Tahiti Islands – Queen of the Pacific

The Islands of Tahiti are located on the Pacific Ocean. Secluded, tropical and lush, this mythical destination is where dreams meet reality. Commonly referred to as The Islands of Tahiti, French Polynesia – It is a collection of 118 islands and atolls. Many of these islands still remain uninhabited.

The Locale

So, where is Tahiti and how do I reach there? We answer all your questions here. Tahiti islands are situated halfway between Los Angeles, California and Sydney, Australia.

Faa’a International Airport in Papeete is the gateway to the paradise. From here you can take private charter flights, buses, cruises, etc. to explore the island. In midst of the secluded islands, Tahiti is bit in contrast with an happening lifestyle, nightclubs, and wonderful and conveniently located resorts. Plan a stay for day or two in Tahiti islands before you roam and explore the other islands.

Geography

The island is divided into two parts:

1. Tahiti Nui – This is the larger northwest portion of the islands. This part of the island has 3 extinct volcanic mountains including Mount Orohena, the tallest in French Polynesia; Mount Aorai, known for its incredible views; and Le Diadème, which appears to crown the island as the rightful queen.
2. Tahiti Iti – This is the smaller and southwest part of the islands.

What to do in Tahiti?

There’s a range of passive and active vacation activities including but not limited to the below:

• Paragliding
• Beach combing
• Just enjoying a day of laid-back island lifestyle
• Diving & Snorkeling
• Watching volcanoes
• Swim with the sharks
• Shop for cultured pearls
• Golf
• Relax at Polynesian spas
• Take a cruise

Fun but interesting facts about Tahiti

The overwater bungalow concept was created here

The concept was an idea of a trio of American expats who were running one of the country’s first hotels. They created the overwater rooms as a solution to hotels with no beach view. The popularity reached peak high considering the view and the idea of going to swim just when you want (open the room door and jump into waterJ ). Today the idea has been cloned across various popular islands.

Relish some French bread delivered to your home

Just like how we have mailboxes outside our home, Tahitians have delivery boxes which actually contain is French bread. Just retrieve the bread from the mailbox which is a core part of Polynesian cuisine.

It’s tattoo’s motherland

The word tattoo comes from the Tahitian word tatau. Polynesians consider tattoo as a sign of beauty. There is a ceremony dedicated for the same when a Tahitian reaches his/her adolescence. There’s also a festival to celebrate tattoos.

Festival Name: Tatau I Tahiti Tattonesia

This year (2018) the festival is happening from November 8^th till 11^th.

No poisonous snakes or insects

As if the islands isn’t paradise enough already, the destination is also dangerous creatures free. SO strike out the danger of that instead be worried about the sun tan and too many cocktails.

Things to Know Before Visiting Tahiti

Best Time to Visit

The islands enjoy a tropical climate. There are two seasons – dry and rainy. The first lasts from March to November when the temperature fluctuates between 21°C and 27°C. The second, the rainy season stays from December to late February when it is a little warmer and the temperature stays between 25°C and 35°C.

P.S: Expect tropical showers in all seasons but the best part is they are like hot showers that happen for 30 minutes or odd.

Tahiti Currency

Tahiti Pacific Franc (XPF) is the currency of Tahiti Islands.

The interesting fact is that its exchange rate with the euro never varies and is set at 100 F.CFP = 0.838 Euros (or 1 Euro = 119.33 F.CFP).

The local currency denominations are available in 1/2/5/10/20/50 and 100 coins, and 500/1,000/5,000 and 10,000 bills.

Tahitian Language

Even though English is widely spoken and understood, learning a few Tahitian words and phrases won’t hurt and may come handy. You can mug up few basic French phrases too as French and Tahitian are the official languages of the islands.

Good Morning – Ia ora na!

How are you? – E aha tō ‘oe huru?

Thank you – Māuruuru

Good Bye – Nānā!

Yes –   e, ‘oia

No –  ‘aita

Cheers!   – manuia!

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