Information you need to know for planning a trip to Tahiti.
Tahiti is the largest island in French Polynesia, and its name is often used to refer to all of islands in this territory of France. French Polynesia actually consists of five island groups: the Society Islands, the Tuamotu Islands, the Marquesas Islands, the Austral Islands, and the Gambier Islands. The most popular vacation destinations in French Polynesia are Tahiti, Moorea and Bora Bora, all located in the Society Islands. The more important smaller islands in this area include Rangiroa, Raiatea, Tahaa, Tikehau, Manihi, and Fakarava.
The official currency of French Polynesia is the French Pacific Franc, but Euros and American Dollars are also widely accepted. Vacationing here won't be cheap, but it will be worth every penny. Tahitian resorts are known for their over-water bungalows. These are individual huts built on stilts over the lagoon. Some even have glass bottoms, through which you can watch the fish swim by. The least expensive over-water bungalows start at around $300 per night, but prices go up quickly from there. It wouldn't be unusual to spend $1000 per night for your little piece of paradise.
There are more affordable resort options, though. Traditional condominium-style hotel rooms are the most affordable, but some resorts offer beachfront or garden bungalows for reasonable prices as well. While most resorts in French Polynesia don't offer all-inclusive packages, they are usually home to at least one restaurant. Most resorts have at least one formal restaurant and a casual, less expensive snack bar.
Tahiti is the most populated island in French Polynesia and also the most affordable. The capital, Papeete is a bustling city and may not be what many people have in mind when booking a Polynesian vacation. There are beaches here, but also a lot of traffic. This is one of the only areas where you'll find nightlife in these islands. Hotel rooms in Papeete can be found for less than $100 per night. Major resorts on Tahiti include Intercontinental, Sofitel and Le Meridien.
The most expensive, and arguably the most beautiful, island here is Bora Bora. Even the cheapest hotel rooms here cost around $200 per night. Visitors to Bora Bora will land in Papeete and take a short connecting flight to Bora Bora's airport. This is a tiny island compared to Tahiti, and only those willing to pay a premium will be able to enjoy its beauty. Major resorts on Bora Bora include Intercontinental, Sofitel, Le Meridien, Pearl and Club Med.
Competing with Bora Bora as French Polynesia's most beautiful island is Moorea, located just off of Tahiti's northwest coast. Flights are available from Papeete to Moorea, but the cheaper way to go is by ferry. Moorea is much more affordable than Bora Bora and more tranquil than Tahiti. Hotel rooms on Moorea can be found for as low as $100 per night. The island's major resorts include Intercontinental, Sofitel, and Pearl.
French Polynesia's climate varies slightly depending on which island group you are visiting. The Society Islands are tropical, with high humidity and unpredictable rainshowers. As this is the Southern Hemisphere, the winter season lasts from about May until October. This is the dry season, and the average high temperature is about 82 degrees Fahrenheit. During the summer months (November through April), the temperatures are a bit higher, approximately 86 degrees Fahrenheit.
As with many tropical environments, French Polynesia is home to many bugs, including mosquitoes, roaches and ants. More exotic pests also call this home. Geckos are common, and sand flies (also called no-nos) will bite unprotected ankles on the beach. The best way to combat the bugs is with insect repellent, which is widely available on the islands.
French Polynesia is home to some outrageously expensive vacation options, but there are some budget options that can make a trip here within reach for a lot of travelers. With a little planning, you could find yourself sipping daiquiris on a white sand beach in Tahiti. Your only problem: you won't ever want to go home.
