Papeete is the capital of the French Polynesian Society Islands. Papeete is found on the island of Tahiti. The islands were first settled by migrating Polynesians as early as 500BC. The Tahitian Islands were later discovered by European explorers during the 16th century. In 1818, British missionary, William Crook first settled the area that is now Papeete. In 1842 this beautiful island group was colonized by France and since 1889 it has been an autonomous overseas country of the French Republic.
It has a population of about 26000 and enjoys a hot, humid tropical climate. There are two distinct seasons:-a wet summer season (Nov-April) and a dry, winter season (May-Oct). Temperatures in the wet season range from 26C to 30C, whilst the dry season's temperature range is between 24C to 28C.
Tahitians speak French and Tahitian but most tourist outlets have some English speakers because tourism is an important income for this island economy.
We visited Papeete last year and were impressed with the history of this port city.
At that time we visited Point Venus, at the northern most point of the island, where in 1769, Captain James Cook docked his vessel so that his astronomer could record the transit of Venus across the sun. A monument stands there today to honour this venture. We noted too that the French artist, Gauguin lived on this beautiful island for 30 years, painting his famous life portraits of local indigenous Polynesian women and men engaging in everyday activities. Sadly, the former native cultures have been replaced with French and English influences and only a few true Tahitian dances, music and a modified Tahitian language remain. France
We had booked a private yacht to take us on a small 10 person snorkelling day trip around the seas and bays of Tahiti. Our ship berthed early in the morning and we headed to our meeting point. As in our previous visit we were given a warm welcome with frangipani flowers to wear and several serenading bands and dancers performed for us as we waited for our yacht to arrive.
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