Tahiti
Tahiti, which is officially known as French Polynesia, consists of five island groups or archipelagoes, which lie in the South Pacific – south of the equator, in the same time zone as Hawaii.
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Location
Tahiti & Her Islands span four million Km square of ocean and cover an area as large as Europe. However, the land above sea level only account for some 4,000 km square 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 (in the south) and the Gambiers (to the south-east).
They are located just a little over 5 hours non-stop flying time from Auckland, under eight hours from Los Angeles. The islands are located midway between California and Australia.
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The Islands
The most frequently visited islands are Tahiti, Bora Bora, Moorea, Huahine, Raiatea, Taha’a, and Rangiroa. More and more travelers are discovering the destination’s incredible and distinctive beauty that is found throughout the archipelagoes. -
Capital of Tahiti
Tahiti’s capital city is Papeete, located on the island of Tahiti. -
Where is Tahiti See Live Map
Air Service
Frequent airline connections link Tahiti with Los Angeles, Hawaii, New York, Canada, Europe, New Zealand, Australia, and Japan.
Inter-Island Airlines & Flights in Tahiti
All inter-island flights are provided by Air Tahiti. The Air Tahiti network covers 41 islands and offers the most convenient means of transportation between Tahiti and Her Islands. The most popular islands of Bora Bora, Huahine, Raiatea and Rangiroa have several flights daily, while other, less frequented islands may be limited to 1-3 flights a week.
Baggage Restrictions, Inter-Island
Normally, when flying inter-island on Air Tahiti, passengers are allowed baggage up to 20 kilos (44 lbs). There is however an exception for divers who may bring 25 kilos (55 lbs). To qualify, you must present your dive certification card and international ticket at the check-in counter.
The Air Tahiti terminal is located in the same building as the International arrival and departures at Tahiti Faa'a International Airport.
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Climate
November to March is summertime and April to October is wintertime. November through March is warmer and humid. A drier season runs from April to October. The average year-round temperature is 25-26 degree celsius, and the average water temperature is in the low 26 degrees . -
Time Difference
GMT – 10 hrs . Tahiti is in the same time zone as Hawaii.
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Language
French and Tahitian are the official languages. English is spoken in hotels and in most shops and restaurants, so communication is rarely a problem.
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Currency
The local currency is the French Pacific Franc. Its abbreviation is XPF or CFP.
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Entry Requirements
Indian Citizens require French territory visa from the French Consulate. No immunizations are required.
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Electrical Equipment
Electric voltage is 220v, and most hotels have 110v outlets for electric razors. A converter/adapter kit will generally be needed for other appliances.
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Dress
Comfortable and cool, natural fabrics such as cotton sundresses or T-shirts make perfect daytime wear.. Shorts, bathing suits and the local pareo, a sarong-like wraparound garment, are the ideal daytime wear on the outer islands. Be sure to pack reef walkers or old tennis shoes for walking on coral, a hat or sun visor, and sunglasses. Take care not to over-expose your body to the tropical sun, and pack a good waterproof sunscreen.
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Health
Polynesia has modern medical and dental services, pharmacies, private clinics and a large hospital in Tahiti. The outer islands have hospitals or dispensaries, and private practitioners. Although tap water in hotels and restaurants is generally safe to drink, we recommend bottled water which is easily available in hotels & supermarkets.
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Popular Activities
Some of the world’s best snorkeling, scuba diving and surfing are found in Tahiti. Also popular – outriggercanoeing, bicycle and horseback riding, four-wheel jeep safaris, spear and deep sea fishing, swimming, sailing, jet skiing, wind surfing, tennis, island tours, shark and ray feeding, helicopter rides, museums, ancient maraes (temples), and other cultural experiences. Sunset watching, beach strolling, relaxing in the sand, enjoying exquisite Tahitian cuisine, walking through beautiful fragrant gardens, and simply getting to know the friendly and hospitable Tahitian people are memorable highlights of any visit to Tahiti.
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Getting Around
Taxis and buses are popular forms of transportation on the main island of Tahiti. On the outer islands, car and scooter rentals are available and “Le Truck” (open-air buses) are an inexpensive means of getting around.
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Business Hours
Shops are open from Monday to Friday 7:30 am to 11:30 am and from 1:30 pm to 5 pm/6 pm. Saturdays from 7:30 am to 11:30 am. Some shops are also open afternoons. Most places are closed on Sunday including many restaurants except for the Papeete market, which is very busy from 5 in the morning. There you can fi nd a wide variety of fl owers, food, pareu, hats, mother of pearl, art objects and a variety of souvenirs
