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Tahiti & the Islands of French Polynesia
French Polynesia is made up of five archipelagoes spread over 12 million
square miles of ocean in the South Pacific. However, the 118 islands and
atolls have a total land area of just 1,544 square miles. Tahiti is the
largest island in French Polynesia.
These magnificent islands have inspired travelers from all over the
world. Perhaps the most famous are the legendary painter Paul Gauguin
and authors James Mitchener and Herman Melville.
Let Tahiti and her islands enchant and captivate you with their
remarkably clear blue waters, stunning land and sea-scapes, the
delightful floral scents permeating the tropical air and the smiles of
their welcoming people.
Location & Climate
Tahiti in the Society Islands, the Tuamotu Archipelago and the Marquesas
Islands are in the South Pacific,
mid-way between Los Angeles and Sydney in Australia. They share the same
time zone as Hawaii and have a pleasant, year-round tropical climate
averaging about 80º.
Entry Requirements
U.S. and Canadian citizens need a valid passport. Those from other
countries should check with their travel agent or the French Consulate.
Language
The official languages are Tahitian and French. English is also spoken
in hotels and most restaurants and shops.
Clothing
During the day, shorts, bathing suits or a pareu (a wrap-around cloth
garment) are recommended, plus a hat or sun visor and sunglasses. In the
evening, a shirt, slacks, and casual shoes for men and a sundress,
slacks or shorts for ladies may be worn. June through September,
evenings may be cool enough for a light sweater. A raincoat that folds
to fit into a pocket may also come in handy.
Activities
There is plenty to do here, from water sports to land
activities to just relaxing on the beach. Diving and snorkeling are
superb, as there is a profusion of coral, fish and undersea plant life.
On land, enjoy a circle island tour, hiking, horseback riding and
shopping for exquisite black pearls, handicrafts and souvenirs. Brendan
offers many optional tours and we suggest you book in advance.
Water & Health
Tap water in the hotels and restaurants is safe to drink, though hotels
provide bottled water at an additional cost. Currently, vaccinations are
not required for U.S. citizens. Medical and dental facilities are
available, plus hotels and dispensaries have first aid supplies to treat
coral cuts and sunburn.
Electricity
Most of the hotels use 220 volts. A converter/adaptor is usually
available upon request.
Tipping
Tipping is not generally accepted, as it is not part of the Polynesian
culture.
Currency Exchange
The local currency is the French Pacific Franc (CFP). Currency and
traveler's checks can be exchanged at the international airport, banks
and hotels. Visa, MasterCard and American Express are generally
accepted.
Dining
Tahiti offers everything from traditional native fare to fine French
cuisine, plus American, Chinese and Italian dishes. You can enjoy a
picnic on a private "motu" (a small islet), eat at a fine
restaurant or an outdoor café, or savor a traditional feast or a beach
barbecue.
Many hotels offer meal plans. The American Plan (AP), includes
breakfast, lunch and dinner (BLD) and the Modified American Plan (MAP),
includes breakfast and dinner (BD). The prices for these packages are
shown with each hotel that offers meal plans. Some hotels have
compulsory Christmas and New Year dinners.
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