FRENCH POLYNESIA VACATIONS
WHAT TO SEE AND DO?
ABOUT FRENCH POLYNESIA
Tahiti. The word evokes visions of an island paradise. With 118 islands boasting high, rugged mountain peaks, coral reefs, turquoise-blue lagoons, white sand, palm-fringed beaches, and luxuriously intimate resorts, each island paradise has something for everyone. Bora Bora, Moorea, Huahine, Taha'a, Raiatea, Manihi, Tikehau, Rangiroa, Fakarava, The Marquesas and the other exquisite Islands of Tahiti cover more than two million square miles of the South Pacific Ocean and is comprised of 118 islands and atolls spread over five great archipelagos. Many islands are crowned with jagged peaks while others appear to barely float above the breaking waves. Spanning an area in the South Pacific as large as Western Europe, the total land mass of all the islands adds up to an area only slightly larger than the tiny state of Rhode Island.
MORE INFO ON FRENCH POLYNESIA
ADDITIONAL INFO
1More About French Polynesia
Easier to travel to than you might imagine, Tahiti’s Faa’a International Airport is under 8 hours by air from Los Angeles (LAX) airport, with daily nonstop flights. As far south of the equator as Hawaii is north, Tahiti is halfway between California and Australia, on the same side of the International Date Line as North America, and in the same time zone as Hawaii (only three hours behind California from March to October and two hours behind California from November to March).
2Top Things to See and Do:
- Stay in an Overwater Bungalow
- Experience world-class snorkeling and diving in Tahiti. It’s one of the South Pacific’s best-kept secrets
- Rejuvenate with a fresh-flower bath, herbal rain showers, or even a body wrap in banana tree leaves.
- Embrace the warmth of your Polynesian hosts whose love for their islands is seen through music, dance, and flowers.
- Voyage within the legendary South Pacific aboard luxurious cruise ships, super yachts, or passenger freighter that travel between Tahiti’s most beautiful islands
- Celebrate a new romance or a special anniversary in the most romantic spot on earth.
3Travel Tips:
Upon arrival most visitors exchange some money at the airport or at their hotels. Since most credit cards are readily accepted in all tourist areas, it is not necessary to exchange large amounts. The currency is the French Pacific Franc (XPF).
For stays of up to 90 days, there are no visa requirements for citizens of the U.S. or Canada carrying a US or Canadian Passport. 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.
French and Tahitian are the official languages, but English is spoken and understood in tourist areas. Brushing up on a few basic French phrases and learning Tahitian greetings are appreciated.
4Weather/ Climate:
Temperatures average about 26°C year around, both the air temperature and the water temperature. Tahiti is a tropical destination blessed with lots of Sun and enough rain to keep the waterfalls flowing and the flowers blooming!
Tahiti. The word evokes visions of an island paradise. With 118 islands boasting high, rugged mountain peaks, coral reefs, turquoise-blue lagoons, white sand, palm-fringed beaches, and luxuriously intimate resorts, each island paradise has something for everyone. Bora Bora, Moorea, Huahine, Taha'a, Raiatea, Manihi, Tikehau, Rangiroa, Fakarava, The Marquesas and the other exquisite Islands of Tahiti cover more than two million square miles of the South Pacific Ocean and is comprised of 118 islands and atolls spread over five great archipelagos. Many islands are crowned with jagged peaks while others appear to barely float above the breaking waves. Spanning an area in the South Pacific as large as Western Europe, the total land mass of all the islands adds up to an area only slightly larger than the tiny state of Rhode Island.
Easier to travel to than you might imagine, Tahiti’s Faa’a International Airport is under 8 hours by air from Los Angeles (LAX) airport, with daily nonstop flights. As far south of the equator as Hawaii is north, Tahiti is halfway between California and Australia, on the same side of the International Date Line as North America, and in the same time zone as Hawaii (only three hours behind California from March to October and two hours behind California from November to March).
Top Things to See and Do:
- Stay in an Overwater Bungalow
- Experience world-class snorkeling and diving in Tahiti. It’s one of the South Pacific’s best-kept secrets
- Rejuvenate with a fresh-flower bath, herbal rain showers, or even a body wrap in banana tree leaves.
- Embrace the warmth of your Polynesian hosts whose love for their islands is seen through music, dance, and flowers.
- Voyage within the legendary South Pacific aboard luxurious cruise ships, super yachts, or passenger freighter that travel between Tahiti’s most beautiful islands
- Celebrate a new romance or a special anniversary in the most romantic spot on earth.
Travel Tips:
Upon arrival most visitors exchange some money at the airport or at their hotels. Since most credit cards are readily accepted in all tourist areas, it is not necessary to exchange large amounts. The currency is the French Pacific Franc (XPF).
For stays of up to 90 days, there are no visa requirements for citizens of the U.S. or Canada carrying a US or Canadian Passport. 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.
French and Tahitian are the official languages, but English is spoken and understood in tourist areas. Brushing up on a few basic French phrases and learning Tahitian greetings are appreciated.
Weather/ Climate:
Temperatures average about 26°C year around, both the air temperature and the water temperature. Tahiti is a tropical destination blessed with lots of Sun and enough rain to keep the waterfalls flowing and the flowers blooming!