French Polynesia SMARTguide

SMARTGUIDE 

THE ISLANDS 

OF TAHITI 

New ways of discovering 

the paradise of the Pacific 

WHY FRENCH POLYNESIA? 

KEY ASSETS FOR TRAVEL 

PROFESSIONALS 

DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY 

HIGHLIGHTS EXPLAINED 

DESTINATIONS 

KEY SELLING POINTS OF 

DIFFERENT ARCHIPELAGOS

EDITORIAL 

CONTENTS 

For years, travel agencies have wheeled 

out itineraries of “farniente” holidays to 

the Islands of Tahiti almost solely for 

newlyweds, whose “oohs and ahhs” 

when pawing over glossy brochures 

sporting over-water bungalows have 

been sure-fire weapons in selling the 

destination in this way. 

That’s changing. In the past few 

years, the Ministry of Tourism, and its 

destination marketing organisation, 

Tahiti Tourisme, have been hard at work 

to create a new image – or brand for 

French Polynesia. 

A harmonised and concerted plan has 

been rolling out since 2015, aimed 

at diversifying the perception of the 

tourism offering, while better coordinating 

and adding professionalism 

to a broad range of local actors. 

In terms of global positioning, a choice 

has been made to continue targeting the 

very high end, while also diversifying 

in areas such as “homestay”, with an 

emphasis on outdoor activities. By 

underlining culture and nature as assets, 

French Polynesia is putting its best foot 

forward as a socio-environmentally 

sustainable destination. 

Key assets include breath-taking natural 

beauty, authenticity, patrimony, human 

Richard Barnes 

Editor-in-Chief 

Cleverdis 

The Islands of Tahiti 

– a Different Take 

contacts, culture and outdoor activities. 

Security, natural riches, diversity 

of sporting activities and quality of 

the hospitality offering are all major 

drawcards. 

Efforts are being made to attract 

tourists from new source markets such 

as Australia and Latin America, not to 

mention China. Further investment 

is constantly being sought in the 

hospitality market, whose limits are 

currently among the key braking 

factors to growth. By the same token, 

more low-season tourism is being 

encouraged in order to take advantage 

of the current stock of rooms. 

This SMARTguide aims to give travel 

professionals a succinct and synthetic 

overview of “how to sell” the Islands 

of Tahiti. It must be noted that Tahiti 

Tourisme has a number of exceptionally 

well compiled and presented documents 

to assist you in more detailed planning, 

and their personnel are always available 

to help travel professionals and the 

public alike in preparing travel to this 

beautiful and astounding destination. 

We hope you will find this guide useful, 

and that it may contribute to facilitating 

your clients’ decision-making process 

when it comes to choosing holiday 

destinations. 

5. TRADE TALK 

The Professionals’ Viewpoint 

What do some of the world’s top travel 

professionals think of ongoing tourism 

initiatives concerning The Islands of Tahiti? 

6. INTRODUCTION 

New Ways of Discovering 

the Islands of Tahiti 

Nicole Bouteau 

French Polynesia’s Minister for Tourism, International 

Transport, and Institutional Relations 

8. STRATEGY 

10. ACTIVITIES 

10. Mana From Heaven 

11. A Cultural Destination 

12. Sail Away 

13. Dive In! 

14. A Culinary Treat 

15. French Polynesia Promotes 

Responsible Tourism 

16. DESTINATIONS 

16. A Quick Tour of the Isles 

18. Society Islands 

20. Tuamotu Islands 

22. Marquesas Islands 

24. The Gambier Archipelago 

25. Austral Islands 

26. TRANSPORT 

26. Air Transport 

26. Charter Services 

27. Sea Transport 

27. Road Transport 

28. HOMESTAY 

Homestay in the Islands 

of Tahiti 

29. ACCOMODATION 

In the Lap of Luxury 

30. CONCLUSION 

Jean-François Pieri, 

Managing Director, Cleverdis 

• Edition, produced by CLEVERDIS, 65 avenue Jules Cantini, Tour Méditerranée, 13006 Marseille, France 

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President & CEO: Gérard Lefebvre, Managing Director: Jean-François Pieri, Production Manager: Jean-Guy Bienfait, Editor-in-Chief: Richard Barnes, Editorial coordination: Yingying Deng, Editor: Simon King, 

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4 SMART GUIDE French Polynesia

TRADE TALK 

The Professionals’ Viewpoint 

What do some of the world’s top travel professionals think of 

ongoing tourism initiatives concerning The Islands of Tahiti? 

Gina Dunnett 

Director, Product Development 

& Travel Experience, GoBe.com 

– Miami, USA 

Florence Spitzli 

Product Manager / “Tiare” French Polynesia 

Certified Agent, Stohl-Air Travel Ltd. – 

Geneva, Switzerland 

Jaana Chan 

Product Director APAC, Hotelplanner.com 

and Meetings.com – 

Hong Kong 

French Polynesia is much 

more than over-the-water 

bungalows. We now immerse 

the traveller into the culture 

as well as its ocean sanctuary, 

offering a true appreciation of 

the differences between the 

islands. It is on everyone’s 

bucket list of destinations to 

visit, but now, it’s becoming the 

place you wish to return to over 

and over again. With its focus 

on sustainable tourism, it’s 

guaranteed to be loved by our 

children and their grandchildren 

and beyond. 

The local tour operators 

and their staff are the keys 

to experiential excursions. 

They offer truly authentic and 

rich experiences not found 

elsewhere. The resident guides 

and tour staff are genuinely 

delighted to share French 

Polynesia with all visitors and 

welcome them warmly. 

Specialist tour operators always require 

specific, detailed information in order to 

carry out their job properly. For example, in 

France, the “Tiare” training is a major asset 

for sales forces, and it would be great if this 

could also be brought back to Switzerland. 

Polynesia is a “safe” destination – free of 

terrorism and natural disasters, and remote 

– a factor that has always contributed to 

its myth. It is also a destination that has a 

large number of assets that should be better 

known, such as the culture, traditions, 

fabulous beaches, nature and sports. Ecotourism, 

UNESCO World Heritage status 

and new campaigns are all contributing to 

a growth in tourist numbers. The opening of 

new air links will engender an augmentation 

in the offering of hotels and pensions, in 

particular homestay, in the sense of a greater 

human/nature relationship, which the 

destination wishes to develop. The financial 

convention that has just been signed in 

Brussels will also assist the destination 

in its strategy of transmitting its cultural 

patrimony, while pushing each actor to do 

their all to preserve the environment. 

In the past, French Polynesia 

wasn’t always top of mind for those 

planning group or incentive travel, 

due to the remoteness of the location 

and the perceived premium pricing of 

its product. 

This is rapidly changing however, 

especially due to what we see as 

being a very proactive effort on the 

part of the destination’s tourism 

authorities when it comes to creating 

a shift in attitudes among the 

travelling public. 

More and more excellent reasons 

are emerging for incentive 

groups to travel to this absolutely 

amazing, breath-taking place, and 

what’s exceptional is the fact that 

sustainability is more than ever at 

the heart of the concerns of all the 

travel and tourism stakeholders of 

the Islands of Tahiti. 

Hats are off to Tahiti Tourisme and 

the Ministry for their great work – 

and in helping us with ours! 

SMART GUIDE French Polynesia 5

INTRODUCTION 

© Dimitri Nguyen 

Nicole Bouteau 

French Polynesia’s Minister for Tourism, 

International Transport, and Institutional 

Relations 

New Ways of Discov 

the Islands of Tahiti 

Exclusive Interview: French Polynesia’s Minister for Tourism, Inte 

and Institutional Relations, Nicole Bouteau 

The Islands of Tahiti continue to grow as a luxury tourism destination, but the 

diversity of the destination’s offering also continues to expand. We asked French 

Polynesia’s Minister for Tourism, International Transport, and Institutional 

Relations, Nicole Bouteau, how her Ministry is getting the message across via 

its DMO. 

The campaign launched two years ago 

by Tahiti Tourism, “The Islands of Tahiti – 

Embraced by Mana” is paying off, and this 

duality, and showing the true strength of 

the region, which is the Polynesians, the 

warmth of their welcome, and our human, 

natural and cultural heritage, is working 

well, enabling us to stand out from socalled 

“competitor” destinations, who also 

sell over-water bungalows, beach and 

palm trees. 

Sustainability is growing as a criterion 

in the decision-making process of savvy 

travellers. How are you addressing this? 

It’s important for us to remind people 

that French Polynesia was the first 

country to create a sanctuary for marine 

mammals, and today it’s the biggest such 

sanctuary. The concepts of eco-tourism 

or sustainable tourism are of concern 

to all the actors and decision-makers of 

tourism in our islands. The first element 

is that of blue tourism. We need to design 

and regulate the development of boating 

tourism, the nautical charter and floating 

accommodation in general, but also for 

luxury yachting as well. Sports practices 

and nautical tourism activities are at 

the heart of our offer — almost all of our 


tourism activity can be related to blue 

tourism. Each of the sectors is fairly 

structured, even if it is necessary to 

make further progress, in particular for 

the local authorities, the municipalities, 

where the problems to be solved 

may sometimes seem complex. On 

land, we must underline the efforts 

of operators such as Dick Bailey (eds: 

The Brando, Pacific Beachcomber, Paul 

Gaugin Cruises, etc.), who developed 

ering 

rnational Transport, 

in Polynesia the first SWAC systems 

(eds: a pioneering deep seawater 

air-conditioning system). It’s not 

just a paradise-like destination; it’s 

also an important and responsible 

preoccupation about this nature which 

is our wealth and which needs to be 

protected. 

How important is tourism in your 

GDP and in terms of employment 

and what actions do you envisage 

taking in the short to mid-term? 

What are your priorities? 

For French Polynesia, for The Islands 

of Tahiti, the economic weight of 

tourism is higher than the French 

national average and closer to the 

world average, since tourism accounts 

for about 10% of our local GDP and 

40% of our own resources. In addition, 

expressed in full-time jobs, tourism 

accounts for about 20% of all jobs 

(public and private). The contribution 

for the French Polynesian economy 

has no equivalent in the world. The 

development challenges for French 

Polynesia go well beyond tourism 

alone. The expanse of our territory, 

the scattering of our islands and 

the concentration of tourism and 

economic flows are criteria which are 

obviously taken into account when 

designing our tourism development 

strategy. 

Furthermore, the measures we take 

must best preserve us from external 

circumstantial fluctuations, whether 

monetary, climatic, commercial, etc. 

This is why we need to strengthen our 

structures, our structuration. This is 

how we consider our mid-term action. 

The Islands of Tahiti are today very 

well-known thanks to Bora Bora 

and its luxury hotels. But a much 

more diverse offering exists in terms 

of accommodation types. 

What means are you employing 

for this diversity to become better 

known? 

You are right. Various measures 

need to be taken. Regarding the 

type of accommodation you are 

mentioning, which we call familyrun 

hotels or guesthouses, I can tell 

you that their level of professionalism 

has considerably increased over 

the past years. They are now rated 

through French or international 

labels. They have also streamlined 

their commercial circuits, and they 

are slowly developing networks and 

relations with TOs and TAs, mainly 

national ones, but also recently, an 

opening onto North America and 

various European countries. 

Are any new air links planned? 

French Bee and United Airlines 

have announced new services via 

San Francisco starting this year. We 

MAJOR HOTEL 

DEVELOPMENT 

PROJECTS, SUCH 

AS THE TAHITIAN 

VILLAGE ON 

TAHITI, AND THE 

CREATION OF 

NEW HOTELS, ARE 

ENVISAGED IN THE 

MAIN ISLANDS 

AND ALSO IN THE 

SOCIETY ISLANDS 

AND TUAMOTU 

are also engaging talks with other 

companies to service the destination 

from other markets. We have been in 

a phase of continuous growth for the 

past three years after the crisis from 

2008-2012, and are now reaching new 

levels of turnover that had never been 

reached before, with around 200,000 

tourists. We are implementing a global 

plan to upgrade existing, unclassified 

or certified accommodation in order 

to respond in a reactive manner to 

the increase in the supply of seats in 

the air. We have embarked on an indepth 

overhaul of our accommodation 

regulations, allowing, among other 

things, to develop and create a new 

dynamic in the medium term in the 

small family hotel sector, our Tahitian 

guesthouses, which are one of the 

key selling points. In the longer term, 

major hotel development projects, 

such as the Tahitian Village on Tahiti, 

and the creation of new hotels, are 

envisaged in the main islands and also 

in the Society Islands and Tuamotu. 


STRATEGY 

Strategy 

Positioning of French Polynesia 

as a Tourist Destination 

A recent study conducted by Hawaii 

Pacific University showed that French 

Polynesia has a very strong image 

among tourists: a tropical paradise, 

preserved from the destruction of the 

modern world. White sandy beaches, 

warm and translucent waters, 

bungalows and beautiful sunsets 

characterise the destination, evoking 

rest, relaxation and well-being. 

Intangible experiences connected 

with getting away from it all, rest, 

relaxation 

Multiple visits and excursions 

Recreation and Sport 

Entertainment 

A strong cultural identity and the 

quality of the Polynesian welcome 

are also important contributing 

Among other factors being taken into 

account by the key players as time 

goes on: 

Finding a place of expression to show 

all the richness of the local culture, 

Creating a cultural “temple” of French 

Polynesia, to reinforce the pride of 

those who dedicate it, to give a place 

of exhibition offering the possibility of 

exchanges. 

VISITORS’ PERCEPTION OF THE DESTINATION 

Japan Germany China Australia Korea USA 

Exotic Destination 4 4,5 3,75 4,13 3,7 4,36 

White sandy beaches 4,94 4,67 4,25 4,63 4,1 4,58 

Sunsets 4,67 4,4 3,75 4,25 4,3 4,43 

Shopping 2,94 2,1 3,25 2,88 3,1 2,63 

Bungalow on the beach 4,39 4,3 3 3,75 3,8 3,87 

Natural riches 3,89 4,1 4,5 4,31 4,4 4 

Cultural riches 3,89 3,5 4,75 3,38 3,9 3,82 

Sporting activities 4,17 4,4 3,5 4,19 4 3,85 

Source: Hawaii Pacific University Study - Ranking: 1 = not strong; 3 = neutral; 5 = very strong 

The opportunities or “external” 

motivating factors for tourists, seen as 

being assets of the destination “French 

Polynesia”: 

White sand beaches 

Tropical water temperature 

Volcanic mountain peaks 

Flora and fauna of a huge variety 

of colours 

Richness of traditions and cultural 

heritage 

factors in making French 

Polynesia an ideal holiday place. 

The Hawaii Pacific University study 

identifies the differences between 

preconceived ideas about the 

destination and what the destination 

can offer in terms of products and 

experiences. Identifying and bridging 

these gaps is essential to ensure the 

future development of tourism, as well 

as its sustainable economic and social 

contributions to French Polynesia. 

Other significant elements motivating 

the choice of an ideal holiday 

destination come out when one asks 

tourists about French Polynesia: 

Friendliness of the population, 

Cleanliness of local communities, 

Availability of leisure and cultural 

activities, 

Easy access to drinking water, 

A region in peace, without a climate 

of violence or terrorism, 

Low risk of natural disasters and the 

absence of major tropical diseases. 

FROM MYTH TO REALITY 

The socio-psychological factors 

motivating tourists in their choice of 

French Polynesia as a tourist destination 

fall under the following points: 

Rest and relaxation, 

Getaway, sensation of escape, 

Quality of facilities, 

Discovery, knowledge, 

Nature, 

Prestige, 

Security. 


© Tahiti Tourisme-Gregoire LE BACON 

© Pierre-François Grosjean 

Bora Bora 

Huahine 

The destination benefits from a very 

positive image: an Eden-like place of 

dreams - wild and preserved. The high 

cost of the destination is interpreted 

as an exclusivity, with very high-end 

services, a form of protection of the 

existing environment that evokes the 

prestige of having experienced the 

ultimate paradise. 

Given these perceptions, and in order 

to bring reality up to the level of the 

myth, the Government has revealed a 

plan towards the encouragement of: 

With average stays at 12 days in 2015, 

the daily expenditure of a tourist in 

French Polynesia is much higher than all 

direct competitors, such as Mauritius, 

Hawaii, or Fiji. For example, in 2015, Fiji 

received four times as many tourists, 

but tourism turnover was reported 

to be only 2.7 times that of French 

Polynesia. Thus, if French Polynesia 

was to double its number of tourists 

from 180,000 in 2015 to 360,000, it 

QUALITY AS A DIFFERENTIATOR 

THE ADVANTAGES OF BEING 

A REMOTE DESTINATION 

should reach a tourism turnover similar 

to that of Fiji. It is important to note that 

“cruise” tourists are very different from 

“terrestrial” tourists. Those on cruises 

spend a maximum of two days on land 

in local hotels, and consume much 

less than those who are not on cruises, 

even if they stay for a number of days, 

as most of their meals are consumed 

on the ship, as part of “all inclusive” 

packages. 

Restoring the image of Polynesian 

culture, in line with its myth, 

Choosing a more elitist, confidential, 

and non-mass model, 

Renovating and improving the 

quality of establishments and 

services, 

Integrating the population into 

economic development, 

Promoting eco-tourism, 

Structuring products and making 

them more legible and accessible, 

Ensuring the destination remains an 

oasis of peace. 

French Polynesia has been generally 

spared from the environmental impact 

observed among its main competitors, 

due primarily to its light population 

and tourist density. This has been a 

major comparative advantage given 

growing global concerns with regard 

to sustainability, especially among the 

kind of visitors considering the Islands 

of Tahiti as a destination. 

The isolation of these islands, long 

considered a handicap, is thus seen as a 

key asset, as it favours the preservation 

of the environment and the richness 

of the local biodiversity, allows for the 

preservation of cultural identity and 

values of Polynesian society, maintains 

the myth of adventure and rarity, avoids 

mass tourism, and also favours security 

from delinquency and terrorism. 

By the same token, while French 

Polynesia is one of the most “out of 

the way” destinations for European 

travellers, the democratisation of air 

travel is nevertheless making it easier to 

get there, annulling some of the original 

assets of the destination’s isolation, 

further underlining the importance of 

the Government’s efforts to preserve the 

nature and culture of this pristine place. 


ACTIVITIES 

French Polynesia 

Offers a Warm South Pacific 

Welcome 

© Tahiti Tourisme 

The Islands of Tahiti, officially known 

as French Polynesia, possess one of 

the most spectacularly beautiful and 

diverse environments on earth. 

A mixture of high volcanic islands and 

low-lying atolls, these specks of land – 

118 islands in all – are strewn across 

five million square kilometres of the 

South Pacific. 

French Polynesia as we know it today 

was one of the last places on Earth to be 

settled by humans. Scientists believe the 

Great Polynesian Migration happened 

around 1500 BC as Austronesian people 

went on a journey to find islands in the 

South Pacific Ocean. 

Clustered into five archipelagos, the 

Islands of Tahiti have in common a 

delightful blend of Polynesian, French 

and Chinese cultures, and a consistently 

tropical climate. 

French Polynesia’s world of oceanic 

islands offers holidaymakers an almost 

limitless range of holiday activities, 

both passive and active. 

Here, you’ll find it all. From paragliding 

to beach combing to embracing the 

laid-back island lifestyle, The Islands of 

Tahiti are packed with a mix of tropical 

adventure and blissful relaxation. Stay 

in overwater bungalows to experience 

true island living while you’re here. 

Or go snorkelling to get up close and 

personal with the local wildlife. 

If visitors are feeling even more daring, 

take a trip to swim with the sharks. 

Shop for cultured pearls, take a cruise 

and enjoy a motu picnic with the family 

– there’s so much to do in The Islands 

of Tahiti that you’ll never want to leave. 

Mana From Heaven 

There are many sides to The Islands 

of Tahiti. Yet they are all connected by 

Mana. Mana is a life force and spirit that 

surrounds us. “You can see it. Touch it. 

Taste it. Feel it.“ And from the moment 

visitors arrive, they will understand why 

locals say the islands are embraced by 

Mana. 

Mana is a mythical and essential 

concept, a fundamental truth. It’s both 

tangible and intangible, expressive yet 

imperceptible, revealing but enigmatic, 

so natural but also mysterious and 

esoteric. 

Mana lives, animates, raises up, 

ennobles and transcends every thing, 

every being, every element in every 

dimension; it can also annihilate, ruin 

and destroy until the last vital vibration. 

Mana is purity, it arises from the 

life, humility, respect, dignity, love, 

sharing, beauty, goodness and peace 

of the beings and things that merge 

harmoniously in this ma’ohi universe. 

Mana is wisdom; it emanates from 

the empirical, technical and ancestral 

knowledge, from the common sense 

arising out of the inalienable link 

between man and his environment, from 

the faith in the divine, the state of grace 

that every thing and every being can 

reach through a spiritual, cultural and 

profane quest for the universal Mana, 

the promise to be reborn wiser, purer 

and more powerful. 



ACTIVITIES 



A Cultural Destination 

Tahitians today have 

inherited a rich, expressive 

culture from their ma’ohi 

ancestors. From the ma’ohi, 

came the pulse of Tahitian 

life, a world where the lives 

of gods, warriors and men 

crossed in colourful legends. 

THE ORIGINS 

OF TATTOOS 

The word tatau originated in 

The Islands of Tahiti, and the 

symbols have meaning and 

the meaning tells the story 

of each Tahitian’s personal 

history. In each line drawn 

on the body, the ma’ohi of the 

past is connected to the Mana 

of the present and future. 

In pre-European Polynesian 

society, tattooing constituted 

a valuable social marker. It 

could indicate one’s exact 

place in a territory, tribe and 

family and one’s level on 

the social scale. It could also 

mark the accomplishment 

of important social rituals 

such as the passage from 

childhood to puberty or 

marriage. It also could 

represent remarkable events 

in the life of the person 

concerned: acts of bravery in 

war or prowess as a hunter or 

fisherman. 

MUSIC AND DANCE 

TAKE CENTRE STAGE 

When the missionaries 

came to Tahiti, they tried to 

suppress the powerful, lifeaffirming 

and sensual sounds 

and movements that embody 

the music and dance of Tahiti. 

In the dance and rhythms, 

Tahitians give voice to their 

Mana, allowing it to rise 

from the sea, descend from 

the hills, and emanate from 

the soul of every man and 

woman who falls under its 

mesmerising spell. Today’s 

Tahitian dance and music 

celebrates the resilience 

of Polynesian culture to 

overcome and maintain their 

sacred expressions of life. In 

ancient times, dances were 

linked with all aspects of life. 

One would dance to welcome 

a visitor, to pray, to challenge 

an enemy or to seduce a 

mate. 

A PLETHORA 

OF CRAFTS 

The art of plaiting is found in 

various forms such as hats, 

bags baskets, mats etc. The 

women from the Austral 

Islands are noted as experts 

of this discipline that uses 

vegetal fibers from the screw 

pine, the coconut or the reed 

or a’eho. 

The taste for observing and 

loving nature is revived in 

the sumptuous tifaifai or 

bed covers with hand-sewn 

vegetal or ethnic motifs. The 

enthusiasm of the women 

for this typical element of 

the decoration of fare or 

Polynesian homes has given 

rise to the organisation of an 

annual show of tifaifai. 

Artistic expression also finds 

an outlet in woodwork, the 

prerogative of the men. They 

sculpt, according to their 

inspiration, and according to 

ancestral, diagrammatic or 

symbolic patterns in precious 

wood. 

KEY ASSETS 

FRENCH POLYNESIA CULTURE, BY NUMBERS 

The famous Tiare Tahiti flower is used 

in a garland to welcome travellers and 

returning family. 

Many tours to visit the architecture in 

districts made with migrations of people 

Discover the nature and go off-road 

with guides to see a number of cultural 

sites 

16 days – of pure 

traditional dancing & singing 

performance (heiva) 

The Hawaiki Nui canoe competition 

10+ 

Films in competitions 

(FIFO) 


ACTIVITIES 

© Paul Gauguin Cruises 


Moorea 

Bora Bora 

Sail Away 

To truly experience the awe 

of The Islands of Tahiti, 

nothing beats approach 

them from the sea. Feel the 

transition from the deep, 

untamed rolling waves of 

the Pacific to the welcoming 

hues of a quiet lagoon. 

EMBARK 

ON A VOYAGE 

OF DISCOVERY 

With 1% of land versus 99% of 

ocean spread over a territory 

comparable to the United 

States or Western Europe, 

both sophistication and 

adventure await in one of the 

safest places on Earth. 

Cruising and sailing turns to 

discovery in Tahitian waters 

where you can embark on 

a voyage to explore the 

mystical South Pacific islands 

and atolls. Here, the portsof-call 

are uncrowded and 

charming, the ships are 

smaller and luxurious, the 

neon-blue waters within 

the lagoons are calm, and 

the ocean journey between 

the islands is short. On 

these voyages, each island 

stopover will become your 

next favorite idyll and 

unforgettable memory. 

SEE NATURE FIRST 

HAND AND BON 

APPÉTIT 

Cruise beautiful lagoons 

through the natural deep 

passes of the various islands, 

discover the friendly local 

people and their love for their 

amazing Polynesian culture, 

dive and snorkel world class 

pristine spots and enjoy the 

finest dining with a touch of 

French, Asian and Tahitian 

cuisine in a high end resort. 

Indulge yourself with a local 

spa treatment, shop for your 

preferred Tahitian cultured 

pearls and love the barefoot 

luxury of a private picnic on a 

desert white sandy beach. 

HAUMANA CRUISES 

Discovering The Islands of 

Tahiti aboard The Haumana, 

has something indescribable 

and magical. The emblematic 

yacht of the Polynesian 

lagoons, offers weekly 

mini-cruises of three nights 

between Bora Bora, Raiatea 

and Taha’a. This 12-cabin 

ship remains faithful to 

Polynesian culture and offers 

its passengers a true human 

experience in an intimate 

and friendly setting. On the 

program, sail and discover 

the Polynesian flavours and 

various nautical and cultural 

activities. Proud of their 

culture and history, the crew 

members are keen to offer 

you all their attention to make 

this cruise a unique moment 

of sharing. With them, you 

will taste the Polynesian 

lifestyle in a preserved and 

friendly atmosphere. 

PAUL GAUGUIN 

CRUISES 

The Paul Gauguin, historic 

and elegant five-star ship, has 

criss-crossed the Polynesian 

waters since 1998. Carrying 

its 332 passengers to interarchipelago 

cruises, The 

Paul Gauguin has found the 

ideal recipe to satisfy visitors, 

spacious and comfortable 

cabins, personalised service 

(two crew members for 

three passengers), a cultural 

program with local flavors 

and an almost unlimited 

range of activities. 

KEY ASSETS 

FRENCH POLYNESIA CRUISING, BY NUMBERS 

The Islands of Tahiti welcome an 

average of 50 super yachts every year. 

Local super yacht experts will assist 

throughout the process of logistics and 

planning, whether you are chartering or 

sailing privately. 

Visit a pearl farm or a plantation of 

vanilla, a valley or spend a day lazing. 

118 

Islands 

1000+ 

Cruise Ships 

Stopovers 

99% 

water versus 

1% land 


ACTIVITIES 



Dive In! 

There are dozens of unique 

dive sites around each 

island and atoll and expert 

certified dive operators will 

take care of all the details. 

Dives and activities can be 

arranged in advance by your 

preferred travel professional 

or through your resort or 

cruise ship. 

HELMET DIVING 

Diving with a helmet gives 

you the opportunity to take an 

aquatic excursion to a depth 

of four metres. This activity 

does not require any level of 

diving skills or knowledge 

of classic diving equipment 

because your helmet is 

constantly connected to the 

surface. Accompanied by a 

qualified instructor, those 

who journey downwards 

explore the depths of the sea 

at their own pace, walking 

through the fields of coral. 

UNDERWATER 

SCOOTER 

Fun and very accessible, the 

underwater scooter requires 

no diving experience. Just like 

their land-based versions, 

underwater scooters are 

propelled by electric motors, 

to a depth of three metres, 

and can seat two passengers 

who can talk using a 

communal dome. This 

activity is available in Bora 

Bora. 

THE ETERNAL 

MIGRATION 

Every year, from July to 

November, humpback 

whales migrate from the 

icy waters of the Antarctic 

where they feed to the 

warm waters of the shores 

of The Islands Of Tahiti. It is 

the ideal place to give birth 

and breed, sheltered from 

their predators. The adults 

measure between 15 to 18 

metres. The calves measure 

about 4.5 metres at birth. 

Since May 2002, all whales 

of French Polynesia are 

protected. Although you can 

spot them from any island, 

Rurutu is a good location for 

whale watching. 

TURTLE POWER 

Two main turtle species live 

in French Polynesia and are 

easily encountered in some 

dive spots. The green turtle 

owes its name to the colour 

of its flesh and fat. 

Carnivorous, they are 

often found searching for 

small sponges stuck under 

rocks. They move these 

rocks using their front legs. 

Numerous consciousnessraising 

campaigns are 

promoted in French 

Polynesia to ensure their 

conservation. 

OR IF YOU WANT 

TO STAY DRY 

In Tahiti, Moorea and Bora 

Bora, glass-bottom boats and 

aquascopes, a panoramic 

room situated under the 

bridge of the boat, make it 

possible to discover things 

hidden under the surface 

of the lagoon while staying 

dry. It’s a totally original 

adventure that provides great 

opportunities to photograph 

aquatic landscapes. Small 

underwater vehicles are the 

ideal means of transport to 

go down 50 metres deep, 

and observe in detail the 

underwater depths without 

getting wet. 

KEY ASSETS 

More than 20 species of shark can be 

observed in the waters of French Polynesia. 

French Polynesia is a perfect place to take 

photographs – the underwater clarity and 

visibility are excellent. 

Many dive centres work with an 

underwater cameraman, who will join your 

group and create a customised DVD. 

FRENCH POLYNESIA DIVING, BY NUMBERS 

27° C 

Average water 

temperature 

30 metres 

underwater visibility 

1000+ 

Species of marine life 

20+ 

Friendly shark 

species 


ACTIVITIES 

© Miyoshi - The Brando 

TAHITIAN RECIPES 

Tahitian-Style Poisson Cru (for six people) 

Ingredients 

500g of red tuna 

Two tomatoes 

One small cucumber 

Two green limes 

One onion 

Coconut milk 

Parsley 

One green onion 

Salt 

Pepper 

Cut the fish into small pieces and soak it in seawater or salt 

water for five minutes. In a salad bowl, put diced tomatoes 

and cucumbers, thinly sliced onion, cut green onion and 

chopped parsley. Add lemon juice, salt and pepper and let 

soak for a few minutes. Drain the fish, add to the bowl and 

mix well with other ingredients. Add the coconut milk at 

the last minute. 

Dinner on the beach at The Brando 

A Culinary Treat 

Polynesian cooking is a blend of exotic Asian and Western flavours. 

Master chefs subtly combine fish, local produce and other local 

products with spices and ingredients. Why not try your hand in the 

kitchen and learn the culinary arts of The Islands of Tahiti? 

Chicken fafa (for six people) 

Ingredients 

Six chicken breasts 

One bunch of fafa 

(tahitian spinach) 

Two onions 

One piece of ginger 

One lime 

One litre of broth 

Coconut milk 

Cook the fafa leaves for one hour in boiling salted water. 

Drain well. Cut the chicken breasts into small pieces. Peel 

and thinly slice the onion and ginger. Add the chicken and 

cook in oil for 10 minutes. Add the fafa and lime juice. Mix 

well and let simmer for one hour. Add the coconut milk 

before serving. 

FANTASTIC CUISINE 

One of the joys of traveling is 

trying local foods and French 

Polynesia serves up a variety of 

taste treats – some familiar and 

others exotic. 

Whether you plan to visit Tahiti, 

Moorea, Bora Bora or the 

Tuamotu Atolls with your family 

or on a honeymoon, you’ll find 

that savouring the flavours of 

the islands is one of the musttry 

activities 

FRUITY DESSERTS 

The legendary breadfruit 

plant or ‘uru, the coconut, the 

dozens of varieties of bananas 

including the incomparable 

orange plantain banana or fe’i, 

the various root vegetables 

such as the taro, the tarua, the 

ufi or even the ‘umara make 

up the basis of island cuisine. 

Papayas, mangos, pineapples, 

watermelon, grapefruit, limes 

with a pod of vanilla are used to 

prepare tasty desserts. 

TREASURES FROM THE SEA 

Fish from the lagoon or from the 

ocean, ranging from perch, mahi 

mahi and parrot fish are also on 

the menu for typical Polynesian 

dishes. They are often eaten raw, 

sometimes marinated in lime 

juice and coconut milk as in the 

famous recipe for ‘poisson cru à 

la Tahitienne’. 

TRADITIONAL COOKING 

There are a number of tropical 

foods that are found in traditional 

ahima’a or Polynesian ovens 

where fruits, vegetables, suckling 

pigs, Tahitian chicken fafa and 

other delicacies such as po’e or 

local fruit pastilles cook through. 

Everything is sprinkled with 

fresh coconut oil and turns out 

deliciously creamy. There are 

even specialised tours that let 

you discover the flavours of the 

islands on picnics organised 

on beaches. These tours are 

an opportunity to taste freshly 

caught fish, such as the tasty 

ume, the long nose emperor fish 

of the lagoons and the little jacks. 

Banana Po’e (for six people) 

Ingredients 

Six to eight bananas 

150-200g of manioc, 

flour starch 

50g of sugar 

Milk of a grated coconut 

Peel the bananas and cook them in a little water. When 

they are done, drain and puree them. Mix two bowls of 

bananas with a bowl of starch and 50g of sugar. Place this 

mixture in a lightly oiled banana leaf. Cook in a medium 

hot oven for 30 to 40 minutes. Add the coconut milk just 

before serving. 

 

KEY ASSETS 

The Chef’s Workshop at Le Meridien 

Tahiti runs an introduction to techniques 

for groups of up to five people. 

The GREPFOC training institute offers 

classes to private individuals to delight 

the taste buds. 

If you do a traditional tamara’a, you will 

eat different dishes that make the ma’a 

Tahiti (typical Polynesian meal). 

The Hotel and Tourism School 

restaurant: you can book for lunch 

or try the breads and pastries at 

their shop. 


ACTIVITIES 



French Polynesia Promotes 

Responsible Tourism 

With more than 40 airports, only one 

of which serves international flights, 

French Polynesia is an accessible 

island nation but still relatively 

untouched by mass tourism. 

Leave the ferry from Tahiti behind as you 

begin a voyage of discovery amongst 

a volcanic archipelago consisting of 

118 islands and reefs, around half of 

which are inhabited. The archipelagoes 

that make up French Polynesia are the 

Society, the Tuamotu, the Gambier, the 

Marquesas and the Australs, all of which 

can be found scattered across some 

2,000km of Pacific Ocean. 

The Brando on Tetiaroa, has 

implemented a number of innovative 

programs and new technologies to help 

it achieve its goal of carbon neutrality. 

SEA WATER AIR CONDITIONING 

Sea Water Air Conditioning (SWAC) 

takes advantage of the cold naturally 

stored in deep ocean water by running 

the deep ocean water throughout the 

resort and using it to create the cold for 

our air conditioning system. 

It’s a simple idea, but one that took many 

years to put into effect. The late Marlon 

Brando had heard of the principle as 

early as the early 1970s. He dreamed of 

making sea water cooling a reality on 

Tetiaroa for aquaculture, specifically, the 

farming of lobsters. He suggested the 

idea of SWAC to Richard Bailey when the 

two were trying to resolve the dilemma 

of relying on renewable energy without 

compromising on luxury. 

Richard Bailey’s company Pacific 

Beachcomber then conceived, 

developed and installed the world’s first 

air-conditioning system using SWAC. 

Brando did not live to see this pioneering 

idea become a reality, but his vision led 

to the system Tetiaroa has today. 

CARBON NEUTRAL 

Tetiaroa is committed to keeping its 

wildlife thriving, the air clean and the 

lagoon pristine. Toward that end, it has 

set a goal of net zero carbon impact. 

It is coming close to achieving that 

ambitious goal with the resort. 

To reduce or eliminate guest travelrelated 

carbon emissions, all vehicles 

will ultimately be powered by the sun 

and it provides bicycles to all its guests 

as an option for moving around the 

island. In addition, it plans to propose 

a carbon-offset purchase program for 

inter-island transportation. 

TETIAROA SOCIETY 

Through education, conservation and 

creative science, Tetiaroa Society works 

to inspire sustainable interdependence 

between mankind and nature. A nonprofit 

organization, Tetiaroa Society 

combines creativity and scientific 

advancement to better humanity’s 

relationship with the planet and help 

facilitate a harmonious future for 

generations to come. This is carried 

out through relationships with leading 

research institutions from around the 

world, including Smithsonian Institution, 

the University of Washington, CRIOBE, 

and many others. 

Tetiaroa Society was founded by the 

Marlon Brando Estate, which owns the 

atoll, and Pacific Beachcomber, and 

is supported by high profile members 

of the international scientific and 

entertainment communities. 

 

KEY ASSETS 

Bora Bora is surrounded by 

tiny idyllic islets and sparkling 

coral lagoons 

Rainforests, high grasslands 

and pandanus trees form much 

of Fatu Hiva’s central plateau 

with a tough 16km trek from 

Omoa village to the Bay of 

Virgins 

Rangiroa is home to one of 

the largest coral atolls on the 

planet 


DESTINATIONS 

A Quick Tour 

of the Isles 

118 islands spread across 5 archipelagos 

With a maritime empire expanding over 5 million sq km (equivalent to the 

size of Europe), only 3,500 sq km is actual land. This land forms 5 different 

archipelagos: The Society, the Tuamotu, the Gambier, the Marquesas and 

the Australs. French Polynesia is also part of the Polynesian Triangle, which 

borders Easter Island, New Zealand and Hawaii. Located between California 

(6,195 km.) and Australia (4,989 km.), Tahiti is 8,803 km. from Tokyo and 

7,500 km. from Santiago in Chile: a perfect location in the heart of the 

South Pacific. 

THE SOCIETY ISLANDS: 

A DREAM COME TRUE 

From the country’s main heartbeat 

island, Tahiti, across to her enchanting 

sister island, Moorea, then up to Marlon 

Brando’s Tetiaroa paradise atoll, these 

Windward Islands are the utmost of 

dream islands. The deep valleys and 

high mountains offer incredible hikes, 

or with a 4WD one can discover the 

legendary archaeological remains of 

ancient Polynesia. 

The Leeward Islands, or Raromatai 

consist of five islands: Huahine, sought 

after for her mysterious charm; Raiatea 

or “The sacred island”; Taha’a, a genuine 

Garden of Eden surrounded with colours 

and scent; Bora Bora, “The pearl of the 

Pacific”; and Maupiti - the smallest and 

least developed of all, but nonetheless 

as beautiful. 

THE TUAMOTU ARCHIPELAGO: 

PARADISE ON EARTH 

The Tuamotu Islands consist of 77 atolls 

spread over 1,500 km. and the area 

certainly lives up to its reputation! They 

are the best representation of the “edge 

of the world” and quite literally paradise 

on earth. Coconut plantations cover 

the motu (islet) of the coral barrier reef, 

white sandy beaches, the pristine beauty 

of the lagoons and unique underwater 

world make the Tuamotu a very unique 

group of islands. 

THE GAMBIER ARCHIPELAGO: 

A WELL-KEPT TREASURE 

Located more than 1,600 km southeast 

of the island of Tahiti at the end of the 

Tuamotu’s, this archipelago is the most 

remote and also the least populated 

of French Polynesia, counting only 

1,000 inhabitants. It shelters four 

mountainous islands lying within the 

same lagoon: Mangareva, ‘Akamaru, 

‘Aukena and Taravai, with dozens of 

islets, called motu. This archipelago lives 

to the pace of Christian faith, pearl farms 

and fishing. Thus, visitors will discover 

the many secrets of these authentic and 

discreet islands, including one of the 

most beautiful lagoons in the region 

(featuring unbelievable shades of blue) 

and untouched and colourful marine life. 

THE AUSTRAL ARCHIPELAGO: 

INTIMATE POLYNESIA 

As their name implies, the Austral islands, 

located on the Tropic of Capricorn, are the 

southernmost boundary of the Polynesian 

archipelago. The climate is cooler than 

in Tahiti and the shape and ecology 

of these food self-sufficient islands 

make them a charming world apart. 

Rurutu, Tubuai or Tupua’i, Raivavae, 

Rimatara and the southernmost Rapa 

are high mountainous islands of real 

character. Rurutu, over the years, has 

become a great place to watch whales. Its 

crystal clear and calm waters allow the 

traveller to approach these sea giants in 

a privileged manner. 

THE MARQUESAS’ 

ARCHIPELAGO: 

THE FORCE OF CULTURE 

Legendary high cliffs, volcanic peaks, 

impressive remnants wrapped 

in wild nature, amazing beaches: the 

Marquesas are breath-taking! 1,500 

km. away from Papeete, they offer the 

traveller an appealing, unforgettable and 

unmatched program. “The land of Man”, 

or “Te Fenua ‘Enata”, as the Marquesans 

name their islands, has various faces, 

all shaped by its inhabitants. Each of the 

six populated islands are proud of its 

characteristics and boasts high-quality 

traditional and creative handicrafts, 

tattoos, singing and dancing – such as 

the rhythmic and impressive haka. 


DESTINATIONS 


© Audrey Svoboda 

Bora Bora 

Raiatea 

Society Islands 

A blend of colourful culture and breath-taking nature – 

The main public services are based in 

the Society Islands, especially Papeete 

(Tahiti), the capital of French Polynesia. 

The development of French Polynesia 

today originates from the Windward 

Islands. 

Tahiti, the country’s largest island, is 

made of two volcanic mounts: Tahiti Nui 

with its highest peak mount Orohena 

(elevation: 2,240 m) and Tahiti Iti with 

mount Mairenui (elevation: 1,300 m). 

A short ferry ride from Tahiti lies the 

peaceful but nonetheless enchanting 

Moorea with its glittering lagoon and 

lush, sharp mountains. The second gem 

of the Society Islands is the Leeward 

Islands. 

From a geological point of view, 

they are older than their Windward 

“cousins”. 

TAHITI (the Queen island) 

Also known as Tamure Island or the 

island of marinated raw fish & sweet 

fragrances, Tahiti is the heartbeat of 

French Polynesia. 

Not only is it the main port of call when 

arriving into the Islands of Tahiti via 

Faa’a International Airport, it is also the 

main location for public services and 

the home to Papeete, the capital city. 

From Paea to Papenoo, Tahiti boasts 

beautiful scenery, varied activities 

and has a surprising number of 

archaeological sites. The mountainous 

inner part of the island is a green 

kingdom, where waterfalls, lava tubes 

and sacred sites can be found, with, as 

a backdrop, the sharp peaks of mounts 

Orohena and Aorai. 

TETIAROA 

(sanctuary of mythical birds) 

With limited ways to travel to this 

island, the best way is to join a 

weekend cruise departing from 

Papeete in order to access this fragile 

but still preserved island, which serves 

as a bird sanctuary, also known as a 

vacation island for the Royalty. Before, 

the Royal family, the Pomares, used to 

go there to spend their leisure time. 

The Brando: Launched mid-year 

2014 on Motu Onetahi, The Brando is 

setting new standards and has raised 

the bar to the highest possible level in 

terms of eco-friendliness. It is unique 

in all respects and relies entirely 

on renewable energy with solar 

panels and coconut oil. Sea water air 

conditioning (SWAC) is a key element, 

utilising cold ocean water from 960 

meters deep. 

MOOREA (the timeless island) 

The beauty of enchanting Moorea is 

enthralling, with its amazing scenery 

and pleasant, relaxed atmosphere. The 

lush mountainous landscape contrasts 

with the crystal clear blue lagoon. 

Resorts of bungalows and Tahitian 

guesthouses are scattered on beautiful 

white sand beaches, among flowered 

gardens or over the lagoon allowing one 

to discover the best of Moorea’s spirit, 

famous for its pineapple fields and its 

pineapple juice. 

HUAHINE (the authentic island) 

An area of about 29 sq. miles, Huahine 

is made up of two islands: Huahine Nui 

up North and Huahine Iti at the South, 

both connected by a bridge overlooking 

the lagoon. Secluded and authentic, 

Huahine inspires the traveller with an 

enchanting, secretive and mysterious 

magic. 

It is shaped like a sleeping woman, 

which inspired the movie Moana. 

RAIATEA (the sacred island) 

A 45-minute flight from Papeete will take 

the visitor to Raiatea, the second largest 

economic area of Polynesia – an island 

boasting dramatic scenery. It is a major 

nautical base for numerous sailboats 


DESTINATIONS 



Taha’a 

Tahiti 

the gateway to French Polynesia 

and charter companies. A 3km 

channel separates Raiatea from its 

sister Taha’a, both lying in the same 

lagoon. The scenery of Raiatea is 

dramatic. The former name of Raiatea 

is Hawaiki Nui. It is a sacred island 

because of the marae Taputapuatea, 

a world heritage site. From there, the 

migration to the other Polynesian 

islands started, to Aotearoa - New 

Zealand and Hawaii (Hawaiki). 

TAHA’A (The Vanilla Island) 

The island is akin to a huge colourful 

and scented garden where vanilla, a 

precious orchid, reigns as princess. 

It is indeed in Taha’a that 80% of the 

famous Tahitian vanilla is produced. 

Taha’a has a superb lagoon, quiet and 

beautiful, where one can don a mask, 

and discover pristine coral gardens 

around the motu. 

BORA BORA 

(The Pearl of the Pacific) 

Bora Bora (or Pora Pora originally) is 

the promise of a paradise on earth, 

to which these islands are often 

compared. It’s fair to say the shape 

of the island and its lagoon are of a 

surreal beauty and fascinate visitors 

thanks to its mythical attraction. 

famous Hollywood stars, dreamers 

and lovers choose mythical Bora 

Bora as their romantic destination 

of choice thanks to its enchanting 

scenery, its lush vegetation, relaxed 

ambience and also for the natural 

locals’ discretion. 

TUPAI (The island of Pere, 

goddess of fire and passion) 

Located 10 miles North of Bora Bora, 

the islet of Tupai, viewed from the 

sky, looks like a heart. Nobody lives 

on the island and of course, there is 

no accommodation, however, the 

most romantic will have a chance to 

visit for just a few hours and share a 

memorable glass of Champagne or 

celebrate their wedding surrounded 

by breath-taking scenery. 

MAUPITI 

(The Untouched Island) 

Located 35km west of Bora Bora, 

Maupiti is a tiny island (10 sq. km), 

secluded and authentic. Magnificent 

scenery, endless white sandy 

beaches both on the island and the 

motu, legendary rocky peaks and 

ancient marae all blend nicely with 

the friendly and smiling style of the 

islanders. 

MUST SEE 

THE PAPEETE 

MARKET 

The Papeete public Marketplace 

covers 7,000 sq m and is the 

lively authentic heart of the 

city. Particularly crowded in 

the early morning, the section 

devoted to flowers and fruits 

should not be missed. Flowers 

such as tiare Tahiti, taina, 

Plumeria, pitate and many more 

species will engulf the visitor 

with their sweet perfumes. 

The place to shop is on the 

top floor of the market, where 

typical Polynesian hand-made 

products await the traveller: 

pareu, hats, bags and baskets, 

wonderfully carved wood 

objects, fabrics, bed covers with 

vegetal patterns or hand-sewn 

ethnic decorations, tifaifai. 

KEY ASSETS 

The “heart” of French 

Polynesia 

Jagged volcanic mountains 

meet crystal blue sea 

Culture, nightlife and cuisine 


DESTINATIONS 


Tikehau 

Tuamotu Islands 

Endless beaches and limpid blue seas teaming with life 

– a paradise for divers and nature lovers 

Amazing white sand beaches lined with 

coconut trees, crystal clear lukewarm 

seas. The 76 islands and atolls within 

the Tuamotu Archipelago are spread 

over an area of more than 2 million sq 

km and where the story of Robinson 

Crusoe could truly exist! Living up to its 

reputation, the Tuamotu are a must-see 

for keen divers. The atoll lagoons are a 

protected paradise where underwater 

life is spectacular. 

This area is also the cradle of the 

legendary Tahitian cultured pearl, 

grown with love, patience and respect, 

lying in a blue elegant oyster. Some 

Tuamotu atolls are just endless white 

sandy beaches with a few acres of 

coconut plantations. Others, such as 

Rangiroa, the second largest atoll in 

the world, are much larger. These 

mini paradise islands, dotted idyllically 

amidst the aqua blue ocean, are remote; 

yet easy to reach via boat/plane without 

having to transit via Papeete. You will 

find family pensions and guest houses 

around most of the islands and the 

largest atolls host international resorts, 

all welcoming visitors from around the 

world. 

RANGIROA (the endless lagoon) 

Located an hour away from Tahiti, 

Rangiroa is a huge atoll - the largest 

in French Polynesia and the second 

largest in the world. It’s a natural 

aquarium, which Captain Jacques 

Cousteau referred to as one of the most 

beautiful dive sites on Earth. Non-divers 

can also enjoy as the crystal-clear water 

ensures sightings of prolific underwater 

life visible with the naked eye or while 

snorkelling. Rangiroa also has dream 

beaches where pale pink sand is as soft 

as the inside of a seashell. 

TIKEHAU (the pink sand island) 

Located 305 km from Tahiti and just 

12 km from Rangiroa, Tikehau and 

its lagoon look like a natural outdoor 

swimming pool, with an absolutely 

astounding variety of marine life. In 

the air, admire the bird colonies where 

many species hold magical names such 

as red-footed boobies, greater crested 

terns, blue noddies, or lesser frigates. 

In Tuherahera, the only village on the 

atoll, life is peaceful and follows the 

rhythms of fishing, copra and religious 

services. 

MANIHI (the pearl island) 

Located 500 km from Tahiti and less 

than 200 km from Rangiroa, Manihi 

atoll looks like a large coral crown. 

It is made of nine motu separated by 

hoa, channels that allow the lagoon 

and the ocean to meet. While Manihi 

embodies the perfect postcard scenery 

with a lagoon as beautiful as abundant, 

the atoll also represents another major 

interest, that of being the cradle of the 

Tahitian cultured pearl. 


DESTINATIONS 



Tikehau 

Tikehau 

FAKARAVA 

(between ocean and sky) 

Paradise has a name: Fakarava. Its 

staggering beauty is an absolute 

must-see. Miles of motu with 

untouched beaches, a huge lagoon; 

it is an untouched wildlife sanctuary. 

Fakarava awakens the Robinson 

Crusoe hidden deep inside us. 

Fakarava (meaning “beautiful”) is 

as striking below the water as it is 

above. Crystal clear seas, a 5-star 

underwater world, fluorescent corals 

and divinely warm water: simple 

snorkelling gear will be sufficient 

to make one fall in love with this 

oceanic wonder. 

Divers around the world dream of 

Fakarava: huge coral heads, schools 

of fish by the thousands, and “walls” 

of sharks close to the drop-offs. 

Amazing thrills await the traveller. 

Fakarava is also a world bioshpere 

reserve for UNESCO. 

THE OTHER 

TUAMOTU ATOLLS 

Takapoto (the atoll of rare pearls) 

Idyllic and pristine, this atoll is a 

dream paradise. Takapoto is a closed 

island without a real pass allowing 

the lagoon and ocean to meet, 

which is why the atoll has remained 

so untouched. It is the home of the 

famous black pearl (from the oyster 

Pinctada margaritifera), the main 

resource on the island. 

ANAA (the jade lagoon) 

Lying between sky and ocean, the 

coral ring of Anaa is still recognised 

by Polynesian sailors thanks to the 

bright emerald colour of its lagoon. 

The atoll doesn’t have a pass and 

shelters spectacular Feo – huge 3m 

high coral blocks emerging from 

the lagoon! Anaa was the cradle 

of the royal Pomare family in the 

19 th Century but was also the most 

populated atoll of the archipelago. It 

was the land of Parata, fierce warriors 

named after a huge shark, who 

imposed their power up to Rangiroa. 

Tikehau 


MUST SEE 

NAUTICAL 

ACTIVITIES 

During one of his innumerable 

expeditions, Jacques-Yves 

Cousteau defined the seas 

surrounding the island of 

Tikehau as the richest in fish 

world-wide, diving into the blue 

channel of Tuheiava, where rays 

dance majestically and alternate 

with lines of tuna and barracuda 

is an unmatched experience. 

Highlights include hammerhead 

sharks and eagle rays from 

November to April, grey sharks 

from May to June, and schools of 

barracuda, turtles and dolphins 

all year round. 

KEY ASSETS 

Remoteness – to really get 

away from it all, you can’t 

top this. 

Beaches – endless stretches 

of clean white sand. 

Diving – stunning marine 

life and incredible underwater 

visibility. 


DESTINATIONS 


Ua Huka 

Marquesas Islands 

A magic environment in one of the most remote 

Lush, high islands emerge from the 

Pacific Ocean, where golden rays of 

light filter through the clouds suspended 

on sharp mountainous peaks, drawing 

an unreal and subtle ambience. This 

is a land of history and legend, as 

fascinating as it is unforgettable: 

welcome to a magic environment - “The 

Land of Men”, the Marquesas Islands. 

One of the most remote archipelagos 

from any continent, it is located 1,500 

km northeast of Tahiti, spread over 12 

islands of which only 6 are inhabited. 

In Hiva Oa, visitors will discover 

monumental tiki and follow in the 

footsteps of the famed French artist 

Paul Gauguin and the Belgian actor, 

poet and singer, Jacques Brel. Both are 

buried in Atuona’s cemetery. Opposite 

the island, Tahuata is a small paradise 

island sheltering a population of local 

handicraft experts. In Nuku Hiva, 

one may explore Taipivai’s bay and 

valley, Melville’s and Hatiheu bay, for 

which Robert Louis Stevenson fell in 

love. Ua Huka, the driest of all, is also 

named “the island of horses” whereas 

in Ua pou, huge volcanic rocks and 

columns overlook the island. Discover 

Hanavave Valley in Fatu Hiva and the 

Bay of Virgins, one of the most stunning 

bays on Earth. Although all very 

different, these islands have much in 

common: their beauty. They all feature 

spectacular landscapes, untouched and 

of a unique rich culture, treasures and 

mysteries. 

Since the late 1970s, there is a strong 

cultural renewal all around these 

islands. Indeed, the cradle of Polynesian 

art lies in the heart of these rugged 

landscapes as Marquesans are taking 

ownership again of their songs, dances, 

carvings, handicrafts and tattoos. 

Nowadays, pahu (large drums) can still 

be heard in the valleys and Tuhuna, 

skilled and knowledgeable craftsmen, 

are more talented and in greater 

numbers than ever. 

NUKU HIVA 

(the mystical island) 

The vertiginous volcanic peaks and 

amazing slopes of Nuka Hiva contrast 

starkly with the blue of the Pacific 

Ocean: a special universe opens its 

doors. The starting point of one’s 

adventure is Taioha’e, the archipelago’s 

regional capital, opening at the end of 

a large bay holding the same name. 

Outstanding landscapes, an incredible 

archaeological history, great stories and 

a rich culture are all to be discovered 

alongside a friendly population. Framed 

by looming cliffs, the coastline is a mix 

of black sand beaches and paradise-like 

bays. Among the lush rainforest, where 

thousands of pre-European remnants 

lie, one will discover wild horses, goats 

and boars. 

HIVA OA 

(the island of Gaugin) 

According to legend, Hiva Oa is the 

main beam of Gods’ “big house”. 

Nowadays, it is commonly named the 

“Garden of the Marquesas” thanks to its 

fertile and lush land. The island features 

endless untouched nature, as roads and 

houses are rarely seen. The island’s 

rugged landscapes blend with sharp 

ridges. Peaks and valleys scattered 

with archaeological sites and ruins, 

are home to the largest tiki statues of 

French Polynesia. Hiva Oa is lined with 

black sand beaches and sharp cliffs 

diving into the Pacific Ocean. This was 


DESTINATIONS 

© Pierre-François Grosjean 

Nuku Hiva 

Tikehau 

archipelagos of the planet 

the place where two famous artists 

chose to live their lives: the French 

painter Paul Gauguin and the Belgian 

poet, singer and actor, Jacques Brel. 

For Gauguin, it was at the beginning 

of the 20th century, while for Brel, it 

was in the 1970’s, but both were here 

in a quest for what could be referred 

to as “personal inner-peace”. Nobody 

knows if they ever found it but every 

morning, as the sun rises, the light 

over the island is breathtakingly pure, 

so pure that one feels part of eternity. 

This is an unspeakable feeling that 

every traveller will experience. 

UA HUKA 

(nature and culture) 

Ua Huka symbolises the “food basket” 

at God’s house and features more 

untouched beauty and is renowned 

for its dry soil and landscapes. Wild 

horses gallop as far as the eye can 

see around this desert-coloured 

land. Goats climb up on the island’s 

high peaceful and mystical plains. Ua 

Huka invites the traveller to discover 

a secluded universe, where the 

island’s ancestors are not just a part 

of the past but still very much part of 

the islanders’ every-day life. 

MUST SEE 

(OR DO) 

AN 

EXTRAORDINARY 

ADVENTURE on 

board the mix cargo cruiseship 

Aranui 5 is a great way to 

discover these islands. From 

one bay to another, sailors 

unload goods to the local people 

eagerly awaiting the arrival of 

the famous South Seas cargo 

ship. 

In the meantime, passengers 

explore the natural and cultural 

discoveries of every island 

where they are warmly greeted 

by the Marquesans. 

UA POU (Following the 

ancestors’ footsteps) 

Ua Pou symbolises the entrance 

pillars to God’s house. Huge basaltic 

columns reaching the sky and holding 

the names of legendary warriors: 

Poutetaunui and Poumaka. In 1888, 

they inspired poet Robert Louis 

Stevenson, who mentioned them 

as “volcanic arrows looking like a 

church bell tower”. They proudly 

overlook the bay of Hakahau village, 

the main village on the island. 

HIVA OA 


KEY ASSETS 

Breath-taking landscapes 

– stark, unusual and 

spectacular 

History – following 

in Gauguin’s and Brel’s 

footsteps 

Art – this is the cradle 

of Polynesian art 


DESTINATIONS 

© Fred 

© Fred 

Mangareva 

Aukena and Mangareva 

The Gambier Archipelago 

Islands “at the edge of the world” lure visitors 

with the sheen of Pacific pearls 

Located 1,600 km from Tahiti, 

choosing Gambier Island as one’s 

destination is a guarantee to 

experience a completely different 

type of vacation. Beyond the 

spectacular scenery - five islands 

and a dozen motu around a 

fabulous lagoon – one is taken 

in a spiral where the peaceful 

way of life is contagious and the 

visitor is literally enthralled by the 

incredible heritage of this amazing 

spot. 

To say the Gambier archipelago 

is off the beaten track is a major 

understatement. Travellers visiting 

this area feel privileged as they 

are warmly greeted by the friendly 

local community. The islands are 

still secluded and offer natural and 

cultural treasures to be discovered 

with delight alongside friendly 

Mangarevan inhabitants. This 

creates a perfect alchemy, beyond 

description, of well-being and a 

unique change of scenery. 

NATURE 

Let’s make things clear: the lagoon, 

hosting the entire archipelago, 

is probably the most beautiful of 

French Polynesia. Both transparent 

and sandy, turquoise and dotted 

with coral heads, it displays 

a range of blues marvellously 

contrasting with the surrounding 

lush green mountains. Hiking is a 

favourite activity to make the most 

of this unique scenery. 

ARCHITECTURAL HERITAGE 

Although Mangareva hosts some 

pre-European remnants of marae 

and other cultural witnesses of 

the past, Mangareva is renowned 

for its fascinating religious 19th 

Century heritage. One says that 

faith can move mountains. In 

Gambier, it moved tons of corals! 

As the cradle of the Catholic 

religion, the missionaries and the 

recently converted islanders, built 

hundreds of religious buildings 

between 1840-70: churches, 

presbyteries, convents, schools, 

and observation towers. They can 

still be visited in Rikitea, ’Akamaru, 

’Aukena and Taravai. The largest 

and oldest monument of French 

Polynesia proudly stands in 

Rikitea. Saint Michael’s Cathedral 

(1848) was renovated in 2012. 

MUST SEE 

PEARL FARMS 

Mangareva is the heart of the Pinctada 

Margaritifera, the best place to cultivate 

the famous black pearls. you cannot miss 

the occasion to visit one of the pearl farms 

located in the beautiful lagoon to touch 

unique jewels produced by nature and 

handicrafts that can be found only in The 

Islands of Tahiti. On site, you can directly 

admire incredible pearls characterized by 

vibrating purple and iridescent green shades 

or grey, blue and rosy reflections. 

KEY ASSETS 

Authenticity - a genuine history-filled 

archipelago, with untouched nature, 

friendly islanders and a rich heritage 

Pearls - high value and good quality 

pearls of unmatched shades mostly thanks 

to the purity of the lagoon waters 

Activities - land and water activities for 

all: hiking, leisurely strolls, lagoon tours, 

snorkelling, relaxing, or visiting a pearl farm 


DESTINATIONS 



Rurutu 

Rurutu 

Austral Islands 

Lands of tradition – untouched and mysterious 

The Austral Islands.... Untouched and 

mysterious lands, a land of tradition where 

white sand clashes with the intense blue 

of the lagoons... Although this group 

of islands is off the beaten track, it will 

offer travellers a memorable and genuine 

experience. Discovered by the Europeans 

in the 18th Century, the Australs are 

located 600 km south of Tahiti’s capital 

city. The archipelago is made up of 7 

islands, 5 of them are inhabited and the 

other 4 are within reach by air. 

RURUTU (the island of whales) 

The island was formed in an interesting 

way, thanks to two consecutive volcanic 

hot spots, which created unusual 

mountains circled with coral cliffs; hence 

its name “Rurutu”: the gushing rock. 

Basaltic rocks and a limestone belt offer 

surprising stalactites and stalagmites 

around the former lagoon, now a coral 

reef. The cool climate is auspicious to lush 

vegetation covering the island’s rocks. The 

curvy road will lead you through a poetic 

and impressive tour, combining long white 

sand beaches, beautiful bays and various 

plantations. This pristine environment is 

home to just 2,404 inhabitants. 

TUBUAI (a tropical Eden) 

The first explorers were struck by the 

island’s beauty. Wallis, then Cook towards 

the end of the 18th Century, particularly 

liked the lush vegetation and crystalclear 

water of the island. However, it did 

not look appropriate for good anchorage 

given the large barrier reef around the 

coast. This disadvantage turned into an 

incredible advantage in the eyes of the 

famous mutinies of the Bounty. Led by 

Christian Fletcher, they tried, to no avail, 

to settle and built Fort George, which no 

longer exists. 

RAIVAVAE (the first island) 

“Raivavae” or “the open sky” is universe 

for various noises such as sea birds’ songs, 

the swell and the wind. often considered 

as the most beautiful island of the pacific, 

the magnificent sceneries live up to the 

island’s reputation as the Garden of Eden. 

Floating over an emerald lagoon, the 

island shelters amazing remnants from 

the past such as a laughing tiki. 

The local people have chosen to keep their 

island untouched and have developed an 

eco-tourism concept welcoming travellers 

in a warm and simple manner. Aside from 

handicrafts, Raivavae is the only island 

where sewn outriggers are still made, 

ensuring the visitor a step back in time 

feeling while on the island. 

MUST SEE 

DON’T MISS A 

WHALE WATER 

BALLET AT 

RURUTU, attracting 

nature and whale lovers 

each year along with many 

scientists. They come 

very close to the coast to 

give birth. Adventurous 

snorkelers will have the 

opportunity to share a very 

special moment with these 

sea giants. 

KEY ASSETS 

Isolation – way off the 

beaten track 

Nature - the untouched 

look 

Deeply authentic 

nature – here, nothing 

is fake! 


TRANSPORT 

Charter Services 

A number of charter operators are 

available in Tahiti. These include: 

Air Transport 

Main Airport: The Tahiti-Faa’a 

airport is situated 5km west of the 

city of Papeete, and is built on a 

lagoon. Opened in 1960, this is the 

only international airport in the 

archipelago, and thus serves as 

the main hub for all air transport. 

The complex has two terminals 

– one for international flights and 

one for domestic connections. 

The international terminal has a 

VIP lounge and a duty-free store. 

One can also find a bank, travel 

agency and baggage storage service 

at the airport, as well as several 

restaurants. 

INTERNATIONAL FLIGHTS 

Aéroport de Tahiti serves nine 

international destinations with 

direct flights, with 29 weekly flights 

by regular international airlines 

including Air Calin, Air France, 

Air New Zealand, Air Tahiti Nui, 

Hawaiian Airlines, and LATAM. 

Flights are available from Los 

Angeles, Auckland, Tokyo, Noumea, 

Honolulu, Hanga Roa - Mataveri 

(Easter Island), and Rarotonga. Soon, 

new arrivals will include French Bee 

and United Airlines, flying from San 

Francisco international airport. 

DOMESTIC FLIGHTS 

The 118 main islands that constitute 

French Polynesia cover a surface 

similar to that of Europe. Air Tahiti 

flies around 200 scheduled services 

a week to 48 islands and atolls with 

a fleet of ten modern ATR 42’s and 

72’s. A shuttle service to Moorea 

is available and takes just seven 

minutes. The company has 1300 

employees. 

For travellers wanting to visit 

several islands, specific Air Tahiti 

Passes are the best solution. These 

passes connect islands of the 

same archipelago, or two different 

archipelagos, while extensions to 

the far-flung Marquesas and Austral 

islands can be added on to the other 

passes. They include: 

• DISCOVERY PASS 

Moorea, Huahine, Raiatea 

• BORA BORA PASS 

Moorea, Huahine, Raiatea, Bora 

Bora, Maupiti 

• LAGOONS PASS 

Moorea, Rangiroa, Tikehau, 

Fakarava 

• CORAIL PASS 

Ahe, Manihi 

• BORA BORA-TUAMOTU PASS 

Moorea, Huahine, Raiatea, 

Maupiti, Bora Bora, Rangiroa, 

Tikehau, Fakarava 

• AUSTRALES PASS 

Rurutu, Tubuai, Raivavae, 

Rimatara 

• MARQUESAS PASS 

Nuku Hiva, Hiva Oa, Ua Huka, Ua 

Pou 

• AUSTRALES EXTENSION 

Rurutu, Tubuai, Raivavae, 

Rimatara 

• MARQUESAS EXTENSION 

Nuku Hiva, Hiva Oa 

Info - www.airtahiti.com 

© Tahiti Tourisme. 

TAHITI AIR CHARTER (seaplanes) 

This company offers private flights and 

inter-island transfers utilising 5 or 8 

seat amphibious aircraft. Scenic flights 

are available over Bora Bora & Tupai, 

or Raiatea & Taha’a. The company also 

offers day tours and private charters. The 

airline was founded by the Degage group, 

well known in Tahiti for civil marine 

activities (Aremiti, Haumana, Dory…). 

The story of Polynesian aviation is 

linked to the development of seaplanes, 

and between 1936 and 1970, domestic 

and international flights were operated 

in French Polynesia with seaplanes. 

Today, Tahiti Air Charter is reintroducing 

seaplane transportation in the islands of 

Tahiti for tourists who want to discover 

our beautiful islands from the air, and for 

the local population in order to reach the 

most inaccessible islands. 

www.tahiti-aircharter.com/en 

AIR ARCHIPELS 

Leader on the Polynesian charter 

market for 20 years. Air Archipels is a 

French charter carrier based in Tahiti, 

specialising in private and corporate 

flights. Equipped with 19 pilots and five 

aircraft 

www.air-archipels.com 



TRANSPORT 

© Tahiti Tourisme-Gregoire Le Bacon 

Road 

Transport 

In Tahiti, buses and taxis are or course 

available. Standard cars, four-wheel 

drive vehicles and scooters are able 

to be rented. Depending upon which 

island one is on, in order to discover a 

“hidden paradise” one can also opt to go 

for a ride on a bike or a horse. On some 

islands, taxi boats for lagoon transfers 

are also available to go to motus (islets) 

where visitors can find accommodation 

(such as in the Tuamotu) or to the airport 

(such as on Bora Bora). Public buses are 

available from Moorea wharf where they 

meet the ferries. There are also car rental 

companies at Moorea wharf. In Papeete, 

car rental depots can be found at the 

airport and in the city. Avis and Europcar 

are the main companies operating in the 

islands. 

Sea Transport 

Bugsters: Also known as roadsters, 

these buggies are a little like convertibles 

without doors and are an interesting way 

to tour an island for a few hours. They 

can generally be rented for four, eight or 

24 hours. 

Catamarans and ferries cross 

between Tahiti and Moorea several 

times a day. Schooners and cargo 

boats serve all the inhabited islands 

departing from Papeete. Slower 

cargo-style boats also service the 

Society Islands. 

The ferry journey from Papeete 

(Tahiti) to Moorea – 20km to the 

west, takes between 25 and 40 

minutes. 

It’s a particularly scenic passage 

and is much cheaper than flying. 

Two companies operate the route: 

Aremiti and Terevau. Aremiti has 

two large car ferries which are 

equipped with snack bars and 

TV lounges. Aremiti and Terevau 

operate from the Ferry Terminal in 

Papeete. 

The Terevau is a rapid catamaran 

carrying around 360 passengers 

and several cars. On board are 

also a snack bar and TV lounge 

area. Terevau also propose trips to 

Huahine and Raiatea during high 

season and the boat can also be 

rented for events. Terevau’s ship 

departs from the maritime station 

on Pomare Boulevard in downtown 

Papeete. Both pull in at the Moorea 

dock in Vaiare, on the northeast 

side of the island. 

© Tahiti Tourisme-Dimitri Nguyen Verdenet 


HOMESTAY 

Homestay in the Islands 

of Tahiti 

Total immersion in local culture and traditions, 

a growing trend 

The spirit of Polynesian hospitality is 

present in all tourist establishments, 

whether they be large luxury hotels 

or small family hotels and homestays. 

The latter are becoming increasingly 

popular as tourists seek a more 

“genuine” down-to-earth experience, 

mingling with the local inhabitants. 

By staying in Tahitian guest houses, 

travellers are able to keep costs down, 

with prices ranging from around 

is going directly into local pockets, and 

many travellers are thrilled to receive 

more personal experiences. Some 

offer half board (demi-pension), also 

enabling the visitor to obtain a genuine 

taste of the local cuisine. 

While a lack of facilities could be seen 

by some as a disadvantage in a family 

guest house, some use this as their key 

selling point. For example, Pension 

Alice & Raphaêl Guesthouse on Bora 

wood “Aito” from our motu. Bungalows 

(room and bathroom) are furnished 

with king size beds with mosquito 

nets, fan, hot water (solar heating), 

deckchairs. NO TV, NO KITCHEN, NO 

AIR CONDITIONING, NO FRIDGE. 

Our electricity is solar based and we 

save rain water to augment our water 

consumption.” 

Yes, it is a way to truly get away from 

the hassles of modern day life… and 

forewarned is forearmed. 


Lesser known islands are growingly 

becoming known for interesting 

homestay solutions, including Nuku 

Hiva, Ua Huka and Ua Pou in the 

Marqueses, Mataiva and Tikenau in 

the Tuamotus, Raiatea and Taha’a in 

the Society Islands, and Rurutu and 

Raivavae in the Australs. 

$US80 a night for a double room. The 

accommodation is generally in simple, 

local-style bungalows, some with only 

cold showers, although this is generally 

specified by the owners. In terms of 

cultural immersion, these family-run 

operations ensure that the money spent 

Bora claims: “Our 3 bungalows provide 

a view over the beautiful surrounding 

nature scenes, the lagoon and the 

main island. They are built with local 

natural materials: roofs in Pandanus 

leaves from Bora Bora, walls in Bamboo 

from Raïatea, beds made from local 

The Ministry of Tourism is continuing 

to work with those running private 

guest houses, helping them orientate 

their offering in relation to the region’s 

strategic positioning (with regard 

to cultural sharing, and exceptional 

tourism sites), while conserving 

the originality and quality of their 

product. This has required enhanced 

organisation and professionalism on 

the part of local tourism actors, an 

improvement of the quality of services 

on offer, as well as modernised 

management of tourism enterprises 

and a strong link with the supply local 

chains (fishing, agriculture, etc.). The 

norms of classification of this kind of 

accommodation are currently also 

under review. 


ACCOMODATION 


Moorea 

In the Lap 

of Luxury 

The choice of “elite” tourism 

The constraint of international 

air capacity prohibits a “mass 

positioning” (generalist) of the Islands 

of Tahiti, with low added value (the 

price level of tickets necessitating the 

avoidance of competition on prices 

with nearby destinations, closer to 

source markets). 

Customers are therefore being sought 

with a high level of contribution 

with which French Polynesia is best 

able to underline its strengths, in a 

perspective of sustainable tourism 

and quality. The destination is 

therefore positioned as a high valueadded 

destination on a series of 

products directed towards these key 

segments. This strategic choice does 

not, however, lead to the development 

of luxury accommodation 

infrastructure alone (see our report 

on the “homestay” offering). It 

also relies on the construction of 

a complete and integrated offer of 

products and activities, in relation 

to the expectations of the markets 

and consistent with the positioning 

«Human Nature» (ecological and 

chic), of the destination. 

A broad range of luxury resorts and 

hotels is thus at the heart of the 

offering, and while many think of 

French Polynesia as the “Honeymoon” 

destination, thanks to its over-water 

bungalows, hotel management and 

tourism professionals are today 

making a strong push to encourage 

travel professionals to place the 

Islands of Tahiti as a high-end family 

or couples destination, with a very 

strong emphasis on culture and 

cuisine, along with water sports and 

other on-land activities. 

Tourism authorities are also strongly 

emphasising the fact that other types 

of luxury accommodation are highly 

desirable: other types of bungalows – 

beach or garden bungalows, or even 

mountain getaways. There are also 

other types of luxury accommodation 

such as villas, that can appeal 

to a group or friends or multigenerational 

families, giving them 

more independence and freedom. 

LUXURY 

ACCOMMODATION 

ON THE MOVE 

As many islands have very limited 

tourist accommodation, the option 

of luxury cruising is becoming 

increasingly popular. Rather than 

the mass tourism of “super cruisers”, 

travellers are able to charter a large 

variety of private yachts for large or 

small groups. 

A Tahiti sailing vacation offers balmy 

easterly trade winds averaging 

between 15 and 20 knots throughout 

the year, virtually guaranteeing 

a relaxing sail every day in the 

calm waters behind the reefs and 

spirited sailing on open-water 

passages. Companies such as Tahiti 

Yacht Charter or Dream Yacht 

Charter – Tahiti have a broad choice 

of options. The M/S Paul Gaugin is 

also a great way to visit islands while 

not having to “pick up stakes” every 

day (see also our page on cruising). 

© Tahiti Tourisme - Gregoire Le Bacon 

Luxurious cabin in a yacht 


CONCLUSION 

Jean-François Pieri 

Managing Director, Cleverdis 

Tourism - the Fine Line 

Tourism promotion is increasingly 

akin to a “fine line”. On the one hand, 

it’s important to grow numbers, and 

especially revenues, for the good of 

local employment and the economy at 

large. On the other hand, a key issue 

underlined this year by the UNWTO is 

that of overtourism, and its eventual 

negative effects on destinations. 

While the Islands of Tahiti are far 

from falling victim to this issue, there 

is still a fine line between what’s good 

for the economy and what’s bad for 

the environment and the community. 

We believe French Polynesia’s 

Tourism Ministry and Tourism Tahiti 

are doing a fantastic job when it 

comes to treading that fine line. 

Indeed, the work that has been 

done in the past years in terms of 

consultation with all those involved 

in the industry in the islands, 

and working on plans that foster 

sustainability, are what will no doubt 

lead to the ongoing and growing 

health of the industry in the region. 

of the few destinations in the world 

where tourism appears to be going 

100% in the right direction. 

Take the time to talk to the tourism 

representatives of this breath-taking 

destination. It can be true that 

finalising a package to Tahiti and her 

islands is not always as easy and quick 

as for other destinations. Preparing 

a “The Islands of Tahiti” package is 

a real, gratifying experience. Ask 

those who have already done it… 

they have fallen in love with the 

destination. French Polynesia’s 

teams and representations in each 

feeding market are there to assist 

you and imagine with you how to 

propose bold and non-standard 

packages. They have developed the 

“Embraced by Mana” campaign, 

whose implementation really focuses 

on “experiencing the destination.” 

It won’t be long before you, too, are 

enamoured with the Islands of Tahiti. 

The avoidance of mass tourism, 

and not only a strong support for 

the community, but a reinforcing of 

cultural values, mean that this is one 


For a holiday bringing 

together a total change 

of scenery, discovery and 

relaxation, welcome to the 

wonderful world of Pearl 

Lodge Marquises: two superb 

hotels that blend beautifully 

into the luxuriant natural 

surroundings of the Marquesas 

Islands. 

KEIKAHANUI PEARL LODGE 

Nuku Hiva 

BP 53 Taiohae 

98742 Nuku Hiva – Marquises 


Tel: +689 40 920 710 - Fax: +689 40 920 711 

Mail: keikahanui@mail.pf 

www.pearlodge.com 

KeikahanuiPearlLodgeNukuHiva 

HANAKEE PEARL LODGE 

Hiva Oa 

BP 80 –Atuona 

98741 Hiva Oa – Marquises 


Tel: +689 40 927 587 - Fax: +689 40 927 586 

hiva.oa.pearl@mail.pf 

www.hotelhanakee.com 

Hiva Oa Hanakee Pearl Lodge

French Polynesia SMARTguide

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