Tahiti, Bora Bora and Moorea...what's not to be missed?

[rogeneff]

I am fortunate to be ticking an item off my bucket list next week, when I head off for 2 weeks in French Polynesia. Aside from the compulsory relaxation, book reading, coughtails, sun lounging, walks on the beach, water activities and snorkelling, I would love to hear from anyone who has suggestions of anything else that is 'not to be missed' during our time there!

 

[RooFlyer]

Sorry, can't help, but as a traveller there next year, I hope you'll be doing a Trip Report!

 

[rogeneff]

Lol Rooflyer....sure will!

 

[JohnM]

I went there in 2011 - well, of the gazillion islands, to Tahiti, Mo'orea, Bora Bora and Rangiroa.

Bora Bora is, of course, particularly beautiful. I was planning to go over to Taha'a (famed for vanilla production and visible from Bora Bora) but the ferry was out of action from being run onto a reef.

Bloody Mary's restaurant on Bora Bora is a bit of a cult institution and worth going to. If you're staying on one of the motu, they usually run shuttle boats to it.

The black pearls are very nice.

Rent a car on Mo'orea, even for just a day, to have the freedom to circle the island and go up to the belvedere.

 

[rogeneff]

Thanks JohnM.....I have noted down your suggestions and will be sure to add them to our itinerary!

 

[tgh]

It's a while ago , but my strongest memory is the incredible colour of the water.
We have a few nice pics from a diving bell excursion and also the buzz of having a gaggle of rays flapping all over you was pretty cool.
Nice place….

 

[kpc]

It' s been a year since we visited Moorea and Bora Bora.
Some random tips:
1) sit on the L) side of plane as you fly into Bora Bora....in most cases you will get the most spectacular view of Bora Bora as you land. Air Tahiti has free seating so line up early to score a prized seat on the L)...everyone seems to know this! It was quite funny seeing the L) side filled out completely before people reluctantly sat on the R) side.
2) For a meal / experience of a lifetime, have a meal here, not cheap but is a great experience! Book now as there are only 7 tables! People tend to book months in advance, email the chef / owner to book. La Villa Mahana - Restaurant - Bora Bora
3) Stock up food / alcohol etc in Papeete...it will save you $$$. Also feel free to bring grog from Australia. there is really no customs check in PPT
4) consider doing this tour in Moorea...we loved Francky!! Discovery of Moorea island | FranckyFranck Moorea Tours
5) we had a nice French dinner here in Moorea, and they will pick you up from your hotel: https://www.tripadvisor.com.au/Rest...nu_Iti-Cook_s_Bay_Moorea_Society_Islands.html
6) i didn't do a TR as I was lazy but my +1 did She has started a travel blog (in Chinese), and the link below should be opened in Google Chrome for the text to be roughly translated from Chinese to English...regardless, even if you don't translate the text, enjoy the photos and music!! ...it is a magical place!!
波拉波拉岛（Bora Bora）-大溪地( Tahiti ) 9日，浪漫天å*‚è¡Œ,大溪地自助游攻略 - èš‚œ‚çª

 

[snabbu]

Bora Bora is all about relaxation imo.

Swimming with turtles at Le Meridian is part of the experience if you are staying there.
If at St. Regis you will have the most amazing dining options on the Motu (IMO of course).
Personally my favourite is Intercon Thalasso Spa. I'm not quite sure why but for some reason I found it to be the most well rounded resort.

Whilst on Moorea you really should hire a car for a day or 2, lots to see and do. An absolute must do on Moorea is The Lagoonarium.

https://www.tripadvisor.com.au/Attraction_Review-g309685-d2141252-Reviews-Lagoonarium-Moorea_Society_Islands.html

 

[Anna]

Rent a car on Mo'orea, even for just a day, to have the freedom to circle the island and go up to the belvedere.

+1 for this.

Also if you can get over to Taha'a the vanilla plantation is interesting (and if you bring me some vanilla essence back I will pay you back )

I also enjoyed touring Ra'iatea - I was staying on Taha'a at the time but I assume it's equally easy to get there from Bora Bora.

Tbh I wouldn't plan too many activities if I were you. The best thing about French Polynesia is just completely switching off. When I arrive I'm like "ok, what am I going to do now" but by the end of a week I've become totally relaxed and chilled out and doing nothing feels perfectly fine Which is mainly why I like FP so much.

If you do feel energetic you can usually hire a bike on most islands, and outside of Papeete the traffic is so light that it's easy to ride around and see the islands that way.

 

[dodgeyhack]

The best thing we did in Bora Bora was a private day trip. We were picked up by a really great local guy in his boat, he took us to the best snorkelling spots I've ever been to, then we fed and swam with sharks and rays, followed by a private bbq (he cooked while we drank champagne) on a beach - well actually a little off the beach, sitting in the water. I don't remember the exact details of who ran the tour, but I've asked my wife and I'll let you know if she does. Also you may want to consider booking things directly, either in town or over the phone, rather than letting the resort handle it for you. It saves money and worked out very well for us with the helicopter tour because we traveled to the helipad on the main island rather than the helicopter coming to us - this meant more flying time while we picked up other passengers from other resorts.

 

[rogeneff]

Kpc .....your suggestions and recommendations are fabulous! Thank you SO MUCH for taking the time to share your experiences with me. And please give a HUGE thanks to your +1....her blog on your time spent there was absolutely beautifully presented. Can't wait to get there ....even more so now!

 

[rogeneff]

Snabbu .....that looks incredible! Have now added it to our itinerary and plan to get there early and make the most of it! Thanks for the recommendation!!!

 

[rogeneff]

Thanks Anna....will let you know if I secure some vanilla essence for you

 

[Flying mermaid]

We really enjoyed Taha'a as it felt more authentic and less American touristy than Bora Bora (We were staying at the Four Seasons on Bora Bora, so maybe that exacerbated it - Le Taha'a resort was much quieter). If you add it to your itinerary, then make sure you eat at Chez Louise. This was Louise's house and she had maybe 3 tables in her back garden looking out over water. There was no menu, just whatever was caught that day and it was one of the best meals we had in Tahiti. (Cash only - no credit cards).

Apart from essense you can bring back the actual vanilla pods -.they are allowed into Australia.

I can't remember doing anything in Tahiti except eating and looking at fish. They are absolutely glorious and we spent many hours each day just looking at them and swimming with them. If you spend any time in Papeete the food trucks (Roulottes) are fun to try and very cheap.

 

[Flying mermaid]

Also if you can get over to Taha'a the vanilla plantation is interesting (and if you bring me some vanilla essence back I will pay you back )
.

If you want a nice vanilla essence we bought an organic one from a street market in Port Douglas a few moths ago. Produced in Queensland and sold at various places in Australia.

vanillaaustralia.com

 

[irv]

Lol Rooflyer....sure will!

I am going in April 2017, pressure is on you