PAPEETE (TAHITI), FRENCH POLYNESIA

 January 24, 2023

Papeete, located on the island of Tahiti, is the capital of French Polynesia.   The population of French Polynesia is about 287,000 spread over 121 islands and atolls, but more than 60% (or about 180,000) live in Papeete.   So Papeete is a big city with all the features, commerce, problems and opportunities of a big city.  People commute from other islands by ferry or plane to work here since the nearby islands are mostly tourist businesses which are seasonal.  


Our ship docked at Papeete after a short 10 mile trip from Moorea on Monday night.  We had an opportunity to walk around the central commercial district Tuesday morning before our excursion that afternoon.  Papeete is a smaller version of Monte Carlo so we saw some impressive yachts of the rich and famous — one was a converted oil tanker with all the bells and whistles.


Tahiti, similar to Bora Bora and Moorea, is an island formed by a volcano eons ago and is surrounded by coral reefs.   It sports beautiful beaches and is a favorite destination for surfing and all kinds of water sports.    


Our excursion took us about 40 miles around the islands with stops at an ancient Tahiti temple, an absolutely beautiful park with waterfalls and every kind of indigenous plant you could think of, and then a final stop at a huge natural grotto.    Our guide talked seemingly non-stop for the entire 4 hour tour.   He was a fountain of information but we would have been happy for a little quiet along the way.  


We’re on our way to New Zealand — 5 days at sea. 


                                  Commercial district of Papeete as viewed from our ship


                                         Street in Papeete


                                                   More downtown Papeete


                                            What's this..... By gosh, a telephone booth


                                                  Statutes on Tahiti Temple grounds


                                                   Our colorful guide


                                                 Waterfall in Vaipahi-i-Atehiti Gardens


                                               Feral chickens are everywhere


                                                   Grotto


                                          Banyan tree.   Has unique and massive root structure

 

                                                   Sunset as we begin departure from Tahiti











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