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Tahiti – Moorea – Bora Bora – island names that evoke a wonderful state of mind, seducing honeymooners, romantics, adventurers, and vacationers looking for escape.

Here, around these South Seas isles, a romantic sunset sea sends giant curls of turquoise breaking onto the colorful reefs that protect the tranquil lagoons of warm, bright-emerald waters and white coral-sand beaches.

Tahiti covers over two million square miles of the South Pacific Ocean and is comprised of 118 islands spread over five great archipelagos.

Many islands are crowned with jagged peaks while others appear to barely float above the breaking waves. Spread over an area 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.

The three archipelagos most sought by visitors are the Society Islands, comprised of Tahiti, Moorea, Bora Bora, Huahine, Raiatea and Taha’a; The Tuamotu Atolls or “Tahiti’s Strand of Pearls”, include the atolls of Rangiroa, Manihi, Tikehau, and Fakarava; and the Marquesas, or “The Mysterious Islands.”

The two other archipelagos, the Austral Islands and the Gambier Islands, lie to the south and the southeast, respectively, of the Society Islands. While very few travelers venture to these remote islands, those that do are not disappointed by the pristine environment.

Closer Than You Think

Easier to travel to than you might imagine, Tahiti’s Faa’a 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 April-October and two hours behind California November-March).

What makes Tahiti so unique for visitors?

PEOPLE
Embrace the warmth of your Polynesian hosts whose love for their islands is seen through music, dance, and flowers.

Overwater Bungalows
Enjoy the drama and comfort of the world’s perfect hotel room while sleeping above soothing lagoon waters.

Cruising
Voyage within the legendary South Pacific aboard luxurious cruise ships, superyachts, or passenger freighter that travel between Tahiti’s most beautiful islands. Call our Paul Gauguin Pearl Specialist for small ship sailing through the islands.

Polynesian Spas
Experience true relaxation and rejuvenation at one of the many luxurious Polynesian spas while nurtured by the tropical ambience.

Snorkeling & Diving
Share the warm, crystal-clear lagoons and swift ocean passes with schools of impossibly-colored fish, docile sharks, and giant manta rays.

Honeymoons & Romance
Celebrate a new romance or a special anniversary in the most romantic spot on earth. Discover how the seclusion and setting of these islands create one of the world’s most desirable honeymoon destinations.

ARE YOU WONDERING ABOUT

TRAVEL TIPS

Tips

Currency

• The local currency is the Pacific Franc, CFP or XPF. It is linked to the Euro. $1 is about 90 CFP
• Credit cards are widely accepted in the most touristy islands and travelers should advise their banks that they will be overseas and make sure  their card will work there
• Travelers cheques can be used but are not accepted everywhere. High fees apply in banks and resorts to change them
• US dollars are accepted in some stores but the exchange rate will not be the greatest
• Currency exchange services are available from banks and resorts. Fees apply
• ATMs are available at the Faa’a International Airport as well as banks in Papeete and the most touristy islands and areas
• We recommend that visitors travel with a bit of cash as a precaution

Weather

• The islands have tropical weather and are blessed with a lot of sunshine and enough rain to keep mountains and valleys lush and green
• Average temperature is about 80°F throughout the year, both air and water
• Summer runs from November to April
• The “Tahitian winter” or cooler season is from May to October
• There is no cyclone season in French Polynesia

What to Bring

• Pack light, comfortable clothes
• Reef shoes
• Lots of sunscreen and after sun lotion
• Insect repellent
• Any prescription medicine
• Adapter for electronic appliances (the islands have 220 volts and French plugs – most resorts have 110 volts for small appliances such as razor)

Nightlife

• In the islands, the locals’ daily schedule starts with sunrise and ends at sunset. There is not much happening as far as nightlife. It is not Vegas, Ibiza, or Mexico
• Most night clubs are located on the main island of Tahiti
• Some of the resorts’ offer live band performances at their bars and pool areas
• Local dance troupes perform in hotels to give the travelers an insight into Tahitian music, dances, and songs
• Visitors do not travel to The Islands of Tahiti for the nightlife but for the pristine, breathtaking beauty and majesty of the islands, the kindness and warmth of its inhabitants and culture, the authenticity and serenity that can be found each day in what many call “paradise”