Tahiti - FAQs
What is Tahiti?
Tahiti is the largest of the 118 islands and atolls that comprise French Polynesia. Neighboring islands include Moorea, Tetiaroa, Huahine, Bora Bora, Raiatea, Tahaa and Maupiti. Also, easily accessible are the islands of Tikehau, Rangiroa and Manihi in the Tuamotu Archipelago and the Marquesas Islands in the northern part of French Polynesia.
Where is Tahiti?
Tahiti and Her Islands lie in the Pacific Ocean, just south of the equator, in the same time zone as Hawaii, approximately seven and one-half hours by air from Los Angeles, midway between North America and Australia.
What's the time difference?
Two hours behind Pacific Standard Time.
Do we cross the international date line to get to Tahiti?
No, but you do cross the equator.
Do we need a passport to go there? A visa?
A valid passport and a roundtrip ticket are required of all persons entering Tahiti (except returning residents). Visas are not required for U.S. or Canadian citizens for stays of less than one month.
Will we need to exchange money? If so, what's the rate?
Upon arrival in French Polynesia, most visitors exchange some money at the Faaa Airport or at their hotel. Generally, it's not necessary to change very much since credit cards and U.S. dollars are accepted. The currency used in French Polynesia is the French Pacific Franc or CFP. There are approximately 100 CFPs to one U.S. dollar (although the actual rate may vary).
Why are Tahiti and Her Islands called "Islands Beyond the Ordinary"?
Tahiti and Her Islands have long been referred to as a tropical paradise. But their unspoiled islands are not for everyone. If you're looking for a familiar, commercial environment like your own hometown, you won't find it in Tahiti. These extraordinary islands are for people seeking the unique, novel or adventurous honeymoon experience, and who want to visit a destination whose culture is different from their own.
What types of activities are there?
Opportunities abound for the adventurer! Thrilling jeep tours let you explore the lush interiors of the larger islands. Discover waterfalls and grottos as you hike or mountain bike through the heart of the islands. Or cycle leisurely around the perimeter of the islands. Circle island tours are offered on many islands and provide a glimpse of Tahitian lifestyle. Sunset cruises that sail from Tahiti's capital city of Papeete are also available. Learn more about Polynesia at the Tahiti and Her Islands Museum and the Gauguin Museum. Ancient maraes (temples) hold the mysteries of early Polynesians. Lagoonariums offer an opportunity to view sea creatures in their own environment. The Marche, the bustling public market in Papeete, is ideal for finding picnic items as well as colourful pareus and other souvenirs.
What types of water activities are available?
Most visitors enjoy the lagoons as the natives do, swimming and snorkeling in the warm, turquoise waters, or outrigger canoeing, sailing, wind surfing, parasailing, deep sea fishing, jet skiing and water skiing. The Tahitian islands are world renowned for their scuba diving and snorkeling. Or you can go on a shark feeding expedition, where you're in the water with hungry reef sharks that are being hand-fed by a guide. You can charter a yacht, perhaps with a captain and chef, to sail among the islands.
What's the water temperature?
The water temperature averages 79°F (26°C) in the winter and 84°F (29°C) in the summer with less than a degree of variation from the surface down to 50 meters.
What kind of dive and snorkeling sites are there?
Lagoons, passes and outer reef dives offer aqua-culture at its best, with an abundance of all kinds of sea life, from the tiniest, beautifully coloured tropical species, to awesome large varieties, such as rays, sharks, occasional sea turtles and more.
