Location: Tahiti and Her Islands and atolls comprise the country of French Polynesia – five island groups or archipelagoes which lie in the South Pacific – south of the equator yet in the same time zone as Hawaii.

Size: Tahiti extends over such a large area that it took explorers several years to discover and chart all 118 islands. The total area covers more than four million square kilometers (1.5 million square miles). Total land area of the 118 islands and atolls in French Polynesia covers only 4,000 sq. km. or 1,544 sq. mi.

The Islands: The most frequently visited islands are, Bora Bora, Moorea, Huahine, Raiatea, Manihi and Rangiroa. Increasingly, more travelers are discovering the incredible and distinctive beauty that is found throughout the archipelagoes that comprise Tahiti and Her Islands.

Topography: Tahiti’s varied landscape ranges from sea-level coral atolls to volcanic mountain peaks. Tahiti is renowned for warm waters, white sand beaches, stunning turquoise lagoons, lush green hills and abundant flowering plants.

Capital of Tahiti: The capital of Tahiti and Her Islands is the city of Papeete located on Tahiti, the largest island.

Population: The number of people living in Tahiti is just over 200,000. About 75% are Polynesian; 15% European and about 10% Chinese.

Temperatures and Seasons: Tahiti is a 12-month destination, with predictably tropical weather year-round. The average year-around temperature is 79 degrees Fahrenheit. Fresh tropical breezes and ceiling fans are for the most part sufficient to maintain comfort indoors. Many hotels are airconditioned. Water temperatures average 79 degrees in the winter and 84 degrees during the summer, with less than a degree of variation from the surface down to a depth of 150 feet.

Time Difference: Tahiti shares a time zone with Hawaii, which is two hours behind Pacific Standard Time; three hours during daylight saving time, late April through October.

Entry Requirements: U.S. and Canadian visitors need only a valid passport and roundtrip ticket for entry. Citizens of other countries should consult their travel agents or the French Consulate.

Air Service: Frequent airline connections link Tahiti with the West Coast of the U.S., Hawaii, Canada, Europe, New Zealand, Australia, Japan and South East Asia.

Travel Time: Flight time to Tahiti is just seven and one-half hours from Los Angeles, non-stop.

Languages: French and Tahitian are the official languages, though English is widely spoken.

Economy: Tahiti’s economy relies heavily on tourism, agricultural and ocean resources.

Currency: Tahiti’s currency, the French Pacific Franc (CFP), is on parity with the French Franc (about 100 CFP’s for every U.S. dollar). Hotels and financial institutions offer exchange services. U.S. currency and major credit cards are widely accepted.

Tipping: Tipping in Tahiti and Her Islands is not required – nor expected.

Taxes: There is no sales tax in Tahiti. However, a special 2% reduced rate Value Added Tax (VAT) applies to all rented accommodations (hotel rooms, pensions and family stays), and room and meal packages -- both American Plan (3 meals) and Modified American Plan (breakfast and dinner). A 4% VAT rate applies to purchases in shops, stores and boutiques. A 6% VAT rate applies to bars, excursions, car rentals, snacks and restaurant involving meals not included in a room-meal package.

Accommodations: There are more than 4,000 rooms in more than 40 hotels catering to a wide range of budgets and personal preferences, as well as lodging in hospitable family pensions and private homes.

Popular Activities: Some of the world’s best snorkeling, scuba diving and surfing are found in Tahiti. Also popular are outrigger canoeing, bicycle and horseback riding, four-wheel jeep safaris, spear and deep sea fishing, swimming, sailing, jet skiing, wind surfing, tennis, island tours, shark and ray feeding, helicopter rides, museums, ancient maraes (temples), and other cultural experiences. Sunset watching, beach strolling, relaxing in the sand, enjoying exquisite French Polynesian cuisine, walking through beautiful fragrant gardens, and simply getting to know the friendly and hospitable Tahitian people are memorable highlights of any visit to Tahiti and Her Islands.

Getting Around: Taxis and busses are popular forms of transportation on the main island of Tahiti. On the outer islands, car and scooter rentals are available and “Le Truck” open-air busses are an inexpensive means of getting around.

Tahiti By Cruise Ship: A dramatic rise in cruise ship arrivals to Tahiti in 1999 put Tahiti in the spotlight as an ideal South Pacific cruise port-of-call.

Air Carriers: Airlines serving Tahiti and Her Islands to and from the U.S. mainland include Tahitian-based Air Tahiti Nui and Air France, Air New Zealand, AOM French Airlines, Hawaiian Air, and New Frontiers Corsair.

Visitors: Over 100,000 U.S. visitors traveled to Tahiti in 2000. The rate has increased in each of the last three consecutive years. North American visitors to Tahiti increased by more than 17% in 1999 over 1998.

Profile of the American Tourist to Tahiti: Upper-middle and higher income levels, married couples in their 40s and older; honeymooning couples; water sport enthusiasts (diving, snorkeling, sailing and fishing ); South Pacific island culture enthusiasts. Most visitors stay a week to 10 days; many enjoy shorter visits. The majority visit more than one island.

Shopping: Shops are generally open from 7:30 a.m. until 5:30 p.m., except on Saturdays when many close at noon and only hotel shops are open on Sunday. Long lunch breaks are common in Tahiti and Her Islands. Duty Free shopping is mainly available on Tahiti. Black pearls, mother-of-pearl shell carvings, coconut and tiare soaps, monoi oil, vanilla beans, shell leis, wood carvings, colorful pareus, and woven hats and baskets are among the most popular items.

Entertainment: Music and dancing tell the story of the Tahitian people. Beautifully costumed dancers demonstrate beauty, strength and grace in traditional dances, which have been passed down for generations.

Tips for Travelers: The electric current in most hotels is 110 or 220 volts, depending upon the specific location. Visitors should bring adapters, sunscreen, sunglasses, insect repellant and a hat for shade. Loose fitting cotton washables are recommended for comfort, and old sneakers or rubber aqua socks are suggested for walking in shallow water amidst coral. Visitors can bring a camera, and up to 10 rolls of film, duty free.

And Finally: The Activities Desk at hotels in Tahiti are an excellent source of information. You’ll find knowledgeable staff, who are eager to assist you.