Travel Guide to Tahiti: Bora Bora, Moorea & Papeete
Tahiti is a unique paradise with much to see and do. This French Polynesian island is known for scuba diving, sailing, surfing, and even shark viewing for the more adventurous travelers. Though it is the largest island in French Polynesia, it is one of the most secluded. This makes it the perfect destination for a romantic getaway. Read on for more details on this enchanting island!
There are many distinct areas of Tahiti. The most commonly visited are Bora Bora, Moorea and Papeete. Find out a little mroe about each of these areas below, plus what to do if you decide to visit.
Bora Bora
Bora Bora is one of the more popular islands out of the Society Islands of Tahiti. It has near-perfect, postcard-worthy beauty and this is probably the place you most often see when it comes to Tahitian islands. It is located about 140 miles northwest of Tahiti’s capital of Papeete, and is most notable for its overwater bungalows. People visit Bora Bora for luxury, romance and relaxation. It is surrounded by a breathtaking blue lagoon and barrier reef, and is ranked as one of the most gorgeous islands in the South Pacific. In addition, the remains of an extinct volcano rising into 2 peaks at its center adds to the overall beauty of Bora Bora.
Best things to do in Bora Bora
With crystal clear waters and average temperatures in the high 70’s or low 80’s year-round, Bora Bora is an ideal place for a lot of water activities. Most notably, it is a great destination for snorkeling. We suggest you book a shark and ray tour to swim with black-tipped reef sharks and sting rays. Other water activities like kayaking and paddle boating are popular here. You should also make some time to visit the Turtle Sanctuary at Le Meridien, where you can observe these beautiful animals and swim with them.
Moorea
Moorea is the second most popular region of Tahiti when it comes to vacationers. It is known for lush, majestic landscapes and is much cheaper than Bora Bora. In addition, it has a lot less visitors than Bora Bora resulting in less tourist crowds. In addition to the gorgeous blue-green waters surrounding Moorea, it is also home to rural farming landscapes. Additionally, it is famous for its pineapple plantations. In fact, you can book a day tour of one of these plantations during your visit. Moorea is also a great place for surfers to visit. It is home to Haapiti, one of the most consistent surf breaks in the world. It is also famous for some fantastic dive sites where you can often see dolphins and reef sharks up close and personal.
Best things to do in Moorea
As stated above, you should make some time to visit one of the pineapple plantations if you visit Moorea. In addition, you may want to visit the Moorea Dolphin Center, where you can swim with dolphins that worked for the US government. Cool! You can also get an authentic Polynesian tattoo while you are in Moorea.
Papeete
Papeete is the capital and largest city of French Polynesia. It is a busy harbor town that is frequented by luxury cruise ships and chartered yachts. Although it does not have the same allure of tropical paradise as some of the neighboring islands, Papeete still has its own French and Polynesian charm. Papeete is famous for its black pearls, and it is also home to a wide range of handcrafted goods including French fashions. Out of the three islands discussed in this post, this is the French Polynesian island that you want to visit if you are looking for fantastic sidewalk cafes, shopping and a local art scene. Food here can be a bit pricey, but there are also food trucks (known here as “Roulottes”) that offer cheap eats on the go. Perfect for exploring! You can find these along the waterfront park and enjoy a variety of foods and cuisines, both local and otherwise.
Best things to do in Papeete
As mentioned above, Papeete is a great place to shop. For a very unique Tahiti souvenir, head to the Tahiti Pearl Market. Here you can purchase some of their famous black pearls. You can also venture more inland for the Faarumai Waterfalls and the Water Gardens of Vaipahi.
Want to book your own tour of Tahiti? Call us today at 402-390-9291 and stay tuned for our upcoming guide on the best places to stay in Bora Bora, Moorea & Papeete.
Tahiti is a French Polynesia island that includes incomparable water activities like idyllic scuba diving, sailing, surfing even swimming with sharks for your more adventurous travelers. Although the largest island in French Polynesia, it is nevertheless one of the most secluded, which makes this destination perfect for a romantic getaway.
Whether you are planning a honeymoon, family vacation or group getaway, start with this list of the best Tahiti resorts. Read on below!
Bora Bora
St. Regis Bora Bora Resort
Firstly, if you are looking for a lavish, luxurious 5-star resort, you cannot go wrong with the St. Regis Bora Bora Resort. This sprawling 44-acre resort matches blissful Polynesian paradise with flawless signature service. With tons of room categories to choose from, including overwater villas and beachfront suites with a private pool, you’re surLe Méridien Bora Borae to have an unforgettable stay at this grand property. In addition, a European meal plan is available. Ask your Enchanted Travel agent for more details on this option.
Le Méridien Bora Bora
The completely renovated Le Méridien Bora Bora resort is set on a magnificent islet surrounded by the most beautiful lagoon in the world. Here you’ll find stunning sights overlooking Mount Otemanu. This property offers a wide array of accommodation options, including two bedroom pool beach villas that will fit up to 4 adults + 4 children. In addition, you can stay in an overwater bungalow at this property as well. In addition, a European meal plan is available. Ask your Enchanted Travel agent for more details on this option.
Maitai Polynesia Bora Bora
For the more budget-conscious Tahiti travelers, book your stay at Maitai Polynesia Bora Bora resort. Let yourself be soothed by the serenity of nature in its purest form, the most beautiful sunsets, a perfect beach and a turquoise lagoon of dazzling beauty, rich in coral and tropical fish, rays, sharks and all manner of fascinating marine life. Overwater bungalows are also available here, and you can add on a meal plan or breakfast to your package. In addition, a European meal plan is available. Ask your Enchanted Travel agent for more details on this option.
Moorea
Sofitel Moorea Ia Ora Beach Resort
Sofitel Moorea Ia Ora Beach Resort sits on a crystal clear lagoon with white sand beach and at its back jagged green mountain reaching into the clouds.Sofitel Moorea Ia Ora Beach Resort is an ideal honeymoon resort or destination for a magnifique island wedding. In addition, a European meal plan is available. Ask your Enchanted Travel agent for more details on this option.
Hilton Moorea Lagoon Resort & Spa
Hilton Moorea Lagoon Resort & Spa is nestled between two bays on the heart-shaped island of Moorea and is set against a beautiful mountain backdrop which melts into a crystal clear lagoon. Overwater bunglaow options are available on this property, as well as European meal plans and free breakfast. In addition, kids eat free here!
Papeete
Tahiti Ia Ora Beach Resort by Sofitel
In the colorful Punaauia region, the authentic Tahiti Ia Ora Beach Resort by Sofitel sits along a beautiful white sand beach and faces out toward the island of Moorea. Completely redesigned in 2010, the resort features a variety of ocean view rooms and overwater bungalows. Each of these is compelte with a private deck. Amenities include a sand-bottom pool and poolside bar, two restaurants, and an activities center with water sports equipment. In addition, a European meal plan is available. Ask your Enchanted Travel agent for more details on this option.
Manava Suite Resort Tahiti
Lastly, situated on the west side of the island, Manava Suite Hotel boasts the largest infinity pool on the island, complete with the popular Taapuna Pool Bar, where a sunset cocktail is the highlight of the day, as the rich reds and oranges light up the ocean and spread spectacularly across the sky. In addition, a European meal plan is available. Ask your Enchanted Travel agent for more details on this option.
Call us today at 402-390-9291 in order to book your own getaway to one of these gorgeous islands of Tahiti! In addition, visit our recent blog post for more info about Tahiti and what to do here.