Tahiti, Bora Bora, Moorea and French Polynesia islands
Tahiti and her islands... Bask in the warmth of a secluded, sugar-white beach. Explore lagoons of breathtaking clarity, their waters teeming with rainbows of tropical fish.
In Papeete, main city of the island of Tahiti, you'll find a modern, bustling port, with shopping ranging from black pearl boutiques to island handicrafts to the latest in French fashions. Sip a drink and people-watch at a sidewalk cafe, or savor the delicate flavors of French cuisine. On Moorea, jagged peaks, deep valleys, cascading waterfalls and breathtaking bays make a stunning backdrop for your tropical adventure. Bora Bora has been called the most beautiful island in the world. Its lagoon, a haven for watersports, ranges from palest turquoise to deepest blue. Paradise found!
From overwater bungalows to suites, your room in paradise awaits.
Many visitors arriving in Tahiti, the capital of Papeete, no doubt expect grass huts, pareo-clad natives and the quiet crash of the surf. They are surprised to discover that Papeete is a modern, bustling port. Just accept our promise that the Tahiti of legend does live on elsewhere on the island; then, start to enjoy Papeete's unique cosmopolitan charms.
Shopping is definitely one of them. Hop aboard le truck - as the locals call the open-air bus - to downtown, where an amazing selection of boutiques offer shell leis, woven hats, purses and other native handicrafts, while their neighbors feature the latest in French fashions.
Part of the fun of Papeete is sipping a drink and people- watching at a sidewalk cafe. In the city's many restaurants, you'll discover that Tahitians enjoy an enticing variety of native, French, Asian and other cuisines.
Away from Papeete, Tahiti's landscape changes to an array of stunning colors and rugged vistas, all surrounded by crystalline waters.
There's plenty to do on Tahiti--from golf with majestic views
of the island and outer reef, to
a breathtaking helicopter ride to
Mount Aorai. Or try your hand at
big game fishing, water skiing,
scuba diving, sailing and windsurfing.
To see the sights that have
made this island a legend, try
a tour to Matavai Bay, Cook’s
Monument at Point Venus, the
Gauguin Museum, or the
Museum of Tahiti and Her
Islands.
You'll fall in love with multi-hued lagoons . . . Paradise found!
Moorea is a favorite of all who venture to French Polynesia. Here, you'll find the real South Seas experience -- a casual, barefoot existence amid white sand beaches, multi-hued lagoons and, of course, quaint Tahitian-style hotels offering plenty of sun and fun activities.
Moorea's jagged mountains and volcanic spires reach into the clouds, while below, valleys are blanketed with the colors one only finds when tropical climates and rich, volcanic soils meet.
With a circumference of only 37 miles, and coastline served by paved
road, Moorea can be circled in a day by bicycle or
car. Be sure to stop in the villages and boutiques as you
make your way around. Drive to the Belvedere lookout point,
high in the interior of Moorea, for spectacular views of
Opunohu and Cook's Bays. Windsurfing enthusiasts tout the latter as one
of the best sailing spots in French Polynesia.
For an adventure befitting Robinson Crusoe, arrange for a day trip to a motu, the tiny uninhabited islets that dot the surrounding sea. Your boatman will be happy to drop you off, returning for you at an arranged time.
While you're on Moorea, don't miss a chance to meet some of its 9,000 natives. As is true on all the islands, you'll see more of the traditional Polynesian life if you venture from the hotels.
Bora Bora is truly one of nature’s
most inspired creations. To top it
off, the island is home to some of
Polynesia’s most celebrated hotels.
For many visitors, Bora Bora is the
ultimate South Seas experience.
Novelist James Michener wrote that Bora Bora is "the most beautiful island in the world." It certainly makes the most dramatic first appearance, especially if you arrive by air. Surrounding the small island is the most stunning lagoon in all the Pacific.
Its colors, ranging from the palest turquoise to the deepest
blues, are created by the water's varying depths. Amid the
rich emerald green of the island itself, the volcanic peak
of Mount Otemanu stands godlike, often draped in white clouds.
You'll find blissful solitude and endless romantic moments
on Bora Bora's white sand beaches. To leave civilization
one more step behind, take a boat ride to one of the many
sandy motus (islets) that dot the coral reef.
Nearly every water sport is enjoyed on Bora Bora, but most famous is its snorkeling. The lagoon's countless species of tropical fish, brilliant coral gardens and crystal-clear waters make for some of the most beautiful undersea views in the world.
Explore the entire coastline on foot or by bicycle -- Bora Bora is only 20 miles around. The many fascinating sights you'll discover include several ancient maraes, or temples; typical Polynesian villages; and some of the big guns left by the U.S. Navy in World War II, now claimed by the island's tropical vegetation.
The ideal place to experience the traditional Polynesian way of life.
Last of the Society Islands reached by tourism, Huahine has remained virtually unknown to tourists until recently.
With its deep water bays, and lagoons bordered by motus (islets), mountainous Huahine is ripe for your exploration. Visit the tiny, picturesque port of Fare when it really comes to life on shipping day. That's when many of Huahine's 4,000 inhabitants travel to town by le truck to see old friends; swap news; sell their pigs, copra and melons; and buy goods from the incoming supply ships.
Visit the sleepy village of Parea, where Polynesians live a peaceful
life and little has changed over the generations. Hire horses
for a long ride through tropical mountain trails. Be sure
to stop by a vanilla plantation for a handful of the aromatic
beans. If surfing's your thing, don't miss the renowned waves
of Avamoa Pass. Scenic views abound, whether one wades along
the coast or climbs in the mountains. With more than thirty
miles of roads to explore, Huahine, unlike other islands,
can take several days to discover completely.
Huahine is also home to many of French Polynesia's most important archaeological sites. Fascinating artifacts of ancient Polynesian life can be found around Maeva, the former royal village, where a guide can lead you to restored maraes, or sacrificial temples, and to lakes where 300-year-old stone fishing traps are still in use.
Make Huahine an alternative or a perfect complement to legendary Bora Bora or lush, tropical Moorea.
Experience the roots of Polynesian culture and its inspirational beauty!
Raiatea is revered by the Tahitians as the birthplace of their religion and culture. According to legend, it was from her shores that ancient Polynesian explorers set off for Hawaii and New Zealand.
On this awesome, mountainous island, visitors can venture up the Faaroa, the only navigable river in French Polynesia. A climb up Mount Temehani will reward the adventurous with a rare glimpse of the Tiare Apetahi, a flower which grows no place else on earth.
On Raiatea, visitors can also marvel at the Taputapuatea Marae, considered the most important and best-preserved religious site in French Polynesia.
Taha'a, Raiatea's sister island and a short speedboat hop away, is almost untouched by the 20th century, with spectacular bays carved from verdant hills. Stay at Le Taha’a Private Island and Spa and immerse yourself in exquisite beauty.
The waters of the Tuamotus are a scuba diver's dream.
About 200 miles northeast of Tahiti lies the Tuamotu Archipelago, composed of the largest collection of coral atolls in the world. Whether you opt for shallow, ocean or drift dives, the underwater scenery is guaranteed to be some of the most spectacular you've ever seen.
As the Tuamotus are sparsely populated, social life on the atolls revolves around your hotel, where you'll enjoy the companionship of fellow adventurers from around the world.
Individual Islands
Rangiroa
Rangiroa, the largest of the atolls, offers the adventurous traveler the rare opportunity to live amid the wild beauty of the Tuamotus. You'll find an array of daily aquatic excursions and activities from which to choose.
Manihi is a small atoll located north of Rangiroa, 330 miles from Tahiti, with a population of just 300 inhabitants. A trip to the black pearl farm is a must.
Tikehau, an oval-shaped atoll approximately 8 miles from Rangiroa, has a large pass and a series of islets. The charming village of Tuherahera is situated on the south end of the largest motu (islet).
Fakarava, an hour and a half flight from Papeete, is the second largest atoll in the Tuamotu Archipelago and part of the UNESCO biosphere reserve program. Take time to wander amid its especially rare fauna and flora. The real allure to Fakarava is the remarkable scuba diving available surrounding the atoll. In this pristine environment, both beginners and experienced divers will be amazed by the generous concentration of lagoon and ocean fish.
Experience rugged beauty and fascinating culture when you journey to the Marquesas. Spectacular volcanic peaks soar from the ocean depths, lush valleys steeped in history wait to be explored, the wild ocean crashes on black sand beaches, and sheltered coves reveal a turquoise tide with pink and white sand.
The Marquesas Islands, part of French Polynesia, are a group of 10 islands clustered near the equator, in the Pacific, about 930 miles from Tahiti. These remote islands are volcanic, rugged and wild, with steep cliffs and deep valleys. They are not protected by coral reefs as the Society Islands are, and surf crashes ashore against sheer cliffs or on black sand beaches. The island interiors are inhabited by wild horses, cattle and goats, and there is an abundance of papayas, bananas, mangoes and other fruits grown.
It is widely held that the ancestors of the Polynesians arrived here around 1000 BC. The name Marquesas comes from a Spanish explorer who, in the 16th century, discovered the four southern islands and named them after the Viceroy of Peru's wife who had financed his explorations.
Nuku Hiva, in the northern group, is the largest island in the chain and is also the most populous, with about 2400 inhabitants. Hiva Oa, in the southern group, is the second largest. It is here the artist, Paul Gauguin, and the famed singer, Jacques Brel, are buried.
The Marquesas Islands have always been an inspiration for creative talents
and have a special, mysterious appeal for visitors wanting adventure
in French Polynesia.
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.
