Where Is Tahiti?
How Long Does It Take to Get There?
What Is the Time Difference?
What is the Climate?
Will I Need a Passport/Visa?
Is English Spoken?
How can I learn more about the M/S Paul Gauguin?
Could I Get Seasick on the Ship?
Will I Need to Exchange Money?
What Kind of Shopping Is Available? What Souvenirs Should I Buy?
Where Is Tahiti?
Tahiti is the largest of the 118 islands and atolls (coral islands consisting of a reef surrounding a lagoon) that constitute what is officially known as French Polynesia. The islands are located south of the equator, in the same time zone as Hawaii, and halfway between California and Australia.
The island of Tahiti and the capital city of Papeete are located in the Society Islands, an archipelago that includes the high-rising islands of Moorea, Huahine, Raiatea, Taha'a, and Bora Bora. Other dramatic island groups are the Tuamotu Atolls with the slender coral wreaths of Rangiroa, Manihi, Tikehau, and Fakarava and the Marquesas - with the massive mountains on the islands of Nuku Hiva and Hiva Oa.
How Long Does It Take to Get There?
The islands are located south of the equator, in the same time zone as Hawaii, and halfway between California and Australia. Papeete's Faa'a Airport (PPT) is under 7.5 hours by air from Los Angeles (LAX).
What Is the Time Difference?
The islands are just two hours behind Pacific Standard Time. During Daylight-Saving Time (April to late October), they are three hours behind. Time in the Marquesas is half an hour ahead of the rest of the islands.
What is the Climate?
Cooled by gentle ocean breezes, the climate is ideal. Being tropical but moderate, the climate features sunny, pleasant days and an average yearly air and water temperature of 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Summer is from November through April, when the climate is slightly warmer and more humid. Winter is from May through October, when the climate is slightly cooler and dryer. Click here for the Weather Report.
Will I Need a Passport/Visa?
A valid passport and a roundtrip or return ticket are required for all visitors entering Tahiti. Visas are not required for North American citizens for stays of less than one month.
Is English Spoken?
French and Tahitian are the official languages, but English is spoken and understood in tourist areas. Brushing up on a few basic French phrases and learning Tahitian greetings are appreciated.
How can I learn more about the M/S Paul Gauguin?
This luxury ship hosts 330 guests in 165 stately cabins. The Paul Gauguin has been named the #1 luxury small ship in the world for four consecutive years including 2007.
To learn more about the ship, visit http://www.rssc.com/ships/ship.jsp?code=PAU
Could I Get Seasick on the Ship?
Although it is possible, the waters surrounding the Tahitian Islands are well-protected from the 118 islands in the Archipelagoes and are extremely calm. In addition, the cruising time from island to island on the Paul Gauguin is short in comparison to other cruises you may have been on in the past.
What Should I Wear?
The climate and lifestyle on the islands call for casual and comfortable clothing. Pack loose-fitting, natural fabrics and plenty of shorts. Pareus (a wraparound skirt usually made from a rectangular piece of printed cloth; worn by men and women throughout Polynesia) and swimsuits can be worn during the daytime at the resorts, while casual shirts and walking shorts provide the most comfort during island explorations. For dinner, casual slacks and sport shirts are the best choice for men, while cool sundresses are most appropriate for women.
Will I Need to Exchange Money?
Upon arrival most visitors exchange some money at the airport or at their hotels. Since most credit cards are readily accepted in all tourist areas, it is not necessary to exchange large amounts. The currency is the French Pacific Franc (XPF).
What Kind of Shopping Is Available? What Souvenirs Should I Buy?
Among Tahiti's most popular products are black pearls, tiare and coconut soaps, monoi oil, vanilla beans, shell leis, wood carvings, woven hats and baskets, and the colorful, hand-dyed pareu fabric worn by the island natives. The Papeete public market is a favorite with visitors. Shops usually open about 7:30am and close at 5:30pm (noon on Saturdays), but there is always a long lunch hour. Except in hotels, all shops are usually closed on Sundays.