Destination : French Polynesia
The islands of Tahiti have many strengths offering different experiences for travelers in search of authenticity, happiness and breathtaking landscapes.
Traditional weddings and honeymoons
“I do” in paradise… there is no better destination than The Islands of Tahiti for a wedding celebration.
Traditionally, to join two souls, the Polynesian ritual wants the vows to be pronounced in native language: re’o maohi (Tahitian), here no rings, the bride and groom’s hands are intertwined with auti (chordyline) crowns called lei. A coconut is then split above their hands and the priest let the coconut juice spreads on the couple’s hand while continuing to pronounce the vows. To finalize their union, the young bride and groom are enveloped in a tifaifai (hand-sewn cover) and songs start to officialize the union. Generally, a Tahitian wedding name is given, often it is chosen in relation to the bride and groom’s life and their common history. This ceremony allows a special union between culture, sensuality, and romanticism… A magic touch to an unforgettable moment.
Choosing French Polynesia to celebrate a honeymoon is a common choice for a reason. Paradisiac landscapes with turquoise water; French Polynesia is a dream come true for many with the beauty of its islands, lagoons with blue tones and its breathtaking landscapes. An overwater bungalow experience remains a must-do for a lot of people to create memorable moments for 2.
Wellness & Spa
French Polynesia and its quiet and soothing lagoons, incredible fauna and flora, vanilla and tiare flower scents, tranquility which is presents in every single of its islands… Serenity is the keyword of a stay in our islands.
Many resorts will offer you Spas with traditional massages and treatments to continue this bubble of wellbeing. Each spa is unique: open bungalows with pandanus roof on the beach, private garden with many kinds of flowers, overwater bungalows where you will be surprised to see colorful fish while enjoying your treatment, or even secluded Spas nestled on the top of a hill with an incredible panorama on the lagoon and the neighboring islands.
Your treatment offers local massage oil, plants and flower: traditional Polynesian massage, fresh fruits mask or scrub with Bora Bora sand.
Diving, snorkeling and water sports
For centuries, we can see on tattooed Polynesian bodies: Manta rays, sharks, whales, turtles, and many kinds of fish which represent the history of a people raised by the sea.
For all the Polynesians, ocean represents the complete cycle of life, there is a privileged relationship between them. The daily life is punctuated either by surfing, navigating, or riding on traditional outrigger canoes.
In the Islands of Tahiti, divers come from all parts of the world in the hope to meet sacred marine animals. The Islands of Tahiti warm waters are full of life, from all kinds of fish species to much larger mammals such as whales which are coming in Polynesian water yearly from August to October.
French Polynesia is a paradise for any kind of water sports amateurs. Sunset cruises, underwater discovery with mask-fins-tuba, kayak rides or jet-ski tours… Paradise is here!
Hiking & Eco-tourism
For nature lovers nothing better than mountain hiking to discover one of The Islands of Tahiti aspects.
Here, there is something for all levels and tastes; from the exploration of valleys crossed by rivers and incredible waterfalls to ridgelines on the highest peaks (Aorai, Orohena, Mou’a Puta, Rotui…), or even trails located on the seashores, housing tiny wild creeks dominated by steep cliffs (Te Pari, Marquesas Islands…) and much more.
In French Polynesia, respect for the environment is an important thing. Several practices and associations have been created aiming at the respect of the latter. One of the ancestral Polynesian practices which still exists today is rahui, it is a temporary prohibition for agricultural or lagoon withdrawals which allow them to reproduce at the right time.
Nonprofit organizations protecting our islands are many.
For cetaceans and turtles lovers, Te Mana O Te Moana association works for the public sensibilization contributing to a better knowledge of local patrimony and its fragilities.
A group of teenagers from Moorea decided to create an association to raise awareness for the protection of the ocean seabed. "Coral Gardeners" was born from this simple idea from local surfers who wanted to ensure their environment beauty will stay safe for future generations to come. This is now a professional organization that raises awareness and informs people on the threat to coral reefs allowing travelers to support and help their reef restoration project.
Finally, Oceania Association, our main partner works on dolphins and whales’ protection (whales come yearly in our waters for reproduction) All our travelers can participate in the association activity and particularly in its project Vigie Sanctuaire in the form of an eco-tax returned in full to Oceania.
Cruises
Discover The Islands of Tahiti differently, get on board a sailing boat or a cruise ship and cross the Ocean. Once the navigation starts you will feel the soothing calmness and tranquility of the lagoons then will come the strong and untamed waters of the Pacific. Let the flower scents guide you far away from the lands that can be seen at the horizon. Then, in the light of a sunrise, you will see the silhouettes of The Islands of Tahiti in the distance.
Here, cruise becomes a synonym of discovery. In French Polynesia, stopovers are small visited but bewitching, boats are smallest but more luxurious. The Pacific waters with thousands of blue shades are so calm that the crossings are fast and short.
The cruises (private or charter) will allow you to enjoy a vacation at your own pace for a full discovery of the islands by the sea…
From Tahititan Guesthouses to boutique hotels and international resorts
In The Islands of Tahiti, you will be able to find varied accommodation offers.
The most common accommodation in French Polynesia is what we call Tahitian Guesthouses. This option will allow going in the heart of traditions and local lifestyle. From individual homes to bungalows and small pavilions and guest rooms… Meals are often shared with the family members who also offer guided tours of well-known sites and surroundings.
Numerous are small resorts especially in the main islands: they offer intermediary services between Tahitian Guesthouses and international resorts providing this way a good value for money for budget-conscious travelers. They enjoy nice locations, and the lack of standardization provides an authentic experience.
And last but not least, French Polynesia offers numerous international resorts, members of major hotel chains (Sofitel, InterContinental, Hilton, Marriott…). For luxury lovers after exclusive high-end experiences with Spa, infinity pool, and comfortable bungalows, you will find the gem which is just like you. From your arrival to your departure, you will be able to have an exceptional stay.
Practical guide
TIME DIFFERENCE
French Polynesia is at GMT-10
When it is 12:00/midday in Papeete, it is:
- 03:00 pm (+3h): in Los Angeles
- 06:00 pm (+6h): in New York
- Midnight daylight saving time (+12h) in Paris /23:00pm wintertime (+11h) in Paris
- 07:00am the next day (+19h) in Tokyo
- 11:00am the next day, daylight saving time (+23h) in Auckland /10:00am wintertime (+22H) in Auckland
CURRENCY
The local currency is the Pacific French Franc: CFP or XPF. The exchange rate XPF/ EURO is: 1€ = 119,33 CFP.
At the airport, you will find change and ATMs.
Credit cards: Visa, Mastercard, and American Express are accepted in most stores, restaurants, and resorts. ATM machines accept all credit cards (except American Express which is allowed only in certain ATM machines on the island of Tahiti).
Be aware some islands like Maupiti do not have ATMs and it is recommended to always carry cash to pay for tours and small purchases.
FEES & TIPS
A tourist tax between 70 to 200 xpf per day will be charged directly on-site by resorts and Tahitian guesthouses. Tips are not mandatory in French Polynesia and remains at the discretion of the clients.
ELECTRICITY is 60 Hertz (220 Volts). The electrical outlets are identical to those in France.
TRAFFIC INFORMATION: we drive on the right side of the road. Circulation rules are the same as in France.
WATER
The water is safe to drink in Papeete and on Bora Bora island. It's recommended to bring a water bottle to avoid excessive use of plastic bottles.
COMMUNICATIONS
- PHONE: The telephone code is +689 + 8 digits
To call outside French Polynesia, compose 00+ your country code. For smartphones, the system we use is GSM. The main islands are covered by the signal and you will obtain a temporary subscription for the duration of your trip (prepaid card system) in a post office or in a Vini or Vodafone store. You can also consult the website of www.vini.pf or www.vodafone.pf , the local operators, for information on roaming (be aware of very high roaming charges).
- INTERNET : the 2 internet providers are Vini and Vodafone. You will find Internet cafes on many islands and most hotels and guesthouses also offer Internet service (with or without charge). However, to ensure a seamless connectivity experience, we provide to all our travelers a “Connectivity Pack” with our partner Tahiti Wifi to stay always connected. (unlimited data).
- POST OFFICES offer the same services as in Europe. Mail takes between 8 and 15 days. The post offices are generally open from Monday to Friday from 07:00 am to 04:00 pm.
ARRIVAL/DEPARTURE INFORMATION
Upon arrival, travelers will be greeted by our transport partner who will hand over the passengers’ travel booklet as well as the WIFI connectivity pack to ensure communication comfort.
