This section is dedicated to take away all your "I wish someone had told me that before I went!" experiences. This way, you can spend less time settling in, and more time making new friends in your chosen hostel. We share our insider knowledge of tips, tricks and important things to look out for in Tahiti.
Tahiti, French Polynesia, is one of the few examples in which one island of the country is better known than the entire country. When you mention French Polynesia, there is a decent chance that someone does not know that it is a country, let alone point to it on the map. However, if you mention its biggest island, Tahiti, it probably rings a bell, bringing to mind postcard-like pictures of tropical beaches.
Tahiti is the biggest of the one hundred eighteen islands comprising French Polynesia; the two volcanic mountain ranges on Tahiti create a turtle-shaped island. There are a couple of towns on Tahiti; Papeete is the capital. The small size of the island -- it's less than sixty kilometers wide in total -- make it easy to get around and allow you to choose a Tahiti, French Polynesia hostel as base from which to explore the island.
As of this writing, the choices for a Tahiti, French Polynesia hostel are very limited. In terms of budget accommodation, you may find something that calls itself a pension, but has a dorm and a common area in which to hang out, so it could be classified as a hostel in Tahiti, French Polynesia too. This Tahiti, French Polynesia hostel makes it now possible to stay in Tahiti on a budget, because Tahiti is dominated by high-end accommodations. Also making it attractive to visit are the visa-free regime for citizens of most Western countries, affordable bus services around the island, and English being widely spoken.
When using a hostel in Tahiti, French Polynesia as base, you can easily explore the island. Scuba diving, snorkeling, surfing, and kite surfing are some of the most popular activities to do on the water. The volcanic landscape is also ideal for great hikes with scenic views. There is plenty to see and do in Tahiti. If you want to explore more of French Polynesia, Tahiti is a great starting point too. Travel by boat to one of the other islands or use the international airport to fly onward to one of the more than fifty smaller airports in French Polynesia.
Written by local enthusiast for Tahiti hostels
Martin Straatman
