Tahiti

Two volcanoes emerging from an emerald sea gave birth to the myth of paradise known today as Tahiti, the largest of the Polynesian islands with an area of 1042 sq.km (402 sq.mi) steep cloud-draped mountains, deep verdant valleys, luxurant ferns, swift invigorating rivers and black sand beaches await you on this island of love.

Tahiti Nui, the big islands offers numerous excursion possibilities Tahiti Iti, Her discrete little sister, overflows with innumerable treasures surrounded by an aura of legend.

Information

Papeete, the Capital of Tahiti

An international point of arrival for the other fabulous nearby islands, Papeete, the capital of Tahiti, offers visitors numerous treasures: the colourful market, art and history museums, botanical and flower gardens, animated nightlife and cultural exhibitions such as the Traditional Heiva which provides a lively change of scenery full of folklore, dancing, singing, colors and fragrances.

A broad range of activities

Hiking and horseback excursions; safaris to the heart of the island; waterfall and canyon adventures, trips out on the lagoon, underwater explorations, guided tours of cultural sites, marae and museum such The Paul Gauguin's, Tahiti Islands. Many professionally conducted tours to discover the secrets of the old gods and the traditions of the Ma'ohi people.

Nature, the cradle of our historical and cultural inheritance

Historic, sacred and religious sites swathed in legend; many museums all around the island.

Surf/Flysurf

Surfing is the ancestral Polynesian sport and its reputation has never been surpassed

Tahiti is one of the major International competition centres, on a par with the best surfying spots in the world. The superb waves at Teahupoo, on the Peninsula Famous for their tubes, have thrilled the best surfers on the planet.

Scuba diving

The ocean floor around Tahiti is spectacularly rich: the diversity of sites and their beauty make it an ideal place for taking the various levels of training certificates.

Getting Around

Car hire firms operate from the airport, the major hotels and in the town, visitors can also use the backup taxi service. In theory, fares are subject to an official scale but it is better to ask the price before you hop abroad!

However, it is possible to go around Papeete and the surrounding towns by bus. The transportation systems is effective as there are two types of services availables: The open-air, Le Truck stops frequently across 26 routes.

Where to eat in Tahiti

There are many tempting dining options available to visitors, restaurants ranging from French, Italian, and Chinese to local cuisine. The local cuisine is very fresh and original and comes highly recommended. The major hotels often offer two types of restaurants, simple or gourmet, and organise evenings around generous buffets with dance shows featuring the best troops.

In addition, there are a large number of pizzerias, snack bars and fast-food outlets in Papeete itself and around the islands. You will discover also the Roulotte, which are a kind of mobile restaurant that serve in the evening, at Place Vaiete. ,

Where to stay in Tahiti

There are all kinds of accommodation available, from luxury hotels with air-conditioned rooms and all the latest modern conveniences and bungalows over the lagoon with a super view of Moorea, to rooms to rent in family homes. The major hotels are scattered all over the island, in the town centre, in the districts and on the peninsula.