1. Visit as a guest and leave as an ambassador of The Islands of Tahiti
‘Ia orana e maeva! It is our pleasure to welcome you to our islands and in return, all we ask is that you respect our fenua, our land.
2. Ask A Certified Tahiti Specialist
Specialist travel agents with a perfect knowledge of the destination can offer tailor-made programs to ensure an authentic and sustainable experience when you visit The Islands of Tahiti. You can find out more about
FIND A SPECIALIST TRAVEL AGENCY
3. Take your time
The Islands of Tahiti is a destination to be explored at leisure. Take the time to immerse yourself in our culture, get to know the local population and discover the unique charms of our islands.
4. Visit during the off-peak season (November to April)
Our islands are blessed with an agreeable tropical climate throughout the year. Visiting during the off-peak season has many advantages, including reduced prices, more choice and greater availability. With fewer tourists around, your own experience will be even more authentic and put less pressure on our islands.
5. Get off the beaten path
There are 118 islands in French Polynesia, with 13 major tourist destinations spread over 5 archipelagos. You can give a boost to the local economy by visiting some of the lesser-known islands.
6. Alternative travel
Getting to The Islands of Tahiti usually involves a long flight and airline companies offer passengers the possibility to offset the carbon footprint of their travel. Once here, favor group travel whenever possible, or rent electric or hybrid vehicles.
Opt for accommodation and activities that are engaged in sustainable tourism. Several service providers already adhere to a sustainable approach. Various environmental labels exist to guide you in your choice of accommodation and activities such as EarthCheck, Espace Bleu, Clef Verte, Green Marine Europe, etc.
FIND PARTNERS THAT ARE ENGAGED
7. A fa’atura te natura (‘Respect nature’ in Tahitian)
French Polynesia is home to a rich and unique biodiversity that must be protected. Here is a list of tips to follow to enjoy it while preserving it:
- Bring only essential luggage and include your own reusable drinking bottle.
- Use an eco-friendly “reef-safe” sunscreen. Do not use sunscreen that includes oxybenzone & octinoxate.
- Avoid single-use plastic containers and bags. Be sure to bring a bag for your purchases or even better, plan to buy a locally-crafted, sustainably-made bag to enjoy as a memento of your travels.
- Don’t take natural items as souvenirs (seashells, sand, plants, rocks, etc.)
- Keep a respectful distance when observing living creatures. For more information click here.
- Don’t feed wild animals
- Respect the limits of pathways and trails to avoid erosion, the proliferation of invasive species and for your own safety.
- Respect the biosecurity regulations of French Polynesia as detailed here.
8. Preserve our natural resources
Our natural resources are very precious. Please try to keep your water and energy consumption to the minimum (reuse towels when possible, turn off lights and air conditioning when not required, etc.).
9. Buy local produce
Purchasing local produce contributes to the local economy and the development of the local community. Many farmers, fishermen and local craftspeople rely on this income.
10. Immerse yourself in the local culture
The legendary welcome of the local population will be even warmer if you show an interest and respect for our people and their culture.
Take time to learn a little about the culture of The Islands of Tahiti and the special energy that flows through them, the Mana. It is a force which binds man and nature and is manifest throughout the islands.
Certain sites are considered sacred, or tapu (taboo), it is important to respect them and seek permission before visiting them.
Familiarize yourself with a few words of our language: ‘Ia ora na (hello) and Māuruuru (thank you) will always be greeted with a smile.
