Getting There&Away

French Polynesia is readily accessible by air from most parts of the world; the exception is the rest of the Pacific. Qantas, Air New Zealand, Air France, Aircalin, Corsair and AOM shunt most of the visitors, though Lan Chile can provide access from South America and Hawaiian Air flies between Honolulu and Tahiti once a week. All international air traffic comes through Faaa Airport in Papeete, but a US$46 million redevelopment of the airport in the Marquesas island of Nuku Hiva might soon change this situation. There is no departure tax in French Polynesia.

Cruise ships regularly call into the region and it's also a favourite among yachties - crewing positions are sometimes available. There are distinct sailing seasons in this part of the Pacific. Yachts tend to leave the US coast in September or October, and between January and the beginning of March. From Australia and New Zealand, yachts depart after the cyclone season, around March and April

Getting Around

Getting around the islands of French Polynesia can be done by boat or air, though access to some of the remote islands can be difficult and unreliable. The French government kicks in some financial support so domestic air travel is not as expensive as you might expect, but distances between some island groups are great and these flights are costly. Apart from some small charter operators, domestic flights are handled by Air Tahiti and Air Moorea.

Inter-island boats run regular routes between all of the island groups and can be a great way to travel within the region. Huge catamarans ply between Tahiti and Moorea and the very modern Ono-Ono services the rest of the Society group. Luxury cruises are available on vessels like the Wind Song, the Arunai and the Club Med 2.

Tahiti and the developed islands operate a local bus service known as le truck which is cheap and reliable. Taxis are available for hire, but they are horribly expensive. Rental cars, scooters and bicycles are good ways to explore, and 4WDs can be hired if you want to head inland on some of the tracks. In the Marquesas many locals and tourists choose to get around on horseback.