Tahiti

How to Get There

The Islands of French Polynesia or more commonly known as “Tahiti” are only 8 hours nonstop flight from Los Angeles (LAX) to Tahiti’s Papeete’s Faa’a Airport (PPT).

Nonstop flights depart Los Angeles almost daily on Air Tahiti Nui and Air France. Hawaiian Airlines operates nonstop flights from Honolulu (HNL) to Papeete (PPT) weekly.

Inter-Island Travel

Travelling to Bora Bora, Moorea or Tahiti’s outer islands is easy. Air Tahiti operates regular scheduled flights out of Tahiti from Faa’a Airport over a network of islands. Charted flights are available on request.

Catamarans and ferry boats cross between Tahiti and Moorea several times a day. All transfers can be arranged by our destination specialists. For taxis or public transportation, it is best to ask the Concierge at your hotel for available options and timetables.

Pape’ete

While Bora Bora, Taha’a or even the Marquesas may beckon, French Polynesia’s gateway – where a fragrant lei greeting awaits at Faa’a International Airport after a comfortable eight-hour nonstop from Los Angeles – is a Tahiti destination that should not be overlooked.

Mo’orea

Moorea’s beauty is mind-blowing. You’ll steal your first glimpse from the main island of Tahiti and then as you arrive and Moorea’s towering green peaks and slender white beaches come into focus, you’ll be in awe over what nature has created for relaxation-starved visitors to enjoy.

Bora Bora

Tahiti’s prized jewel, Bora Bora has been enticing travelers for centuries and creating romantic memories since the first overwater bungalow resort was built some 50 years ago.

Raiatea

Revered by Tahitians as The Sacred Island, Raiatea is an undeveloped tropical playground that’s home to both a rare mountain flower and French Polynesia’s only navigable river.

Taha’a

Taha’a Tahiti – try saying that five times fast! Known as “The Vanilla Island,” Taha’a earned its nickname by producing some of the world’s finest vanilla and you’ll enjoy that deliciously comforting scent practically everywhere you go.

Huahine

Huahine island has a sparkling blue lagoon, beautiful white-sand beaches and lush green peaks – just like French Polynesia’s more-well-known Society Islands (Tahiti, Moorea and Bora Bora) of which it is part.

Rangiroa

When divers head to French Polynesia in search of stellar coral and adrenaline-rush dives, Rangiroa is often the destination of choice. The water’s 150-foot visibility and abundant schools of sharks and tuna add to the allure.

Tikehau

Tikehau travel is the equivalent of a detox. After landing on a slender atoll, you are whisked off via motorboat to an intimate resort set amid soft pink sand to relax in a swaying hammock and snorkel in a serene lagoon.

Marquesas Islands

Located about three hours by air from French Polynesia’s main island of Tahiti and steeped in both history and adventure, the Marquesas is a lost-in-time island chain of dramatic volcanic cliffs shrouded in mystical clouds, and the final resting place of the South Pacific’s most famous artist.

Essential Items to Pack

Sunscreen
Sunglasses
Sun hats
Swimsuits
Insect repellent
Camera
Reef walking shoes – while the color of the lagoon in French Polynesia is magnificent, you will find the beach a little bit rocky with corals. Reef shoes will protect your feet.

Time Difference

Tahiti and its islands are two hours behind Pacific Standard Time and in the same time zone as Hawaii. During Daylight-Saving Time (March to late October) the time is three hours behind.

Entry and Visa Requirements

Every visitor must have:

A passport valid for three months beyond date of arrival.
A return airline ticket to their resident country or to at least two more continuing destinations.
Sufficient funds to cover the planned stay.

US and Canada:

For stays of up to 90 days, there are no visa requirements for citizens of the U.S. or Canada carrying a US or Canadian Passport. A foreigner with a residence card for the U.S. is not exempt from the above requirements and should consult the French Consulate based in the U.S. for information.

Entry requirements are subject to change without notice and it is advisable to check with your Islands In The Sun specialist before departure. For more information on French Polynesia entry and visa requirements, please contact the French Polynesian Embassy and Consulates in the United States or Canada.

Health Requirements

No vaccines or certifications are required from North America. Regardless of the traveler’s nationality, entry from high risk areas of the world as defined by the World Health Organization requires certifications (please check with your airline).

Weather

Tahiti enjoys a tropical climate with the average yearly air and water temperature of 80°F. The summer months run from November through April, when the climate is slightly warmer and more humid. Winter is from the months of May through to October, when the climate is slightly cooler and dryer.

Language

The official language is French and native languages such as Tahitian are widely spoken. English is spoken and understood in tourist areas. A few basic French phrases and Tahitian greetings are appreciated by locals.

Currency and Tipping

The currency is the French Pacific Franc (XPF). Upon arrival most visitors exchange some money at the airport or at their hotels. Since most credit cards are readily accepted in all tourist areas, it is not necessary to exchange large amounts. Tipping is not customary or expected in Polynesian culture. However, tipping is welcomed for exemplary service.

Bargaining

Bargaining and haggling over prices in markets and stores is not customary.

Water

Tap water is safe to drink in most hotels and restaurants. If in doubt, inquire with your hotel or drink bottled.

Electricity

110 or 220 volts depending on the island. Islands In The Sun recommend bringing a universal adapter.

Postal Service

Papeete’s Central Post office is located near the yacht wharf and Bougainvillea Park, open weekdays from 7am to 6pm and on Saturdays from 8am to 11am.

Telecommunications

Direct dialing international calls is available in most hotels and phone booths. Phone cards are easily purchased in Tahiti. When calling from the U.S. to Tahiti, dial 011 and then the country code of 689 along with the local number. Cell phone roaming is available for many telecommunications service providers; however it is recommended to check with your service provider before you leave as to whether their services are available on roaming.