French Polynesia consists of five archipelagoes scattered over an area the size of Europe in the Pacific Ocean: the Windward Islands, Leeward Islands, Society Islands, Tuamotu and the Marquesas. Tahiti, part of the Windward Islands, is the largest of the 118 islands and atolls that make up French Polynesia.
Tahitians are warm and friendly people who speak mainly French and Tahitian, though English is widely spoken in tourist areas. Tahiti's reputation as an idyllic paradise was established by the artistry of Paul Gauguin and romantic descriptions of its natural beauty by authors Robert Louis Stevenson, W. Somerset Maugham and James Michener. Tahiti is the setting of the book and movie "Mutiny on the Bounty." Moorea, also in the Windwards, was portrayed as the mysterious Bali Hai in the movie "South Pacific."
The main gateway to French Polynesia is Faaa International Airport, located four miles from Papeete, Tahiti. Driving is on the right and major road conditions are good. All the islands offer different tropical scenery, lagoons, cascading waterfalls, secluded beaches, as well as different activities such as horseback riding, diving, surfing and shark feeding. Charming resorts on some of the smaller islands may be closer to your ideal tropical hideaway, and it is possible to travel from island to island by air, ferry or cruise ship.
A wide variety of food reflecting Polynesian, Asian and French influence is served in establishments ranging from elegant restaurants to licensed food trucks. Bottled water is available and recommended.
Vacationing in French Polynesia can be expensive because most goods are imported. However vacations in Tahiti remain a popular dream of many Americans and Europeans. The local currency is the Central Pacific Franc (XPF). Traveler's checks are easily cashed. French Polynesian telephone and postal systems are modern and reliable.
Two very similar seasons exist on the islands. The dry season, with occasional showers, lasts from May to October. The wet season, from November to March, is slightly warmer and more humid with intermittent rainfall. The typical year round temperature is 77 F (25 C).
French Polynesia is a secure travel destination and violent crime is a rarity. However, travelers should always exercise common sense security precautions and remain alert to petty crime.
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