Plan Your Trip

About Taniti

Taniti is a small tropical island in the Pacific, covering less than 500 square miles. Despite its size, the terrain is remarkably varied. There are sandy and rocky beaches, a safe natural harbor, lush rainforest, and a mountainous interior with an active volcano. The island is home to an indigenous population of about 20,000, and its economy, historically centered on fishing and agriculture, is growing rapidly alongside tourism.

Getting Here

Almost all visitors arrive by air. Taniti's airport currently accommodates small jets and propeller planes; an expansion to handle larger jets is underway and expected within the next few years. A small cruise ship also docks in Yellow Leaf Bay one night per week. Check with the following airlines for current schedules and booking options:

Getting Around

Public buses serve Taniti City daily from 5 a.m. to 11 p.m. Private buses cover the rest of the island. Taxis are available in Taniti City, and rental cars can be picked up from an agency near the airport. Bikes and helmets are available from several vendors — helmets are required by law. Taniti City is flat and walkable; the Merriton Landing area is also easy to explore on foot.

Taniti's compact size — less than 500 square miles — means you can reach the opposite side of the island in under an hour by car, making it easy to experience the harbor, rainforest, and volcano all in a single day.

Practical Info

Currency: Taniti uses the U.S. dollar. Many businesses also accept Euros and Yen, and major credit cards are widely accepted. Several banks offer currency exchange. Power outlets are 120 volts (same as the U.S.).

English is spoken fluently by many younger Tanitians; very little English is spoken in rural areas, particularly by older residents.

There is one hospital (with multilingual staff) and several clinics on the island.

Violent crime is rare, though petty theft and pickpocketing have increased with tourism growth — take standard precautions.

Local Laws & Holidays

The drinking age on Taniti is 18. Alcohol cannot be served or sold between midnight and 9:00 a.m. Taniti observes a large number of national holidays; many restaurants and tourist attractions close on these days, so check the holiday calendar when planning your itinerary.