The word « Polynesia » comes from the Greek and means « many islands ».
French Polynesia is a French overseas territory located in the middle of the Pacific (6.200 km from LA, 5.700 km from Sydney, 8.800 km from Tokyo and 17.100 km from Paris).
Over 118 islands, only about 60 of them are inhabited. The surface of the terriroty represents 4.000 km2 spread out on a surface as large as Europe.
They are represented in 5 archipelagos: - Society islands with the Windward islands (Moorea, Tahiti, Tetiarora) and the Leeward islands (Bora Bora, Huahine, Raiatea, Tahaa…)
- Tuamotu
- Marquesas
- Austral
- Gambier
The main island is Tahiti (1.042 km2). Rangiroa atoll is the second largest in the world (1.600 km2). The highest mountain is Mount Orohena (2.241m) in Tahiti.
There are 2 kinds of islands in French Polynesia :
High islands (Society, Gambier, Austral and Marquesas) : from volcanic origin, they are covered by a rich and beautiful vegetation and surrounded with a lagoon and a coral reef separating the lagoon from the ocean (except in the Marquesas).
Flat islands (Tuamotu) are atolls made of coral sand with a maximum altitude of 6 meters. They are remnants of former high islands. With a common oval or round shape, they often have one or more passes to get in and out the lagoon.
The capital city is Papeete on the main island of Tahiti. With over 100.000 inhabitants, It is the economic and administrative centre of French Polynesia.
Black pearls, tourism, fishing and coprah are Tahiti’s main resources.
In 2002, with a population of 245.000 inhabitants in French Polynesia, several ethnic groups were identified: 65% Polynesians, 17 % halfcaste Polynesian-Europeans or Polynesian-Chinese), 12% Caucasians (mostly French) and 5% Chinese.
70% of the total population lives in Tahiti and 85% in the Society islands (Tahiti, Moorea, Bora Bora, Huahine…).
Life expectancy is 75 for females and 68 for males. Men represent 52% of the global population versus 48% for women.
History
Polynesians are believed to originate from South East Asia. They are united through a common language, culture and similar origins. Native Hawaiians, Maori and Easter Island natives have the same origins.
This group of islands was among the very last one to be settled by man.
The first migrants arrived thanks to their high navigation skills. Polynesians have always been excellent sailors. They knew how to sail in the Pacific Ocean well before the first European explorers discovered this part of the world. They would watch the elements to find their ways: stars, winds, currents, marine animals…
The European settlement of French Polynesia was carried out by different nations such as Spain, Holland, England, France and Russia between the 15th and 18th centuries.
In the middle of the 18th century, several explorers (Samuel Wallis, Bougainville) came back to Europe marvelling about the beauty of the islands and their inhabitants.
In 1779, the Bounty arrived in Tahiti shortly followed by the famous mutiny, which will definitely contribute to build the Polynesian myth.
Later on, Polynesians were christianed after the missionaries arrived and they were forbidden to perform their local songs, dances and rituals. Their culture nearly disappeared.
Malgré son éloignement, la Polynésie
subit les 2 guerres mondiales. Papeete fut bombardée
en 1914, et Bora Bora servi de base à l’armée
américaine durant la seconde guerre mondiale.
Tourism started developing when the international airport of Tahiti-Faa’a was built and opened in 1961.
Nowadays, tourism plays a key role in the French Polynesian economy and the increasing interest in scuba diving should help this development in the years to come.
A few key dates: 3000 BC Start of the settlement in the Souch Pacific from South East Asia.
1521 Magellan discovers a part of the Tuamotu 1595 Alvaro de Mendena discovers the Marquisas 1767 Wallis arrives in Tahiti 1768 Bougainville arrives in Tahiti which he names “New Cythere” 1769 Cook’s first trip to Tahiti 1773 Cook’s second trip to Tahiti 1777 Cook’s last trip to Tahiti 1789 Mutiny on the Bounty 1797 Arrival of the first English missionaries 1803 Death of Pomare I. Beginning of Christianisation and very strong repression against traditions. 1841 The French Dupetit-Thouars takes power over the English 1842 Forced to do so, Queen Pomare IV signs a protectorate treaty for Tahiti and Moorea. 1865 Arrival of the first Chinese 1880 Pomare V surrenders her rights over Tahiti to the French Government 1945 Tahitians become French citizens 1957 The territory is named French Polynesia 1958 Further to referendum, French Polynesia becomes a French overseas territory 1980 Tahitian becomes the second official language (French being the first) 1984 French Polynesia is given an legal autonomous status.
Modern History
Tahiti and her islands became a French overseas territory after World War II. In 1984, A first autonomy status allowed the territory to pull up its flag next to the French one and to name a President of the Government of French Polynesia. The autonomy status was finalised on 24th January 2000. Nowadays, the Assembly of French Polynesia has the right to vote certain laws in specific fields. It is a member of some international organisations and has the ability to have its own representations abroad.
The French Government is responsible for defense, maintaining order, immigration, justice, graduate education and research. It is locally represented by a Government official called “Haut Commissaire”.
The President of French Polynesia is elected for 5 years. He represents the territory and the administrations. He names his ministers. Members of the Territorial Assembly are also elected every 5 years.
Climate
Tahiti is located in the inter-tropical zone
There are two main seasons :
dry season from May to October
rain season from November to April
Depending on the group of islands and the season, temperatures vary between 20° to 32° C (80 to 95° Farenheit). Nights are cooler during the dry season. Water temperature varies between 25° to 29° C (85 and 90° Farenheit) all year round.
During the rain season when the humidity level is at its peak, tropical depressions may occur. However, these weather phenomenons are extremely rare. They may be the result of the consequences of a potential El Nino. July and August are very pleasant months weatherwise, especially since a tropical breeze, called Maraamu, may blow (wind from South East).
In the Society islands, the East coast is usually more windy and rainy than the West coast.
In the Austral islands, temperatures are cooler throughout the year. In the Marquesas, the dry season is from August to December and in the Tuamotu, rain is less common due to the lack of mountains which cannot stop rain clouds.
French is Tahiti’s official language. However, Tahitians often speak Reo Ma’ohi at home. The language slightly varies depending on the part of French Polynesia. Reo Tahiti is the most commonly spoken Polynesian language since the main part of the population lives in the Society islands, including Tahiti.
Although French and Tahitian are the two official languages, French remains the administrative language. Reo Ma’ohi is celebrated every 28th November.
The eyes play an important role in communication as well. For example, raising eyebrows means “yes” or “hello”.
Don’t forget that a smile will help you everywhere in French Polynesia!
English is spoken nearly everywhere in the tourism field.
The Tahitian alphabet comprises 13 letters only:
5 vowels : a e i o u, and 8 consonants : f h m n p r t v, to be pronounced like in French, except for « e » which sound is « ey » and « u » which sounds like a regular « u » sound.
Tahitians are friendly and polite, sometimes a bit shy when you first meet them but you will soon notice their natural joy for life. Their French is very unformal and a French speaker may be surprised in the beginning. Despite the development, they are very easy going and enjoy lazing in the shade of coconut trees!
Don’t try to cheat, remain natural and nice (you are in their counrty, don’t forget it), take your time to enjoy the slow pace of life, far away from your daily stress. The dress code is very casual: T-shirt, shorts, sandals.
Tahitians are proud of their country. It is a wonderful country if we adapt to the local customs.
Religion
About 60% of the population is anglican, 30% catholic, 6% mormon and the rest is spread among Jehovah’s witnesses, adventist…). People are still very religious also the trend tends to decrease. Religiou events are always the opportunities for the “Mamas” to wear their most beautiful dress and hat.
Dance and Music
Dance and music are present everywhere and are strong symbol of the country. Tamure is the most popular type of dance. The female dancers move their hips in a slow erotic way (the hip movement looks wider thanks to large belts made of vegetals and worn under the belly button).
Very nice traditional dance shows are organized in luxury hotels. In July, the Heiva festival and its dance contest is a must to see.
Party time(called « La bringue »)
Parties, laughs are part of the Tahitians’ everyday life. Unscheduled parties are common where one will play the ukulele (sort of a guitar) and entice everyone else to sing or someone will join playing the toere. Women will then start dancing the tamure and the group will drink wine and beer.
Please note that some Tahitians tend to have a drink too many and may become violent then and be in the mood for a fight. If you are attending a party and feel that some people are getting too drunk, it may be time for you to politely leave.
Vaa’a – outrigger race Definitely the most popular sport from one to 16 paddlers, both men and women.
The famous Hawaiki Nui race takes place each year in October and leads outrigger teams from Huahine, Raiatea and Tahaa, to Bora Bora in three days. The race is broadcast live on the local TV channels.
You will easily see people training in the lagoon.
Fishing and hunting
The lagoon has at all times been very generous to the Tahitians. Thus, they developed over the years several fishing techniques : net fishing, patia (spear with several arrows), stone fishing…
Nowadays, spearfishing is widely practiced either as a leisure or means of getting food. The Tahitians are extremely good at it and you may ask them to spend time with them and watch them fish.
Please note that lagoon fish are often carriers of ciguatera.
Flowers
Flowers are part of the everyday life in Tahiti and her islands.
hibiscus
A lady’s first gesture in the morning will be to cut a flower and put it behind her ear. Men enjoy them as well and often wear a tiare bud. Flowers bloom year round in French Polynesia.
The red hibiscus and the famous Tiare Tahiti (endemic species of gardenia) are the most common flowers. Mamas often wear flower crowns on their head.
The custom is to offer a flower lei to anyone arriving / visiting Tahiti. Upon departure, you will be offered a shell necklace. Lei and shell necklaces may also just be offered as a gesture of frienship.
Monoi
Made from coconut oil in which flowers or plants macerate (tiare, ylang ylang, sandal wood), monoi is used daily by the Polynesians to moisturise their skin and hair. Its use after having been sun burnt will soothe and relief the pain. It may also be applied on the skin to prevent “nonos” bites (tiny sand flies which bite is quite painful).
Marae
A marae is an ancient archeological sacred site with a rectangular shape where religious and tribal ceremonies were celebrated.
No one really knows the way ceremonies were led, those having been banned by the first missionaries.
However, each year in July, ceremonies are reconstituted during the Heiva celebrations.
The largest marae is in Raiatea (marae Taputapuatea), supposedly the craddle of the Polynesian civilization.
Petroglyphs CThey are stone carved drawings. The most famous are in Tahiti and the Marquesas but also in Maupiti and Raiatea. They represent turtles, geometrical signs or anthropomorphic sketches. Some of them are very similar to those in Easter island (Rapa Nui).
Tiki It is usually an anthropomorphic carving which meaning is still not very well known. Carved in coral, volcanic stone or wood, it may wear a tapa. The largest is called “Takai’i” and is 2.35 m high. It was found in Hiva Oa in the Marquesas.
Numerous traditional art events are organised each year in Tahiti (often in To’ata Square – Place Toata – in Papeete). The various existing types of local hand craft from the different islands are exhibitied and for sale.
Wood Carving is a well developed type of art in Tahiti.
Tiki, music instruments (toere, ukulele), paddles or kitchen dish (umete) are typical traditional carvings. Nowadays, several schools in Tahiti and the Marquesas offer the youngsters training to this art style. European or American artists living here get inspiration from this ancestral art for their own artistic creation.
Le Tapa It is a type of vegetal fabric made from wood bark. It was used as a piece of garment of during rituals. Tapa is usually found in the Tahiti art galleries, at the Papeete market or in the Marquesas.
Woven items Native from the Austral islands, they are now developed throughout French Polynesia. Items, such as hats, baskets and rugs (peue) are woven with thin wood lamellas (pandanus, bamboo, coconut palm tree…). They are easy to find at the Papeete market.
Traditional family made bedspread patchworks, inspired from those brought by the English missionnaries, they are hand sawn (although some of them are imported from South East Asia and machine sawn). They represent traditional Polynesian symbols (turtles, flowers, breadfruit, cocount tree…).
The black pearl from Tahiti doesn’t grow anywhere else.
Despite its name, it is not black – or rarely – and is produced in the Tuamotu and Gambiers atolls.
Pearl farming
An oyster will naturally make nacre around an alien particle (parasite, grain of sand) to protect itself, which will create a pearl.
Grafters in pearl farms will cut a specific area of a 3 to 4 year old black pearl oyster (pinctada margaretifera) and insert a nucleus (a round ball made from a shell found in the Mississipi river), which will be considered as the intruder. The oyster will then be placed in a net in several meters deep of water and will start making nacre around the nucleus to protect itself. It will remain under water for several years.
Pearls Theoretically, a perfect pearl should be round, showing no imperfection with a diameter of 13 to 14 cm. It should also have a beautiful luster.
However, these pearls are rare and very expensive. You will easily find beautiful pearls, less perfect, for a much more reasonable price. The quality of a pearl ranges from A to D, A being the best quality.
Keishi
They are natural pearls, either because the graft failed or because of a natural particle. Their shape are very original and they are are small. Less expensive than a pearl, they make beautiful jewels.
Shopping for pearls
Pearl shops are everywhere. Prices and quality vary a lot from one place to another. Prices may be negotiable. Look around and take your time to purchase the pearl of your dreams. You will also find them loose.
How to take care of your pearls?
Pearls are natural and require minimum care. Do not apply any detergent, soap, perfume on your skin or on the pearl when wearing pearsl. You may put them in salty water from time to time, especially if you live in a dry area. Thus, you will re-hydrate them since they contain protein and water. Wipe them with a soft cloth and olive oil if you plan not to wear them for a while. They may get scratched if continuously rubbed against a gem.
Whether it was a sign of recognition, a therapy against diseases or natural or supernatural aggressions, tattoos were commonly found in the ancient populations. This technique was widely spread in the Polynesian triangle (New Zealand, Hawaii, Easter Island). The most impressive tattoos were definitely in the Marquesas (bodies entirely covered with tattoos with a wide variety of patterns).
The first sailors to come to this part of the world would go back to Europe with tattoos, developing the myth that a sailor was always tattooed.
Before the missionaries banned it, Polynesians would be tattooed throughout their life. The young ladies were tattooed to be purified, have a status in the community and be able to get married. As for them, the young men used tattoos as war signs supposed to bring them power and protection.
Some of them would simply get a tattoo for aesthetic reasons, as a permanent jewel for instance. It seems like the more complicated the designs were, the higher the status was.
Tattooists were important and respected in the community. They carried an ancestral knowledge and their art was essential to the group.
The tools used were made from bones, shellfish or animal teeth. They were dipped in a natural black dye. Using a small wood hammer, tattooists would then cut the skin where the dye would drop.
Techniques could vary from one place to another.
The patterns used and their location on the body where codified and striclty respected.
Several persons would assist the tattooist during the session to hold the individual, wipe the blood away which shouldn’t drop to the groung. The end of a tattoo session was often celebrated.
In the Society islands, the face was never tattooed and men only were tattooed.
In the Marquesas, the whold body was covered with geometrical complicated designs together with decorative patterns, such as the Tiki or specific animals (turtle, lizard…). The tattoo style often made them difficult to recognize.
Tattoos nowadays
Tattoos have made a huge come back over the past 20 years. It is the sign that Polynesians are eager to be closer to their roots and culture. However, if the designs are more or less similar to the ancient tattoos, the core meaning of being tattooed has disappeared. Techniques have developed (the ancient tattoo technique has been strictly prohibitied by the Ministry of Health since 1986). Despite all this, tattoos remain very beautiful. It is now up to each individual to decide whether they want to be tattooed, they are free to choose the designs and body part. It is completely free of any traditional obligation but is a sign of belonging to Polynesians values.
You will be able to get a tattoo in any of the Society and Marquesas islands. You will find professionnally trained tattooists working in full respect of safety and public health regulations (single use gloves and needles…). You will have a choice of patterns to choose from a catalogue, should you be undecided when you go.
Q&A
The area to be tattooed will be cleaned, disinfected and shaved if necessary.
The tattoo will usually be sketched with a pen before the work starts.
Depending on the size and designs, a tattoo session may last between 15 minutes to several hours and sometimes several sessions will be required to complete the tattoo.
How painful is it ? I twill depend on how good you are at bearing the pain but mostly of the body part. Shoulders, buttocks… are less sensitive that areas where the skin is thiner (eg armpits). The most sensitive parts are the bony or tendon areas (heel, dorsal spine…).
A scab will appear further to the tattoo. Complete healing will take several weeks while the tattoo should remain protected for direct sun exposure and bath or swim in the ocean are unadvised. The best time to have a tattoo done is therefore at the end of your stay.
M.A. Porte
Source (texts et photos) : Tatouage Polynésien
d’hier et d’aujourd’hui d’après Gotz (Pacific Production
Tahiti – ISBN 2-911228-18-9)
LOCAL FOOD / CUISINE
Traditional cuisine gets its inspiration from nature, in particular seafood and fruits. Dish are not spicy. Fruits are excellent (pinapple, banana, mango, papaya, grapefruit, litchee…k). Moorea pinapples are said to be the best in the world.
Fish remains the main dish with tuna, sworfish, mahi mahi, parrot fis hand other smaller lagoon fish. However, it is recommended not to eat lagoon fish if you fished yourself, in order to avoid being poisoned by a dangerous toxin called ciguatera.
Turtles are an endangered protected species. It is strictly prohibited to hunt and eat their flesh. Besides, their flesh may be poisonous and their consumption may cause serious health hazards.
There are a few pork and cow kettles in Tahiti and Moorea for local consumption.
Whilst French and Chinese influences are strong, it is good to see that traditional meals are still cooked in an earth oven. Knowns as Ahima’a, this is where meats and vegetables are wrapped in leaves, placed on a bed of hot stones. The parcels are covered with more leaves and earth, and left to cook for several hours.
Fafaru is another way to taste local fish. However, tourists usually can’t bear the smell of it. It is raw fish marinated in salt water with prawns heads for several days.
Wild pig stew and barbecued roasted veal are a must in any Tahitian party. Vegetables and fruits may be eaten either as a starter or a dessert. Bread fruit (uru) is often cooked with “corned beef” made locally. You will also find bananas (fruits or veggies), sweet potatoes, cabbage, taro and fafa (kind of spinach), often seasoned with coconut mikl and lime. Rice is the usual ingredient with any dish.
Beef from Australia and New Zealand is excellent and fresh at a reasonable price.
Tahitians like to eat a lot. Don’t be surprised at the size of a dish when you order in a restaurant or a take away. One dish will usually be enough as a meal.
Although it is supposed to be safe in Tahiti, Bora Bora and Moorea, avoid drinking tap water.
Tahitian recipes
Poisson cru – raw marinated fish Serves 4
450g/1lb Fresh Tuna, diced or cut into thin strips
120ml/4fl.oz. Freshly squeezed Lime Juice
150g/5oz Onion, finely chopped
150g/5oz Tomato, chopped
150g/5oz Cucumber, finely chopped
150g/5oz Capsicum (sweet pepper), finely chopped
120ml/4fl.oz. Coconut Milk
Salt and pepper Instructions :
1. Place the fish and lime juice in a non-metallic mixing bowl, season with salt and pepper and mix to coat the fish well. Leave to marinate for a few minutes.
2. Add the remaining ingredients, mix well and adjust the seasoning. Serve immediately.
Breadfruit fries Serves 4
675g/1-1/2lb Hard Breadfruit,
peeled
Salt
Water
Oil for deep frying Instructions :
1. Place the breadfruit in a large pan of boiling salted water, reduce the heat a little and cook for 10-15 minutes.
2. Drain well and allow to cool down.
3. Preheat the deep fryer to 180C/350F. Cut the breadfruit into thin slices the deep fry until golden brown. Drain on kitchen paper and serve immediately
Pain coco – Coconut Bread Slightly sweet, Faraoa coco is excellent as a snack or for breakfast. Preparation :
½ hour to make the dough – leave for 5 hours – cooking time : ½ hours Ingredients :
500 g wheat flour
1teasp salt
20g yeast
100g sugar
10cl coconut water Instructions :
pour the yeast and one tbsp flour in 10cl warm water – stir
pour the rest of flou rand salt in a large bowl. In the center, add the yeast and sugar and knead.
Little by littly, add the coconut water. The dough is quite liquid. Cover and leave for 4 hours.
Pour the dough in a cake tin and leave for another hour.
Bake for ½ hour a medium temperature.
Enjoy !
Chicken Fafa (Tahitian chicken with taro leaves) Serves 4 to 6 :
1 1/2lbs taro leaves or spinach
2-3 tbsp oil
1 1/2lbs chicken thighs
2 finely chopped onions
2-4 minced garlic cloves
1” piece gingeroot
1 ½ cups water
Salt and pepper
2-3 cornstarch
1 cup coconut milk / cream Instructions :
1. If using taro leaves, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the taro leaves, reduce heat and simmer for 30-40 minutes. Drain and squeeze dry. If using spinach, skip this step and proceed to Step 2.
2. Heat the oil over medium-high flame in a large pot. Brown the chicken on all sides in the hot oil. Remove to a plate. Sauté the onion, garlic and ginger in the remaining oil till the onion is translucent. Add back the chicken pieces, stock or water, salt and pepper. Reduce the heat to low and simmer, covered for about 20 minutes. Add the taro leaves or spinach and simmer another 15 minutes till chicken is tender.
3. Stir the cornstarch or arrowroot into 2-3 tablespoons of cold water and then stir into the simmering sauce to thicken lightly. Stir in coconut cream to finish and serve over rice. Variations
If using frozen spinach, thaw first. Then squeeze dry before adding to the simmering chicken. Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts if you like. Cut into cubes before sautéing
Green Papaya Salad Serves 4 :
450g/1lb Green Papaya (unripe)
2 Chili Peppers, deseeded and finely sliced
The juice of 2 limes
1-2 tbsp Olive Oil
Salt and Black Pepper
Lettuce leaves to serve Instructions :
1. Peel the fruit, cut in half and remove the seeds.
2. Grate the papaya flesh into a large mixing bowl then ad the remaining ingredients and mix well.
Serve immediately on a bed of lettuce.
Tahitian punch Ingredients :
1 l orange juice
1l pinapple juice
½ bottle lemonade
1 vanilla bean
1l white rum
2 fresh oranges
2 limes (1 to juice)
Simple sirup (up to your taste) Instructions :
In a salad bowl, pour the juices, lemonade and rum Cut the vanilla bean in half and add it together with the orange and lime slices. Taste and add simple sirup if necessary. Chill for about 5 – 6 hours to allow the flavours to ripen. Serve chilled.
Depending on the hotel, kayaks, outriggers, hobby cat, windsurf, snorkeling gear will be available.
Snorkeling
You will be able to free dive and snorkel from the hotel beach most of the time
Lagoon line fishing many Tahitians like fishing. However, before doing so, please ask a local about the regulations in the area.
Mahi Mahi (dolphin fish) fishing
It takes place aboard a speed boat calle”Poti Marara”.
Ask your hotel if you want to take part in it.
Pêche au gros Plus professionnelle, la pêche au gros demande
une infrastructure importante (équipement, bateau
puissant, lieux de pêches au large).
Quelques prestataires de grand hôtels en proposent
Surf One of the most popular sports over here. It is said to be born in Tahiti.
Tahitians are usually very good surfers. You will see them everywhere, especially in Tahiti, Moorea and Huahine.
For those of you who are experts, the Tuamotu atolls shelter some great surfing spots.
In Tahiti, the most popular spot is on the East coast, in Papenoo (PK 17).
On the West coast, Tapuna (PK11), Sapinus (pk 15) and Tahiti Iti (Teahuopoo) are the best areas.
A session of the world surf championships (Billabong Pro) are organised in Teahuopoo every year).
In Moorea, Haapiti pass (PK30) and Temae are famous spots as well.
Windsurfing and kitesurfing Less popular than surf, there are spots everywhere. One of them being the lagoon of Bora Bora as soon as the wind starts blowing. > more infos
Sailing
French Polynesia is a great place to sail. Cruise and sail boat rental are developing well.
In Papeete – water front, you will have the opportunity to get aboard a sail boat to Tetiaroa.
Jet ski Activity available in the main hotels at a very high rate.
Water skiing, wake boarding Expensive, you will be able to book from the hotel activity desk.
Hiking In the high islands (Tahiti, Moorea, Marquesas), you will have the opportunity to discover the inner part of the islands on your own or with a guide.
You will see waterfalls, rivers, archeological sites…
4WD safari It is the only way to visit the inner part of the island quickly. You will see beautiful spots, such as waterfalls, rivers, lakes… Golf There is on 18 whole golf course in Tahiti PK40 on the West Coast and one is about to open in Moorea. Your hotel may arrange transfers.
Other inexpensive activities are available, such as reef fishing, ride in a kayak, biking…
Tourist activities
Outrigger ride
Very developed in Bora Bora, you will sail on the lagoon while your guides will be singing Polynesian songs. You usually have the opportunity to swim in crystal clear waters with beautiful colourful fish around you, but also feed the stingrays and the sharks and discover the island from the lagoon.
Sunset cruise Available at the hotel activity desk, you will enjoy cruising in the lagoon watching the sun set while drinking a cocktail.
Helicopter tour Only in Bora Bora, very expensive activity althought the view is breathtaking.
Swimming with dolphins
Your dream will come true at the Moorea Dolphin Center in Moorea located within the Intercontinental Hotel. > more infos
Dolphin Encounter Easy to watch year round in Tahiti at « la Pointe des Pêcheurs » (Fisherman Point), but also in other islands depending on the conditions. From August to October, you may even be lucky enough to watch humpback whales.
Day on a motu After a nice ride in the lagoon, you will spend the rest of the day on a beautiful islet (motu) enjoying a lunch prepared with local products. It is also possible to rent a motu and spend several days there.
Sightseeing of natural and archeological sites Access to the various sites while walking or in a 4WD tour or by boat to discover waterfalls, coral gardens, lakes or marae (ancient sacred sites).
Museums The main two museums are located in Tahiti (Musée des Iles PK 15 and Musée Gauguin PK 51). The first is the most interesting. Located by the lagoon, it is built in a beautiful park and shelters fabulous art collections from the Pacific area. The latter is less interesting since no original art works are exhibited. However, the botanic garden next to it is nice with 3 original Tiki exhibited from the Austral islands.
A lot of other activities are possible. You will ask the activity desk of your hotel, the Visitors Center or a local travel agency.
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