Tahiti
The sapphire blue of Tahiti and her Islands. The dazzling white of her coral sands. The brilliant greens of the elegant coconut palms. Blue, white and green; these are the predominant colours of Tahiti and her Islands. All 118 of these gorgeous Polynesian islands spread across five far-flung archipelagoes. Tahiti and her Islands span four million km of ocean and cover an area as large as Europe. However, the land above sea level only accounts for some 4,000km consisting of 118 islands, grouped into five different archipelagoes: the Marquesas (to the north), the Society Islands and the Tuamotu (in the center), the Austral Islands (to the south) and the Gambiers (to the south-east). Tahiti was declared in 2004 as an “overseas country” attached to France.
The remote geographic location has always been a major attraction for those seeking the exotic and romantic allure of these unspoiled and natural environments. Tahiti is an ideal destination for a relaxing vacation/holiday, honeymoon or a more active vacation. Renowned for scuba diving and snorkelling in crystal clear lagoons where colourful coral and tropical fish abound. Experience a taste of ‘chic’ French with South Pacific style and charm! Tahiti also offers a range of boutique style island properties and internationally acclaimed hotels and resorts. Whether you want a private island picnic near Bora Bora or a canoe to deliver breakfast in your overwater bungalow, Tahiti is the ultimate South Pacific island paradise.
We offer a range of packages in Tahiti or this can be added to a combination of other options such as Australia or New Zealand to complete your vacation. Simply contact us to discuss your requirements!
Sample Itineraries
The People
As a multicultural melting pot, the people of Tahiti and her Islands (approximately 270,000 inhabitants) include Polynesians (83% including approximately 20% euro-polynesians), Europeans (12% mainly from metropolitan France) and Chinese (5% a community that dates back to the end of the 19th Century). 75% of the population lives in the Windward Islands (Tahiti & Moorea). The principle urban zone in Papeete (a strip approximately 40km long) contains more than 127,600 inhabitants.
Tahiti Regions & Islands
Papeete
The invigorating capital city and gateway of the territory, boasts world-class resorts, spas, fine restaurants, nightclubs, and endless shopping at the vibrant markets, pearl shops, and boutiques. For those seeking some outdoor exploration there’s impressive and accessible waterfalls, enchanting tropical gardens, various hiking trails, horseback excursions and safari’s that’ll take you to the heart of the Island.
Moorea
Clearly visible from Tahiti and just a 7 minute flight or 1/2 hour ferry ride. Moorea is much more laid back and relaxed than Tahiti. Discover a native Polynesian village, climb the island peaks, experience a 4×4 excursions among the pineapple plantations, shark feeding, dolphin and whale watching or simply rest and relax in your luxury over water bungalow.
Bora Bora
Described as the “Pearl of the Pacific” just as Captain Cook baptised her bears the magic of the most beautiful Polynesian Islands. Known to be the most spectacular in the world, the lagoon, linked to the ocean by the Teavanui Pass, is a natural swimming pool which offers a large variety of aquatic activities such as diving, sailing & jet skiing. The most famous of the Leeward Islands occupies a surface of 38 km² and is located 280 km north-west of Tahiti, just 50 minutes away by plane from Papeete.
Tahaa & Raiatea
These twin islands are rich tropical islands with gentle valleys and deep bays with marinas making it an exceptional sailing destination. Tahaa shares her lagoon with Raiatea an enchanting paradise endowed with a magnificent, turquoise lagoon surrounded by “motus”, islets of superb, white, sand beaches. Scuba diving around the large fringing reef is its other major draw.
Tahiti
These twin islands are rich tropical islands with gentle valleys and deep bays with marinas making it an exceptional sailing destination. Tahaa shares her lagoon with Raiatea an enchanting paradise endowed with a magnificent, turquoise lagoon surrounded by “motus”, islets of superb, white, sand beaches. Scuba diving around the large fringing reef is its other major draw.
Getting to Tahiti
Several airlines offer direct flights to Tahiti (PPT) – Faa’a International Airport – with most flights arriving and departing in the early hours of the morning. The high season for travel is between December and February when it can be hard to get a seat. Faa’a Airport is on the north west coast of the main island of Tahiti, 5km west of Papeete. Several flights each week are available direct from Los Angeles, New York, Honolulu, Sydney & Auckland. Airlines that fly to Tahiti from New Zealand are Air Tahiti Nui & Air New Zealand. Airlines that fly direct from the USA are Air France and Air Tahiti. Hawaiian airlines also fly direct between Hawaii and Tahiti. Airlines that fly to Tahiti from Australia include LAN airlines, Air Tahiti & Air New Zealand. Due to the arrival time of most international flights into Tahiti, a lot of visitors find they need a night in Papeete before transferring to one of the outer islands such as Bora Bora or Moorea the next morning.
Flying Times to Tahiti
London: 19 hrs
Madrid: 22 hrs
Los Angeles: 7 hrs, 30 min
New York: 12 hours, 40 min
Santiago: 10 hrs
Honolulu: 5 hrs
Sydney, Australia: 8 hrs
Melbourne, Australia: 15 hrs (indirect)
Brisbane, Australia: 12 hrs (indirect)
Auckland, New Zealand:5 hrs
Wellington, New Zealand: 6 hrs
Japan (Tokyo and Osaka): 11 hrs
Tahiti FAQ's
Cooled by gentle ocean breezes, the climate is ideal. Being tropical but moderate, the climate features sunny, pleasant days and an average yearly air and water temperature of 80F. Summer is from November through April, when the climate is slightly warmer and more humid. Winter is from May through October, when the the climate is slightly cooler and dryer.
The Islands are located south of the equator, in the same time zone as Hawaii, and halfway between California and New Zealand. Papeete’s Faa’a Airport (PPT) is under 8 hours by air from Los Angeles (LAX). From North America, nonstop flights depart LAX nearly every day on Air Tahiti Nui, Air France, or Air New Zealand. There is now also a direct flight from New York departing three times per week.
There is just one international airport in Tahiti which is Papeete.
Due to the timing of international flights into Tahiti, you may find you will need an overnight stopover in Papeete before heading to one of the outer islands such as Bora Bora or Moorea.
The longest direct flight in Tahiti is Tahiti to Bora Bora which is only 1hour 20 mins. The flight from Moorea to Bora Bora is only 50 mins and to get from Moorea to Tahiti by air is a mere 10 minutes! Exploring the islands of Tahiti is extremely easy and quick!
Every visitor to French Polynesia must have: a valid passport, a return airline ticket to their resident country or to at least two more continuing destinations and sufficient funds to cover their planned stay. For stays of up to one month, there are no visa requirements for citizens of the U.S., Canada, or Mexico. A foreigner with a residence card for the U.S. is not exempt from the above requirements and should consult the French Consulate based in the U.S. for information. Citizens of European Union countries do not need a visa for stays of up to three months; citizens of other countries should consult the French Consulate. As entry requirements are subject to modification without notice, it is advisable to check with your travel arranger before departure. Contact one of the French Consulates in North America for further details and visa information.
It is your responsibility to ensure that you have valid passports, visas and re-entry permits which meet the requirements of immigration and other government authorities. Any fines, penalties, payments or expenditures incurred as a result of such documents not meeting the requirements of those authorities will be your sole responsibility. All travelers must have a valid passport for international travel and many countries require at least 6 months validity from the date of return and some countries require a machine-readable passport. If you need information regarding visa and other travel document requirements for your trip, please let us know.
Hepatitis A vaccine is recommended for all travelers over one year of age. Typhoid vaccine is recommended for all travelers, with the exception of short-term visitors who restrict their meals to major restaurants and hotels, such as business travelers and cruise passengers. Hepatitis B vaccine is recommended for travelers who will have intimate contact with local residents or potentially need blood transfusions or injections while abroad, especially if visiting for more than six months.
Your cell phone service may not work in Tahiti depending on the type of phone you have and your service provider. Visit: www.vini.pf for more information. There are also rental options available.
Rental cars are available at most Airports for drivers over 21 years of age with a valid driver’s license. Major credit cards are usually required for drivers under 25. Because of the small size of many islands, and the uniqueness of many circle island tours, you may find renting a car unnecessary.
Tipping in Tahiti is not expected. However, tipping for great service is at your discretion.
There is no sales tax in Tahiti. However, a special 6% reduced rate Value Added Tax (VAT) applies to all rented accommodations (hotel rooms, pensions and family stays), and room and meal packages — both American Plan (3 meals) and Modified American Plan (breakfast and dinner). A 5% VAT is added for room tax. A 16% VAT rate applies to purchases in shops, stores and boutiques. A 10% VAT rate applies to bars, excursions, car rentals, snacks and restaurants involving meals not included in a room-meal package.
There are no poisonous land animals in Tahiti.
The climate and lifestyle on the islands call for casual and comfortable clothing. Pack loose-fitting, natural fabrics. Pareus and swimsuits can be worn during the daytime at the resorts, while casual shirts and walking shorts provide the most comfort during island explorations.