About Tahiti > Accommodation  > Helpful Information  > Map  > Tahiti Travel Specials

Experience the Islands of Love! Tahiti and Her Islands lie in the Pacific Ocean, just south of the equator, in the same time zone as Hawaii, only 8-1/2 hours by air from Los Angeles, midway between North America and Australia. Tahiti has long been referred to as a tropical paradise — these extraordinary islands are for people seeking a unique, luxurious or adventurous romantic experience. You’ll have time to relax and do nothing, bask in the sun, or try one of the many activities available. 

Overwater Bungalows

Like no hotel room you've stayed in before, these traditional thatched roof bungalow are perched above the turquoise waters. In many of the rooms, tropical fish swim below as you look through the glass floor or coffee table. 

About Tahiti and Her Islands

Tahiti and Her Islands comprise an area officially known as French Polynesia. The Islands are scattered over four million square kilometers (one and a half million sq. miles) of ocean in the eastern South Pacific. 

In the last few years, Papeete has grown into a very modern city boasting a variety of new public facilities: shopping centers, boutiques, restaurants, night clubs and bars, travel agencies and airline offices, art galleries and museums.

The term French Polynesia refers to five archipelagoes spread over an expanse of the South Pacific approximately the size of Western Europe (2,000,000 square miles or approximately 5,000,000 square kilometers). The region includes the Marquesas, the Tuamotus, the Society Islands, the Australs and the Gambiers. Each of these archipelagoes has its own culture, ethnicity and climate.

Whether you're looking to hike into mountain beauty, dive among multi-colored schools of fish, tour the islands or set sail at sunset, you'll find it here.

The Tahitians are a handsome people noted for their hospitality, friendliness and easygoing approach to life.

Tahitian culture is a lively fusion of ancient Polynesian lore and European contemporaneousness.

The mixture of Polynesian and French cultures has resulted in a fertile culinary environment. There is a variety of splendid foods available in Tahiti ranging from traditional Tahitian fare to fine French cuisine, and tempting combinations thereof. The Tahitian diet consists mostly of fish, shellfish, breadfruit, taro, cassava, pork, yams, chicken, rice and coconut.

Visitors will also find any number of Italian, Vietnamese and Chinese restaurants of various price categories and quality. For Americans accustomed to fast-food, Papeete and some of the outer islands serve hamburgers, steaks, fries and similar staples.

One of the most lasting impressions of French Polynesia is the captivating floral scents which permeate the tropical air. The region is home to a myriad of tropical flowers, many indigenous to these islands.

The basis for French Polynesia's traditional "hei" wreath is the perfumed "Tiare Tahiti." This heavily scented gardenia is widely used for greeting arriving visitors and returning family. In fact, the "Tiare Tahiti" is so revered in French Polynesia that it has its own national holiday.

The flower is also used as an ingredient in tanning lotions, perfumes,  soaps and other cosmetic products.

Plant life, which grows vigorously throughout the year, comes into flower more often during the wet season, while further away from the equator the archipelagoes down south, the Austral and Gambier, enjoy cooler temperatures.

Shark Feeding

With dozens of reef sharks swimming close by, this excursion is one of the most thrilling and popular on all the islands. After a short trip by outrigger canoe, you'll float or stand in four to seven feet of clear water behind a secure rope as the docile sharks are hand fed by an experienced guide. Even non-swimmers can enjoy this exciting scene from the boat. Just one of the many exciting ways to enjoy your stay on these terrific tropical getaways. Ask for details on other excursions available on the islands.

Qantas Vacations are the largest purchasers of hotel rooms and tourist services in the South Pacific. This translates into lower rates and savings for you when you’re booking a vacation in Tahiti. We offer you many new and ongoing travel specials including travel packages, romantic and luxury getaways, resort and hotel specials, Tahiti holiday airfare specials, and much more. Travel to French Polynesia and enjoy hiking, diving, island tours, great restaurants, and popular excursions to see shark feedings.

Find the best vacations and travel packages to Tahiti with Qantas Vacations!