POTIRIADIS+Barbara

-Tahiti Pearl Beach resort, Bora Bora **__Tahiti:):D__** - Bora Bora - The main island (Tahiti) - Taha'a - Manihi - Huahine - Moorea - The Gambia islands - Mangareva - Fakarava - Rangiroa - Tikehau - Raiatea - Austral - The Marquesas **__CLIMATE__**  Tahiti enjoys a tropical climate which is always pleasant and is cooled by the trade winds of the Pacific that blow throughout the year.The average temperature is 27°C and the waters of the lagoons are a fairly constant 26°C. Further away from the equator, the archipelagos down south (the Australs & Gambier) have cooler temperatures.  __ **CULTURE** __ From the 18th Century, European navigators indicated the existence of tattooing in Tahiti. Tattooing was prohibited at the time of the missionaries, but it didn’t disappear totally.  For the Polynesians, the tattoo is a means of asserting their ‘ma’ohi’ cultural identity and most of the time, has symbolic significance. Like the tattoo, the Polynesian Dance – considered by the missionaries as too erotic – had to be practiced in secret until the beginning of the 20th century. Power and charm, symbolic body movements, beautiful costumes and ornaments characterise the Tahitian dance which is still a popular practice, an element of social cohesion. Some dancing groups like ‘Les Grands Ballets de Tahiti' are on tour on the international stage.
 * //__Tahiti's islands:__//**
 * __Map of Tahiti:__

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__ **NATURAL PHENOMENA** __ Natural Phenomena: Tahiti and Her Islands span 4 million km2 of ocean - an area as large as Europe. Each island possesses its own unique personality, based on the location (from 5 to 10 degrees South of the Equator for the Marquesas and all the way to the Tropic of Capricorn for the Gambiers). Tahiti now possesses a biosphere reserve located in the Tuamotu archipelago in the commune of Fakarava which has been recognised by UNESCO since 1977. Protecting whales and dolphins in its entire economic zone, French Polynesia has been classified as a marine mammal sanctuary since May 2002. The luxurious vegetation, untouched beaches, deserted coves and fruit trees are part of the mystique of the islands.

Rich with tropical gardens and streams with hundreds of varieties of tropical trees, shrubs, plants and flowers, parks and gardens throughout Tahiti are a haven from the tropical sun. __ ** SCENIC VIEWS** __ Scenic views can be seen with or without a guide, on foot or on a four-wheel drive. Deep Valleys and Mountains, Waterfalls, Venus Point and many Plateaux are found throughout the Islands. Tahiti and Her Islands span 4 million km2 of ocean - an area as large as Europe. Each island possesses its own unique personality, based on the location (from 5 to 10 degrees South of the Equator for the Marquesas and all the way to the Tropic of Capricorn for the Gambiers). Tahiti now possesses a biosphere reserve located in the Tuamotu archipelago in the commune of Fakarava which has been recognised by UNESCO since 1977. The luxurious vegetation, untouched beaches, deserted coves and abundant fruit trees are part of the mystique of the islands. **__HISTORY & CULTURE__** Tahiti's 118 fabulous islands are scattered across 5 far-flung archipelagos, each with their own particular character and whose inhabitants have adapted the ancient rhythms of the ocean and the sun to the 21st century. The islands are scattered with historical, sacred and religious sites swathed in legend like the ancient maraes that legend says were places of sacrifice to the gods. WALKS & TRAILS__** For the energetic, if not athletic, many of the islands have nature walks and trails that will appeal to experienced hikers and novices alike.
 * __PARKS & GARDENS__**
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 * __[[image:http://tahitinow.com.au/images/thingsToDo.gif width="144" height="30"]]

LAND ACTIVITIES__** Tahiti and the High Islands of the Society, Marquesas and Austral Groups offer innumerable possibilities for hiking and excursions - all the way to the tops of the volcanic peaks with 360 degree views over valleys, bays and lagoons and far off to the vastness of the Pacific Ocean.

**__WATER ACTIVITIES__** A great number of the islands of French Polynesia are blessed with wonderful lagoons where a broad range of water activities is on offer. Activity providers offer visitors their professional services and will share their love of the sea in order to guide you on a discovery of rich seabeds and natural water environments.

__ **AIR ACTIVITIES** __ Tahiti by air offers one of the most spectacular ways to see the beautiful islands. Along with scheduled daily flights to over 50 of the islands, you can also charter flights and helicopters for ease of moving from one island to the other. Also available is parasailing and kite surfing for the more adventurous.

__ **ATTRACTIONS** __ The range of attractions in Tahiti is almost too broad to itemise – they include - from Museums, Parks, Historical buildings, Markets, Churches as well as the natural beauty of the sea and volcanic peaks of the 'High Islands'... there really is something for everyone!

**__ARTS, CULTURE & HERITAGE__** The culture of Tahiti can be seen through dance, tattooing and and music. Tahitians celebrate their unique way of life in July every year at the Heiva Festival which brings all the elements of the above in a month of cultural celebrations and competitions for everyone - residents and visitors. The quality of the dancing is also seen on an International stage with participation in world dance competitions.

**__WILDLIFE__** Being so far from the main continents, land animal species are rather limited. During the Great Polynesian Migrations, pigs and dogs arrived on the double-hulled ocean canoes. Later Europeans introduced cattle, horses, and rats. Reptiles include 7 species of lizards and geckos and there are some 120 species of birds that make their nests on the ground on the low lying islands. Marine life however, is exceptionally rich and varied with over 800 species of lagoon and deep-sea tropical fish.



Floating Hotels, ranging in classification from grand comfort to super luxury, are a major feature of the Tahitian experience. Visiting Tahiti and Her Islands, flowing with the tides and gliding with the current between sky and sea will provide you with unforgettable memories. The range of cruises from the luxury liners (Tahitian Princess, Paul Gauguin) to the more intimate vessels that are based in the Leeward Islands (sister ships Tia Moana and Tu Moana) offer something for everyone. There is also a cruise that goes all the the way to the Marquesas - a mixture of cargo and passengers for the more adventurous.


 * **BOAT CRUISES**

Cruising among Tahiti & Her Islands Intimate yet Luxurious. Uncrowded yet Dramatic.

Cruising is redefined in Tahitian waters where you embark on a voyage to explore these romantic and unspoiled isles of the South Pacific. Here, the ports-of-call are uncrowded and charming, the ships are smaller and luxurious, the neon-blue waters within the lagoons are calm, and the ocean journey between the bright-green islands is short.



**Water Activities** Floating atop the water playground of the lagoons, each ship offers unending activities for couples and families. A sampling of daily activities include jetskiing, windsurfing, waterskiing, parasailing, canoeing, diving, shark feeding, and snorkeling. Or hop on a glass-bottom boat, explore a lagoon, or even charter your own catamaran or powerboat for the day. ||  ||

**Shore-side Activities** Surrounded by lush-green peaks, each island welcomes exploration by 4x4 safari to dramatic overlooks, circle-island trips stopping off at fruit-tasting shops and historic sites, independent trips for shopping or walking through the villages, or guided hiking trips into the mountains for an overview of the land and ocean.

**Unique Events** The Polynesian world abounds in sights, sounds, and experiences found nowhere else on earth and are easily discovered by cruise passengers. By day, live out your South Pacific fantasy when you anchor at a tiny motu for an afternoon of relaxation and fun. Or enjoy personalized tours of the historical and cultural sites hidden on each island. By night, enjoy the best Tahitian performers for elaborate and romantic displays of music and dance.

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 * POTIRIADIS Barbara ||