Bon Voyage Magazine

BON
TAHITI BY CARL
www.tahitibycarl.com
VOYAGE
INFORMATION RECOMMENDATIONS EXPERIENCE
INTERESTING

MARK TWAIN

A N O T E F R O M Y O U R
A H I T I E X P E R T
T
Written by: Carl Henderson
Enjoy this guide all about The Islands of Tahiti. I have written the Bon Voyage magazine for my
clients based on years of experience travelling to French Polynesia and with feedback from my
past clients. In the electronic version you will find the 3 icons below throughout the magazine
where you can click to explore more online.
Enjoy this pre-departure escape to the islands. Another
service I offer as a Tahiti Expert to help you get the
most of your Tahiti vacation.
Enjoy the read,
Watch a Video
Read more about the topic
Link to Webpage
Carl
T A H I T I B Y C A R L . C O M
© 2021 Carl Henderson

C O N T E N T S
04
05
07
09
09
10
11
12
Welcome to Tahiti
Quick Facts & Island Map
Meet the Locals
Did you know
Island Time
Health & Safety
Stay Connected
Tours & Activities
13
15
16
21
23
25
27
28
At Taste of Tahiti
Take me Home
Packing Perfect
Need to Know
Money Matters
Getting Around
Speaking Tahitian
Airport Information

WELCOME TO TAHITI
MAEVA
Congratulations on booking your trip to French Polynesia, more commonly known as
Tahiti which is the largest island in this chain of 118 islands. I have traveled to over
70 countries in our great world and have been working in the travel industry for more
than 20 years selling worldwide destinations to my clients, but never have been
anywhere as beautiful as Tahiti and her islands. It is one destination where my
clients consistently come back and say it was the best trip of their life – time and time
again. I am sure you are going to feel the same way.
Tahiti is made up of 5 different archipelagos of islands that are spread out over the
beautiful South Pacific Ocean. The islands are a water lover’s paradise of crystal
clear lagoons with an abundance of fish and ocean life. You will find
you are never far from a warm lagoon to enjoy.
But don’t forget to take some time to explore the land that is covered
with lush mountains, waterfalls, hiking trails, 4x4 tours and a strong history,
culture and laid back way of life that still exists today with the local
Tahitians.
Every client I have tends to vacation in a different style.
Some get comfortable on the private deck of their overwater
bungalow and spend days relaxing, reading and snorkeling
from their own luxurious accommodations.
Others are out exploring the islands, shopping at the local
markets and boutiques and trying as many different
restaurants around the islands as they can.
Whatever your style, just remember to enjoy your time in
paradise as you choose – it is your vacation. Hopefully the
following Tahiti guide and travel tips I have written will help
you get the most of your vacation and remember – don’t
hesitate to contact me with any other questions you may have.
Enjoy and I can’t wait to see some pictures and hear some
stories upon your return!
Happy travels,
Carl
4

QUICK FACTS
Area Land: 1,544 sq miles/3999 sq kms
Area Sea: 1.5 million sq miles/3,884,982 sq kms
Islands: 118 Islands in 5 island Groups
Capital City: Papeete, Tahiti
Currency: French Pacific Franc
Population: 245,000 (75% Polynesian, 15% European, 10% Chinese)
Language: French/Tahitian
Set over a map of Europe you get a perspective of how spread out over the
South Pacific Ocean the 5 archipelagos are.
5

6
Map courtesy of Tahiti Tourisme

POLYNESIAN CULTURE
MEET THE LAGOON LOCALS
Meet some of the Locals
SHARKS
Culturally important there is an abundance of
sharks in the Tahitian lagoons and open ocean.
Divers and snorkellers can marvel at these
magnificent creatures in safe manners on
organized excursions.
STING RAYS
These peaceful, playful puppies of the lagoon glide
about the sandy bottoms of the warm clear waters.
Join a local guide and enjoy interacting with them.
STONE FISH
Unlike the sharks and rays which most people
fear, this little guy is much more dangerous but
thankfully rarely seen (I have yet to see one in
all my trips). However, they blend into the
coral on the ground and can be very hard to
see but will deliver a painful and poisonus
sting that will likely result in hospitalization -
best to wear your reef shoes!
PROTECT
THE REEF
French Polynesia is incredibly special due to the reefs
and lagoons offering a unique beauty found no where
else in the world. It is important as travellers that we
do everything we can to respect and protect the
islands and the culture the locals so willing share with
us.
Would you like to give back to the reef?
Help make a difference and adopt a coral supporting
the Coral Gardeners: www.coralgardeners.org
Important Lagoon Reminders:
Just look - don't touch
Remove any shiny jewellery before snorkeling/diving
Never stand on the coral
Be careful with your fins - don't break the coral
accidentally
Use sunscreen that is friendly to the coral and
marine life
Take nothing from the lagoon but memories and
pictures
7

POLYNESIAN CULTURE
MEET THE LOCALS
Meet some of the Locals
MUSIC & DANCE
Music and dance have strong roots in Tahitian
history and culture, while still being an integral
part of their current day life. Tahitian dance is
made up of four traditional styles, each style
with various instruments, routines and rituals.
Accompanying the dance will be instruments
such as ukuleles, various forms of drums and
most importantly singing and chants.
TATTOOS
Tattooing, as you will witness for yourself, was
historically and still is a large part of Tahitian
culture. Tattoos are considered sacred, believed
to be inherited from the gods. Previously they
were used as a social marker, and could show
your life history from your tribe to your passage
to adulthood or representing a noteworthy event
in your life. Now there are tattoo artists on the
islands with such noteworthy art it can be found
in cities like Paris or New York. Perhaps a
more permanent souvenir to bring back from
your vacation?
MANA
Mana is an all encompassing energy that is the heart of
Tahitian culture. Anyone or anything can possess Manait
isn't a source of power but instead arises from the
object itself, surrounding and connecting all things
around you.
Historically, Mana was related as being the source of
spirits and anything that was extraordinary or was
considered to have Mana was a way to distinguish a
person, spirit or object from ordinary. Polynesian chiefs
were said to have great Mana as well as women since
they could reproduce.
On the other hand certain areas of land or tools would
also be specified to have great Mana meaning no
commoner could come along and touch them.
Today Mana is still a large part of Tahitian culture- a
fundamental truth- and even as a tourist, you can see,
feel and taste Mana when experiencing all these islands
have to offer.
8

Did you Know?
M E A S U R E M E N T S
Tahiti is on the metric system so
luggage is weighed in kilograms
and speeds around the island are
in kilometres.
S U N R I S E & S U N S E T
As Tahiti is close to the equator
the sun rises and sets year round
at about the same time. Each
day sunrise is around 6 AM and
sunset is around 6 PM. Make
sure you have your camera ready
for both events as you can get
some incredibly dramatic
pictures and memories.
T I M E Z O N E
Tahiti is 10 hours behind GMT
and in the same time zone as
Hawaii. They do not observe
DayLight Savings Time so they
keep Standard Time year round.
The Marquesas Islands are 30
minutes ahead of the rest of the
islands.
You do not cross the International
Date Line when travelling to
Tahiti.
ISLAND TIME
GETTING THE MOST FROM YOUR TRIP
We have all heard the saying
‘Island Time’ and this is so true in
Tahiti. There is a reason there is
no word for 'stress' in Polynesian.
Everything is a little more laid
back and relaxed in the islands.
Tahitians have been brought up in
a very laid back environment
which is not a service driven
culture like ours. Even at the
highest end resorts in Tahiti,
things operate at a different pace
of life.
Try to understand this, slow your
pace down to relax, unwind and
embrace this South Pacific way of
life. Once you get into it, you will
enjoy your Tahitian vacation that
much more.
Also, don’t forget to try to take
the time and effort to get to know
your servers and resort staff
which will make your vacation
that much more enjoyable and
memorable.
A Tahitian once told me the
locals are like a coconut – they
may appear hard and tough on
the outside but inside they are
warm and sweet.
Approach them with a warm and
friendly "Ia Orana" or "Bonjour."
Use manners and be polite
working to engage them in
conversation and you will reach
that warm sweet centre inside
without any problem at all.
T I P P I N G
Tipping is not a part of Tahitian
Culture and no need for it to be
given on a routine basis. At the
large resorts, people do tip but it
is not expected or required.
If you really feel the need, tipping
should only be done in much
smaller amounts than you would
at home and only for exceptional
service. There is no requirement
to tip your transfer drivers and bell
boys. For restaurants perhaps
round up your bill or add 5% when
service warrants.

TRAVEL TIP
If you would like WiFi outside of the
resorts, we can organize a portable WiFi
device starting at about 10 Euros per
day.
S T A Y I N G
CONNECTED
I N T E R N E T
Internet is widely available throughout the
islands and most resorts now offer it for
free. Cruise lines do have an additional
charge to connect. Internet connections
are a little slower than home but most times
good enough to do video calls and certainly
no problem for social media and emails.
C E L L P H O N E S E R V I C E
Cell phone service is available on most of the major islands such at Tahiti, Moorea, Bora Bora, Taha’a,
Raiatea, Huahine and Rangiroa. If you plan on using your cell phone at all while you are away, it is important
you contact your service provider and confirm:
They have service agreements in French Polynesia so your phone will work
You purchase a plan to cover your usage while you are away.
Roaming fees can get very expensive and you don’t want to get hit with a surprise bill when you return home.
Smart phones can be kept on air-plane mode and then turn your WiFi on to connect to networks and avoid
any roaming data charges. If you have an unlocked cell phone you can also purchase a local sim card to use
while you are in the islands.
11

TOURS & ACTIVITIES
YOUR BEST MEMORIES &
CONNECTIONS
TRAVEL TIP
Prebooked tours are screened for
best quality and experience
Often when you get home from a
trip and you think about your
highlights and most memorable
moments what comes to mind is not
your room or resort – but the
activities and tours you did. The
experiences you have had. This is
when you get to meet and interact
with the locals and perhaps other
travellers from round the world
while you get to experience the
islands and all they have to offer.
BOOKING LOCALLY
If you have not yet booked tours and
would like to add some while you
are there you can speak with the
resort concierge for assistance or
reach out to Tahiti Islands Travel
your local contact I have worked
with in putting together your Tahiti
package.
PREBOOKED TOURS
For tours you have prebooked, you
will receive additional information
with your travel documents in Tahiti
with times and location for your pick
up. These tours I have vetted to
ensure they are a satisfactory quality
for my clients and sure you will have
a great time! Send me some
pictures of your favourite moments!
PACKING FOR YOUR OUTINGS
LAND TOURS
- Bring water, appropriate foot wear, hat, sunscreen & insect repellent
WATER TOURS
- Bring water, sunscreen, snorkel gear, reef shoes, towel & hat
ALL TOURS
- Prepaid tour voucher, camera with a fully charged battery

Tahitian Vanilla Punch
This punch is an island classic, a Tahitian spin on the traditional Maitai. It is made with fresh
juices, dark rum, light rum, lime and authentic Tahitian vanilla. Store bought juices will
work just fine! On the other hand, the Tahitian bean just cannot be replaced.
Total Prep Time: 15 Minutes / Makes 12 Servings
©Tahitian Gold
The Ingredients
Equipment Needed:
Large pitcher or punchbowl
Wooden spoon or rubber spatula
for mixing
Bowl for Vanilla sugar
Ingredients:
4 cups fresh pineapple juice
4 cups orange juice
2 cups dark rum
2 cups white rum
1 cup Tahitian vanilla bean simple
syrup
3 limes
¼ cup Tahitian Gold’s Tahitian
vanilla sugar
Ice cubes
Steps:
1. Make Tahitian vanilla bean syrup and set aside.
2. Add all ingredients, including cut pieces of vanilla bean
from simple syrup into large pitcher or punch bowl and
mix.
3. Let rest overnight in refrigerator.
4. When ready to serve, run half a lemon on each glass rim
and carefully dip into bowl with Tahitian Gold Vanilla
Sugar.
5. Pour over ice, serve and enjoy.....Tahitian Style
14

L I F E L O N G M E M O R I E S
TAKE ME HOME
SOUVENIR SHOPPING IN FRENCH POLYNESIA - a few good purchases of uniquely
Tahitian items can help you keep your travel memories alive years after you return
home.
TAHITIAN PEARLS
Everywhere you go you will see these stunning
pearls. Tahiti is famous for their black pearls or
as they are more accurately called ‘Cultured
Pearls’ as they come in many different shades
not just black. You can get them set as earrings,
necklaces, pendants, bracelets or just pick up
single pearls to bring home. The quality varies
as does the pricing, so pick your budget and
choose a piece you love for a great memory and
souvenir.
TAHITIAN VANILLA
Known as being the best quality vanilla in the
world, be sure to pick some up for all your baking
needs or to give to your favourite baking friend –
a good way to score some home baked goods!
Even more meaningful is to buy some from a
vanilla plantation that you visit on one of your
tours. You can purchase full beans, paste or
liquid vanilla.
POLYNESIAN CARVINGS
The Polynesians, especially in the Marquesas
Island group, are famous for their intricate wood
and stone carvings. From ceremonial paddles,
stone or wood bowls to a life size Tiki statue,
you and get some beautiful pieces. There is no
problem bringing any finished wood product
back to North America – just don’t bring any
untreated raw wood. Smaller items can be
packed and larger items can be shipped.
TATTOO
The ultimate Polynesian souvenir. It is rare to
find a local that does not have any tattoos.
Talented artists throughout the islands to create
your ultimate vacation souvenir. I recommend
planning this in advance and creating a tattoo
that has some meaning to you as each symbol
in Polynesian tattoos have meaning.
15

PACKING PERFECT
LUGGAGE
ALLOWANCE
AIR TAHITI - CHECKED LUGGAGE
When you are flying between the islands, Air Tahiti
has a luggage allowance of 23kg (50 pounds) per
person. Any excess luggage over that is subject to a
per kilo charge which you must pay directly to the
airline on each interisland flight you take. No single
piece of luggage will be accepted if it is over 35kg
(77 pounds) and if you have more than 10kg of
Excess Baggage you must check in at least 90
minutes before each flight.
Maximum dimensions (including wheels and
handles) : length + width + height less than
150cm (59 in)
For scuba diving equipment :
Divers travelling to all destinations except
destinations served by Twin Otter or Beechcraft are
given an additional baggage allowance of 5 kg (11 lb)
for carrying diving equipment only. To use it, please
present one of the following documents :
Official diver's card in your name, declaration from
the diving club where you are going - specifying the
dates you will be diving.
AIR TAHITI - CARRY ON
Carry on luggage is more restricted than on the
international flights. With Air Tahiti, the hand
baggage allowance is free of charge within the
following limits:
1 piece of hand baggage per passenger
Maximum total dimensions: 55 x 35 x 25 cm
(21.7 x 13.8 x 9.9 in) (note this is small!)
Maximum weight: 5 kg (11 lb)
Unlike international carriers, overhead
compartments on Air Tahiti are very small so
you do not have much carry on luggage
allowance.
AIR TAHITI NUI HELICOPTER TRANSFERS
If you are doing any interisland helicopter transfers
the luggage allowance is similar to above
allowances with Air Tahiti:
1 larger suitcase up to 23kg – maximum size is
158cm when you add the length + width + height
Carry on bag – 6kg
17

PACKING
CHECKLIST
In addition to the clothing mentioned above - here are some additional items
to remember to pack:
TRAVEL DOCUMENTS
Passports
Tickets
Travel and Out of Country Medical Insurance
Credit cards and wallet
Money
CLOTHING & PERSONAL CARE ITEMS
Light weight, resort casual tropical clothing
Hat to keep the sun off your head
Light raincoat or windbreaker
Reef shoes
Swim shirt/Rash Guard
TRAVEL ACCESSORIES & EXTRAS
Small umbrella or rain poncho in case of a tropical down pour
Electrical Plug Adaptor (or two) for any of your electronics
Camera, memory cards, battery charger, spare battery
Small first aid kit/items is always good anytime you travel – Band-Aids, Tylenol etc.
Avid snorkeler may want to pack your own mask, snorkel and fins – although you can borrow them from
most hotels
Music – small Bluetooth speaker
Consider packing an inflatable mattress or floatie to relax & enjoy off your overwater bungalow. Bring a
string to tie yourself up in case of a strong current
TOILETTRIES
Sunscreen – Large amounts, reef friendly preferred and strong SPF
Insect repellent with Deet
Day to Day Toiletries required
Travel Tip
Don't be shy. Ask hotel staff, the locals and even other guests any
questions you have. People will be happy to help you with information
on local sites, excursions, restaurants and more.
19

TRAVEL APPS
Technology has become a part of our
everyday lives. Tahiti is a great place to
leave it behind and take a break - but if you
can't go without it, here are a few Apps you
may consider downloading for your trip
(follow the link at the bottom)
T R I P C R E A T O R A P P
1
Your quote and itinerary with me have
been created with Trip Creator -
download the App to have access to
your itinerary throughout your trip.
T A H I T I T O U R I S M E
2
Search for "The Islands of Tahiti -
Guide" and download Tahiti Tourisme's
App . Island facts, restaurants, things to
do and so much more. Zoom in on the
maps for plenty of links.
Polynesians navigated by the stars. In
the middle of the South Pacific there is
no light pollution - open up the App, lay
back on beach and stare up at the stars
to see what you can identify.
3 S K Y M A P
R E S O R T A P P S
4
More and more hotel chains have Apps
that can enhance services and
convenience during your stay. Confirm if
your resort offers an App to use while
you are there.
Perfect for any travel - this app allows
you to track your flights. It is ideal for
International flights - see if your inbound
plane is on time, learn about your airport
and set alerts.
5 M Y F L I G H T A W A R E
20
6
7
8
TRAVEL TIP
Apps consume phone data while roaming
outside of your home country. Know
your plan, package and rates or keep
your phone on Airplane Mode and only
use WiFi
R A D A R N O W
Weather in French Polynesia is hard
to predict. Forecasts are often
inaccurate. Radar Now will show you
the precipitation nearby to give you an
idea of how long the rain may last.
X E C U R R E N C Y C O N V E R T E R
Currency conversion can be confusing
in the beginning - this app can help
you through understanding the French
Pacific Franc (XPF) and Euro (EUR)
conversions.
G O O G L E T R A N S L A T E
Although they don't offer Tahitian - it
is great for English to French and vice
versa.

G E T T I N G
A R O U N D
W h e n i n t h e i s l a n d s , g e t t i n g
a r o u n d i s n o t a s e a s y a n d
c o n v e n i e n t a s a t h o m e . F o r t h i s
r e a s o n , t y p i c a l l y a l l p a c k a g e s I
a r r a n g e w i l l h a v e t r a n s f e r s t o
a n d f r o m a l l o f y o u r
r e s o r t s / a i r p o r t s / f e r r y t e r m i n a l s
s o y o u h a v e a h a s s l e f r e e t r a v e l
e x p e r i e n c e .
R E S O R T A N D R E S T A U R A N T
S H U T T L E S
Many resorts will offer bus or boat shuttles to the main
towns of the various islands. Some may be
complimentary and many come with a small fee but are
still often much more convenient and economical than
some of the other alternatives. Inquire with your resort
as to the options they have available for you and the
schedules. On some islands like Moorea and Bora
Bora, many restaurants will offer a pick up and drop off
service when you have reservations with them for
dinner.
T a x i s a n d p u b l i c t r a n s p o r t a t i o n
a r e i n v e r y l i m i t e d s u p p l y
e s p e c i a l l y o n t h e o u t e r i s l a n d s
a n d s o m e p e o p l e s a y t h a t T a h i t i
a n d h e r i s l a n d s h a v e t h e m o s t
e x p e n s i v e t a x i s i n t h e w o r l d .
H e r e a r e a f e w m o r e d e t a i l s o n
g e t t i n g a r o u n d t h e i s l a n d s :
B I C Y C L E
I highly recommend renting a bike or ebike and cycling
around the islands once you are off the main island of
Tahiti (it is too busy and large for bikes) and especially
an island like Bora Bora that is very flat and easy to
cycle around. Cycling gives you the opportunity to go
at your pace, really see the island, stop for photos, pass
along a friendly ‘poipoi’ (morning) to the locals and
move along at an island pace as you should while you
are in the islands. Many resorts will rent you bicycles
and if they don’t they will be able to tell you where the
nearest place is that you can pick them up.
25

G E T T I N G A R O U N D
DRIVING
Renting a car is a great way to get around
on some of the islands but be prepared
that car rentals are not cheap. There are
a variety of rental agencies and the
quality of the cars can vary. You are not
required to have an international drivers
licence but do make sure you have a
credit card and your driver’s licence from
home. To rent a car in Tahiti you must
have had your driver’s licence for at least
one full year at home. Driving is on the
right side of the road – the same as here
in North America.
BUS
Bus service is most regular on Tahiti, sporadic on Moorea . Once you get off
these 2 islands it is pretty unscheduled and can be hit and miss when the
next bus may come along if at all. Le Truck is a casual open air bus with
wooden benches that were once common on all islands. Today they have
been pretty much replaced by modern vehicles with the exception of being
used to operate some tours. However, locals may still refer to the bus as
"Le Truck"
TAXIS AND WATER TAXIS
Accidents are common in congested
areas such as on the main island of Tahiti
so drive with care and make sure you
take the full insurance coverage offered
when you pick up your rental vehicle.
Remember sudden tropical downpours
can come from nowhere so keep the
windows up when you are not with the
car and watch you don’t park under a
coconut tree loaded with coconuts – a
broken window is not something you
want as part of your car rental
experience.
Taxis are very expensive and not always readily available especially once
you are off the main island of Tahiti. Be sure to plan in advance with your
resort if you need to take a taxi so they may call to arrange it. If you are in
Bora Bora water taxis are also available but are very expensive. If you do
take a taxi, always verify the fare before you get in the taxi so there are no
surprises when you reach your destination. However, Polynesians are very
fair and honest in most cases so you need not be worried about travel
scams like so many destinations around the world.
26

S A N F R A N C I S C O A I R P O R T M A P
31

Carl
B O N V O Y A G E
I hope you have found my Bon Voyage Destination Guide helpful in some final planning and
preparation for your big trip. Your customized travel documents are separate and will contain a
bit of additional information on each island and resort you are visiting.
Of course, you now how to reach me with any questions at all - just give me a call or email.
Bon Voyage or as they say in Tahitian - Ia maita’i i to oe tere!
T A H I T I B Y C A R L . C O M
© 2021 Carl Henderson