Better known by the name of its main island, Tahiti, French Polynesia an overseas country of France is actually made up of five island groups: the Society Islands, Austral Islands, Marquesas Islands, Tuamotu atolls and the Gambier Archipelago, also known as the Mangareva Islands.
The island closest to Tahiti is Moorea, just 11 miles northwest, while Bora Bora is miles northwest of Tahiti. See links to blog posts about each port at the bottom of the page. Accommodations throughout French Polynesia are most often found on or near the water. Bora Bora is famous for its overwater bungalows, although they are also found in Tahiti and Moorea.
My stay in an overwater bungalow at the Hilton Bora Bora Nui , was unforgettable. In , pre- and post-cruise stays were at Le Meridien Resort , Tahiti. Diving and snorkeling, beach and watersports, shark feeding, stingray feeding, visiting pineapple plantations, touring, and shopping. Polynesian black pearls are available for purchase in all price ranges.
Poisson cru is the national dish of Tahiti — raw fish and diced vegetables soaked in coconut milk and marinated with lime juice. Direct flights from mainland U. The vibe outside this area is, as you would expect — laid back and relaxing. The French Polynesians I encountered were gracious, warm and friendly. On Bora Bora , stay in an overwater bungalow. Swim and snorkel in the multi-hued waters of the lagoon.
Dive outside the lagoon with sharks and manta rays. And now, standing on that very spot, I was mesmerized by the gemstone shades of blue water below me — aquamarine, sapphire and topaz. I had just left the spa, where I had a full body massage, and was about to return to my overwater bungalow by golf cart, the preferred mode of transport across the sprawling acre Hilton Bora Bora Nui Resort.
