Tahiti
Mo'orea, Bora Bora
Day 1: After arriving on the idyllic island of Mo'orea, pick up a rental car and start your adventure. Whether you came to Mo'orea via ferry or plane, begin your drive on the coast road by heading counterclockwise towards Cook’s Bay on one the most astounding drives you have ever taken. As you round the bend into Cook’s Bay, it will be difficult to keep your eyes on the road as the mountainous remains of the collapsed volcano seem to rise right out of the sea. As you leave Cook’s bay, watch for the signs to the juice factory, where (especially in the morning hours) visitors are invited on the free tour and you can purchase a variety of products. On Mo'orea, juice is usually cheaper than soda, so try a few varieties and take your favorite back to your room with you. As gorgeous as the drive is around Cook’s Bay, the views become even better as you head into Opunohu Bay, where the cliffs envelop you in wondrous tropical splendor. In this bay, the one where Captain Cook actually anchored, it is easy to see why Cook’s crew was so reluctant to leave this paradise with such amazing scenery and where the natives were so friendly. Continue your dive to the area around Hauru Point, where there are many options for a home base during your stay in Mo'orea. For at least one dinner during your stay, consider visiting a restaurant that includes Tahitian dancing.
Day 2: On your first full day in paradise, spend your time learning about Tahitian culture at the nearby Tiki Village.
Day 3: Today, travel to the beach at Hauru Point. The beach itself is a long, thin strand, but it isn’t the beach that you come for, rather it is the snorkeling. Just off shore there are two tiny islands (motu) and the motu are so close to shore that most visitors can swim to them, enjoying wonderful snorkeling all the way. Some of the best snorkeling is in the narrow channel between the motu where stingray sightings are not uncommon. If you can’t make the swim, there are kayaks to rent by the hour for you to paddle out to the motu.
Day 4: After three blissful days on Mo'orea, pack your bags and head to the airport for the short flight to unforgettable Bora Bora. Although most people can’t tell you anything about Bora Bora including where it is located, many have heard the name, which alone evokes images of an island Shangri-La. Such images are not dampened a bit when you catch your first glimpse of the island through the plane window. The landing itself adds to the charm as the plane puts down on a thin strip of a runway on one of the small barrier islands and after disembarking, passengers boards boats which take them across the lagoon to their lodgings. After checking in, take a lagoon tour if there is still time. Otherwise, take a boat across the lagoon to one of the remote motu and spend some time relaxing at the beach. In the planning stages of your trip as you are selecting lodging, you will find that while affordable lodging can be found on Mo'orea, it is much more difficult to locate on Bora Bora. Still, you may find it difficult to come all the way to the Society Islands, without catching a glimpse of the famous island. Like Mo'orea, Bora Bora was formed from an ancient volcano, and its topography is what gives the island such allure; an island surrounded by a lagoon, which itself is surrounded by a necklace of smaller islands. Just seeing the island, even if your budget only allows a night and two days is worth the splurge; but if you have the funds, you may want to stretch your stay a few days longer. Be aware, however, that getting around is not easy or cheap. Rental cars are expensive, and the few roads on the island are narrow and worn. Bora Bora itself, is not blessed with great beaches, but thankfully, the surrounding motu have the sand you may be seeking. Normally, the motu are private enclaves for high-end hotels, but if you get to the dock and explain that you want to visit for a meal or a drink, most are accommodating and will take you across the lagoon in their boat.
Day 5: If you didn’t have time for the logon tour the day before, then take it this morning. Otherwise, visit one of the motu or spend time on the one you where you are staying. In the afternoon, head back to the airport for your flight home. Your Tahitian journey is now over, but although your wallet is a little lighter, you are bringing back priceless memories more precious than the most perfect pearl.
Day 1: After arriving on the idyllic island of Mo'orea, pick up a rental car and start your adventure. Whether you came to Mo'orea via ferry or plane, begin your drive on the coast road by heading counterclockwise towards Cook’s Bay on one the most astounding drives you have ever taken. As you round the bend into Cook’s Bay, it will be difficult to keep your eyes on the road as the mountainous remains of the collapsed volcano seem to rise right out of the sea. As you leave Cook’s bay, watch for the signs to the juice factory, where (especially in the morning hours) visitors are invited on the free tour and you can purchase a variety of products. On Mo'orea, juice is usually cheaper than soda, so try a few varieties and take your favorite back to your room with you. As gorgeous as the drive is around Cook’s Bay, the views become even better as you head into Opunohu Bay, where the cliffs envelop you in wondrous tropical splendor. In this bay, the one where Captain Cook actually anchored, it is easy to see why Cook’s crew was so reluctant to leave this paradise with such amazing scenery and where the natives were so friendly. Continue your dive to the area around Hauru Point, where there are many options for a home base during your stay in Mo'orea. For at least one dinner during your stay, consider visiting a restaurant that includes Tahitian dancing.
Day 2: On your first full day in paradise, spend your time learning about Tahitian culture at the nearby Tiki Village.
Day 3: Today, travel to the beach at Hauru Point. The beach itself is a long, thin strand, but it isn’t the beach that you come for, rather it is the snorkeling. Just off shore there are two tiny islands (motu) and the motu are so close to shore that most visitors can swim to them, enjoying wonderful snorkeling all the way. Some of the best snorkeling is in the narrow channel between the motu where stingray sightings are not uncommon. If you can’t make the swim, there are kayaks to rent by the hour for you to paddle out to the motu.
Day 4: After three blissful days on Mo'orea, pack your bags and head to the airport for the short flight to unforgettable Bora Bora. Although most people can’t tell you anything about Bora Bora including where it is located, many have heard the name, which alone evokes images of an island Shangri-La. Such images are not dampened a bit when you catch your first glimpse of the island through the plane window. The landing itself adds to the charm as the plane puts down on a thin strip of a runway on one of the small barrier islands and after disembarking, passengers boards boats which take them across the lagoon to their lodgings. After checking in, take a lagoon tour if there is still time. Otherwise, take a boat across the lagoon to one of the remote motu and spend some time relaxing at the beach. In the planning stages of your trip as you are selecting lodging, you will find that while affordable lodging can be found on Mo'orea, it is much more difficult to locate on Bora Bora. Still, you may find it difficult to come all the way to the Society Islands, without catching a glimpse of the famous island. Like Mo'orea, Bora Bora was formed from an ancient volcano, and its topography is what gives the island such allure; an island surrounded by a lagoon, which itself is surrounded by a necklace of smaller islands. Just seeing the island, even if your budget only allows a night and two days is worth the splurge; but if you have the funds, you may want to stretch your stay a few days longer. Be aware, however, that getting around is not easy or cheap. Rental cars are expensive, and the few roads on the island are narrow and worn. Bora Bora itself, is not blessed with great beaches, but thankfully, the surrounding motu have the sand you may be seeking. Normally, the motu are private enclaves for high-end hotels, but if you get to the dock and explain that you want to visit for a meal or a drink, most are accommodating and will take you across the lagoon in their boat.
Day 5: If you didn’t have time for the logon tour the day before, then take it this morning. Otherwise, visit one of the motu or spend time on the one you where you are staying. In the afternoon, head back to the airport for your flight home. Your Tahitian journey is now over, but although your wallet is a little lighter, you are bringing back priceless memories more precious than the most perfect pearl.