Warm water and relaxing beaches.
Overwater bungalows and cool breezes.
It might sound like a daydream, but it could be your reality when you visit the Islands of Tahiti.
Wondering if this may be the vacation you’ve always wanted to take?
We’re sharing our comprehensive travel guide for the Islands of Tahiti!
A Little Background about the Islands of Tahiti
Did you know that Tahiti is NOT an actual country? The country that you can find the Islands of Tahiti in is the French Polynesia.
The name The Islands of Tahiti actually describes the uniting of five distinct island chains. It’s because of this that many people don’t know where the Islands of Tahiti are ACTUALLY located.
Facts about the French Polynesia
Now that you know where you’re going on the map, it’s time to break down some of the things that are different about visiting this area.
Currency: Pacific franc
An easy way for North American travelers to make the conversion is to take the last 2 zeros off of the number and that will be the USD equivalent.
Time zone: 10 hours behind GMT
ATMs: Easy to find in Tahiti and near airports but difficult on other islands.
Make sure that you plan your ATM withdrawals accordingly.
Tahiti WIFI: Looking for a hotspot device to share with your group? It’s offered at the international airport and is quite affordable.
Measurement System: Metric Scale for distance and Celsius scale for temperature
Tipping: This is NOT expected nor is it standard practice. However, if you would like to tip, you can. Ten percent is the unspoken benchmark for good service.
Languages: Tahitian and French
How to Decide Which Island to Visit in Tahiti
With so many different islands to choose from, it can be difficult, and overwhelming to decide on the right one.
Here are a few things to consider when choosing your destination:
- Do you want to stay in an overwater bungalow?
If so, this narrows down your choices to a handful of islands.
- Do you want to scuba dive?
The best sites for scuba diving are located in Rangiroa and Fakarava. The second best sites are located in Bora Bora, Tahiti, and Raiatea.
- Do you want to island hop?
If so, this isn’t as straightforward as you think it would be. Our travel advisors can help you plan the best itinerary for the islands that you want to visit.
Best Time to Visit the Islands of Tahiti
The best times to visit are between May and October. While temperatures are nice all-year round, there is less humidity during the winter season.
Temperature averages are consistently in the mid to high 80’s. The biggest difference is that the summer months, November through April, can experience higher than average temperatures and can be quite rainy.
Getting Around in Tahiti
The best ways to get around are by taxi or rental car. If you plan on traveling quite a bit, we would suggest getting a rental car.
Want to feel a little more one with the culture? You can also rent bikes to travel around the island.
If you want to travel to other islands, you’ll have to book a boat or plane.
Additional Information about Traveling the Islands of Tahiti
French is the official language spoken, but many locals in the tourist industry do speak English. They live by their philosophy “aita pea pea” which, when translated, means “not to worry.” Don’t be surprised at all if strangers greet you on the street.
Tahiti is also an ideal spot for seafood and fresh-grown produce. Many of the island’s top resorts have some of the best restaurants in the area. Locals also suggest eating at Le Lotus and Le Carre. If the locals suggest it, you know it must be really good!
There is a lot to take into account when planning your trip to the Islands of Tahiti but with this guide, and the help of our amazing travel advisor, we’ll help you plan memories to last a lifetime!
Interested in creating a custom itinerary for your trip to the Islands of Tahiti? Please fill out our adventure planning form here and one of our advisors will be in touch soon!