The Islands of Tahiti
Society Islands – Tuamotu Islands – Gambier Islands – Marquesas Islands – Austral Islands
Tahiti, Bora Bora and Moorea…names that bring visions of paradise with clear blue water and incredible secluded beaches. Rugged mountain peaks, coral reefs and turquoise blue lagoons waiting to be explored.
My dream of traveling to French Polynesia came true…I was not disappointed!
I combined cruising the islands with a land stay on several islands, including an over-water bungalow in Bora Bora…it was amazing!
Tahiti covers over 2 million square feet, is comprised of 118 islands and 5 archipelagos. The area is as large as Western Europe, put all the islands together and the land mass would be slightly larger then Rhode Island.
The most visited set of islands are called The Society Islands and include:
Tahiti – Queen of the Pacific
Is the largest of the islands of French Polynesia and home of Faa’a International Airport, the arrival point for most tourist. Papeete is the capital and economic center and busy harbor town…make sure to visit Le March an open air market in the center of town. In the evening the waterfront area is alive with music and gourmet catering trucks – Les Roulottes. Locals and visitors come together for a wide range of meal options and to enjoy the evening.
Bora Bora – The Romantic Island
Known as the Most Beautiful Island in the World! Imagine sitting on the deck of your private overwater bungalow, enjoying the breathtaking beauty. Surrounded by dramatic peaks and the lagoon’s crystal clear water in shades of blue, sapphire and turquoise. Take a swim or go snorkeling off your private deck, or stroll the white sand beaches.
Moorea – The Magical Island
The perfect South Pacific island with cascading waterfalls, lush emerald mountains, pastel painted houses and quaint villages. Moorea was the inspiration for James Michener’s Tales of the South Pacific. Surrounded by her eight majestic mountain ridges and gardens of hibiscus and bird of paradise he created Bali Hi.
Huahine – The Garden of Eden
Two islands, Huahine-Iti and Huahine-Nui are surrounded by a clear deep lagoon and circled by coral. Lush forests, untamed landscape and a few villages are home to a slower way of life. Also known for Polynesian culture and home to important archaeological sites including ancient temples known as marea.
Raiatea – The Sacred Isle
The second largest Tahiti Island and considered the home of Polynesia. Raiatea was the center of religion and culture over 1000 years ago and called the most sacred island of the South Pacific. The sacred Mount Temehani is located here and legend has it is the birth place of gods.
Tahaa – The Vanilla Isl
This lovely island is only accessible by boat from Raiatea. Guest come for the beautiful beaches and coral garden snorkeling and hiking through lush tropical forests. While you are here don’t forget to buy some Tahitian Vanilla, Tahaa is the largest producer in the area.
Tetiaroa – The Bird Island
When Marlon Brando was filming Mutiny on the Bounty he fell in love with French Polynesia and bought Tetiaroa which he described as “beautiful beyond my capacity to describe.” The island is now home to one exclusive eco luxury resort called The Brando, featuring 35 villas on white sand beaches. The island is also a natural sanctuary for tropical birds and marine life.
The Travel by Tatten Advantage
When you book one of my partner hotels and resorts worldwide you receive a special amenity; breakfast for two daily, a dining or resort credit, spa credits, complimentary round of golf and welcome amenities – Benefits vary by property. On thousands of cruises enjoy exclusive benefits such as exclusive savings, upgrades, shipboard credits and more.
Cruising the Islands
Paul Gauguin Cruises
Paul Gauguin is an award winning small cruise ship. With a total of 332 guests, it is a great way to see multiple islands while enjoying casual luxury! A staff of 217, for a crew-to-guest ratio of 1 -1.5, is among the highest at sea. Enjoy fine dining with meals designed by some of the world’s best chefs, always paired with complimentary wine. Paul Gauguin cruises the Society Islands, Cook Island, Tuamotu Islands, Marquesas Islands and Fiji.
Honeymooners – Receive a complimentary Polynesian Blessing Ceremony and other amenities.
Family Travel – Create special family memories to last a life time. Paul Gauguin offers a program, on specific dates and at an additional charge, designed by Jean-Michel Cousteau’s Ocean Futures Society, the Ambassadors Program is for children 9 to 17 years old.
Windstar Cruises
Wind Spirit an elegant sailing yacht with 148-guests, known for their personal service and gourmet dining, sails the islands. This beautiful sailing ship is 4-masted with wide open, teak decks and winner of many awards…sit back, relax and sail to the next island.
Windstar Cruises also has sailings around the world, they have 3 sailing ships and 3 yacht style ships.
Tahiti Weddings
It is legal for Americans to marry in Tahiti, including same-sex couples. France passed a law allowing non-French nationals to marry and the Marriage Equality Act.
Honeymoon or Anniversary
Romance, seclusion and breath taking beauty…a perfect way to celebrate a special occasion! Come discover your dreams!
Imagine the possibilities…
- Breakfast, delivered to your over-water bungalow, as you sit on your private deck.
- Lunch, a gourmet picnic on a private white sand beach.
- Dinner, a sunset cruise on a private catamaran.
- Couples spa treatment.
- Or a romantic walk on the beach.
Did you Know?
- Tahiti – is 5 Archipelagos with 118 Islands.
- Flight time – 8 hours non-stop from Los Angeles.
- Time zone – same as Hawaii.
- Population – just over 245,000, about 75% are Polynesian, 15% European and about 10% Chinese.
The well-trodden path is not always the right path
Tahitian Proverb
