Tahiti and her Islands and atolls comprise the country of French Polynesia - five island groups or archipelagos extending over 115 islands. The most frequently visited islands are Moorea and Bora Bora. Tahiti’s varied landscape ranges from sea-level coral atolls to volcanic mountain peaks. Tahiti is renowned for warm waters, white sand beaches, stunning turquoise lagoons, lush green hills and abundant flowering plants. The capital of Tahiti is the city of Papeete located on Tahiti, the largest island.
Tahiti
Tahiti is the largest of the 115 islands and consists of mountain peaks reaching over dense. Waterfalls cascade into cool rivers and streams as well as flat coastal area containing fields of taro and tropical flowers. The beaches on the island of Tahiti vary, you will find black sand beaches on the north east cost and white sand beaches on the south west side of Tahiti. Most of the hotel resorts in Tahiti can be found on the west coast side of the island of Tahiti.
Moorea
Moorea is only 17 km from Tahiti and is accessible by ferry or air from Tahiti. Many visitors say it is worth the airfare to see Moorea's spectacular bays. The volcanic peaks, reflected in the tranquil waters, rise from the island's basaltic base. The mountain slopes are covered with pineapple plantations, and white sand beaches border crystalline lagoons. Moorea is ideal for a day visit but a stay is recommended!
Bora Bora
Bora Bora is the most magical of all the French Polynesian islands. The main island of Bora Bora is in the centre of a multicoloured lagoon, surrounded by offshore motu (islands) inside a protective coral necklace. The motu islets of Bora Bora are the ideal location for a Bora Bora honeymoon. No matter what kind of vacation you are planning, Bora Bora is a must when visiting French Polynesia.
Food & Water
Bottled water is readily available in Tahiti.
Wherever in the world French culture has gone, its cuisine has followed. Throughout French Polynesia the cuisine is unique, a melange of French, Chinese and Polynesian food which provides unending pleasure for locals and visitors alike.
The people of Tahiti and her islands are dedicated to the preparation and presentation of fine food, and as the three races of French Polynesia – Tahitian, European and Chinese – have intermarried, producing a thoroughly mixed race of people, so too has their cuisine become an eclectic blend of cooking styles.
Fresh fish, vegetables and fruit are the staple ingredients, prepared with loving care and served in a diverse range of styles to suit every conceivable taste. Spices are used minimally, the cuisine being relatively mild, flavoured with the aid of several key local ingredients, coconut, ginger, lime and vanilla.
Shopping
Special purchases include Marquesan woodcarvings, dancing costumes, shell jewellery, local perfumes and vanilla beans. Shops are generally open Monday – Friday from 8am to 5pm (please note most shops are closed for lunch) and on Saturdays from 8am to 11am.
General Costs while Travelling Based on the Euro (The French Pacific Franc is tied to the Euro)
• Water (1 Litre Bottle): €2.00
• Average restaurant meal: €25.00
• Bottle of beer in bar/restaurant: €2.15
• Combo Meal at McDonalds or Similar: €15.00
• Local taxi ride: € (5km within city centre)