Climate
French Polynesia enjoys warm, tropical weather year-round. The climate is divided into two seasons: a "summer" that spans from November through March, when the daily temperature is about 86 degrees F, and most of the rain falls; and a drier "winter" that spans from April through October, when the daily temperature is about 82 degrees F. The year-round low is about 70 degrees F.  The average water temperature is in the low 80's.

Location
Tahiti is in the same time zone as Hawaii, making it two hours behind the West Coast during Pacific Standard Time, and three hours behind during Pacific Daylight Time.   The islands are approximately mid-way between Los Angeles, California and Sydney, Australia and only about a 7 1/2 hour flight from Los Angeles.

Language
Tahitian and French are the main languages spoken throughout French Polynesia. English is spoken at all major hotels and most shops and restaurants.

Clothing
Tahiti is very informal. Lightweight, washable cottons will serve well. Men will be comfortable in shorts, slacks for dinner, sport shirts and sandals, while ladies may wear shorts, skirts and sun dresses. We recommend at least two swimsuits per person, comfortable rubber-soled shoes for walking on coral (a necessity on the shark feeding excursion), a hat or visor, sunglasses and a waterproof bag to protect your camera equipment from salt and spray.

Currency and Exchange
The Pacific French franc (CFP) is the currency used in French Polynesia. It is different from the French franc. Banks are located at Tahiti's International Airport and on each island. Generally a higher exchange rate is given for travelers' checks than for cash. Hotels also exchange money but give a less favorable rate than banks. U.S. currency may be accepted in most hotels, restaurants and other large establishments.

No Tipping!
Tipping is contrary to Tahitian custom and may actually offend. Consider this savings when comparing Tahiti with other destinations.

Shopping
Hand-blocked pareos (the traditional wraparound garment of Tahiti), original gold jewelry, local shell craft, baskets, wood carvings and vanilla beans can all be purchased in the markets and shops of Tahiti. French imports, such as perfumes, are available in duty free shops, while specialty shops within Papeete offer French fashions. Stores are normally closed daily for a long lunch, on Saturday afternoon and all day Sunday.

Black Pearls
French Polynesia is one of the few places in the world where cultured black pearls are grown, and they can make a unique and exquisite souvenir. The Pinctada margaritifera, the oyster species common in Polynesia, produces a dark pearl which varies from pale (least expensive) to dark gray with touches of green or pink (rarest and most expensive). The two islands with the best selection of
pearl stores are Moorea and Tahiti. Good quality pearls range from $500 to $10,000 or more, though slightly flawed mementos can be had for much less.

Diving French Polynesia
Diving in French Polynesia is colorful, varied, and among the best anywhere. You'll encounter a myriad of colorful reef fish, moray eels, turtles, even manta rays and sharks. The translucent waters are warm (generally 80 degrees and above year 'round) and clear (visibility to over 150 feet) and full of colorful, exciting marine life . . . no matter which island you choose to explore.

Moorea specializes in hand-feeding sharks and dives with rays and dolphins, along with a myriad of reef fish and low-growing corals. Bora Bora generally offers beautiful, graceful manta rays in its plankton-rich multi-hued lagoon.  Huahine and Raiatea offer more brilliant displays of coral ledges and cliffs, along with varieties of colorful reef fish. However, it's the Tuamotu atolls-Rangiroa and Manihi-where more experienced divers will enjoy the fullest diversity of marine life, with dives starting along the outer reefs, drifting through the passes, and into the lagoons. It's high-excitement diving with black-tip and white-tip sharks everywhere-and occasionally silver-tip or hammerhead.

Tahitian Wedding Ceremony
The picturesque Tiki Village, a replica of ancient Tahitian village nestled under coconut palms at the edge of the Haapiti Lagoon on Moorea will arrange a wedding ceremony performed by their village "chief" and "high priest" complete with musicians, beautiful floral crowns and traditional Tahitian dress.  Although ceremonies are not legally binding this can be a perfect time and place to repeat your vows.

Health Tips
While tap water is generally safe, we suggest using bottled water sold by all hotels. A good sun screen is essential (sun block is suggested for the first few days) to prevent burning. As in all tropical locales, French Polynesia has its share of mosquitoes; the hotels do their part to keep this problem to a minimum, but it is still wise to pack an insect repellent. Hospitals or medical clinics are available
for emergencies on most islands. Medications, even aspirin, should be brought from home, as pharmacies are not always convenient to the hotels.

Electrical Equipment
Most hotels have 110v outlets for electric shavers. For other appliances such as hair dryers, a converter/adapter kit will usually be needed. Hotels may have either 110v or 220v systems. It's wise to always inquire at the hotel desk about the compatibility of your appliances before you attempt to use them.

Entry Requirements
U.S. and Canadian citizens need a valid passport. If your passport is other than U.S. or Canadian, check with the French Consulate. No immunization certificates are required.

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