Tahiti & Bora Bora – Anywhere But Here Travel

Tahiti (French Polynesia)

Tahiti is actually the largest island in a group of 118 islands that make up French Polynesia and it is located in the heart of the Pacific Ocean. The whole archipelago spans over 2 millions square miles, which is equivalent to the size of Europe. Most people think of just a handful of islands when you say "Tahiti" but the island of Bora Bora usually rises to the top of people's minds as the epitome of luxury, relaxation, idyllic paradise and overwater bungalows.

Overview

French Polynesia has sunny, year-round tropical weather with an average temperature of 80ºF/27ºC in the air and in the water. It makes the perfect year-round destination for many visitors. The summer season is from November through April and it is typically warmer and more humid. The Tahitian winter is from May to October and this is the time of year when most people travel to this amazing destination.

The island of Tahiti is known as the "The Queen of the Pacific" and it has the capital of French Polynesia, Papeete. This is also where most of the population resides. Tahiti Nui is the biggest part of the island and Tahiti Iti is the smaller section. Both are connected by an isthmus and it will take you about 2 to 3 hours to drive around the whole island. Tahiti is often considered a transit island but the Queen Island has much more to offer. If you can devote a few extra days, we highly recommend that you spend time exploring this diverse island.

The residents of French Polynesia may spend more time buzzing around in SUVs than paddling outrigger canoes, but they still spend a lot amount of time humming or singing. One of the things you will fall in love with when you visit, is the friendly and warm nature of the Tahitian people.

Make sure you plan your trip with us as we have several Tahiti Specialists in our office and Monica is one of the top Certified Tahiti Specialists in the Seattle area.

Things To Do

Most visitors go to French Polynesia to frolic in its crystal clear lagoons, but the islands themselves present a sightseeing extravaganza. This is especially true in the mountainous Society group, where Bora Bora and Moorea are two of the world's most beautiful islands. Tahiti, Huahine and Raiatea aren't far behind. With basaltic spires and thumbs leaping from mountaintop ridges, they often appear on postcards and travel posters as well as movie and TV screens.

French Polynesia also has a variety of man-made sights highlighting its unique history and its tropical flora and fauna.

When you book your Tahiti trip with us, we will provide you with a curated list of activities recommend for your specific travel style and needs. However, if you want to book a tour on your own, then follow our links to our trusted providers.

Island Tours - There is no better way to gain a sense of everyday Tahitian life and experience the culture of French Polynesia, than passing through the small villages on a circle-island tour. As nearly every island has a coastal road following the lagoon shores, you can either drive around the island by rental car or take a guided bus tour. Explore the island interiors on a 4WD safari on Moorea, a guided nature hike, or a helicopter tour.

Snorkeling & Diving - The Islands of Tahiti offer world-class snorkeling and diving. Both experienced and beginner divers and snorkelers will be amazed by the crystal-clear waters and the density of marine life. With hundreds of dive sites throughout the islands, divers can choose from the amazing drift dives, oceanic drop-offs, sunken ships, and lagoon dives with infinite marine life. For certified experienced divers, the Tuamotu atolls will offer the most amazing adventures. Rangiroa and Fakarava more especially, are rated among the best dive sites in the world.

Shark & Ray Feeding - This excursion is one of the most thrilling and popular experiences and can be enjoyed on most of the islands. It will be a unique opportunity to come up, close and personal with black-tip sharks and graceful rays that can be seen frequently in the Tahitian lagoons. Non-swimmers may enjoy this exciting scene from the boat.

Tahitian Cultured Pearls - The world-renowned iridescent luster of Mother Nature's most perfect gem can only be created in the Tahitian warm lagoons. Commonly known around the world as Black Pearls, Tahitian Cultured Pearls in fact come in all different sizes, shapes and colors. Travelers can visit a pearl farm in the Tuamotu Archipelago or in Taha'a, also known as the vanilla island, where some local families have found perfect shelters to produce these beautiful gems, symbols of hope and love.

Explore more tours & activities on Project Expedition or Viator.

Geography

Tahiti isn't as far away as some people think. It is only an 8-hour non-stop flight from Los Angeles or San Francisco, a 5-hour non-stop flight from Honolulu and 10-hour non-stop flight from Seattle. It is also in the same time zone as Hawaii and it is the same distance south of the equator as Hawaii is north of the equator.

Five archipelagos make up the territory, and each has distinctive cultural and geographical features. The Society Islands (which includes Tahiti, Moorea and Bora Bora), the Tuamotu Atolls (a large group of flat coral islands), the Marquesas Islands (a remote and mountainous archipelago), the Austral Islands (a mix between the Tuamotu and Marquesas) and the Gambier Islands (the cradle of Catholicism).

Money & Currency

The Polynesian franc (CFP or XFP in bank lingo) is the currency in French Polynesia, linked to the euro. It is also used in the other South Pacific French colonies of New Caledonia and Wallis and Futuna.

On the main touristed islands, American Express, MasterCard and Visa credit cards are widely accepted; Discover cards are not. ATMs are easy to find. Make sure you have a four-digit PIN. On outer islands, there is usually at least one bank with an ATM, although on very remote islands, you will need to take cash. Small family pensions, particularly on less-visited islands, usually do not accept credit cards. It's best to inquire before you arrive.

DID YOU KNOW?

Overall the Islands of Tahiti receive more sunshine and less rain than Hawaii.
Black pearls are an important industry in French Polynesia, and, as visitors quickly discover, they are heavily marketed to tourists on Bora Bora. Every shop seems to be selling pearls, and The Farm also offers tours that let you see how they're created.
The ashes of French author and sailor Alain Gerbault, who introduced soccer to French Polynesia, are buried on Bora Bora.
There is no "B" in the Tahitian alphabet. That’s why Bora Bora is actually pronounced “Pora Pora” and it means “first-born”. However, early visitors heard it as "Bora Bora".
Polynesia is the birthplace of surfing, and the wave at Teahupoo, Tahiti, is one of the most famous and scary waves in the surfing world. An international surf contest is held in the village annually.
Hinano beer, the local brew, is named after the flower of the pandanus plant, which smells somewhat like beer. The leaves of this same plant are used to weave local hats and baskets.
The first chapter of James A. Michener's novel Hawaii is set on Bora Bora.
The very first overwater bungalow was built by the famed “Bali Hai Boys” on the French Polynesian island of Raiatea in 1967.
Hawaii receives more tourists in a week than Tahiti does in a year.

Sample Itineraries & Packages

Over the years, we have curated several itineraries. Here is a list of several different itineraries and travel packages to give you an idea of what can be done in Tahiti. We are happy to customize any itinerary for you so please contact us to get started!