Travel guide – tahiti
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Overview
French Polynesia's main island of Tahiti (meaning 'the gathering place') stands sentinel over her surrounding sisters like a proud queen, her soaring interior mountains sheltering deep valleys, plummeting waterfalls and crystal streams flowing down to the rugged coastline of black and white sand beaches and blue lagoons. The island is actually two islands, Tahiti-Nui and Tahiti-Iti, joined by a narrow isthmus.
Most holidaymakers start their island idyll at the international Faa'a Airport at Papeete, Tahiti's capital and the commercial hub of French Polynesia. The small, busy city has a French flavour and laid-back atmosphere, worth exploring for its vibrant Central Market, pearl shops, attractive waterfront with its unique mobile diners, and a selection of excellent restaurants. Another must for visitors is to take a round-the-island tour, along the 73-mile (117km) road encircling the island, passing historic monuments, museums, beaches, ruined temples, waterfalls, gardens and dramatic scenery.
The island's best white sand beaches are between Punaauia and Papara, but most visitors get more of a thrill out of visiting the famed black sand beaches on the east coast, particularly renowned Pointe Venus. Besides enjoying the seaside, Tahiti also offers some interesting sightseeing, including magnificent Botanical gardens, museums, archaeological sites, the tomb of the royal family Pomare, a lake containing unique eared eels, lava tubes, and a host of other unusual experiences.
Climate
Like all of French Polynesia, Tahiti enjoys tropical, warm and humid weather all year round, averaging eight hours of sunshine per day over a year. The islands experience a rainy season, generally between late October and early March, when cloudy skies and brief heavy rain showers can occur. The rest of the year rain is rare and temperatures constantly high, tempered sometimes by refreshing breezes. The water temperature ranges between 79° F and 84° F (26°C to 29°C) making for extremely pleasant bathing all year round.
Health
No vaccinations are required for entry to French Polynesia, but immunisation against Hepatitis A is recommended, and the territory is subject to occasional outbreaks of dengue fever. Tap water in hotels is safe to drink, but bottled water is also freely available throughout the islands. Tahiti has good health facilities with pharmacies and a large government hospital. There are a few private doctors and clinics in the outer islands. The only decompression chamber is at Papeete. Medical insurance is recommended for travellers.
The basics
Getting Around
Tahiti has its own public transit system known as 'Le Truck', the open-air vehicles covering Papeete and surrounding towns with informal frequent stops. There are plenty of taxis, best arranged through the hotel concierge, and car rentals can be arranged at the airport or hotels. Helicopters or a variety of sea-going craft can be hired for island tours.
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