the
mountainside. Fly over the reefs and get a closer look at misty Mount
Otemanu and see why no one has ever been able to climb to the top of
this fabulous basalt obelisk. The flight is spectacular and very popular
for all ages, especially for those who enjoy aerial photography.
Hiking
Hiking trails are numerous on all
the islands, and it's a good idea to seek out a guide or pick up a map
to ensure against getting lost.
Horseback
Horseback riding is available in the Tahitian Islands. You can get information
on local stables from the hotel concierge.
Water Activities
Scuba
Diving
Diving in French Polynesia is colorful, varied, and among the best anywhere.
You will encounter a myriad of colorful reef fish, moray eels, turtles,
even manta rays and sharks. The translucent waters are warm (80° and
above) and clear (100 foot visibility) and full of colorful, exciting
marine life...no matter which island you choose to explore. Moorea specializes
in hand-feeding sharks and dives with rays and dolphins, along with
a variety of reef fish and low-growing corals. Bora Bora generally offers
beautiful, graceful manta rays in its plankton-rich multi-hued lagoon.
Huahine and Raiatea offer more brilliant displays of coral ledges and
cliffs, along with varieties of colorful reef fish. However, it is the
Tuamotu atolls of Rangiroa and Manihi where more experienced divers
will enjoy the fullest diversity of marine life, with dives starting
along the outer reefs, drifting through the passes, and into the lagoons.
It is high excitement diving with black-tip and white-tip sharks everywhere
and occasionally silver-tip or hammerhead.
Jet Ski Tours
Guided tours are available to some of the most beautiful and remote
spots on earth.
Parasailing Parasailing is an easy water sport to enjoy with no training
required. You will be able to get a bird's eye view of the lagoon from
300 feet high as a 28 foot boat pulls your parasail. A special platform
on the boat allows people of all ages to take off and land without getting
wet.
Half-Day
Shark and Ray Feeding Excursion
This is one of Tahiti's most popular excursions. It is an unforgettable
experience. A motorized outrigger canoe speeds across the lagoon toward
the barrier reef. You slip into the lagoon, just inside the fringing
reef. Watch riveted, as countless tropical fish and black-tip reef sharks
are hand feed. The sandy -bottomed location the stingrays enjoy will
be visited next. You have a change to even touch the rays. Rays are
one of nature's most elegant swimmers, watch as they glide in an effortless
ballet in and around the swimmers.
Snorkeling
Snorkeling is a popular water sport. Most hotels make available
mask and flippers so you can explore the reefs surrounding the islands
of French Polynesia. The lagoons abound with tropical fish of every
color and description. Among the sea life to be found here are rays,
eels, sharks, tunas and barracudas. The best snorkeling is generally
found on the outer islands, where the undersea resources are abundant.
Windsurfing
The warm water and calm tropical breezes in French Polynesia make it
an excellent windsurfing spot.
Surfing
A number of visitors have recently
discovered the excellent surfing in French Polynesia. The best surf
can be found around Tahiti, Moorea, Raiatea and Huahine. April through
October is generally the best months for surfing.
Bora
Bora Deep Sea Fishing
Enjoy half day, full day or multi day fishing excursion with Captain
Richard Postma's crew and the newest addition to his fleet, a Black
Watch 34. The 34' Black Watch has an open plan interior which has large
entertaining area making it excellent for day charter or private game
fishing.
Yachting
If you're looking for more freedom and independence on your next vacation,
to be able to chart your own course at your own pace, then try yachting.
For the more experienced sailor, bareboating is the ultimate escape.
For a more leisurely vacation, experience a Fully Crewed Yacht Charter
with Captain and a hostess/cook. Delight in scuba diving off the back
of your very own boat, enjoy meals, music and friends while watching
the sunset from aboard a luxury sailing yacht. There are a number of
Yacht Charter companies in French Polynesia offering charters from 4
days to 4 weeks and beyond. No matter what your choice, you're in for
a truly memorable experience.
Is film for my camera
expensive?
Yes, film in Tahiti is extremely expensive. Plan ahead and take
a good supply of film and camera batteries.
Is Tahiti too expensive
for a vacation?
If you compare an all-inclusive week in Tahiti with a week in
Hawaii it will probably be more money. However, Tahiti will transport
you to a simpler time with few distractions, where life moves at its
own pace. The most beautiful islands in the world invite you to indulge
yourself and create the memories that will last a lifetime. Don't forget
there's no tipping or added tax in Tahiti.
If
I need to call home, what can I expect?
Direct dialing for local and international telephone calls is very easy
in French Polynesia, whether placing calls from your hotel or from public
phone booths. When dialing direct to Tahiti and Her Islands, dial the
proper International Access Code + 689 (country Code) + Local Number.
The International Access Code if calling from the U.S. is 011.
When transmitting telex messages from the U.S., the code 702 or 711
for Tahiti and Her Islands must precede the telex number.
Calling cards can be purchased at any post office, or at retail outlets
such as newspaper stands or shops with phone booths nearby. There are
three denominations of cards that purchase corresponding "call units"
- 5000 CFP, 2000 CFP and 1000 CFP. If you plan to make a long-distance
call, it's a good idea to pick up a 5000 CFP card and keep it with you.
If I need medical attention
or medications, where do I go?
Health
French Polynesia enjoys a high standard of health, with excellent
medical and dental facilities. The tropical sun can be deceptively penetrating,
so be sure to use a good, waterproof sunblock to protect your skin from
overexposure. The water is generally safe to drink however; we suggest
bottled water available through the hotels. Medications, even aspirin,
should be brought from home, as pharmacies are not always convenient
to hotels. If you are prone to ear infections, we suggest you take along
ear plugs.
There are no snakes, poisonous spiders or fearsome animals in these
islands. Hotels and dispensaries on each tourist island and atoll keep
first aid supplies on hand to treat coral cuts, sunburn and the extremely
rare case of poisoning, when the barefoot swimmer steps on the toxic
spines of the stonefish. All the islands maintain hygienic controls
to combat potential epidemics of tropical diseases, such as the dengue
fever.
Please take precaution and do not overexpose your body to the tropical
sun. Tennis shoes or plastic sandals are recommended when walking on
the reefs and in the lagoons of Polynesia.
Church Services
Religion is very important to the Tahitian people. The church,
whether Protestant or Roman Catholic, is the center of activity in all
villages. Attend a Sunday service, you will find the Tahitians' singing
to be beautiful and moving. Guests are certainly welcome in places of
worship as long as they adhere to the usual decorum: men should wear
long pants and shirts, and women should wear subdued dresses
.
Is there anything else we should bring?
If you desire, you can bring cigarettes (up to two cartons),
film (up to ten rolls), and liquor (up to two liters).
