The Islands of French Polynesia
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French
Polynesia (Tahiti) is considered to be the most beautiful and romantic place on Earth.
These islands are located only 2 1/2 hours beyond Hawaii, and yet a world apart. An extraordinarily safe destination, the islands
and people of Tahiti welcome visitors with a remarkable blend of beauty and tranquility.
Tahiti (French Polynesia) is many islands, actually several groups of volcanic peaks and
atolls spreading over hundreds of miles of ocean. Each island possesses its own
unique flavor and charms, from the broad lagoon of Rangiroa to the bustling
marketplace of Papeete. Thanks to their geography, spectacular mountain peaks, the
lush vegetation, and the clearest water anywhere, the islands of Tahiti are the most
beautiful in the world.
Tahiti and her islands are a remarkable blend of new and old. Where tradition and modern comforts meet. The people of these islands are a fusion of many races and cultures defining today's Polynesian way of life. The atmosphere of French Polynesia blends French sophistication and Polynesian gaiety. French Polynesians love to laugh and sing and they approach life with a joyous spirit. A vacation to these islands warms the heart, clears the mind, rejuvenates the body, and fills you with peace. Once you visit the islands of Tahiti, you will know why so many people refer to them as the most magnificent place on Earth.
Non-stop flights from the West Coast take only 7 ½ hours. Polynesian hospitality does not permit tipping, and there are no sales taxes. Without such hidden costs, many travelers have found that the total cost for a vacation to Tahiti and her islands is no more than the cost of a vacation to Hawaii or the Caribbean
When people refer to Tahiti, they are usually referring to a group of islands known as the Society Islands (Tahiti, Moorea, Bora Bora, Huahine, Tahaa and Raiatea) and the Tuamotu atolls (Rangiroa, Tikehau and Manihi) of French Polynesia. The islands of French Polynesia have long been acclaimed as the most beautiful in the South Pacific and each island is surprisingly different.
The Society Islands
Best known of the island groups are the Society Islands, consisting of the Windward Group (Tahiti, Moorea, Tetiaroa) and the Leeward Group (Huahine, Raiatea, Tahaa, Maupiti and Bora Bora ). Each island is dominated by tall volcanic hills with rocky summits covered in luscious green undergrowth and surrounded by a coral reef which shelters a lagoon and exquisite white sand beaches.
The Tuamotu Atolls
In contrast to the dramatic peaks of the high islands such as Tahiti, Moorea and Bora Bora, the low islands of the Tuamotu atolls are green rings of coral reef surrounding a turquoise lagoon. The Tuamotu Archipelago comprises 78 coral atolls, scattered over several hundred miles of the eastern Pacific Ocean. Some of the main atolls are Rangiroa, Manihi, and Mataiva.
Colors seem brighter here and the water is incredibly clear. The beautiful interior lagoons have one or two narrow openings to the ocean where the rushing tides provide nutrients for an exuberant coral and fish life. Diving or snorkeling in these passes, with their exceptional clear waters, is an amazing experience. Local life on these atolls is simple and peaceful. In the small villages, usually located near the pass, the visitor can discover the true flavor of the Tuamotu, often participating in the daily activities of the Paumotu people.
The interior lagoons are a haven for black pearl farms, fish parks, snorkeling and scuba diving. Motorized outrigger canoes or motor boats are used by the locals to reach the distant motu islets across the lagoon, where the day is spent collecting copra and searching for colorful seashells.
Marquesas Islands
Spectacular mountains plunge into an ocean reflecting every shade of blue. Tropical rain forests teem with brilliant flowering shrubs and trees. Deserted beaches and quiet lagoons lure you to stroll and swim undisturbed. Colorful markets offer an opportunity to mingle with the local people. All of these describe the untouched beauty of The Marquesas Islands. These remote islands are located nearly 900 miles from Tahiti and have basic standards of modernization ranging from schools to rustic roads. But beneath these civilized trappings, a wild pulse still leaps in the streams and the fierceness of the old religion remains alive in the ruins and tikis half devoured by jungle.
French Polynesia has a broad range of accommodations ranging from world famous resorts to comfortable inns and B&B facilities. Selecting the accommodation that is right for you will determine a lot about how you experience French Polynesia. This is especially true on the outer islands, where your hotel is most likely to be the center of your activities.
Why not try a beautiful thatched-roof bungalow built over an amazing blue lagoon? Much of the fun of coming to the islands of French Polynesia is being able to stay in thatched roof bungalows located in a tropical garden setting, on a beautiful palm-fringed beach, or over a crystal clear lagoon. For the ultimate "escape," choose a vacation that features these traditional Tahitian accommodations.
Please refer to the "Hotels" page of our web site for detailed information on the major accommodations on the larger islands.
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Whether you are looking to relax on a white sand beach, sway in the tropical breeze on a hammock, hike the slopes of an ancient volcano, or swim in the clearest waters in the world, you can find it all in French Polynesia. Tahiti's beautiful beaches, spectacular lagoons and open ocean offer a world of opportunities to relax or explore.
You’ll also enjoy such activities as dolphin encounters, shark feeding, snorkeling, deep-sea fishing, water skiing, hiking, golf, helicopter rides, horseback riding, tennis, sailing, surfing, wind surfing, hang gliding, shopping, outrigger canoeing, and para-sailing. The region is a mecca for divers who come to see the rich and abundant marine life in warm pristine waters in some of the world's most unusual diving environments. In addition, Tahiti is the birth place of surfing, and there are popular breaks at Papenoo, Punaauia, and Paea.
With the jagged beauty of the ancient volcanic mountain peaks, walkers and climbers will enjoy the high islands throughout the region, and 4WD enthusiasts can hire vehicles on many of the islands. Equestrian types can massage saddle-sores after a day’s ride across the mountains and plateaus on many of the islands.
For more information on Activities and Tours available for each island, please refer to the "Tours/Activities" page of our web site.
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French Polynesia is readily accessible by air from most parts of the world; Qantas, Air New Zealand, Air France, Hawaiian Air, Corsair, and AOM French Airways all have flights from the United States to Tahiti. All international air traffic comes through Faaa Airport in Papeete.
For more information on flights and cruises to Tahiti, please refer to the "Travel Tips" page of our web site.
TRANSPORTATION
Getting around the islands of French Polynesia can be done by boat or air. Air Tahiti services a number of the islands with regular flights. Inter-island boats run regular routes between all of the island groups and can be a great way to travel within the region. Huge catamarans run between Tahiti and Moorea and the very modern Ono-Ono services the rest of the Society group. Luxury cruises are also available. For more information on Air Tahiti flights, please refer to the "Travel Tips" page of our web site.
In addition, Tahiti and the developed islands operate a local-bus service known as "le truck" which is inexpensive and reliable. Taxis are also available for hire, but can be expensive. Rental cars, scooters and bicycles are good ways to explore, and 4WDs can be hired if you want to head inland on some of the interior "roads".
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CLIMATE
French Polynesia enjoys warm, tropical weather year-round. Cooled by the gentle breezes of the Pacific, the climate of these islands is sunny and pleasant. Because Tahiti and her Islands are below the Equator, the seasons are the reverse of those in the Northern Hemisphere. Roughly speaking, there are two seasons: from November through May the climate is warmer and more humid, with daily temperatures of about 85 degrees F and from June through October the climate is cooler and drier with daily temperatures of about 82 degrees F. The year-round low is about 70 degrees F. Most of the rain falls during the warmer season, but there are also many lovely sunny days with refreshing trade-winds during these months. The average ocean temperature is in the low 80’s.
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LOCATION: Tahiti is in the same time zone as the Hawaiian Islands and is located south of the Equator. The islands are approximately mid way between Los Angeles, California and Sydney, Australia.
LANGUAGE: Tahitian and French are the main languages spoken throughout French Polynesia. English is spoken at all major hotels and most shops and restaurants. Tahitians truly appreciate visitors who try to learn a few of their words. They enjoy helping and you can expect a big smile and hearty laugh as they teach you
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS: U.S. and Canadian citizens must have a valid passport. A return airline ticket is also required. Citizens of other countries should consult their travel agent or the French Consulate. It is the passenger’s sole responsibility to ensure that all documents needed are complete and current.
TAXES AND TIPS: There are no sales taxes or other hidden service charges in French Polynesia. And this is one part of the world where you do not tip - Polynesian hospitality simply doesn’t allow it.
CURRENCY: Currency is the Pacific French franc (CFP). It is more advantageous to bring traveler’s checks rather than cash because they are safer and they bring a slightly higher exchange rate.
CREDIT CARDS: American Express, Visa, and Master Card are accepted at featured hotels and most restaurants and shops. It is always best to confirm current policy directly with each establishment.
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FLORA AND FAUNAThe flora of French Polynesia is rich due to the diversity of the climatic and physical conditions of the islands and atolls. With nearly one thousand native species, it was further diversified by the hundreds of species which were imported by the Europeans during the last three hundred years. The first species of the French Polynesian flora encountered by travelers are the flowers: the "Tiare Tahiti" or Gardenia taitensis which is the national flower of French Polynesia, and the "maire", a fern which also symbolizes Tahiti. It is these flowers that the Polynesians thread and plait for necklaces and head-crowns used in traditional welcoming ceremonies .
The high volcanic islands are covered with dense vegetation. Coconut palms dominate the landscape. Other trees include the pandanus palm, kapok, ironwood, Australian pine, giant bamboo, Tahitian chestnut. mango, breadfruit, papaya, banana, grapefruit, avocado, orange, mandarin, lime, and lemon. Flowering plants include hibiscus, gardenia, oleander, frangipani, bougainvillea, poinsettia, heliconias, bird of paradise, ginger, and many others. Underwater there is a kaleidoscope of brilliant color coral reefs ranging from bright yellow, neon green and turquoise, to deep purples and reds.
The fauna of French Polynesia is generally richer in the lagoons than in the surrounding ocean. The tiger-shark stays in deep water during the day but swims up in the channels at night. Manta rays and giant turtles are not uncommon. Non Threatening Gray sharks are very common as are whales and dolphins. The lagoons, their fringing reefs, and their barrier reefs accommodate a very rich fauna. The coral reefs themselves are constructed by living creatures. Numerous sponges and cnidarians can be found. Fish living permanently in the lagoons provide a very attractive world for visitors exploring the underwater depths.
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French Polynesia is one of the few places in the world where cultured black pearls are grown. They can make a unique and exquisite souvenir. The pearls’ marvelous colors range from silver gray through deep greens iridescent with pink, gold and blue to the darkest black. The infinite range of shades are natural and are produced by the Pinctada margaritifera, the oyster species common in Polynesia, which live in the pure lagoon waters. Infinite care and attention are lavished on the pearl bearing oysters on the "farms" in the Tuamotu atolls. There are shops on every island offering the pearls, but the largest selections are found in Tahiti and Moorea.
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A number of fine restaurants offering cuisine from around the world can be found in French Polynesia. However, The Tahitian Feast or "tamaaraa" is a traditional event among the villagers. Food is slowly cooked in an underground oven called an "ahimaa" - a hole in the ground lined with preheated volcanic rocks. Food is wrapped in banana leaves, placed in layers in the oven, then carefully covered with more leaves. More hot stones are placed on top of the banana leaves and they are covered with earth and burlap bags to contain the heat within the oven. The food steams in its own juices, and after several hours the oven is opened. The Polynesian food is spread out on a table cloth of palm fronds or banana leaves. You will eat with your fingers, dipping juicy pieces of roast pork, fish, breadfruit, taro, and other goodies into coconut cream sauce. Poe, a sweet pudding, and fresh fruit are served for dessert. The feast is followed by Tahitian dancing.
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The islands of French Polynesia are located halfway between Australia and the Americas: 3,085 miles E of Sydney and 3,714 SW of Los Angeles. French Polynesia comprises one coral archipelago and four volcanic archipelagoes whose high islands, except for the Marquesas, are surrounded by a more or less regular coral reef usually cut by passes.
The volcanic Society Islands are divided into the Windward and Leeward islands. A volcanic island appears when a sub-marine volcano erupts ejecting lava and material in such quantity that it rises above sea level. Volcanic islands have points that easily reach several thousand feet. The Windward Islands, the most populated, include the islands of Tahiti, Moorea, Maiao and Mehetia, as well as the atoll of Tetiaroa. The Leeward Islands, more than 200 km west of Tahiti, include the islands of Raiatea (the largest), Bora Bora, Maupiti, Huahine, and Tahaa.
The Tuamotu Atolls are a coral archipelago with nearly eighty islands, half of which are uninhabited. The Atolls are geologically the oldest islands in Polynesia and look very different from the Society Islands. They are the vestiges of ancient volcanoes, sinking over millions of years while coral growth at the rim keeps reaching for sunlight. An atoll appears when a coral reef completely surrounds the island which is sinking to below sea level. The highest points on an atoll rarely reach 30 feet above sea level and are covered with lush vegetation and tightly packed coconut groves. These ring-shaped islands can be huge (Rangiroa , 46 miles across, Fakarava , 38 miles across ).
The volcanic Marquesas archipelago, is made up of 9 major islands of volcanic origin without a coral reef, and of a few islets with a total surface area of 1,274 sq. kin. The main island is Nuku Hive on which the administrative capital, Taiohae, is located. The other inhabited islands are Hive Oa, Ua Pou, Ua Huka. Fatu Hiva and Tabueta.
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