Taxis
Tahiti and Moorea taxi website: taxitahiti.com — Rates: taxitahiti.com/tarifs
Banks
As a general guide (hours can vary from branch to branch):
- Monday to Friday: 8am–11:45am then 1:30pm–3:30pm
- Saturday: opening hours vary by branch
- Sunday: closed
Tipping in French Polynesia
Tipping is welcome in French Polynesia and isn't disrespectful, whatever you might read elsewhere. As Polynesians themselves do when traveling to the US, New Zealand or other countries, the amount is entirely up to you — give what you want, or nothing if the service didn't satisfy you. It's never required, but always appreciated.
What is coral?
Coral is a living animal, made up of tiny polyps that can number in the thousands within a single colony. Each polyp builds its own skeleton and adds to the reef structure. This is made possible by a symbiotic algae, zooxanthellae, which captures the sun's energy through photosynthesis and provides up to 95% of the coral's food — in exchange for shelter and nutrients.
How to respect nature while snorkeling
- Don't stand on or touch coral: even a light touch can kill an entire colony.
- Don't feed the animals, it disrupts their natural behavior.
- Don't touch, disturb or chase the animals.
- Stay clear of the bottom and keep your body horizontal, to avoid stirring up sediment.
- Don't take natural souvenirs (shells, etc.).
- Use reef-safe sunscreen, or prefer a hat and t-shirt instead.
How are Polynesian islands born?
It starts with a volcanic island born from a hotspot, with no coral and no lagoon. Over time, it turns into an atoll: the island slowly disappears, leaving only a coral ring around a lagoon. Eventually, the atoll itself sinks beneath the ocean.