Tahiti & French Polynesia - Useful Information
Size, Location, Population
118 islands cover an area the size of Europe, yet with a land mass of only 1,550 square miles, one fourth of which is the most famous island, Tahiti. Located midway between California (4,000 miles) and Australia (3,300 miles), French Polynesia has a population of 189,000, 70% of whom live on Tahiti. The best-known and most frequently visited islands are the Society Island chain: Tahiti, Moorea, Bora Bora, Huahine, Raiatea and Taha'a; and the Tuamotu Archipelago: Rangiroa and Manihi.
Time Zones
Two hours behind Pacific Standard Time, the same as Hawaii (Three hours behind during Pacific Daylight Time).
Entry Formalities
U.S. and Canadian citizens need a passport valid for six months beyond their date of return. If your passport is other than U.S. or Canadian, check with the French Consulate. No immunization certificates are required.
Currency
The Pacific French franc (XPF) is the currency used in French Polynesia.
It is different from the French franc. Banks are located at Tahiti's
International Airport and on each island. ATM machines are available
on Tahiti and Moorea. Generally a higher exchange rate is given
for travelers' cheques than for cash. Hotels also exchange money
but give a less favorable rate than banks.
Electricity
Most hotels have 110v outlets for electric shavers. For other appliances
such as hair dryers, a converter/ adapter kit will usually be needed.
Hotels may have either 110v or 220v systems. It's wise to always
inquire at the hotel desk about the compatibility of your appliances
before you attempt to use them.
Language
The official languages are Tahitian and French. English is spoken in most tourist locales.
Shopping
Hand-blocked pareos (the traditional wraparound garment of Tahiti),
original gold jewelry, local shell craft, baskets, wood carvings
and vanilla beans can all be purchased in the markets and shops
of Tahiti. Stores are normally closed daily for a long lunch, on
Saturday afternoon and all day Sunday.
Black Pearls
(Tahitian Cultured Pearls) Tahiti and
Her Islands is one of the few places in
the world where cultured black pearls
are grown, and they can make a
unique and exquisite souvenir. The
dark pearl varies from pale (least
expensive) to dark gray with touches
of green or pink (rarest and most
expensive). The islands with the best
selection of pearl stores are Moorea,
Tahiti and Bora Bora. Good quality
pearls range from $500 to $10,000 or
more, though slightly flawed mementos
can be had for much less.
We recommend the Tahia Collins
Boutique. You will receive a gift
certificate with your documents.
Present it at the store for your
complimentary gift, a Tahitian pearl
pendant set in sterling silver (value
of approximately $75).
Tipping
Although tipping is not customary in Tahiti, it is appreciated for exemplary service.
Climate
French Polynesia enjoys warm, tropical weather year-round. The climate is divided into two seasons: a "summer" that spans from November through March, when the daily temperature is about 86° Fahrenheit, and most of the rain falls; and a drier "winter" that spans from April through October, when the daily temperature is about 82° Fahrenheit. The year-round low is about 70° Fahrenheit. The average water temperature is in the low 80s.
Food
Most tourist hotels have restaurants. In Papeete and around Tahiti, there are also a number of excellent restaurants offering a wide variety of French, Italian, American, Chinese, Vietnamese and Polynesian dishes. There are several restaurants on Moorea, and a few on Bora Bora. On the outer islands, meals are taken at the hotels.
Health Tips
While tap water is generally safe, we suggest using bottled water sold by all hotels. A good sun screen is essential (sun block is suggested for the first few days) to prevent burning. As in all tropical locales, French Polynesia has its share of mosquitoes; the hotels do their part to keep this problem to a minimum, but it is still wise to pack an insect repellent. Hospitals or medical clinics are available for emergencies on most islands. Medications, even aspirin, should be brought from home, as pharmacies are not always convenient to the hotels.
Churches
The church, whether Protestant or Roman Catholic, is the center
of activity in all villages. No matter what your religion, you
will find the Polynesians' unaccompanied singing 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.
Clothing
Tahiti is very informal. Lightweight, washable cottons will serve well. Men will be comfortable in shorts, slacks for dinner, sport shirts and sandals, while ladies may wear shorts, skirts and sun dresses. We recommend at least two swimsuits per person, comfortable rubber-soled shoes for walking on coral (a necessity on the shark feeding excursion), a hat or visor, sunglasses and a waterproof bag to protect your camera equipment from salt and spray.
Sports Activities
Snorkeling, diving, tennis, sailing, water skiing, windsurfing, outrigger
canoeing, para-sailing, horseback riding, biking, hiking and climbing
are activities available on most islands in French Polynesia. Game
fishing is also widely available, though true aficionados recommend
December through July as the best months for this sport. Golfers
will find an 18-hole course on the island of Tahiti and a new course
on Moorea. Many hotels offer snorkeling equipment
free, but it is advisable to pack your own snorkel, fins and mask
(and regulator if you are a serious scuba diver).
Knowing Which Islands to Choose
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 island descriptions above will help you choose the island combinations that bring to life the Tahitian vacation you've always dreamed about.
Diving French Polynesia
Diving in French Polynesia is colorful, varied, and among the best
anywhere. You'll encounter a myriad of colorful reef fish, moray
eels, turtles, even manta rays and sharks. The translucent waters
are warm (generally 80 degrees and above year-round) and clear
(visibility to over 150 feet) 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 myriad 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's the Tuamotu atolls - Rangiroa,
Manihi, Tikehau and Fakarava - 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's high-excitemen diving with blacktip and whitetip sharks
everywhere -- and occasionally silvertip or hammerhead.
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