For everyone and about everything. For everyone and everything Beaches in Tahiti and water recreation

Tahiti consists of two parts, connected by a narrow isthmus. The northern part is the densely populated island of Tahiti Nui (big Tahiti) and the almost deserted southern island of Tahiti Iti (small Tahiti). Both parts have an area of ​​1043 km² and consist of soils of volcanic origin.
Around the island there are coral reefs, interrupted in some places, limiting the lagoon from the open sea. Unlike the comparable volcanic islands of Polynesia, no atoll structure worthy of mention has developed in the neighborhood of Tahiti. There are only a few motu (Tahitian: islands). They are the beginning of a process that, after several thousand years, will lead to the sinking of Tahiti and the formation of a large atoll. Both parts of Tahiti are characterized by a mountainous landscape, formed over centuries from the original volcano. Reaching 2200 meters, the mountains are covered with dense jungle.

Population

Today, about 170 thousand people live in Tahiti, which is 70% of the population of all French Polynesia. Racially, the population of Tahiti is 83% Polynesian, 11% European, 4% Asian and 2% mixed. Until the mid-20th century, fertile lands and an ocean rich in fish provided the island's inhabitants with enough resources to prosper. Tahiti's relaxed atmosphere and enjoyment of life by the locals impressed European visitors to the island and was reflected in literature and art. However, today the rapidly growing population of Tahiti, especially in the Tapete agglomeration, faces modern problems such as pollution, traffic congestion, crime and slum areas.

Tahitians are citizens of France.

Until today, it has not been possible to determine with certainty the exact date of the settlement of Tahiti. The Tahitian population is known to be descended from settlers from other Polynesian islands such as Tonga and Samoa. The date of settlement is considered to be from 300 BC. e. to 300 AD There is a long list of rulers of Tahiti, starting around 1100. But in reality, in the 18th century, there were six independent possessions on the island, each with its own rulers. In the middle of the 18th century, the Pare region was ruled by the warlike leader Hapai. He died in 1767. His son Pomare, as a result of a long war, managed to subjugate all other possessions and establish his power over the entire island. By the mid-19th century, the possessions of the Pomare dynasty also extended to the island of Moorea, the Leeward Islands in the Society Archipelago and the Tuamotu Islands.

The first European visitors to Tahiti were the Spanish in 1606 under the leadership of the Portuguese Pedro Fernandez de Quiros. However, due to the fact that there was no gold and other precious minerals on the island, it did not attract the interest of aliens. However, it eventually became known as a free love paradise. Naked Tahitian women, who considered the guests to be gods, came out to meet the crews of the ships mooring here. The crews of the ships of Samuel Wallis (1767) and James Cook left not only fair-haired children on the island, but also syphilis and influenza, which killed the natives en masse. The then population was about 200 thousand people, twice as much as today. In 1797 the first missionaries reached the island. The subsequent Christianization almost completely destroyed the indigenous Polynesian culture of the island. Beginning in 1830, English and Catholic French missionaries competed for influence in Tahiti. The expulsion of the latter in 1838 was used by France as a pretext for increased activity on the island.

During the reign of Queen Pomare IV in 1842, Tahiti became a French protectorate, while the monarchy continued to exist under French supremacy. The rebellion of Polynesians against French rule, which broke out in 1842-1847, was brutally suppressed by French troops. In 1880, Tahiti was turned into a French colony. King Pomare V, who inherited the throne from his mother in 1877, signed an agreement with the French on June 29, according to which supremacy over his entire state - the Community Islands, the island groups of Tuamotu and Tubuai - passed to them. A French law issued on December 30 of that year confirmed Tahiti's colonial status as part of French Oceania, later renamed French Polynesia. During World War II, the island served the United States as an outpost in the South Pacific.

In October 2006, an armed rebellion occurred on the island. According to eyewitnesses, rioters seized the presidential palace, the police did not interfere with what was happening. The rebels are protesting against low living standards and high prices.

Economy

Today, Tahiti enjoys the highest standard of living of all states and territories in Oceania. Tourism is a significant economic factor. Although France annually transfers about 1 billion euros to its overseas territory, the island is obliged to pay 200% to 300% duties on all its goods imported into France, which largely neutralizes French aid.

Culture

After years of oppression by Catholic missionaries, Tahitian culture is being revived again. Every year, at the turn of June and July, a heiva, a Polynesian dance performance, is held. This event involves different dance groups competing in traditional Tahitian dances. Over the course of two weeks, dance programs prepared for several months are presented in very lush and creative costumes. Heiva is the largest and most important cultural event in Tahiti. Local media provide detailed coverage of dance events. Various smaller islands, such as Bora Bora, host their own conventions that are somewhat more modest in scale. The artist Paul Gauguin lived and worked in Tahiti, leaving famous paintings with Tahitian motifs. Tahiti is famous for its healing waters. In Russia, the phrase of the cat from the cartoon “The Return of the Prodigal Parrot” became widely known: “Tahiti, Tahiti. We were not in any Tahiti. They feed us well here too.”

Painfully familiar names for admirers of Jack London - “Huahine”, “Bora Bora”, “Raiatea”... The legendary word “Tahiti” today is associated not only with the main island of the archipelago, but also with the entire group of 118 islands and atolls, forming French Polynesia. For a person who grew up watching Soviet cartoons, it is, of course, also associated with the immortal phrase of the cat from the cartoon about the parrot Kesha. By the way, the food in Tahiti is not only good, but also inexpensive - on Friday evenings from kiosks on wheels, which are called “roulettes” here. But who would even think of going to Tahiti for food?

Tahiti (with its capital Papeete) consists of two volcanic mountain ranges connected by an isthmus so that it looks a bit like a turtle - Tahiti Nui (Big Tahiti) and Tahiti Iti (Little Tahiti). Tourists here can enjoy relaxation and entertainment on the seashore: diving, surfing and windsurfing, island cruises, fishing, water skiing and much more.

The philosophy of the locals is “aita pea pea” - meaning “don’t worry.” And this is a totally accepted way of life in this blessed place. On the one hand, it means that your cocktail can be served for half an hour. On the other hand... You are in Tahiti. Don't worry.

Search for air tickets to Papeete (the closest airport to Tahiti)

Beaches of Tahiti

There are few good beaches here. The best of them, with white sand, are located between the areas of Punaauia and Papara, and Pointe Venus, a black sand beach located on the east coast of Tahiti, is also good.

Popular hotels in Tahiti

Shopping and shops in Tahiti

Next to the Black Pearl Museum there is a boutique where you can buy unique jewelry from the private collection of the “King of Black Pearls” Robert Wang. The cost of one pearl can reach hundreds of dollars, but there are also inexpensive specimens. At the Le Marché public market, you can buy local arts and crafts, oils and many different souvenirs.

Many shops in Tahiti are concentrated in the city center near Notre Dame: you can do good shopping there.

The price of one pearl can reach hundreds of dollars. However, there are also inexpensive copies.

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Restaurants

Snack shops on wheels are considered very popular (especially on Friday nights), offering a wide range of dishes: Chinese food, pancakes and French cuisine. It is impossible not to notice them, as they are always located along the Papeete waterfront. You should definitely try the exotic fruits (always fresh).

A very popular dish, as on all islands, is raw fish, which can be prepared here in several variations, for example, Poisson Cru Chinois, or Poisson Cru Ananas. The fish used are parrotfish or sea bream. Baguette (bread) is common throughout the island. The Tahitians also invented the baguette sandwich, which can be filled with anything from fish to French fries.

Le Meridien has a restaurant serving French cuisine and an excellent selection of wines. There is an Italian restaurant not far from the same hotel. It is important to note that it is not customary for Tahitians to leave tips. This is gradually becoming fashionable in restaurants and hotels on the larger islands, but in general Tahitians do not expect to see tipping.

French Polynesia - Tahiti

Guides to Tahiti

Entertainment and attractions

The Black Pearl Museum with a unique exhibition of jewelry, the Tahiti Museum (the history of French Polynesia and the world famous sailors who conquered the Pacific Ocean), the Paul Gauguin Museum, the Ocean Museum (Lagunarium). Papeete City Hall, Poafai Temple, Notre Dame Cathedral and Mamao Chinese Temple.

Sports fishing on the open sea (international competitions are held here for this sport), diving and surfing.

Mysterious and indescribably beautiful, Tahiti is considered one of the most beautiful islands in the world. Although it is not a separate state, due to its identity and culture it is perceived as such.

Today Tahiti is one of the most popular holiday destinations on the Pacific coast.

origin of name

Tahiti did not acquire its current name right away. Its discoverer, Englishman Samuel Wallis, named the island after King George III. This happened back in 1776, when a ship with travelers from Europe landed on the shores of this paradise. However, this toponym was not popular and did not take root either among the local population or among the newly arrived colonialists. Within a couple of decades, the island began to be called “Tahiti.” This name comes from the Polynesian word “otaiti”, which is translated into Russian as “island”.

Geographical location

Tahiti is part of the group of so-called Community Islands. This term refers to a group of islands that form an archipelago. Tahiti is the largest island in this group. It consists of two parts, which are connected by a thin isthmus.

The total area of ​​the island is 1042 sq. km. Most of Tahiti's territory is occupied by mountain ranges and peaks covered with jungle. There are also many beaches here, both with the usual white sand and with a local curiosity - black sand (Pointe Venus beach).

Climate

Tahiti attracts tourists not only because of its huge number of beaches, but also because of its warm weather. The average annual temperature in these parts is 26 degrees. The climate of Tahiti is maritime equatorial. November to May are hotter and wetter, while June to October are drier and cooler. At the same time, the thermometer almost never drops below +20 °C.

Population

In 2007, the number of residents of Tahiti was more than 178 thousand. At the moment, this figure is rapidly increasing. About 80% of the island's inhabitants are Polynesians. There are also a lot of French (10%) and Asians (12%) here.

A distinctive feature of the population of Tahiti is its young age. More than 40% of the residents are people who are not yet 20 years old.

State-political structure

Tahiti is an administrative unit of the Windward Islands. The territory of Tahiti itself consists of twelve communes.

The Windward Islands, including Tahiti, are part of French Polynesia. This toponym designates a constituent part of France, which is why the administrative reins of government were given to the French commissariat. There are also separate local authorities: the territorial assembly and the council of ministers.

The largest cities of Tahiti are Faa, Punaauia and Papaete, which also serves as the capital. Tahiti is considered the most economically developed compared to other state-owned settlements in Oceania. The main source of income is tourism, which annually brings in profits of more than 1 million euros.

Currency

The official currency on the island of Tahiti, as well as throughout French Polynesia, is the Pacific franc, which is regulated by the French bank. One Pacific franc equals approximately 0.119 euros. Also, in stores you can often pay in American dollars and euros. Almost all retail outlets offer the opportunity to use an international credit card.

Traditions and religion

Since Tahiti has maintained an authentic population, there are many interesting and varied traditions. One of the most famous and popular Tahitian customs is the Polynesian dance performance called heiva. It takes place in the middle of summer and brings together a huge number of dance groups that compete among themselves in various categories. Heiva is considered one of the most important cultural events of the year and attracts both the local population and tourists. In addition, in Tahiti there is the opportunity to have fun at the local carnival, which takes place in October, or take part in a sailing regatta, which is held in May.

In Tahiti you can also visit many original and memorable museums. One of the most popular is the Paul Gauguin Museum. At one time, the artist spent many days on the island and even created a special Tahitian cycle of paintings, most of which can be seen in the indicated museum.

Most Tahitians have a high level of religiosity. About half of the believers are Protestants. There are also many Catholics in Tahiti, about 6% are Mormons. Various primitive beliefs of the indigenous tribes have also been preserved in these areas. Traditional customs of these religions can often be seen during ritual events: marriages, funerals.

National cuisine

The national cuisine of Tahiti is striking in its diversity. In addition to Polynesian dishes, French and Italian cuisines are traditionally popular here. Since the island is in perpetual summer, this contributes to the abundance of fresh fruits and vegetables that are used in cooking. Tahitian cuisine also includes many fish dishes, original soft drinks, and exotic desserts.

One of the most popular dishes in Tahiti is a snack called ia ota. It is prepared from fresh fish and vegetables. It is noteworthy that heat treatment is not used in the preparation of this dish. All components are soaked in lemon juice, spices and aromatic coconut milk and served completely raw.

Among low-alcohol drinks in Tahiti, Hinano beer is in great demand, which is a kind of national pride here. Almost everywhere they also prepare cocktails from fresh fruits with ice. This drink is the best choice for those who relax on the beach under the gentle Tahitian sun.

It is located in the very center of the Pacific Ocean, 7 thousand km from Australia and the same number from the American continent. It is difficult to imagine a more fertile climate. Tahiti is an island of eternal spring, trees bear fruit all year round and flowers smell fragrant. A steady southeast trade wind brings moderate rain. The temperature of the coldest month, July, is about 24°, the warmest, February, is 26-27°. Tahiti is small, its total area is 1042 square meters. km, but it is the largest of the fourteen islands that form the archipelago.

Tahiti consists of two unequal parts connected by a narrow isthmus. From the sea you can still admire the peak of Orejena (2237 m) from afar. The island is of volcanic origin, it is dissected by deep gorges, turning into picturesque valleys near the coast. Countless streams and rivulets quickly run down from the mountains to the ocean, waterfalls scatter myriads of crystal splashes. On the coast, coconut palms, the most valuable trees of the tropics, soar high with their fans. Mountain paths wind through impenetrable bushes. Gigantic bananas grow among breadfruit trees, which bear fruit three times a year. In the mountains there are orange trees, spreading banyan trees, huge chestnuts, pandanus with their ribbon-like sharp-toothed leaves.

Tahitian apple trees, with their slender trunks, thick, bright green feathery leaves and pink lilac-like flowers. The green thickets are inhabited by parrots, flycatchers, thrushes, and pigeons; The sea coast is filled with the cries of seagulls, blue herons, long-winged swifts, swiftlets...

But probably the main charm of the island is its people - cheerful, friendly, hospitable Tahitians. These are tall, slender, slightly dark people, with somewhat prominent cheekbones, large black eyes, straight or slightly wavy hair. The beauty and charm of Tahitian women amazed Europeans.

Tahitians belong to the Polynesian ethnic group. Scientists have not yet come to a consensus about where these people came here from - from Asia or from the American continent. But when the ancestors of modern Polynesians left the mainland and moved deep into the ocean, they began to slowly but steadily populate island after island.

The settlement of the group of islands of Central Polynesia, which includes Tahiti, occurred in the 5th century. n. e. This alone can be considered the greatest feat of the ancient Polynesian sailors. After all, the first Europeans appeared here only more than a thousand years later. The first Tahitians brought with them the coconut palm, breadfruit, taro, sweet potatoes, yams and domestic animals - pigs, chickens, dogs. They were a people with an established culture.

On the island, generations followed generations. Farming techniques were improved, and plantations of bananas, sugar cane, and breadfruit became more and more extensive. Tahiti surpassed all neighboring islands in natural resources and population density. Its leaders became increasingly powerful. With extraordinary dexterity, the Tahitians learned to catch fish: tuna, golden mackerel, marlin. Songs accompanied work - weaving nets, making boats, making clothes.

According to an ancient Tahitian legend, the gods, in order to punish a girl for disobedience, drowned her in the sea. The girl was swallowed by a huge eel.

Soon the eel began to rush around and tore off a piece of land from the island of Raiatea. This piece turned into a huge fish that swam out to sea. The body of the fish later became Tahiti Nui (Great Tahiti) - the larger part of the island. The first dorsal fin rose and formed the highest mountain - Orejena. The second dorsal fin became Tahiti-iti (Little Tahiti) and the island of Moorea. The remaining parts of the huge fish fell off, forming two other islands. According to legend, when Tahiti sailed to the place where it is now, brave warriors were already living there. And in order to prevent the fish island from moving further, the Tahitians cut its veins in the place where the isthmus is located. Since then the island has stopped floating.

Tahiti was discovered by Europeans three times. There are vague indications that even at the beginning of the 17th century. it was visited by the Spanish navigator Fernandos de Quiros, but in those days the Spanish admiralty guarded its geographical discoveries so jealously that Tahiti did not appear on maps for another two hundred years. In June 1767, the English captain Samuel Wallis landed here, and ten months later, in April 1768, Bougainville's ships dropped anchor in one of the island's bays.

Not knowing that the Englishman Wallis had visited the island before him and named the new land the island of King George III, Bougainville gave it the name New Cythera. With this he paid tribute to the beauty of Tahitian women, since, according to ancient Greek myth, the goddess of love and beauty Aphrodite was born on the island of Cythera. However, a year later, Cook, who set out on his first voyage around the world, once again renamed the island. He marked it on the maps: “Otaiti” - that’s what the locals called it. Cook gave the name to all nearby lands: the Society Islands (“Because they are close to each other,” explained J. Cook). After this, the island becomes an object of rivalry between European powers as a convenient strategic point for territorial conquests in the Pacific Ocean. And as happened very often in such cases, the missionaries were the first to settle on the island.

Already in 1797, a group of Protestant missionaries from England arrived in Tahiti. A few decades later (1837), Catholics also appeared - French missionaries. A struggle ensued between them for the “souls of pagan savages.”

In 1843, a ship of the French admiral du Petit-Thouars appeared off the coast of the island. The French established their protectorate on the island, and 37 years later they forced the last Tahitian king, Pomare V, to “voluntarily” abdicate power and declared the entire archipelago their colony.

Tahiti is closely associated with the name of the brilliant French artist Paul Gauguin, who lived on the island in the last years of his life, from 1893 to 1903. Gauguin came to the island with the naive hope of finding a simple, artless life, free from selfish calculations. The artist, of course, did not find what he was looking for. But the masterpieces he created on the island largely predetermine the attitude towards Tahiti that he deserves. Gauguin managed to fully convey the colorful nature of the island.

Moscow tour operator AS-travel received the Travel.ru Star award in the category The best travel agency operating in Russia across Oceania(including French Polynesia) according to the results of an all-Russian vote among tourists held in 2011.

All you have to do is say: “ Tahiti, Moorea, Bora Bora..."- and a turquoise lagoon framed by coconut palms will open before your eyes, and the mysterious smiles of Tahitian girls from the paintings will flash Paul Gauguin. Open Polynesia, its hospitality, culture, flowers, scents, songs and dances, white and sandy beaches, Tahitian friendliness and French " art de vivre"(the art of enjoying life), water sports and amazing mountain excursions! You are transported from island to island, like in a fairy tale from one wonderland to another. These are the colors of paradise landscapes and the sweet smell of tropical flowers, these are unforgettable adventures on the other side of the Earth.

Geographical location of the Tahiti Islands

French Polynesia is part of Polynesia proper, which in turn is part of the global region of Oceania. Possessions France in the eastern part Pacific Ocean make up 118 luxurious islands. The islands are united into 5 archipelagos: Societies, Tuamotu, Marquesas Islands, Tubuai, Gambier.

IN archipelago of the Society the most famous islands: Tahiti, Moorea, Raiatea, Tahaa, Huahine.

Tiare ( Tiare) – the name of a plant whose flowers are considered a symbol French Polynesia. According to the legend of local residents, the tiare is a sacred flower, loved by the gods. Captain Cook and captain Bly The aborigines also encountered tiares. Jack London wore a tiara crown. AND Paul Gauguin, And Somerset Maugham, And Pierce Brosnan, And Jack Nicholson. This is not surprising: all tourists wear tiaras with delight. It's surprising that despite this, residents still wear them Tahiti. When you see this, you understand: they don’t lead you by the nose, they don’t put exotic things on your ears, they really share life with you. And tourists are given tiara garlands around their necks right at the airport. To each! Tiare Tahiti, Tahitian gardenia, - main flower Polynesia. Obviously: you are already in heaven.

From 5 to 8 December on Tahiti a holiday is taking place that has already become traditional. It is based on the women's movement Tahiti, which originated back in 1962. The first flower festival was timed to coincide with the opening of the first nurseries in the country. Since 1985 feminists Tahiti They hold the Tiare festival every year. Today it is a kind of floristry competition in which both amateurs and professionals take part. Competitions are held in two categories – small composition and large. In the second category, the area of ​​the flower garden must be at least 50 square meters! Naturally, an indispensable condition for the competition is the use of the Tiare flower in the compositions. Recently, foreign companies specializing in floristry and local travel agencies have drawn attention to the festival. The latter is due to the fact that the flower festival invariably attracts tourists, many of whom claim that they have never witnessed such a colorful and cheerful holiday before.

It is interesting that Tahitian men usually wear a bud behind their ear, while women wear an open flower. A bud is something brutal, a flower is feminine and delicate. If a pregnant Tahitian woman sees herself plucking a tiare flower from a bush in a dream, it means that she will give birth to a girl. And if it’s a bud, then, on the contrary, it’s a boy. And if, not in a dream, but in reality, a man walks around the city with a blooming flower behind his ear, this leads to corresponding thoughts. So, in order to avoid any kind of ambiguity, check at what stage of opening the tiara with which you decide to decorate your ear is. A tiara can also tell you something about your temperament and marital status. If, for example, you wear it behind your right ear, it means you are alone and ready for adventure. If you are on the left, you are married or engaged, and any coquetry is inappropriate. And if you have a flower behind both ears, it means you are married and despite this, you are ready for any adventure. Finally, a tiara flower in the hair of a young girl hints to all interested parties that this girl has matured. And if she is pretty, then it’s better not to hesitate, but to start by asking her some international stupidity. For example: “Girl, what time is it?”

By the way, until the missionaries introduced the aborigines to the dial and hands, they recognized the time by the flowers of the tiara: the buds open between twelve and two o'clock in the afternoon. And they still didn’t need a more precise time.

Population of Tahiti

In French Polynesia Home to about 270 thousand people. The ethnic composition is very diverse - Polynesians make up up to 78% of the population, ethnic French - 10% (6% live here permanently, and 4% permanently live in the metropolis and come to the islands to work), as well as Chinese and people from other countries of the Southeast Asia - up to 12%. The population is mainly very young - up to 43% of local residents are under 20 years of age.

Features of French Polynesia

Time: the difference with Moscow is minus 13 hours in winter and minus 14 hours in summer. When on Tahiti Sunday noon at Moscow Monday 01:00 in winter and 02:00 in summer.

Cloth: IN Polynesia locals and tourists dress simply. Bring beach and summer cotton clothing. For sea travel on a ship, clothes made of linen and wool are suitable, as it can be cool in the evening.

Languages: French and Tahitian are the official languages. English is also widely spoken.

Currency: The official currency is the Pacific Franc (CFP): 1 Euro ~ 150 CFP. Currency can be exchanged at the airport, at a bank or in hotels. Credit cards can be used in hotels, restaurants, shops and other tourist establishments.

Transport: The main way to travel between islands is by plane. The local airline company Air Tahiti connects 35 islands with regular flights. There are airports on all the main islands. Between Tahiti And Moorea It is convenient to travel on large passenger catamarans and boats. You can also sail from one island to another on a high-speed catamaran.

Telephone: International telephone service is available on all islands. From a hotel room, 1 minute of conversation with Russia costs an average of 8 euros.

Safety: To enter the country, you do not need to do any vaccinations. The healthcare system is at a high European level. There are no poisonous animals or insects in Polynesia. Tap water in hotels and restaurants is safe to drink.

Car rent: from 55 to 100 euros depending on the class of car.

Banks: open from 7:45 to 15:30 from Monday to Friday, some are also open on Saturday mornings. US dollars and euros are accepted almost everywhere.

Shopping: Shops are open Monday to Friday from 8:30 to 11:30 and from 14:00 to 17:00, Saturday from 8:30 to 11:30.

Present: Monoi body butter, shell crafts, fruit liqueurs, black pearls.

Jpg" width="192" height="138" border="0" align="LEFT" style="margin-right:1em; alt=">Nowhere in the world are there such large, such black and such perfect pearls as in Tahiti and its islands. They are incredibly beautiful. And incredibly expensive. Tourists are taken to Pearl Farms - pearl plantations, they explain in detail why even a small round pea costs about $200. How to avoid running into fake pearls and how to store real ones so that your great-great-granddaughter can flaunt them in two hundred years. In short, the point is this: only here, in the lagoons off the islands of French Polynesia, do they live. unique oysters called Margarita, whose inside body is black, and not milky gray-white. It is not suitable for food or snacks with wine, but it does an excellent job of giving an ordinary white pearl a shade that car manufacturers call “the color of wet asphalt.” The Japanese, of course, tried to breed such oysters in their country, too. But it didn’t work out: it turned out that these Margaritas are terrible patriots, and they don’t live in other seas.

Just 50 years ago, black pearls grew randomly in lagoons. That is, it could grow, or it could not - depending on whether the wave carried a lucky grain of sand into the oyster, which was destined to become a treasure. But then one wise Chinese named Robert Wang arrived in Tahiti and put this matter on stream: they began to carefully place a white mother-of-pearl core into each suitable Margarita, observe its transformations, provide it with unhindered access to the black body... And so on for 6 -8 years. Of course, this is manual, painstaking and hard work. Of course, at first it seemed to Robert Wang that the carefree Polynesians could not cope with it. Of course, he made sure that his compatriots, who were much more diligent, tinkered with the oysters. And of course, he became fabulously rich. Now this process is led by his son, Bruno Wang. In Papeete, the capital of Tahiti, there is a Black Pearl Museum where Bruno can sometimes be found. He wears moccasins on bare feet and gives no indication that he is a multi-billionaire.

Tips: are not part of Polynesian culture. A smile or nice words will bring more pleasure than leaving a coin.

Customs formalities: Duty-free transportation of 2 liters of alcoholic beverages and 200 cigarettes is allowed.

Required telephone numbers:

• Tahiti Tourist Office: 505-700
• Bora Bora Tourist Office: 677-636, 677-031, 677-236
• Moorea Tourist Office: 562-909
• Hua Hin Island Tourism Office: 688-634
• Single emergency phone number: 15 or 423-456
• Police: 17

Sights of French Polynesia

Flights to French Polynesia

1. airline flight Air France, on the route Moscow - Paris - Los Angeles - Tahiti (Papeete) takes more than a day (American visa required)
2. airline flight Aeroflot" or " JAL"(Japan Airlines) + connecting flight Tokyo - Tahiti airlines" Air Tahiti Nui"with a possible overnight stay in Tokyo on arrival or departure (a Japanese transit visa is not required for a stay of up to 72 hours).

Visa information

The visa is issued at the French embassy, ​​at the Department of Overseas Territories of France. The regular French Schengen visa is not valid.

Consular fee - 45 euros. The minimum processing time is 15 days.

Photo galleries

• Hotel Bora Bora Lagoon Resort & Spa (French Polynesia)
• Hotel Bora Bora Nui Resort & Spa (French Polynesia)
• Hotel InterContinental Le Moana Beach Bora Bora (French Polynesia)
• InterContinental Resort & Spa Moorea (French Polynesia)
• InterContinental Resort and Thalasso Spa Hotel, Bora Bora (French Polynesia)