Monday newsletters at all times function high 10 journey lists to encourage.
Today : Top 10 greatest issues to see & do French Polynesia
Commonly known as “The Islands of Tahiti”, French Polynesia is a set of 118 islands and atolls scattered throughout a powerful nautical floor space the scale of Western Europe. The islands – that are dwelling to some fabulous luxurious resorts – are located midway between Los Angeles, California and Sydney, Australia. Few locations on the earth have a extra unique really feel to their identify than French Polynesia has. Some of those islands, like Bora Bora and Moorea are amongst probably the most lovely and paradisiac islands on the earth, and it’s no marvel that legendary artists like Paul Gaughin or Jacques Brel as soon as referred to as them dwelling. Here’s my high 10 record of the most effective issues to see & do in French Polynesia.
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10. FLY WITH AIR TAHITI NUI
If you wish to begin your vacation to French Polynesia earlier than even setting a foot on the islands, I like to recommend to fly with Air Tahitu Nui, the nation’s flagship provider. In 2019, Air Tahiti Nui completely renewed its fleet by 4 Boeing 787-9s, which it proudly calls its “Tahitian Dreamliners”. One of the nice issues about flying with Air Tahiti Nui is the tropical ambiance of its plane, which immerses you within the “mana” of the Tahitian island as quickly as you step onboard (learn my evaluation right here). For instance, a floor-to-ceiling photograph of Bora Bora island takes middle stage within the airplane’s entry galley, a reminder that the airplane is about to move to one of many world’s most lovely paradises. Upon getting into the airplane, the historically dressed and at all times smiling cabin crew additionally palms out Tiare flowers, the nationwide flower of the islands of Tahiti. It all evokes a way of vacation, which helps to depart behind the annoyances and stress of attending to and thru the airport. Air Tahiti Nui offers service to Tahiti from Paris, Los Angeles, Seattle, Auckland and Tokyo. Through partnerships and code share agreements, the airways provides connections from 30+ different locations, together with Sydney, Beijing and New York.
9. EXPLORE THE ISLAND OF MOOREA
Believed to have impressed the legendary Bali Hai from James Michener’s Tales of the South Pacific, Moorea is without doubt one of the most scenically putting islands in French Polynesia. Possessing a relaxed vibe and welcoming spirit, Moorea is simply as heat and welcoming because the Tahitians fortunate sufficient to name this island dwelling. Located solely ten nautical miles from Tahiti, Moorea is well accessible by ferry or airplane from Papeete. This proximity, coupled with the island’s receptive and neighborly nature, makes Moorea a favourite vacation spot for vacationers. Still, Moorea has managed to keep up its small island really feel regardless of this recognition and the presence of some internationally branded resorts. The attraction towards Moorea comes as no shock; the island is a geographical marvel. Eight voluminous mountain peaks rise from its translucent lagoon, creating a particular and rugged silhouette seen from the western coast of Tahiti. Splitting the northern shore are two symmetrical bays: Cook’s (Paopao) and Opunohu Bay. The island is roughly formed like a coronary heart from overhead; and within the theme of affection and romance, Moorea is without doubt one of the high honeymoon locations in Tahiti -second solely to Bora Bora.
8. WATCH SURFERS AT TEAHUPOO, THE WORLD’S HEAVIEST WAVE
Made up of two elements – the bigger a part of the island referred to as Tahiti Nui and the smaller part referred to as Tahiti Iti – the island of Tahiti is a paradise for water sports activities of every kind. This contains rise up paddle-boarding, canoeing, kayaking and physique boarding, however the browsing here’s a second to none, particularly for those who like your waves heavy. The greatest time to surf in Tahiti is from May to August in the course of the dry season. The surf breaks alongside the south and southwest coasts are reef breaks, with massive hole waves just like these present in Hawaii. Another standard season for surf is October to March when swells from the north and are usually higher for much less skilled surfers as they’re much less heavy and extra wall-like than the hole waves that hit in the summertime. If you want to learn to surf, Tahiti have a number of good surf colleges you can go to.
Every August, Tahiti Iti turns into the house to the Tahiti Pro Teahupoo surf occasion hosted by the World Surf League. Professional surfers come from everywhere in the world to compete within the crushing swell and ominous coral reef of Teahupoo, positioned on the southeast coast of Tahiti. Known because the “heaviest” wave on the earth, Teahupoo or “Chopes” as it’s typically referred to as, is an final surf spot for a lot of skilled surfers. It is well-known for constant barrels and whereas the waves are heavy, it is usually shallow so this spot is taken into account too harmful for all however probably the most skilled surfers. Travelers with none browsing expertise can nonetheless exit on a ship with Teahupoo Adventures for a one hour tour, watching the well-known Teahupoo waves and its surfers at shut vary.
7. DISCOVER THE ARCHIPELAGO’S MOUNAINEOUS INLAND SCENERY
The Islands of Tahiti are famed for his or her crystal-clear turquoise lagoons, beautiful seashores and picturesque overwater bungalows. But though a big a part of a tropical island’s attraction lies round its coast, it’s completely price venturing into the rugged interiors of French Polynesia’s bigger mountainous islands akin to Tahiti, Bora Bora and Moorea. Home to spectacular waterfalls, putting mountain peaks, lush valleys, and historical ruins, there may be a lot to be explored and appreciated. Whether you’re a newbie or extra superior, there are many alternatives for mountain climbing in French Polynesia. Most mountain climbing trails result in lookouts with sweeping views, river slides, volcanic valleys and swimmable rock swimming pools. On the distant Marquesas Islands, you’ll be able to even mix mountain climbing with a horseback journey throughout the plateaus and valleys that really feel untouched by human contact. A native information is really helpful, as entry to lots of the trailheads might be difficult; sure areas require hikers to acquire permits beforehand, and others can solely be accessed by 4 wheel drive.
6. RELAX ON A TROPICAL BEACH
With 118 islands dotted within the mighty blue South Pacific Ocean, French Polynesia has, as you most likely anticipate, some fairly superior seashores. From the black sand seashores on Tahiti’s east coast to the pristine white sand seashores on Bora Bora, guests will take pleasure in turquoise water and plush vegetation irrespective of which seashore they select. Except within the Marquesas, that are nearly devoid of coral, most islands in French Polynesia have bathtub-like lagoons that lap on white-coral sands draped by coconut palms. Some of the archipelago’s greatest seashores are Matira Beach (Bora Bora), La Plage De Maui (Tahiti), and Temae Plage Publique (Moorea). No matter what seashore you go to in French Polynesia, at all times be respectful, pack out what you pack in and take care of them like an area. Now seize a towel, some sunscreen and a very good e-book to arrange to lounge within the solar on a number of the greatest seashores on the earth.
5. EXPLORE BORA BORA’S VIBRANT LAGOON
Just 12 miles (19 km lengthy), the plush little slipper of land referred to as Bora Bora lies in one of many world’s most lovely lagoons. The lagoon’s clear, turquoise waters and the encircling coral reef make for some memorable snorkeling with tropical-colored fish, innocent reef sharks and large manta rays gliding leisurely by the coral gardens. Numerous firms supply day-trip excursions, however Lagoon Service is really helpful for its well-maintained boats, pleasant ukulele-playing guides, and glorious Polynesian fare. Guests get to cruise across the islands and make stops to snorkel in coral gardens, swim amongst playful rays, and expertise the joys of swimming with docile sharks. The journey concludes with a lunch, loved at a desk arrange within the shallow aquamarine water. The picnic contains every little thing from poisson cru to coconut bread and all kinds of recent fruits.
4. STAY AT THE BRANDO
The Brando is the final word luxurious resort in French Polynesia and one of many world’s most unique non-public island resorts. Just 30 miles (50 km) north of Tahiti, the resort is positioned within the breathtakingly lovely non-public atoll of Tetiaroa, which is comprised of a dozen idyllic islands surrounding a spectacular lagoon. With entry supplied by non-public airplane, the atoll provides carefree luxurious within the midst of pristine nature and is a particular place of uncommon biodiversity and a pure sanctuary for birds and marine life. The all-inclusive The Brando Resort options 35 deluxe villas every with its personal non-public seashore space and plunge pool, eating places showcasing Polynesian and French delicacies, an expensive Polynesian spa, a seashore bar & pool, natural backyard, library, boutique, water sports activities, and an environmental analysis station with visitor packages. It was on this pure wonderland that the legendary actor Marlon Brando settled down, and eventually discovered his dwelling. Read my evaluation of The Brando right here (or watch my YouTube video under).
3. FLY OVER BORA BORA’S STUNNING LANDSCAPE IN A HELICOPTER
One of the most effective methods to discover the island of Bora Bora – and its an infinite palette of blues and greens – is from the sky throughout a panoramic helicopter flight between steep mountains and probably the most lovely lagoon on the earth! Tahiti Nui Helicopters, specialist in panoramic helicopter flights over French Polynesia and a subsidiary of Air Tahiti Nui – provides unique excursions over Bora Bora on board their helicopters. After a security briefing together with your pilot, you may be outfitted with a headset with microphones and luxuriate in a guided tour of this magnificent island with chicken’s eye views of the lagoon, the overwater bungalows, Mt Otemanu and the assorted motus that encompass the island. The 10, 20 or 30-minute helicopter flights might be booked on a shared- or private-flight foundation. The 30-minute tour reaches so far as the well-known island of Tupai, the center formed island positioned subsequent to Bora Bora.
2. STAY IN AN OVERWATER BUNGALOW IN BORA BORA
Symbol of exoticism, romanticism, and an absolute dream for 1000’s of vacationers, nothing says leisure and luxurious like an overwater bungalow. It’s the place you’ll be able to really immerse your self within the seascape with out really being at sea. While you’ll suppose that this fashion of lodging has existed for hundreds of years, and definitely many cultures nonetheless reside in floating homes, the idea of overwater bungalows really originated within the Sixties in French Polynesia. Back in 1967, three Californians, Hugh Kelley, Muk McCallum, and Jay Carlisle, later often known as the “Bali Hai Boys”, constructed their very first resort in Moorea. With no seashores or sand to fulfill vacationers, they developed an concept that will profoundly rework tourism on the earth: why not enable direct entry to the lagoon and observe marine life from a room constructed above the water. The overwater bungalow was thus born. The resort’s recognition rocketed after an opportunity function within the December 1962 challenge of Life journal, and the idea unfold all through Tahiti.
From the second they opened, Marlon Brando stayed within the overwater bungalows, and in the present day, the romance of Robinson Crusoe remains to be successful with the celebs. Leonardo DiCaprio, Beyoncé, Keanu Reeves, Ellen Degeneres, Justin Bieber, Catherine Deneuve and Vincent Cassel, to call however just a few, have all stayed in an over water bungalow within the turquoise waters of Tahiti and its islands. Today there are tons of of over water bungalows in French Polynesia, unfold throughout 22 resorts discovered on seven islands. All however one are discovered within the Society Islands, and Bora Bora particularly, which provides probably the most unique overwater resorts. The Four Seasons Bora Bora, St Regis Bora Bora, Conrad Bora Bora Nui and the InterContinental Bora Bora Resort & Thalasso Spa all present luxurious overwater lodging with a backdrop of lush, verdant mountains and peaks.
1. SWIM WITH HUMBACK WHALES
Humpback whales are seasonal guests to French Polynesia. From early August to the tip of October, the large animals are considerable within the clear and heat waters across the archipelago as they seek for a mate or nurse their younger. French Polynesia declared itself a Marine Mammal Sanctuary in 2002 providing safety to the entire 20 species of whales and dolphins discovered right here. It can be one of many few international locations on the earth the place it’s allowed to swim with whales. Several tour operators supply whale watch boat excursions, hosted by a group of marine biologists and naturalist guides. Tourists are solely allowed to enter the water with humpback whales after a biologist on board has noticed their floor exercise and deems it protected and non-invasive for each the visitors and the whales. Although sightings are by no means assured, your greatest possibilities for recognizing (and swimming with) whales is on the island of Moorea.
Below you’ll be able to watch a video in 4K documenting my whale watch journey in Tahiti (which I booked with an organization referred to as Topdive, based mostly on the InterContinental Tahiti Resort & Spa). Looking humpback whales within the eye whereas swimming with them is a very unforgettable journey that touched my soul in an unimaginable manner. I used to be extraordinarily fortunate to have an unimaginable shut encounter with a household of three magnificent whales who stayed with our small group for a couple of hour! I recorded the whole expertise in 4K with my GoPro.
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