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.
Matira beach in Bora BoraMatira beach in Bora Bora|
10 tips for
A sustainable stay
in The Islands of Tahiti
Papenoo valleyPapenoo valley|
Nuku Hiva local manNuku Hiva local man|
2
Ask a
Certified Tahiti SpecialistSpecialist 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.
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.
A musical break in The Islands of Tahiti A musical break in The Islands of Tahiti |
A playful afternoon in RangiroaA playful afternoon in Rangiroa|
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 pathThere 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.
A truck ride around the East coast of TahitiA truck ride around the East coast of Tahiti|
Strolling around RangiroaStrolling around Rangiroa|
Riding a traditionnal trukRiding a traditionnal truk|
6
Alternative
travelGetting 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.
7
A fa’atura te natura
‘Respect nature’ in TahitianFrench 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.
A walk on a beach in TahitiBring only essential luggage
and include your own reusable drinking bottle.
Snorkeling in Taha'aUse an eco-friendly “reef-safe” sunscreen.
Do not use sunscreen that includes oxybenzone & octinoxate.
Handcrafting in RurutuAvoid 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.
Viki Ura in Ua HukaDon’t feed wild animals
this is prohibited by law and creates a food dependency.
Hiking in The Island of TahitiRespect the limits of pathways and trails
to avoid erosion, the proliferation of invasive species and for your own safety.
Sea shells from TikehauDon’t take natural items as souvenirs (seashells, sand, plants, rocks, etc.)
Choose the handcrafted objects as souvenirs and support the local economy.
Waterfall in TahitiWaterfall in Tahiti|
8
Preserve
our natural resourcesOur 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.
Preparing an ahimaa (traditional banquet)Preparing an ahimaa (traditional banquet)|
Feel the Mana in Nuku HivaFeel the Mana in Nuku Hiva|
'ori Tahiti in The Islands of Tahiti'ori Tahiti in The Islands of Tahiti|
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 our culture and the special energy that binds man and nature, the Mana.
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.
You can learn a few phrases by visiting the “Speak Tahitian” page on our website.
Plan your sustainable stay
All the engaged providers
Find all the accommodations committed to an inclusive and sustainable approach.
Find all the activity providers committed to an inclusive and sustainable approach.
Find all the carriers committed to an inclusive and sustainable approach.
Let yourself be tempted...
