Although travel is currently banned to French Polynesia because of Coronavirus -Covid 19 – Now is the perfect time to dream and learn about the destination and be prepared to plan your trip when it is safe to do so.
All 118 islands of French Polynesia are different, some with rugged mountains, crystal clear lagoons while others are just an atolls with amazing beaches – the best way to have the best experience is to island hop between the islands. Located in the Pacific Ocean, The Islands of Tahiti are a dream destination with idyllic, secluded islands, lush tropical vegetation, thatched roofs and clear turquoise waters teaming with marine life. As you island hop throughout the Tahitian Islands and French Polynesia the islands natural beauty begins to showcase itself through the colors of the sands from black , white and pink sand beaches, scuba diving, mountainous peaks and soaring cliffs, lush desert valleys and so much more.
- International flights into Papeete, Tahiti on a regular basis from Los Angeles, San Francisco, Honolulu, Hawaii , New Zealand as well as other departure cities
- Out islands such as Moorea can be reach by catamaran or short flights ,with transfers from ferry dock or airport
- Five main groups of islands Society Islands, Tuamotu Islands, Austral Islands, Marquesas Islands and Gambier Islands
- Large variety of accommodations from private family guesthouses, garden bungalows to overwater bungalows and villas, yacht charters ad cruises.
- Average stay in the islands 7-10 days with the average stay of 3-5 nights per island
- July – August as well as Christmas to New Years holidays are high season
- Tahiti is most famous for its hospitality and relaxed atmosphere where everyone feels welcomes and part of Tahitian island life upon arrival
- Average flight time from Los Angeles or San Francisco is 8 hours to Papeete , Honolulu 5 hours
- Average ambient temperature is 78 degrees for Tahiti and Bora Bora, cooled by trade winds of the Pacific that blow throughout the year
- Two main Tahitian weather seasons – “dry” from March to November average temperature 71 degrees / “wet” from December to late February when it is a little warmer between 77 and 95 degrees – but do know that like most tropical destinations subject to tropical showers that rarely last longer than 30 minutes.
- Society Islands – are the most well known – includes the country’s main islands of Tahiti, Moorea, Bora Bora and more secluded Tetiaroa, Huahine, Taha’a, Tupai, Raiatea, Maupiti
- Tahiti – the largest and most lively of The Islands of Tahiti- artistic expressions of culture through music and dance, art and plays
- Bora Bora – Romance – if one word can describe a destination – a brief 50 minute flight from Tahiti or Moorea- lagoons of turquoise waters, palm-covered motu, pristine white sand beaches, Mount Otemanu ablaze with hibiscus blossoms, coral gardens home to giant manta rays and tropical fish- home to overwater bungalows, thatched-roof villas -known as one of the most beautiful islands in the world – only 15 square miles this intimate island is a favorite for idyllic tropical honeymoons.
- Moorea – only about 15 minute flight or ferry from Tahiti -seems to magically rise out of the ocean – high inspiring green ridges and cliffs – dotted by waterfalls tumbling down fern-softened cliffs, pastel colored homes, gardens of hibiscus and birds of paradise, nature lovers dream and playground – annual trade winds from April to October for best outrigger canoeing , paddle boarding, kite boarding and so much more – Moorea is a favorite of scuba divers who love the coral reef ecosystem teaming with colorful marine life including stingrays, sharks and marine turtles -Eight dormant volcanic peaks guard an ancient volcanic crater that is now a lush valley and the perfect place to explore by hiking, horseback riding, quad biking or on a four wheeler
Tuamotu Islands– these 77 atolls are spread over 930 miles located at the edge of the world and are heaven on earth for sure, with coconut plantations, coral barrier reef and pristine waters make these islands a favorite for divers – I personally love Rangiroa, but other more known islands include Tikehau, Manihi and Fakarava
- No mountains so less humidity and clouds so less rain than the volcano peak islands (so Bora Bora and Rangiroa a great combination of experiences)
- top reasons to visit: scuba diving, wine lovers enjoy wine tasting at Dominique Auroy Estate, black pearl farms, dolphins, have a picnic on a deserted motu, “Blue Lagoon” and pink sand beach created naturally with crushed seashells
- World’s second largest atoll- 240 islets string together in the ocean for over 110 miles completely encircling a dep lagoon – making Rangiroa simply beyond human imagination
- about 1 hour flight time from Tahiti island
- photo credit Jerry Garcia Hotel Kia Ora
Gambier Islands– located about 1000 southeast of the island of Tahiti, this is the most remote and least populated region of French Polynesia with only 1000 inhabitants, very mountainous islands
- Mangareva – main island- an important supply source for the Tahitian cultured pearl industry
- visit tours of the islands by boat , explore churches, convents, schools from the 1800s including structures still in use such as St. Michel of Rikitea Church with an altar inlaid with iridescent mother-of-pearl shell
- Accommodations are smally family pensions(guesthouses) mostly found in the town of Rikitea
- about 4 hour and 25 minute flight time from Tahiti island.
St Michel of Rikita Church
- Marquesas Islands– located 932 miles from Papeete – bucket list trip of a lifetime destination-known for legendary high cliffs, volcanic peaks, natural beauty, incredible beaches – known by locals as “Land of Men”
- six of the 12 islands that make up the Marquesas are inhabited
- top reasons to visit include: rich culture and vegetation framed by steep cliffs and coastline fringed with black sand beaches and beautiful waters, endless adventures including hiking, horseback riding, 4-wheeler rides, back roads tours – nature lovers heaven, artifacts for history buffs, legend of the Marquesas Islands tells the story of how God ade a “big house” starting with the largest of the islands Huku Hiva.
- Accommodations range from vacation rentals, guesthouses , yacht charters, cruises
- about 3 hours and 40 minute flight from Tahiti Island
Austral Islands- located south of The Island of Tahiti on the Tropic of Capricorn, the southernmost boundary of French Polynesia, cooler than the rest of Tahiti – these seven islands are off the beaten bath, known for farming communities and friendliness of the inhabitants, humpback whale watch from August to October as they return to give birth and for Archeological buffs lots of tours to visit numerous pre-European archaeological remnants.
- Accommodations can be found on Rurutu,Raivavae,Tubuai and Raa with ferry and air service between islands – a variety of guesthouses, yacht charters but no major hotels
- top reasons to visit include: whale watching, land tours including Le Manotel WD Safari on Moerai and Rurutu and nature
- about 1 hour 30 minutes flight from Tahiti island
PC Mangareva – Wikipedia.org St Michel church photo
Follow-up to this blog coming soon with some of my clients favorite accommodations
Hope you enjoyed island hopping through the Tahitian Islands with me – Want to learn more and start planning your vacation to Tahiti with a Certified Tahiti Specialist- just reach out by phone or email
Email linda@honeymoonsinc.com or Direct Line 931-337-0770
