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The South Pacific
Destination Guides:
Exclusive Resorts:
Tahiti Activities
The islands of French Polynesia are quite diverse; all offering something a bit different for the holiday traveler. Each, however, is ripe for adventure. From island tours to exciting watersports to shopping for local handicrafts, you’ll never be idle on a trip to the islands of Tahiti, Moorea, and Bora Bora, unless – of course – you want to be.
Tahiti
• Safari Expeditions – The word “safari” takes on a new meaning in French Polynesia, referring not to the exploration of animals but rather the breathtaking scenery you’ll find here. Most often, safari expeditions take place in the back of an open 4WD vehicle. You’ll explore the rugged inner valleys on scenic narrow roads that take you to spectacular locales that you can’t enjoy from your lounge chair on the beach. Worth every dollar!
• Watersports – Hanging out on the beaches, of course, is one of the most popular activities in Tahiti. You can, of course, do much more than just lay around all day on the black volcanic sand that’s typical of Tahitian beaches. Dive centers are plentiful and there are Tahiti dives appropriate for all levels, including trips to sunken ships and drift dives. For those who prefer to stay atop the water, snorkeling is marvelous here. Most of the resorts also offer such active pursuits as water skiing, boating, and jet skiing. Surfing is best accomplished at Heuhupo’o on Tahiti Iti. The waves are humongous! The truly brave can also participate in a shark-feeding expedition which is, in actuality, perfectly safe for swimmers and non-swimmers alike.
• Land Activities – Many avid hikers visiting Tahiti choose to make their way to the island’s many inland peaks for a true uphill adventure. Tahiti has several hiking trails including those that climb to quite a high altitude. Consider a guided tour as the weather can shift quite quickly on the island and the trails aren’t always clearly marked. If you want to stay on level ground, choose a round of golf at Tahiti’s only course, Atimaono. Prefer to just exercise your credit cards? Go shopping for some of Tahiti’s famous black pearls.
Moorea
• Safari Tours – Like the island of Tahiti, Moorea outfitters offer 4-wheel drive tours around the island. These trips include the services of an experienced guide who speaks to guests about Polynesian culture as well as the sights of this breathtaking island. Most allow for time to go shopping or include a short hike to a picturesque location.
• Watersports – Most visitors to Moorea opt to spend a little time on the island’s cerulean lagoon. Organized tours of the lagoon usually include snorkeling, fishing, and a picnic lunch that includes traditional foods. Fishing outfitters are plentiful and chartering a boat for sportfishing is easy and fairly affordable. The outer reef of Moorea boasts some ideal places for diving and you’re likely to come face to face with Moray eels and sea turtles in the waters off this island.
• Dolphin and Whale-Watching – Excursions to view playful dolphins and giant humpback whales are a favorite family activity in Moorea. Also consider a trip to the Moorea Dolphin Center, where good swimmers can pay a fee to swim with the dolphins. Special programs are available for kids.
• Land Activities – A handful of ranches in Moorea offer horses for hire so one can enjoy a horseback ride along the pretty white beaches of the coast. Hiking isn’t as popular here as on Tahiti because the terrain is less exciting, though there are some guided hikes that take you to ancient Polynesian places of interest.
Bora Bora
• Safari Expeditions – Safari tours on Bora Bora are a bit more rough than those of the sister islands due to the ruggedness of the interior terrain and the lack of good roads. Be sure you have the stomach for it!
• Watersports – Diving and snorkeling are, by far, the most popular water-based activities in Bora Bora, with a few dive centers offering PADI certification courses. The beautiful lagoon is one of the finest places to enjoy snorkeling and swimming or guests can choose a guided lagoon excursion. Sportfishing enthusiasts are once again treated to waters full of game fish that can be caught and later prepared for dinner. Sea kayaking is a popular option as well, and most resorts offer the usual fare of watersports, including swimming, sailing, and jet and water skiing.
• Land Activities – Posh Bora Bora, the playground of the rich and famous, has some of the best shopping in French Polynesia. Besides the usual items fashioned from black pearls, guests can explore everything from trendy designer boutiques to sparse huts selling the finest in local handicrafts.