Sailing French Polynesian Islands

conspectus

Polynesia consists of over 100 islands and atols in the southeast Pacific. The Societal Islands, the Marquesas Islands and the less known Tuamotu Archipelago are three major groups. Most of the Society Islands are jagged and volcanically originated, blended with some small reefs.

The most famous of these are the islands of Bora Bora, Huahine, Moorea and Tahiti. Tahiti, is the economical, culturally and politically center of French Polynesia. It is a vulcanic and hilly archipelago with a number of dramatic cliffs. Formerly Tahiti was found by Polynesians who established themselves between 300 and 800 AD and became a French settlement in 1880.

Tahitian became French in 1946. Faa'a International Airport Papeete. Coming from LA, take Air Tahiti to Papeete Isle. Coming from LA you will take Air Tahiti Nui to Papeete Isle. One time in Papeete are internal flight between Papeete, Raiatea and Bora Bora with Air Tahiti. There is also a possibility to take a boat to Raiatea, two operators that offer this services are Vaeanu or Hawaiki Nui boat.

Polynesia is secure and French Polynesia does not require too much attention from visitors. Small larceny and force hardly exist on the islands. While Tahiti, the biggest of the islands in the worid, has experienced some minor crimes, it is still very secure in comparison to other travel locations in the worid.

We do not have any tourist visa needed by North Americans or Europeans to French Polynesia, which is issued 30 day after your stay. If you are travelling from outside North America or Europe, or do not have a US, Canada or Europe passport, please contact your local French consulate. French Polynesia General Hospitals is located in Papeete, Tahiti.

You will find health and dentistry care on the Outlying Islands as well as in hospitals, pharmacies and some privately owned practices. In French Polynesia, the franc is the franc of the Compagnie Française du Pacifique, usually known as the French-Pacific Franc. While US bucks are acceptable in most resorts, it is best to change your home dollar into French Pacific Franconia on your way to Tahiti Aiport or any Papeete Central Banking office.

Polynesia has two sockets the same as Europe. The Tahitian islands have the biggest hypermarkets and stores of various size. The French grocery store group carrierfour has 3 large hypermarkets in Tahiti. Papeete's colourful and fragrant store sells both traditional and traditional agricultural goods.

The French Polynesia area code is +689. In Tahiti, Moorea, Bora Bora and other islands there are several cyber cafés. Tips are not common in French Polynesia and are not anticipated.