Picturesque Islands
Balmy temperatures, vivid blue waters, and over-the-water bungalows – French Polynesia has it all. Whether you enjoy the amazing French cuisine of Tahiti or experience the warm, friendly vibes of Moorea you can’t go wrong by visiting the islands of the South Pacific. No matter which island you visit, you’ll have a picture-perfect view and lots of opportunities for photo ops!
Nature's Aquarium
With almost 1,000 varieties of fish in the waters of French Polynesia, snorkelers and divers will be able to immerse themselves in waters off each island. As a bonus, visitors will be able to watch humpback whales from July to October. Wouldn't it be something to see a baby whale swimming beside his behemoth mother?
Pearls
If you want a beautiful set of pearls, Tahiti is the place to find them. They actually have pearl farms in Moorea and Bora Bora so you can buy them in the markets on the islands. Tahitian pearls are different shades of black and are all different sizes. Make sure you do your homework before you travel if you decide to buy pearls in the islands.
Staying in French Polynesia
There is a wide variety of beautiful resorts and hotels in the Tahitian Islands that offer something for everyone. You can stay at overwater bungalows on Tahiti and Moorea or find a cliffside resort in Bora Bora. The views from all are well worth the money. There are no all-inclusive resorts in Tahiti but many offer dining packages that you can purchase when you book your hotel. Le Meridien Resort Bora Bora is one of two properties right now that offers a full all-inclusive package with meals and drinks. The other is The Brando in Tetiaroa, whose 35 villas sit on pristine white-sand beaches where guests can frequently spot sea turtles and manta rays.
While The Brando is very much a high end experience, there are other hotels that are much more reasonably priced. Be prepared to spend a little on food as it can be a bit expensive. Take some time to shop at a local patisserie to find fresh baguettes, pastries, or stop at a local market for some essential snack items to help with food costs.
Cruising French Polynesia
A great way to save on food is to cruise the islands, where your meals are included in the price of the cruise. Either Paul Gauguin and Windstar would be my recommendation if you are looking for something different. If you want more conventional options Oceania, Holland, Norwegian, Regent Seven Seas, Royal Caribbean and others are also great choices. We’ll match you to the right cruise that fits your travel style.
