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12 magical days in Tahiti
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Michael Rockwell
Aventura, FL Travel Agent· 16 Years of Experience
An independent agent with Avoya Travel, a Travel Leaders Network Affiliate Agency
5.0
(27)
100% Recommended
Our agent, Michael was very personable and helpful. He arranged our cruise details, helped us with applying a military discount and helped make our pre-trip hotel... Read More >
DESTINATIONS VISITED:French Polynesia
PLACES VISITED:Bora Bora, Huahine Island, Moorea Island, Papeete Tahiti, Tahaa, Tahiti
SUGGESTED DURATION:12 Days
A typical itinerary for a special occasion is:
- One night arrival hotel across the road from the ferry and cruise terminal.
- Next day take the ferry for a 40 minute pitcuresque ride to many visitor's favorite island of Moorea.
- Enjoy three nights in an end of walkway overwater bungalow. Excursion choices are plentiful, however you will come back to Moorea for two days on the cruise. I enjoyed staying on resort, snorkeling and paddle boarding right off my deck.
- Next seven nights on luxury small ship. Enjoy authentic Polyneisan service and entertainment, gourmet cuisine in an intimate and friendly environment with just over 300 passengers.
- Visit the islands of Huahine, Taha'a, Raiatea, 2 days in Bora Bora & 2 days in Moorea. See cities of fish, beautiful coral reefs, swim with rays and sharks. Enjoy island tours, arts & crafts, history, traditions & more.
- Disembark in Papeete, tour of the island of Tahiti or spend a few hours in a resort before your flight home.
Close All Days
DAY1
Papeete Tahiti
Close Day
Have dinner and crash.
Papeete on the island of Tahiti is an 8 hour flight from SFO or LAX. Flights either arrive very early AM or in the evening. I recommend arriving in the evening and enjoying a nice dinner at your hotel before going to bed. A great way to start your Tahiti adventure.
HIGHLIGHTS:
Have dinner on a roof top patio with views of the ferry and cruise ship terminal.
DAY2
Moorea Island
Close Day
Head to Moorea and your dream overwater bungalow
Walk across the road to the cruise terminal and buy your round trip ferry tickets. Take the high speed ferry for a 35 minute scenic ride to spectacular Moorea. The closer you get the bigger the jagged mountains and island looks.
Take a 10 to 20 minute taxi ride to your resort and enjoy the resort facilities and beach until your overwater bungalow is available. Enjoy looking around your bungalow and marvel at the views of turquoise ocean and mountains.
Go snorkeling and see the corals and fish below and around your deck. A little later very safe black tip sharks may swim by.
Enjoy your first sunset from your deck with a glass of sparkly and head to dinner and enjoy a wonderful evening, ended with star gazing from your deck.
HIGHLIGHTS:
Your first impression of Moorea and your overwater bungalow will stay with you for a long time
DAY3
Moorea Island
Close Day
Half Day Tour and Polynesian Feast and Show
Lazy breakfast followed by half day tour around the island, stopping at spectacular vista points, wineries, pineapple farms and other local points of interest. Spend the rest of the day doing almost nothing in your gorgeous overwater bungalow.
HIGHLIGHTS:
Polynesian feast and show for dinner
DAY4
Moorea Island
Close Day
Lunch at Snack Mahana
One of the best spots in town for casual waterfront snacking. Fresh and delicious raw and cooked seafood and other local items. Inexpensive and awesome.
HIGHLIGHTS:
Spend as much time as possible in your overwater bungalow on your final day.
DAY5
Papeete Tahiti
Close Day
Cruise time
Ferry back to the cruise terminal in Papeete and embark on your Tahiti cruise. Make a dinner reservation at their free fine dining specialty restaurant and spa services.
HIGHLIGHTS:
Get to know your room and ship, enjoy dinner, ship departure and evening show.
DAY6
Huahine Island
Close Day
First Impression Sometimes Make The Best Memories.
Anchor here in the place whose nickname is “Garden of Eden.” Take your time to explore the lush forests, the tropical landscapes, and the quaint villages to discover one of Polynesia’s best kept secrets. Here, at a slower pace, see a glimpse of the authentic South Pacific island lifestyle. Stop by the Maeva archaeological site and wander around the 150-odd marae (temple sites) and 400-year-old stone fish traps that are still in use And you’ll have your pick of the world’s best snorkeling once again.
HIGHLIGHTS:
I will never forget the fish city I saw the first time I put my head under water.
Picnic on a private island with fresh seafood and beautiful coral formations.
DAY7
Tahaa
Close Day
Visit Pearl Farms and Drift Snorkel
The island of Taha'a is to the north of her big sister, Raiatea, in the same lagoon. It is a unique destination in French Polynesia where life goes by at a very Tahitian rhythm. This flower-shaped island is surrounded by a string of small motu , each with pristine white sandy beaches. The air is filled with the scent of vanilla from the many plantations, which are pleased to welcome visitors.
HIGHLIGHTS:
Visit a pearl farm for a fascinating presentation and pearl shopping
Drift snorkeling. Let the currents take you through a coral gardens
DAY8
Bora Bora
Close Day
Island Tours and Underwater Adventures
A 50 minute flight from Tahiti takes you to the jewel of French Polynesia, Bora Bora, the 'Pearl of the Pacific'. Beautiful, white sandy beaches and a crystal clear turquoise lagoon, ringed with a multitude of small palm covered motu , provide the setting for a truly unforgettable experience.
You can enjoy all kinds of watersports, from kayaking to scuba diving, or you can simply relax in the warm sun and gentle breeze on the magnificent Matira beach, with the hibiscus-covered slopes of Mount Otemanu rising majestically in the background.
HIGHLIGHTS:
Snorkel above eagle rays, kneel in waist high water amongst harmless sting rays and black tip sharks
Sample local delicacies as breadfruit, poe mixed with coconut milk, taro and tropical fruit
Take an island tour to the best views Mt Otemanu and the lagoon, visit the magnificent Matira beach
DAY9
Bora Bora
Close Day
More of the same in Bora Bora paradise.
What ever you do, where ever you go in Bora Bora will be an unforgettable day.
HIGHLIGHTS:
Take a glass bottom boat tour followed by a Polynesian Barbecue on a private island.
Take a helicopter over Bora Bora for a birds eye view of the turquoise lagoon and Mount Otemanu
Circle the island by wave runner
DAY10
Moorea Island
Close Day
Back to Moorea. Leaving The Best For Last
Encircled by a magnificent coral reef and lagoon, two beautiful bays with close up views of spectacular mountains, Moorea is one of the most scenically striking islands in French Polynesia.
Discover the diversity of marine life in the lagoon or explore the bays by kayak or paddleboard. The island is a true paradise for lovers of nature and devotees of green tourism. With eight mountains, the island offers a choice of magnificent hiking trails leading to stunning scenic viewpoints.
HIGHLIGHTS:
Take a break from water activites, and rent a car or go around the island by bike for the day
Visit quaint villages and pretty beaches, pineapple plantations with pineapple rum distilleries
Hike through the jungle with majestic trees, pretty flowers and streams and insane views
DAY11
Moorea Island
Close Day
........
Head back to the water or continue exploring the island.
HIGHLIGHTS:
Go to workshops give lessons in cooking, traditional music, pareo painting
Hire a glass-bottomed kayak to explore the coral gardens and admire the tropical fish.
Take a day's excursion to explore the lagoon.
Swim with manta rays and harmless blacktip sharks before stopping at a motu for a traditional picnic
DAY12
Tahiti
Close Day
Take an island tour or get a day pass at a resort
Tahiti offers a great variety of scenery and an equally wide choice of activities. Lofty mountains for hiking, the sea and the lagoon for swimming, beaches of soft white or black sand for basking in the sun. Museums to visit , international and typical Polynesian cuisine in the island's restaurants and food trucks , sports meetings and festivities throughout the year.
HIGHLIGHTS:
Take an island tour visiting beautiful beaches and vista points.
Enjoy traditional Polynesian food and a farewell sunset dinner
FINAL THOUGHTS
Tahiti is one of those places you have to experience first hand. The moment you land you know you are somewhere very special. Incredible views, spectacular mountains, jungles, beaches and under water life, welcoming locals and awesome fresh cuisine.