Tahiti Yacht Charter Boats Information
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• GEOGRAPHICAL LOCATION OF FRENCH POLYNESIA Tahiti and its islands are situated in the South Pacific, 17,000 km from Europe. The 118 islands that constitute the territory are scattered on a surface area as large as Europe. Flight time: From Los Angeles : 7 hrs 30 From New Zealand: 4 hrs 30 From Japan: 12 hours From Chili : 10 hours |
• THE POPULATION The traditional Polynesian welcome is usually extended with songs, merry orchestras and flower leis and this is how the locals have always greeted visitors. This is a beautiful custom so revealing of their happy nature and sense of hospitality. Population: 240 000 approximately, of whom two thirds live on the island of Tahiti. Ethnic distribution: Polynesians 83% - Europeans 12 % - Chinese 5%  • TROPICAL CLIMATE – The French Polynesian islands enjoy a tropical climate with a maximum amount of sunshine reaching 3,000 hours annually in the Tuamotus! | ||
*The temperatures, always pleasant, are cooled by the Trade Winds blowing all year round. Average temperature is 27°C, while water temperature is 25°C. | ||
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• JET LAG 11-12 hours with Europe 2-3 hours with the west coast of the United States 6 hours with Chile. • LANGUAGE French and Tahitian are both official languages. English is commonly used. | |
• FORMALITIES A valid passport is required of all visitors (prior visa is necessary for some countries but they are very few). Vaccinations not required. | ||
| • CURRENCY The currency is the French Pacific franc (CFP). 1 Euro = 119 CFP 1 US $ = 130 CFP (rates at 4/6/2002) |
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The network of banks and ATM's is quite dense on the main islands. VISA is the most widely used bank card. | ||
• INTERNATIONAL AIR SERVICES
- Eight weekley flights from Paris, via Los Angeles, with AIR TAHITI NUI, AIR FRANCE.
- One daily flight from Los Angeles with the three above-mentioned airlines plus AIR NEW ZEALAND or HAWAIAN AIRLINES
Two or three weekly flights from Osaka and Tokyo with AIR TAHITI NUI
- One weekly flight from Auckland with AIR TAHITI NUI
- Two weekly flights from Santiago with LAN CHILE
• AIR TAHITI DOMESTIC NETWORK
Air Tahiti serves 40 islands and atolls in French Polynesia with a modern fleet of ATR 42 and 72 operating scheduled flights. The flight schedule may be consulted and bookings easily made with all travels agents.
• PREPARING LUGGAGE APPROPRIATELY
It is always recommended to travel lightly. Better use bags instead of rigid suitcases.
Light clothing, a sweat shirt or a windbreaker are recommanded – plastic shoes to wade in water – adequate sun protection (hat / cap – glasses – appropriate creams).
Antimosquito sprays may prove useful at times while ashore, although there is no mosquitoes aboard the boat.
A wide selection of beautiful pareos may be purchased locally.