Tahiti is one of the largest islands among 118 islands of French Polynesia. Tahiti is composed of two volcanic maintain ranges in shape of a ‘Turtle’- Tahiti Nui (the larger one) and Tahiti Iti (the peninsula).
Tahiti, being one of the best among the rest in French Polynesia, boasts of its picturesque beauty comprising the Palm, crystal clear blue lagoons, cliffs and volcanic peeks. It is surely a tropical Heaven. Being one of its kind and its exotic location, Tahitian Island is pretty expensive as a destination to travel to, yet is always a hype among the travellers for being way exotic and beautiful in its own way.
Best time to go
June to August is the peak season as this being dry and coolest. December and January plenty of sun and cooling showers. Europeans, Americans and locals on holiday, they generally book early.
February being the hottest, March and April are hot and rainy whereas October and November are pleasant. Prices are low in these months and one would like to save on such expensive islands, always.
How to travel
Tahiti is located halfway between California and Australia. Tahiti is regularly served by Air France, Air Tahiti Nui, Air New Zealand and Hawaiian Airlines. Thus, most of the international flights land in Tahiti.
Getting Around Tahiti
By Bus-
The most common form of transportation is buses at nominal prices. The open air buses stop at the sides of the streets and serve most cities. One can take cabs or taxis as well and hire those on daily basis. Even bikes are available on rents which are really cheap.
By Boat-
Ferries can also be used to travel among the islands. The rotations vary according to the crowd and the destination. An expensive yet comfortable option is boats on rentals. Without any crew, you have a cheaper option for yachts. There are luxury yachts and cruises also available currently ply the islands: the Paul Gauguin, which does a regular 7-day trip around the Societies, with occasional trips out to the Tuamotus, Marquesas and Cook Islands; and the Tahitian Princess which does similar itineraries.
By Plane-
Air Tahiti gives you best options to travel within and beyond Tahiti.
Things to Do in Tahiti
The Beaches
You haves seen the best beaches. I doubt. Think again; Tahiti and her islands are the God of Beaches. The pure white sand and the clear blue sea water, volcanic peeks and the vistas of cliffs and green Palm- the islands are perfect for a soul seeker destination.
Blowhole of Arahoho
Enjoy the blowhole of Tahiti that splashes water skywords. The watery wonder of Tahiti throws water to the Faarumai and Vaipahi waterfalls. Just try to find out beforehand if the sea swell is large enough to see the enough water force gushing out of the blowhole.
Marquesas Islands
The burial spots of both, Paul Gauguin and Jacques Brel on the Marquesas Islands, are center of attraction for the tourists.
Bora Bora
Located 140 miles northwest of Papeete, Bora Bora is ultimate paradise of islands and one of the most expensive as well. With luxurious bungalows and crystal clear blue lagoon, Bora Bora is favorite of honeymooners and celebrities. Jetskiing, paragliding or snorkeling, its blue lagoon is best for all water sports. The place is awesome yet it being do expensive is the saddest part.
Wildlife Adventure
Most of the wildlife here is found in the blue lagoons. Diving gives you a great option to come across some of the amazing members of the huge biodiversity at Tahiti. Even on land, the birds are pretty amazingly occupying.
Whale Watching
June and july are the best months to enjoy the whale watching sessions in the Austral Islands of south Tahiti. Pods of humpback whales swim to Rurutu and Tubuai from Antarctica to bear their young and this makes for one of the most spectacular sights you are likely to see on your travels.
Papeete market
Interested in locals? Walk around the market and see the public at Le Marche. Sunday mornings are lively and there, the merchants come to sell exotic fishes and the sea food. Flowers, spices, fabrics and fresh produce are all on offer.
Diving and Surfing
South to Tahiti is Rangiroa, Frnch Polynesia’s best diving site and one of the world’s largest. Dolphins, barracuda, Tuna and turtle, all can be found under the blue lagoon. The amazing waves are created at Teahupoo, which are challenging enough. There are several surf schools on the island of Tahiti and board rental is available in Papeete. The surf is also good off the coast of Moorea.
Events @Tahiti
The big event of Tahiti is the two weeks long event called Heiva I Tahiti. It runs from June end til Bastille Day ie July 14. Dancing, singing, feasting and partying are the main activities in the event. There are bicycles, cars, jugglers, horses, archery, javelin-throwing contests, tattooing, games, arts and crafts and the whole carnival.