French Polynesia :
Tahiti and her Islands are located approximately 17,100 km from Metropolitan France. These islands cover a huge ocean surface of some 4 million square kilometers, which is the samearea as Europe. The island of Tahiti in the Society Islands group, is 17° 32 S and 149° 34 W, situated half way between California (6,200 km) and Australia (5,700 km). Tahiti is 8,800 km from Tokyo and 7,500 km from Santiago, Chile
French Polynesia archipelagoes:
SOCIETY ARCHIPELAGO
Tahiti’s 118 fabulous islands are scattered across five far-flung archipelagoes, each with their own particular character and whose inhabitants have adapted the ancient rhythms of the ocean and the sun to the 21st century.
The Society Islands (made up of the Leeward Islands and the Windward Islands), is a group of high tropical islands encircled by coral reefs and lagoons.The main one of which is Tahiti, the largest of the Polynesian islands, with Papeete as its administrative capital. Tahiti is composed of two majestic volcanic mountain ranges topped by clouds. Their highest points being Mount Orohena (more than 2,000 feet) on Tahiti Nui and Mount Mairenui (around 1,300 feet) the smaller volcano, in the heart of Tahiti Iti, Tahiti’s peninsula. The two islands are linked by the isthmus of Taravao.
The Society islands: this group also includes the famous islands of Moorea, the magical island, separated from her sister island Tahiti by only a 17 km channel, Huahine, the garden of Eden, a wild island situated 175 km Northwest of Tahiti which still maintains a very lively, traditional culture, Raiatea and Tahaa, two sacred islands with lush vegetation, enclosed in the same lagoon and offering perfect sailing conditions, famous Bora Bora, the romantic island with her breathtaking lagoon and beaches fringed with coconut trees, and finally Maupiti, the forgotten island, nestled in a jade lagoon, the smallest, and the most authentic island of the archipelago.
Tahiti - Moorea - Bora Bora - Raiatea - Huahine - Taha’a
TUAMOTU ARCHIPELAGO
The Tuamotu group is a collection of low islands or atolls. a very special world, situated between sky and sea.
Each island encircles its own lagoon with a ring of coral. and beneath the crystal-clear waters of each are spectacular underwater gardens and fish of every imaginable size, shape and color. It rarely rains and is a perfect environment for pearl farming.
Rangiroa, Tikehau, Manihi, Fakarava are the most frequently visited atolls and provide classified hotel accomodation.
Rangiroa - Tikehau - Manihi - Fakarava
MARQUESAS ARCHIPELAGO
The Marquesas, “Enua Enana” or “Land of Men”, are a group of high islands near the equator, 1 500 km away from Tahiti, whose steep mountains are inhabited by wild horses, goats and pigs.
About a three hour flight from the Society Islands and the Tuamotu Atolls, the Marquesas, or Henua Enata meaning "Land of Men", are seemingly lost at the end of the earth.
Even now, some of the islands are virtually untouched since the era of European exploration. Their isolation has created an immense pride among the people and a fascinating culture. The language is unique to Tahiti, as the lilting Marquesan dialect is traced directly to the ancient Polynesian tongue of Maohi.
Natural wonders abound as 1000-foot waterfalls cascade down sheer volcanic cliffs, and towering mountains disappear into the clouds.
The most well-known are Nuku Hiva, Hiva Oa, Ua Pou and Ua Huka which offer the tourist, among many other points of interest, a magnificent arboretum.
AUSTRALS ARCHIPELAGO
The Austral Archipelago, situated far to the south, is also made up of high islands: Rurutu, Tubuai, Rimatara, Raivavae and Rapa. Last inhabited islands of the South Pacific, these ancient volcanoes with soft relief are far off the beaten track.
With their marae, ancient sacred places, and majestic centuries old stone tikis, these mysterious islands still have not revealed all of their secrets.
There are a variety of tropical plants and plants from temperate regions also.
This environment is favorable for farming, and the Australs provide the other islands with many different vegetables. A special attraction on the Austral Islands occurs every year from June to October when the whales meet in the warm, shallow waters.
GAMBIER ARCHIPELAGO
The Gambier Archipelago, rarely visited, consisting of the high island of Mangareva and its fringe of islands which are the eroded remains of its former gigantic crater, is situated in the far eastern corner of French Polynesia.
Map of French Polynesia
Accommodations types in French Polynesia:
International hotels :
Although the islands of Tahiti, Moorea and Bora Bora provide over 80 % of hotel capacity, the lesser known islands are also opening top-of-the-range establishments. International visitors can savor the charm of Tahiti and her Islands’ hidden paradises in the greatest comfort while enjoying the exotic pleasures of their remote natural locations.
Several international groups are established: InterContinental, Accor, Méridien, Hilton, Orient-Express, Club Med - and very recently, the Carlson - Radisson chain on Tahiti’s east coast as well as two Novotel hotels (Accor group).
Two local chains, Maitai and South Pacific Management (with nine hotels in the islands) complete the hotel scene.
Adherence to international standards and the presence of these world-famous brand names has in no way compromised the integrity of local flavor. Polynesian styles are to be found in the architectural design and the materials used that blend harmoniously with the magnificent scenery of lagoons and mountains.
These include pandanus, woven coconut palms, bamboo, fine timbers and shell light fixtures. Beautifully arranged flowers can be found in hotel rooms and public places everywhere.
Over water bungalows have become the symbol of island romance and stir up exotic feelings that you would expect from a trip to the edge of the world. Breakfast served from outrigger canoes is a real must that honeymooners can savor as they relax on their decks overlooking lagoons of a thousand colors. Some bungalows are fitted with glass-bottomed tables for watching the watery ballet of the demoiselles, clownfish and various lagoon species without ever getting your feet wet!
Small hotel, Family Lodging, B&B :
Charming, authentic and warmly welcoming
Around 250 family boarding houses (“pensions”) or small family-style hotels are to be found throughout the five island groups of Tahiti and her Islands. They can accommodate close to 3,500 guests in over 1,250 units.
For travelers who prefer the simplicity and authenticity of the local experience, small hotels - which are a crucial part of island development - are the ideal type of accommodation, similar in approach to the French rural cottages. The welcome is warm
and friendly. Most establishments offer land excursions and outings discover little-known local trails by foot or in all-terrain vehicles, or by boat to go out on the lagoon for an unforgettable picnic.
The well-planned menu of healthy, natural family cuisine, with freshly caught fish, and local fruit and vegetables is a chance for guests to savor the Tahitian culinary arts.
Accommodation classifications, which have progressively been introduced since 2002, is a guarantee that standards of comfort and quality can be trusted. Factors taken into account for classification are the natural surroundings of the hotel as well as the quality of facilities and accomodation. Whether up the mountain surrounded by luxuriant greenery, or nestled beside the lagoon, these small hotels - dwarfed by nature and often built of local materials - are sure to make a lasting impression on you. “Haere mai” is the name of the Association that represents small and family hotels in Tahiti and her Islands. It is a name that literally calls you to “come and join us”.
To know more about "family pension" click here
Charter Boats:
This vacation formula is becoming very popular around Tahiti and her Islands, both within the lagoons and between the groups
of diversely different islands. Using motorized boats, some are specialized in deep-sea game fishing and others in private luxury
cruises from the larger Society Islands. They offer fishing trips, day trips that include picnics, half-day cruises and sunset- atching trips.
Single-hull and catamaran sailboat companies, based in Tahiti, Moorea and principally in the Leeward Islands, offer the choice of chartering with or without a skipper or hostess for a weekend or a few days but more typically on a weekly basis.
Dive cruises, laze-about cruises, discovery or honeymoon cruises - there really is a very wide range of options for you to choose from as you cruise in comfort past white, pink and purple sand beaches that fringe the unreal colors of the lagoons of the fabulous Leeward Islands or the sparkling atolls of the Tuamotu. Having your own private yacht is a great experience. It’s like taking your hotel along with you!
Cruises :
Floating hotels, ranging in classification from “grand comfort” to “super luxury”, are a major feature of the Tahitian experience (around 700 cabins).
Visiting Tahiti and her Islands, floating between sea and sky on the tides of Polynesian waters from the comfort of a luxurious cruise liner will leave you with unforgettable memories. The range of cruises, from the luxury liners (Tahitian Princess, Paul Gauguin) to the more intimate vessels that are based in The Leeward Islands (the sister ships Tia Moana and Tu Moana), are sure to offer something for everyone. Or try the adventure cruises offered by the mixed cargo ship Aranui III which calls on the Marquesan bays. These services are all unique in their own way.
The high islands with their imposing profiles exert an irresistible magnetism on the cruise passenger when viewed from the sea.
Once ashore, one of the many organized excursions will let you immerse yourself in the picture-postcard scenery. With restaurants, beauty salons, spa pools, shops and conference rooms, the liners are furbished to the same demanding standards as the largest hotels.
Theme cruises (e.g. surfing, fishing) are also available. By choosing this formula, you will enjoy the delights of the islands in unparalleled style. Nearly 50,000 visitors choose this type of cruise holiday every year.
Cruises can also be supplemented with land excursions or other cruises thereby extending your visit.
