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Tahiti What You Might Not Know About French Polynesia
French Polynesia, the “Islands of Tahiti.” Both refer to the same geographic region comprising 118 islands and five archipelagos spread over four million square kilometers of ocean in the eastern #SouthPacific. Technically, the country is French Polynesia. Tahiti, by itself, is just one of the islands within French Polynesia, but the two are often used interchangeably.
JESS@FriendsTravel.com
More than Honeymoons!
The biggest misconception travelers have about French Polynesia is that it’s only a honeymoon destination.
“I am constantly surprised how many people have the misconception that the islands of Tahiti is for honeymooners only”. “While it is an #amazing #honeymoon destination, there are 118 islands and each archipelago and island offers a unique experience.”
Active travelers, for instance, can spend their days #snorkeling, #kayaking, and doing jeep rides around the island. #Foodies will love the many flavors that come from the islands’ multicultural heritage.
“I have had wine groups and also booked dance groups to Tahiti”. “I am seeing many more families traveling to the islands of Tahiti in the last two years. There is so much to do, #see, #explore and #experience.”
The growth in family travel to French Polynesia even spurred year-round cruise operator Paul Gauguin to add kids’ programming to select 2022 summer sailings.
To help combat this misconception, Tahiti Tourisme North America is actively working to reach the family and adventure travel markets, as well as green travelers, reduced mobility travelers, and the LGBT community.
Beyond the Society Islands!
The most visited islands in #FrenchPolynesia are what are commonly referred to as the #SocietyIslands. These include #Tahiti, #BoraBora, #Moorea, #Raiatea, and #Huahine. But there are many more islands that can be visited, including in the Society Islands, as well as the #TuamotuIslands and the #MarquesasIslands. As with Hawaii, you can fly between the French Polynesian islands. Alternatively, there are also some ferries clients can use to get around.
However, generally speaking, the best way to get around French Polynesia and see islands outside of the big three (Tahiti, Bora Bora, Moorea) is to be on one of the smaller cruise ships in the region.
JESS@FriendsTravel.com
To visit some of the more far-flung islands, such as Fatu Hiva or Ua Hoka in the Marquesas, you need to fly or try out the one-of-a-kind itineraries on hybrid cargo/passenger line Aranui.
To make the most out of a trip to the region, most Tahiti specialists recommend combining land and cruise, something many cruisers are already doing. According to Tahiti Tourisme North America, the average stay for clients who visit by cruise is 10 days at sea and five on land.
“When traveling to the islands of Tahiti, getting a taste of two of the five archipelagos enriches the experience,” adding she’s seeing more of demand to pair destinations in the Society Islands with those in the Tuamotu Islands.
Cruise Capacity Restraints
Like many other places in the world, French Polynesia is trying to maintain its pristine landscapes, and protect the few cities it has from being overrun with tourists. As part of this, the country enacted cruise ship capacity restraints as of January 1, 2022.
Ships that sail year-round in the region are limited to 700 passengers, while transpacific ships that turn around in Tahiti may carry up to 2,500 (the capacity of the future Papeete cruise terminal). Transpacific ships that stop in Tahiti but don’t begin or end journeys there may carry up to 3,500 guests. The islands of Tahiti (Papeete), Moorea and Raiatea are preferred for those stops.
French Polynesia, Bora Bora, island and lagoon, aerial view
In Bora Bora, specifically, the number of cumulative passengers cannot exceed 1,200 passengers per day. That means two ships of 1,000 passengers each cannot stop in Bora Bora on the same day.
No ships carrying more than 3,500 passengers may stop in any French Polynesian port.
Furthermore, the country is actively working to achieve a total of 1,000 calls per year with 90% of them being ships with less than 600 passengers.
JESS@FriendsTravel.com 24/7/365 #Honeymoons, #Romance, #FamilyTravel
Diverse Accommodations
Picturing a gorgeous overwater bungalow when you think of French Polynesian accommodations! You’re not alone, but the region has more than overwater accommodations.
We can offer our clients luxury resort hotels, beach bungalows, lodges, and even bed and breakfasts.
“One of the myths in traveling to French Polynesia is it has to be all luxury all the way”. “We can mix up the itinerary and work with budgets including charming boutique Polynesian feel properties, which enhance the experience and also bring the cost down.”
#FriendsTravelWestHollywoodCa90069 likes to build up our clients’ experience by having them stay in more than one type of accommodations, starting with a garden pool bungalow, beach bungalow or villa and ending in an overwater bungalow.
“Each of these room categories has a unique feature… if you are looking for more privacy, beach bungalows and villas can offer the most seclusion.”
Hotel capacity continues to grow with new hotels scheduled to come online through the end of 2027, according to Tahiti Tourisme North America.
Not “Just Another Tropical Island”
Tahiti and French Polynesia are famous for beautiful lagoons and white sandy beaches, but there’s more to the islands than pristine nature. There’s a diverse multicultural backdrop that might surprise more than a few clients. In one trip, visitors can interact with a wide variety cultures including Polynesian, French, and Asian, particularly Chinese.
#Foodies with multicultural tastes, in particular, will be in heaven. One night they can be indulging at a #Tahitian tamara’a, or Tahitian feast and the next night taking in the finest #French cuisine, followed by authentic #Chinese on a subsequent night. Even better? Unique fusions of the three.
“I cringe when I hear people say ‘Tahiti is just like any other island destination’”. “The culinary experience alone is unique to the islands of Tahiti. Fresh fruit and fish you would expect from an island destination is abundant, along with French-inspired sauces and styles of cooking. Then you have a strong #Asian influence of spices, soy, ginger and peppers. The blending flavors are uniquely Tahitian.”
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