Local information about French Polynesia

Climate

The position of Polynesia within the tropics creates a certain climate consistency. There is a lot of sunshine with an average of 8 hours per day and the annual temperature fluctuation is low. The water temperature ranges throughout the year between 23°C and 26°C.

Thus, the tropical maritime climate of French Polynesia is wet and hot, but tempered by the ocean, with temperatures ranging between 24°C and 30°C throughout the year. Polynesia is indeed subject to the movement of trade winds South-East and North-East, creating two distinctive seasons: the dry and the wet season.

The dry season or "Southern winter", from April to October, brings some freshness (between 24°C and 28°C), the months of July and August being the coolest, with winds from the South-East.

The wet season, also called the rainy season, from November to March, brings moisture, humidity and more frequent and abundant rains than in the dry season, with winds from East to North-East. During this season, tropical low pressure systems may be encountered due to the latitude position of the archipelago.

Month:	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Period:
Air (°C):	27	27	27	27	26	26	26	25	25	25	26	27
Water (°C):	26	26	26	26	25	25	24	24	24	24	25	26

	= Optimal period
	= Recommended period
	= Not recommended period

Help us protect the environment

Since its inception ABYSS has always been committed to the protection of the environment. We invite you to join us in observing these simple rules:

Your travel documents will include a responsible diver chart from the Longitude 181 Association. Please study and apply these rules wherever possible
Protect the environment, both above and below water, by reducing to a minimum the impact of our activities.
Leave nothing behind which is non perishable and remember to take back things such as batteries, cigarette filters and plastic containers to name a few.
Use a minimum of non renewable resources such as water and energy.
Never buy any souvenirs that are made from tortoise shell, coral or shells.
Do not touch the fish or the coral during your dives and control your buoyancy at all times.

Logo Centre ambassadeur longitude 181

Usefull details

Customs formalities:	Valid passport. If you travel via the US, you need to register and pay an ESTA form (http://www.esta.us)
Health formalities:	Up to date vaccinations recommended. No mandatory vaccination.
Jet lag:	UT/GMT - 11 hours.
Currency:	Pacific Franc (XPF).
Accepted methods of payments:	Mainly XPF cash. Euros and USD or Visa/Mastercard/American Express are accepted everywhere.
Electricity:	220V - European outlets.
Languages:	French, English
Flight time:	Depending on departure location.
Luggage:	Our preference is for soft baggage for storage purposes. Maximum 23 kilos on international flights. It is sometimes possible to obtain a free upgrade to 30 kilos when departing on diving holidays. Please consult us for further information.
Pharmacy:	First aid kit, aspirin or paracetamol, sun screen and sunburn ointment, insect repellent.
Required documents:	Photocopy of your passport, dive certification card, log book and valid dive medical within the last 12 months. Repatriation and assistance insurance highly recommended. (i.e. www.diversalertnetwork.com).