Tahiti refers to the entire Destionation of what is officially know as French Polynesian and is also the name of the 118 islands and atolls in the country. The Island of Tahiti and the capital city of Papeete are located in the Society Islands, the archipelago that includes the high-rising islands of Moorea, Huahine, Raiatea, Taha's and Bora Bora. Other Visted islands are the Tuamotu Atolls of Rangiroa, Manihi, Tikehau and Fakarava and the Marquesas Islands of Nuke Hiva and Hiva Oa.

 

The islands are located South of the equatorin the same time zone as Hawaii Papeete's Faa's Airport is under 8 hours from Los Angeles and about 12 hours from New York's JFK. Non-stop flights depart from LAX daily and two-three times a week from JFK.

 

U.S. and Canadian citizens need a valid Passport for six months beyond their date of return. If your passport is other than US or Canadian, check with the French Consulate. No immunization certificates are required.

 

The Islands are only 2 hours behind Pacific Standard Time. During Day light savings time

(April-November) they are 3 hours behind.

 

Ceremonies are not legal weddings. Couples intending to marry legally can do it at home and

then exchange personal vows at one of the Traditional Tahitian Ceremony is for many a

dream come true.

 

Upon Arrival most vistors exchange some money at Faa'a Airport at their hotels, or the CruiseShip. Since most credit cards are accepted it is not necessary to exchange large amounts money.

Common Currency on the islands is the French Pacific Franc,referred ao as CFP or Xpe.

 

French and Tahitian are the official languages, while English is widely spoken and understood

 in Tourist Areas.

 

Tipping is not customary or expected in Tahitian Culture. However, tipping is always Welcome.

 

Cooled  by the gentle breezes of the South Pacific, the climate is ideal. Being tropical but moderate,the climate features sunny pleasant days an average temperature of 79 degrees.

Summer is From November through April when the Climate is slightly warmer and more Humid. Winter is from May through October when the climate is slightly cooler and dryer.

 

The Climate and Lifestyle on the island call for Casual and Comfortable Clothing. Pack loose-fitting natural fabrics and plenty of shorts. Casual Shirts and shorts provide the most comfort during the day. For Dinner, casual slacks and sport shirts are the best choice for men; cool sundress for women.

 

Sunscreen, brimmed hats, sunglasses, swimsuits, reef walking shoes, bug repellent, Prescription Medicine and a Camera.

 

Some will work, just check with your Service Provider before Departing. Phones can be rented.

 

There are a few options: Dial-up, Broadband, Wi-Fi, DSL, in each room and Cyber Cafes.

 

Yes, On the main islands, but bottled water is available in the resorts,restaurants and shops.

 

Resorts use either 110 or 220 volts. Convertes/adapters are sometimes required for

appliances and computers.

 

Tahit's most popular products are "Black Pearls", Coconut and tiare soaps, monoi oil, vanilla beans, shell leis, wood carvings, woven hats and baskets, and the colorful handmade pareu fabric worn by the natives. The Papeete public market is a favorite with vistors.

 

The Most inexpensive and common form of transportation is public open air buses called Le truck. Taxi's can be hired within the primary towns,most hotels,airports and the ferry terminals. Cars can also be rented on primary islands but most vistors find them unneccessary.

 

Tahiti is the perfect place to do everything or nothing at all. Some of the most popular activities include the  world class spas, shopping, 4x4 excursions, nature biking, scuba diving, snorkeling, canoeing, sailing, jet skiing, windsurfing, tennis, golf, horseback riding, deep sea fishing, circle island tours, helicopter tours, and tours of museums and historic sites.

 

The islands offer world class diving. The clear lagoons, coral gardens, underwater passes, and oceanic drop-offs all create an abundant aqua-culture with infinite sealife.