Tahiti Islands
TAHITI
Tahiti
is often considered the Queen of the Pacific and is appropriately
crowned by a circle of majestic peaks. The islands diverse terrain
leaves the visitor endless options. The mountainous interior of
Tahiti boasts plunging waterfalls, meandering clear streams, hillsides
of the rainforests’ lush vegetation which are filled with
many varieties of ferns and iridescent flowers. The impact on the
senses can be intoxicating. All of these sights can be experienced
by a day trip or a circle island tour. Papeete is the thriving capitol
city with its narrow city streets lined with bustling shops, fine
restaurants, museums, and the famous open air market, Le Marche.
Tahiti also is the home of breathtaking black sand beaches which
cannot be found on any other French Polynesian island.
MOOREA
Moorea
is another jewel in the crown of the Pacific. Moorea soars out of
the Pacific Ocean with a blanket of green vegetation covering its
steeple like peaks. Cascading waterfalls flow into deep forested
valleys filled with farms of pineapples and vanilla. The vibrant
colors and invigorating smells will once again shock your senses.
Encircled by a barrier reef, Moorea is known for its shallow and
calm lagoons of aqua blue and its two famous bays, Opunohu and Cooks
Bay both bays can be viewed on the point of Mt Belvedere...not to
be missed, it is spectacular! Even Hollywood was captured by its
beauty, locations of movies such Mutiny in the Bounty and the Love
Affair. Visitors are always encouraged to rent scooters or a car
to shop for pearls, handicrafts, local artwork, and dine at some
of Moorea’s finest restaurants.
HUAHINE
Huahine
is known as the Garden of Eden and may be French Polynesia’s
best kept secret with its untamed and lush forests, crystal blue
lagoons and virtually untouched by tourism compared to Bora Bora
and Moorea. For those who long to get away from it all and relax
in natures breathtaking surroundings, Huahine is for you. Visitors
can do a circle island tour and see some of French Polynesia’s
most famous Marae (open air sanctuaries); stunning palm fringed
white sand beaches, sacred fresh water eels, aromatic vanilla farms,
and quaint towns painted in pastel colors. Huahine’s few residents
are warm and hospitable welcoming visitors to their island to experience
the best of French Polynesia.
RAIATEA
Raiatea,
the most Sacred Island in the South Pacific, was first named Havai’I
after the homeland of the ancient Polynesians. Raiatea was the center
of religion and culture around 1000 years ago, legends and myths
lend enchantment to Raiatea’s azure reefs. Enclosed inside
a reef, Raiatea offers sharp cliffs which plunge straight in to
the lagoons below creating quite spectacular coastlines that lack
beaches. Visitors are able to take part in unique experiences which
are enhanced by old legends of Raiatea. Raiatea houses the Polynesian
Mount Olympus, the celebrated Mount Temehani.
TAHA’A
Taha’a
is the sister island of Raiatea and is known as the Vanilla Island.
The aroma of Vanilla lingers heavily in the air. Taha’a offers
a glimpse of the traditional, tranquil life of Tahitians. Taha’a
is the home of French Polynesians newest and most upscale resort,
the Taha’a Pearl Beach Resort. Taha’a is another one
of the islands that seems to off the beaten path of tourists and
is pristine. Across the gin clear water of Taha’a’s
lagoons are picturesque white sand beaches framed with leaning palm
trees dipping into the lagoons and thriving coral gardens. Taha’a
offers some of the most breathtaking sunsets with Bora Bora off
in the background. Taha’a is not to be missed.
BORA BORA
Bora
Bora is considered to be the prized jewel in the crown of the Pacific
and is flocked to by Honeymooners and lovers. The lush tropical
island which has slopes and steep mountains dotted with vibrant
colors of the hibiscus blossoms is nearly completely circled by
blinding white sand islets and motus. Bora Bora is considered the
most romantic and one of the most beautiful islands in the world.
The variation in the colors of the lagoons is almost unimaginable.
The best way to experience Bora Bora’s pallet of colors is
by bicycle. A visitor can partake in several thrilling activities
or the art of doing nothing at all.
RANGIROA
Rangiroa
is known as the Island of the Long Sky. This island appears from
the sky to be a pearl necklace laid upon the water like a string
of coral encircling a luminous turquoise and jade green lagoon.
More than 200 motus line the fragile reef which protects infinite
schools of marine life that fill the gin clear lagoons of the world’s
second-largest atoll. Rangiroa is a paradise for divers and beachcombers.
All this set in a picture postcard world.
MANIHI
Manihi
is far from the modern world’s complicated lifestyle. Manihi
offers its visitors secluded white sand beaches, and another pristine
lagoon. Manihi is the hidden pearl of the Pacific and once visitors
arrive there are submerged in paradise. Manihi is the home of the
first black pearl farm and visitors can visit a working pearl farm,
stroll through a quiet village or relax on a hammock between two
palm trees in the warmth of the afternoon sun.
