There are fine restaurants and sidewalk cafes offering excellent cuisine to suit all tastes and budgets. Shop for black pearls, hand-blocked fabrics, exquisitely carved bowls, drums, tikis, local shell crafts, baskets and vanilla beans. French imports such as perfumes are available in duty free shops. A "must see" is the Central Market located downtown behind the waterfront. It displays in an open-air fashion local flowers, fruits, fish and Tahitian handicrafts.
Away from the downtown area take a leisurely drive or guided tour around the island and discover the many faces of Tahiti. The scenic drives around Tahiti dazzle the senses with the tropical richness of nature. Country villages pose for postcard scenes and lush tropical flower gardens surround even the most modest of homes. Birdhouse-shaped boxes stand by the road in front of each home, ready to receive the daily delivery of fresh French bread while breadfruit trees with their waxy green leaves shade the road.
Many visitors arriving in Papeete no doubt expect grass huts, natives wearing pareos and the quiet crash of the surf. They are surprised to discover the hustle and bustle of this busy port city. On your way into or out of the outer islands, which offer a more tranquil, romantic setting, Tahiti is an interesting place to stop for a day or two. A stay on Tahiti at the end of your journey is especially convenient for last minute shopping and easy transit to your departing international flight.
Location & Climate
Tahiti in the Society Islands, the Tuamotu Archipelago and the Marquesas Islands are in the South Pacific, just 8 hours from Los Angeles. They share the same time zone as Hawaii and have a pleasant, year-round tropical climate averaging about 80°.
Entry Requirements
US and Canadian citizens need a valid passport. Those from other countries should check with one of our Tahiti Specialist or the French Consulate.
Language
The official languages are Tahitian and French. English is also spoken in hotels and most restaurants and shops.
Tipping
Tipping is not generally accepted, as it is not part of the Polynesian culture.
Activities
There is plenty to do in Tahiti, from water sports to land activities to just relaxing on the beach. Diving, snorkeling and surfing are superb; there is a profusion of coral, fish and undersea plan life. On land, enjoy a circle island tour, hiking, horseback riding and shopping for exquisite black pearls, handicrafts and souvenirs. We offer many optional tours, and we suggest you booking in advance.
Clothing
Tahiti offers a very casual atmosphere. During the day, shorts, bathing suits or a pareu (a wrap-around cloth garment) are recommended, plus a hat or sun visor and sunglasses. In the evening, a shirt, slacks or shorts and casual shoes for men and a sundress, slacks or shorts for ladies may be worn. June through September, evenings may be cool enough for a light sweater.
A Wide Range of Accommodations
Resorts may be located over the water, on the beach, tucked into hillsides, or on smaller outlying islands. Your resort may be combined with a cruise.
Dining
Tahiti offers everything from traditional native fare to fine French cuisine, plus American, Chinese and Italian dishes. You can an also enjoy a picnic on a private “motu” (a small islet), eat at a fine restaurant or an outdoor café, or savor a traditional feast or a beach barbecue.
Many hotels offer meal plans. The American Plan (AP) includes breakfast, lunch and dinner (BLD) and the Modified American Plan (MAP), includes breakfast and dinner (BD). The prices of these packages are shown with most hotel offers.
Photos courtesy of Tahiti Tourisme
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