FRENCH POLYNESIA
Welcome
Motto: "Liberté, Égalité, Fraternité" (French)
(English: "Liberty, Equality, Fraternity")
Territorial motto: "Tahiti Nui Māre'are'a" (Tahitian)
(English: "Great Tahiti of the Golden Haze")
Anthem: La Marseillaise
French Polynesia, formerly French Oceania comprises 130 islands in five archipelagoes: the Society Islands, the Tuamotu Archipelago, the Gambier Islands, the Marquesas Islands, and the Austral Islands. The islands of French Polynesia have facinated travelers seeking the romance of swaying palms trees and sweeping beaches for decades.
Capital: Papeete 17°34′S 149°36′W.
Population: 299,356 inhabitants.
Gross Domestic Product - GDP (PPP): $6.01 billion.
Official languages: Tahitian & French.
Recognised languages: Austral, Raivavae, Rapa, Mangareva, Tuamotuan & Marquesan.
Area: 4,167 km2.
Water (%): 12.
Currency: CFP franc (₣) (XPF).
Safety rating: Not ranked on the Global Peace Index.
Food
Poisson-Cru.
It is a national dish of French Polynesia. Poisson cru means a raw fish in French which tastes best. Firstly, the fish is lightly cooked in lemon juice and then it is mixed with fresh salad and bathed in coconut milk. Mostly the poisson cru is prepared with fresh tuna and also includes chicken, pork, sweet potatoes, bread fruit, rice, local fruits too.
Appetizers
royal-seafood-salad-with-lobster.It includes royal seafood salad with lobster, tiger prawns and caviar, and seared ahi tuna with vanilla oil, potatoes and lemon juice, while entrees include mahi mahi in a banana curry crust with mashed sweet potatoes and mango sauce.
Tahitian Vanilla Panna Cotta
It is an Island-grown orchid which produce vanilla distinct any other. It is prepared with fresh cream and sugar which is chilled with vanilla; this smooth dessert is a definite blaze after dinner enjoyment.
Sushi
This dish was first introduced in South East Asia which is prepared with fish and rice. In Bora Bora sushi is prepared with the fresh fish which has been directly brought from the ocean with local ingredients and sweet rice. Sushi is a fresh meal prepared with fresh fish catches in the island.
Poulet fafa
Poulet fafa or chicken with taro leaves is another scrumptious dish you need to try in Tahiti and is also cooked in the traditional ahima’a. Chicken, taro leaves or spinach, onions, garlic and spices are cooked with coconut milk.
Chevreffes
Another mouth-watering entrée, chevreffes are freshwater shrimp cooked with creamy coconut milk and vanilla.
Otai
‘Otai originates from Tonga which is a small Polynesian island chain in the south pacific. The drink is all about cooling you down and is super refreshing in the summer months.
Transportation
The best way to get around Tahiti is by taxi or rental car. If you're planning on doing a lot of traveling throughout the island, a rental car is a good option. A bike can be a transportation option, too. For journeys to other French Polynesian islands, you'll have to book passage on a boat or airplane.
To get around Papeete and the surrounding towns, the public transit system offers large white RTC motor coaches. Taxi service is also available from your hotel and is best arranged by your hotel concierge. Once in downtown Papeete, the waterfront, restaurants, and shopping are within walking distance.
However, oustide of Papeete, traveling without a car or scooter is difficult. Also, there isn't Uber on any of the islands in French Polynesia, including Moorea, Bora Bora, or Tahiti.
Among islands in the same archipelago, there are ferrys, small shuttle boats or speedboats that can transfer you back and forth. The Maupiti Express II and the Apetahi Express offer transit to The Society Islands, and run several times a week.
Best things to do
Papeete Market
Whether you’re coming in by plane or cruise ship, you’re going to pass through the capital, Papeete. At the market you can find local fruits, veggies, vanilla, and can see people playing music. Eating there is cheaper than in other parts of the city, and it can be a good place to buy souvenirs. You’re also pretty close to the pearl markets. It’s open every day: Mon: 5 AM – 6 PM, Tues-Sat: 4 AM – 6 PM, Sun: 3 AM – 9 AM.
Beaches
Many, many beaches. French Polynesia is pretty much a giant beach party. As you drive on the southeastern part of the island there will be several places where you can pull off and explore some black sand beaches.
Kayak the Lagoon of Mo’orea
This is a kayaking adventure unlike any other. Why? This one involves kayaks that are totally transparent! On this unique tour, you’ll be able to see stingrays, blacktip reef sharks, and other amazing marine life up close as you gently paddle through the Lagoon of Mo’orea.
4×4 safari tour
Seeing the best of Mo’orea requires a 4×4 vehicle as the terrain can be wild and rugged in the island’s interior. Consider a 4×4 safari tour that takes you to the island’s best spots: Magic Mountain, the crater of the old volcano, and many more. The tour includes a stop at a distillery to try locally-made juices and liquors as well.
Swim with Sea Creatures
French Polynesia experiences several migrations throughout the year. In the months of August through October, humpback whales migrate through and Tahiti and neighboring Mo’orea – two of the best spots to swim with them. I even heard the sound Whales make under water.
Marae Arahurahu Temple & Waterfall
The Marae Arahurahu Temple is a restored ancient place of worship which is surrounded by beautifully landscaped gardens. The site has a magical and serene atmosphere and there’s a trailhead at the edge of the gardens which leads to a breathtaking 100-meter waterfall. To get to the waterfall, you’ll proceed through thick jungle for about 1.5 miles. The whole hike should take about an hour, depending on how long you plan to hang out at the waterfall.
Fautaua Waterfall
This is supposed to be one of the most famous and beautiful waterfalls in Tahiti, inclusive of a somewhat long but nice hike to get there.
Hike Mount Aorai
This is the third highest peak on Tahiti at 2066 meters tall and though it’s a tough, slippery hike, the reward is stunning. There are sharp drop offs and breathtaking views all along the way.
Half-day Tahiti Tour
If you are in Tahiti as a stop-over like so many other travelers, make the most of the little time you might have with a half-day tour of the island. You’ll get a lay of the land and stop at some of the island’s best spots, all in just 4-5 hours. See Tahiti’s botanical gardens, the Grottos of Maraa, and other notable sites with an experienced local guide who promises to make the most of the little time you have.
Stay in an Overwater Bungalow (or on the Beach)
While there is plenty of variety, the Intercontinental Tahiti Resort and Spa has the hands-down, most beautiful view. Their pools are reminiscent of a lagoon with sandy bottoms and salt water, it’s perfectly situated for the sunset over Mo’orea, and you can see outrigger canoers paddling by all day long.
Best time to visit
Between the months of June to September is considered the best time to visit French Polynesia because the weather is at its driest and the temperatures aren't too warm. While this is deemed to be the 'peak' period, you can still have a fantastic holiday in the islands of French Polynesia regardless of when you travel.
The rainy and hurricane season
In French Polynesia, the months from November to March in general, have the most rain. In addition, the risk of hurricanes in French Polynesia is particularly high from December to April (an average of 3 to 6 hurricanes over this period) It is French Polynesia's wet season, with concentrated bursts of rainfall punctuated by days of sunshine. At this time hotel air-conditioning becomes a necessity as humidity rises.
Quick tips
French Polynesia is very expensive. Very, Very Expensive. It's one of those places that you look up online & day dream. But if you are reckless like me, & don't really care about coming back home broke, just do it (but don't lol). The cheapest Island is Moorea, I even managed to sneak into the Hilton for some of the most beautiful pictures. YOLO!!! I don't regret it, you won't see such clean sight anywhere else. People there are ridiculously focused on body & fitness. & they will let you know. They are very direct about it. Polite but Direct. You can find people working out on beaches & swimming 24/7.
French Polynesia is always surrounded by music and dance. In fact, there are several Polynesian dances. These vary from one island to another, from one archipelago to another. People do not dance the same way in the Marquesas islands, Austral Islands or in Tahiti. The Polynesian dance runs to the rhythm of the “To’ere” and “Pahu” which are percussion instruments, but also to the rhythm of the “ukulele”, famous small four-string guitar. The songs, intimately linked to these dances, are important in the Polynesian people’s life. These tell old legends, evoke also the beauty of Tahiti and her islands, explain the adventures of their inhabitants, or their daily lives.
What do I need to know?
Visa and Flights: Visitors to French Polynesia don't require a travel visa if their stay is shorter than 90 days but you will need a valid passport for at least six months stay and to provide proof of a return or onward flight.
You can drink tap water in Tahiti, Moorea and Bora Bora and in all the international resorts. It is usually fine in family hotels and in the other islands but we recommend that you ask your hosts for confirmation
You will need sunscreen especially if you are not from somewhere with high weather. It gets very hot and aside from Miami, this is where I got my Darkest Tan. Smooth Skin.
For Swimming, lifeguards don’t usually supervise beaches. Tidal changes can cause powerful currents and riptides are common. You should wear reef shoes to protect yourself against coral cuts and stonefish. Petty crime, such as pickpocketing and purse snatching, occurs. Violent crime is rare. Ensure that personal belongings, including passports and other travel documents, are secure at all times.
