What you need to know about holidays in Tahiti

A trip to French Polynesia is a heavenly adventure. 118 islands scattered across the South Pacific, turquoise blue lagoons, palm-lined beaches, romantic overwater bungalows, lush mountains! And one of the most beautiful places is the islands of Tahiti .

The name “Islands of Tahiti ” is often used as an alternative to describe the grouping of five separate island chains. But Tahiti is also the name of the largest island, home to the bustling capital Papeete . You will be surprised to know that the islands of Tahiti are almost equivalent to Europe with an area of 5.5 million km².

Tahiti's infrastructure is developed, especially in the capital, Papeete . You will find a large number of hotels, restaurants, cafes, shops, as well as entertainment and vibrant nightlife. And of course, water sports such as diving , snorkeling and surfing.

Depositphotos

Climate of Tahiti

The climate in Tahiti is tropical, with warm and humid summers and mild winters. Temperatures on average range from +24°C to +30°C. Rain can occur throughout the year, and the best time to visit is between May and October when the weather becomes drier and more stable. There are two seasons: a hot and very humid season during the southern summer (November-April), March is the hottest month (+27...+30°C), a cool and drier season during the southern winter (May-October), August - the coolest month (+25…+28°C).

The peculiarity of the climate is that the humidity ranges from 65% to 100% at the height of the rainy season: it can last for several days in a row without a break. During the so-called dry season, heavy rains are possible, most often spotty and heavy.

Depositphotos

What to do in Tahiti

Tahiti is an exquisite destination for tourists who dream of relaxing on warm beaches, exploring the underwater world and enjoying cultural experiences. This island paradise offers unforgettable experiences and unrivaled scenery for all who wish to enjoy the beautiful natural resources of Tahiti .

• Beach holiday : Tahiti is famous for its snow-white beaches and crystal clear waters of the Pacific Ocean. You can relax on the beach, enjoy the sun and swim in the warm sea.
• Water Sports : The island of Tahiti offers excellent opportunities for snorkeling , diving and surfing. Tourists can explore the underwater world with its colorful coral reefs and diverse species of fish.
• Island Tours : Tahiti known for its picturesque landscapes and unique culture. You can walk around the island, visit national parks, waterfalls and traditional villages to get to know the local culture and history.
• Traditional culture : Experience Tamure dancing and music concerts with local artists. This will help you feel the spirit of Polynesian culture.
• Gastronomic delights : Try traditional Polynesian dishes such as poi, roa and other local delicacies. The island is also famous for its fresh tropical fruits.
• Active recreation : go hiking through the jungle, ride a bike, take a mountain hike, go fishing. This is a great way to enjoy the beauty of Tahiti's nature and experience the adrenaline rush.
• Whale watching . French Polynesia experiences several migrations throughout the year. Between August and October, humpback whales migrate through Tahiti and neighboring Moorea , two of the best places to swim with them. There are also many stingrays and sharks, turtles and all kinds of colorful fish in the area. If swimming with humpback whales is on your Tahiti bucket list , private tours with a marine biologist are available. These tours are available from mid-July to mid-November.
• Snorkeling on a sea scooter . With this small but powerful device, you can easily move through the water, exploring the reefs and observing the underwater kingdom.
• Safari tour 4x4 . To see the beauty of Tahiti and Moorea , you need an all-terrain vehicle. Consider a 4x4 safari tour that takes you to the island's best spots: Magic Mountain, Old Volcano Crater and more. The tour includes a stop at a distillery where you can taste local liqueurs.
• Transparent kayaks . On this unique clear kayak tour, you'll get up close and personal with stingrays, blacktip reef sharks, and other amazing marine life as you glide smoothly through Moorea Lagoon .

Depositphotos

What you need to know about Tahiti

• Electricity - 220 volts, 60 Hz suitable for European socket plugs .
• The official currency in Tahiti is the CFP franc (Colonial Franc of the French Pacific Community). However, most hotels, restaurants and shops accept credit cards and US dollars. It is recommended to carry cash in local currency for small purchases and local markets. Pacific franc (XPF or CFP). XP F = 0.009 USD or 0.008 EUR. On the islands there are coins of 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 50 or 100 francs. Meanwhile, French Polynesia uses notes in denominations of 500, 1000, 5000 and 10,000 francs.
• Time zone - GMT - 10 hours. This is 19 hours more than Tokyo and the east coast of Australia, and 22 hours more than New Zealand.
• ATMs are easy to find in Tahiti and near airports, but more difficult on other islands. There are many exchange offices in Tahiti , but fees vary and are sometimes very high. Therefore, it is better to pay with a bank card and limit currency exchange. Please note that if you pay by credit card or withdraw money from an ATM, you will be subject to bank fees, which may vary by bank. If possible, try to pay for certain expenses in euros before departure. This will avoid bank fees, for example when booking tickets or renting a car online .
• SIM card. The two main companies on the islands of Tahiti are Vini and Vodafone . All companies have prepaid packages.
• The official languages are French and Tahitian.
• Although French Polynesia is part of the overseas territories of the French Republic, it is an independent country with its own government and legislature. However, they are heavily dependent on France for trade and protection.
• The locals are known as Tahitians, not French Polynesians.
• Tahiti has a very mountainous terrain, so most of the buildings and people are concentrated along the coastline.

Depositphotos

Food in Tahiti

Tahiti famous for its wide range of fresh fish dishes and delicious exotic fruits. There are many street food trucks on the streets, offering local classic dishes that you can take away or eat on the spot: chaomen , maa tinito , raw fish with coconut milk, steak and fries, and appetizers, pancakes and paninis.

One of the most popular dishes is Poisson Cru . Poisson Cru means raw fish and usually consists of raw tuna, onions, peppers, tomatoes, cucumbers and coconut milk. The restaurants feature international cuisine, often referred to as gastronomic if there is a chef in the kitchen. Also keep in mind that the expected service is not always up to par.

Depositphotos

Sights of Tahiti

• Moorea Island . Moorea is one of the most attractive places in Tahiti . Here you will find crystal clear lagoon waters, white sandy beaches and luxury resorts. Moorea is also famous for its coral gardens and snorkeling and diving opportunities .
• Papeete Valley . The Papeete Valley is the capital of Tahiti , and offers unique opportunities to immerse yourself in local culture and history. Here you can visit the Papeete market , buy souvenirs , fruits and vegetables.
• Mount Orochen . It is the highest point in Tahiti and attracts lovers of adventure and hiking. The climb to the top of the mountain provides stunning views of the island and surrounding waters.
• Mount Aorai . It is Tahiti's third highest peak at 2,066 meters, and although the climb is difficult and slippery, the views are stunning. There are sharp drops and breathtaking views throughout the route.
• Faaa Falls . Several impressive waterfalls can be found in Tahiti , and one of the most famous is Fa'aa Falls . It is surrounded by dense tropical vegetation: a great place for walks and photographs.
• Taiaroa black sand beach . One of the most unique beaches in Tahiti is Taiaroa Beach , covered in black volcanic sand. It attracts lovers of sunbathing and surfing.
• Bora Bora Island . Although Bora Bora is not part of Tahiti , it is nearby and is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the region. Bora Bora is famous for its luxury resorts, Turkis Lagoon, coral gardens and scuba diving opportunities. A must visit during your visit!
• Maui beach . While many of the island's beaches boast volcanic black sand, La Plage de Maui dazzles in pearly white. La Plage de Maui is approximately 40 miles southeast of Papeete .
• Papenoo Beach . The shores of Papenoo , a small village located just over 8 km along the road leading east from Papeete , are a reminder of the island's volcanic history. Punaauai Beach is covered with black sand.
• Waipahi Water Gardens . You can walk through the palm forest, see lotuses, and several waterfalls along the trails, which are up to 2.5 km long. Bring bug spray ! This advice applies to all of Tahiti .
• Teahupo'o is one of the world's most famous surf breaks . It is known as the most dangerous cliff in the world due to its unique combination of size, power and speed, not to mention the fact that it ends on a coral reef. If you go there at the end of August, you can catch the Tahiti surf competition Pro Teahupo'o .
• Marae Temple Araraahu and waterfall . Marae Temple Arahurau is an ancient place of worship surrounded by beautifully landscaped gardens. The atmosphere here is magical and serene, and at the edge of the gardens there is a path leading to a breathtaking 100-meter waterfall. To reach the waterfall, you will pass through dense jungle. The entire hike should take about an hour, depending on how long you plan to stay at the falls.

Depositphotos

Accommodation prices in Tahiti

Life in Polynesia is more expensive than in mainland France. Plan on at least 100-150 euros on average per day and per person.

Housing

In Tahiti, accommodation prices are generally quite high, but, above all, they vary greatly depending on the class of housing. To spend a night in a classic hotel in a double room, you will have to pay between 100 € and 120 € per night. Rent a house or apartment on Airbnb : from €50 to several hundred euros.

1 night in a bungalow on stilts (Bora Bora, Moorea , etc.): approximately 520 euros. Of course, a night in a 5-star hotel 20 meters from the beach, in a room with an infinity pool, will cost much more (from 500 euros per night). The cost of living in Tahiti varies slightly throughout the year.

Depositphotos

Cost of food in Tahiti

• Orange per kilo: 275 F = 2.30 euros
• Celery per kilo: 285 F = 2.38 euros
• Red or green grapes per kilo: 595 F = 4.98 euros
• Potatoes per kilo: 240 F = 2.01 euros
• Pear: 435 F = 3.64 euros
• Shallots per kilo: 495 F = 4.14 euros
• Cauliflower per piece: 250 F = 2.09 euros
• Apples per kilo: 190 F = 1.59 euros
• Chicken fillet 900 g: 675 F = 5.65 euros
• Tofu cheese 397 g: 320 F = 2.68 euros
• Minced meat per kilo: 1150 F = 9.63 euros
• Pack of shrimp 400g: 795 F = 6.66 euros
• Duck per kilo: 945 F = 7.91 euros
• Dried sausage 200 g: 350 F = 2.93 euros
• Smoked salmon 200g: 850 F = 7.12 euros
• Fanta 2 L: 385 F
• Sprite 2L: 385 F
• Wine Chardonnay , Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot 75 cl : 1450 F = 12.15 euros
• Black and white whiskey 40° 70 cl : 3895 F = 32.64 euros
• Rum Gauguin 40° brown or white, 1 l: 1745 F = 14.62 euros

Depositphotos

Restaurants

• Octopus salad, fried with garlic: 1990 francs = 16.67 euros
• Country terrine with figs and hazelnuts: 1910 F = 16 euros
• Vegetarian burger : 1990 francs = 16.67 euros
• Fried shrimp salad: 1650 F = 13.82 euros
• Tuna carpaccio with parmesan: 2750 F = 23.04 euros
• Fish of the day: 2750 F = 23.04 euros
• Local shrimp x12: 3100 F = 25.97 euros
• steak , salad and fries: 2850 F = 23.88 euros
• Polynesian papillot : 2850 F = 23.88 euros
• Fried shrimp with coconut milk curry: 3000 F = 25.14 euros
• Octopus curry with coconut milk: F3000 = €25.14
• Clam curry with coconut milk: F3000 = €25.14
• Ravioli with lobster, shrimp and truffles: 3200 francs = 26.81 euros
• Chicken pieces with chorizo cream : 2600 F = 21.78 euros
• confit and potatoes: F2750 = €23.04
• Vanilla fig soufflé with caramel sauce: 1590 F = 13.32 euros
• Red tuna tartare: 2500 F = 20.95 euros
• Beef carpaccio : 2500 francs = 20.95 euros
• Grilled salmon with mushrooms: 3750 F = 31.42 euros
• Scallops and roasted endive: F3900 = €32.68
• Papio , mushrooms and chorizo risotto : F3900 = €32.68
• Pan-seared Angus beef fillet , foie gras and port: F4100 = €34.35
• Coffee: 1490 F = 12.48 euros
• Creme brulee: 950 francs = 7.96 euros
• cheesecake : 1260 F = 10.55 euros

Depositphotos

Cost of travel and entertainment

• For driving around Tahiti, a classic sedan will be enough . Car rental in Tahiti : from 25 to 90 euros per day depending on the car, rental company and season.
• Boat Tahiti-Moorea one way per person: 12.57 euros.
• Kayak rental in Moorea for Shark Bench: €10 per hour.
• Plane Tahiti-Bora Bora with Air Tahiti A/R per person: 353 euros.
• Snorkeling on a yacht, 2 hours: 67€/person.
• Hiking with a local guide: 57 €/person. in a day.
• Private Lemon Shark Expedition (maximum 4 people): €805.
• Excursion to the green lagoon: 62€/person.
• Diesel: average 1.20 euros per liter.
• Trip to half day on the turquoise lagoon by kayak: 50 euros.
• Scooter rental: from 20 to 30 euros per day.
• Bus ticket to Tahiti : from 1.50 to 5 euros depending on the distance.
• Bicycle rental: 8 euros per day.
• 1 hour on a jet ski : 130 euros.
• Whale watching excursion: 80 euros.
• 2-hour quad bike tour : 100 euros.
• 2-hour surf lesson: 40 euros.
• You will have to pay about 80 euros for diving .
• Paraglider - more than 200 euros.
• Surfing – 40 euros per person.

Travel between Polynesian islands is expensive. Getting to Moorea is not a problem: you will be transported by boat for 20 euros. But the Maupiti Islands will cost about 300 euros in two directions . If you want to go to the Marquesas Islands, the round trip cost is about 500 euros per person.

Depositphotos

How to get to Tahiti

Faa'a International Airport in Papeete has direct flights from many major cities around the world. There are regular flights from well-known airlines providing connections to the USA, Europe, Australia and New Zealand.

Depositphotos

Visit a piece of paradise that seems lost in the ocean: you will remember this trip for the rest of your life!