In Search of Tahiti Travel Suggestions

SoccerTiki and I just booked at 10 day French Polynesia Cruise departing in December. We are In Search of any suggestions of places to Visit, Places to Drink & Eat, & Things to Do while we are in Tahiti. We will be visiting the following ports Papeete, Huahine, Rangiroa, Raiatea, Bora Bora, & Moorea.

Wow!

Tiki Village on Moorea:

Gauguin Museum on Papaatee, Tahiti:

Tahiti!

swoon

I was there years ago, so I don't have any up-to-date info, but here goes - make sure to check before you go:

Huahine - the ancient fish traps and marae near Maeva. Some hotels run trips to see the feeding of the sacred blue-eyed eels, too, so that might be worth taking a look at. This was the sleepiest, most traditional island when I was there - my favorite!

Bora Bora - Shark feeding trips and pretty much anything that gets you out in that incredible water. Check out Bloody Mary's - http://oceania-island-travel.suite101.com/article.cfm/bloody_marys_restaurant_bora_bora

Papeete - the Marche' in town has a great arts and crafts market upstairs

Moorea - do a circle-island tour, either on your own or with a guide. See the Shark's Tooth and the Belvedere - great views of Cooks Bay and Opanohu Bay.

You're going to have such a great time!

We leave in 59 days...WooHoo!!! Anyone one else been to Tahiti??

Not sure how much practical advice you'll get from this, but The Travel Channel's Anthony Bourdain has a great show on French Polynesia. I just recorded it last week so it should still be on the schedule somewhere.

http://www.travelchannel.com/TV_Shows/Anthony_Bourdain/Episodes_Travel_Guides/Episode_French_Polynesia

Museum of Tahiti and Her Islands ~ you can take a cab, and i'll cost about 50000 for round trip, you pay for when they pick you up!

just bring LOTS of money with you for Tahiti, it's pretty expensive.

you can buy paero for 2 for 1500 in the upper papeete mall, just look upstairs where it's cheaper.

are you staying at the Intercontinental? if you can, go to the dinner on Les Grands Ballets de Tahiti ~ you will NEVER see a more amazing troupe. never.

the circle tours were a great way to see the islands. we didn't take the off road tours, people said they're arms hurt.

if you send me your address, i'll send you a punch card for beverages on ship.

Which cruise line?

Paul Gauguin, perhaps?

http://www.pgcruises.com/

TikiSan - We are sailing on Princess :)

Dogbytes - Mahalo for the suggestions )

BON VOYAGE!

Experience a Mountain Safari by 4-Wheel Drive

Crossing Tahiti via the Papenoo valley. The interior of the island can be crossed on a trail that follows the
large valley, rich in archaeological sites and spectacular views of impressive waterfalls.
Natura Exploration in Punaauia. Phone: 43.03.83, fax: 43.03.99, E-mail:[email protected]
Tahiti Safari Expedition. Phone : 42.14.15, fax : 42.10.07, E-Mail: [email protected]
http://www.Tahiti-safari.com
Patrick Adventure. Phone/fax: 83.29.29.

Here are 100 things to do:
http://www.tahititourisme.com/islands/tahiti/100_Things_to_Do_on_Tahiti.pdf

Hi All - Enjoyed a fabulous Tahiti adventure in September aboard the Paul Gaughin. Seven day cruise, everything included. The ship is beautiful and carries only 332 passengers so everything was easy and not crowded. My bill at the end....$33! Tahiti's raw beauty was beyond my imagination, any movies or photos. I was struck by the distinct line marking the change in water depth at the reefs. The color changed abruptly from a deep royal blue to an amazing turquoise set against the emerald green backdrop of the mountains. The outer islands are very primitive, a welcome sight. Dolphins escorted our ship through the harbor entrance. The people are pleasant, beautiful and gentle. There is no crime to speak of and a genuine sense of community and sharing. I look forward to going back, this time for a 14 day cruise to visit the Marquesas and more of the outer islands. There were many wild tiki sightings, and I especially enjoyed snorkeling and a tour of the Marae's on Raiatea by Mark Eddowes, an extremely passionate and knowledgeable archeologist. Tikis were expensive on every island...$800 for a 2-3 foot carving, and shipping I'm told is cost prohibitive. I managed to find a heavy 18" fellow for $250 just before departure and it fit in my carry-on. While all shopkeepers say their Tikis are from the Marquesas, some at the Papeete Market looked to be of questionable/Bali heritage. Outside of Papeete, the Tikis I saw appeared to be Marquesan. A truly amazing experience. Go, do, see, now while it is still primitive and pristine. It is the trip of a lifetime for this Tiki lover.

Woohoo,

My wife and I had our honeymoon on Moorea 16 years ago. Make sure and visit the Distillerie. They have a great factory tour, and you can get some of their delicious concoctions to go. Steer clear of the ginger juice, though! The "Moorea Punch" was excellent and potent as well. Have a great trip and make sure to post lots of pictures, as my wife and I have very fond memories of the island.

Cheers,

Aaron

Mahalo Mahalo to All for your Tahiti Suggestions. We are going to check out everything you suggested :)

For anyone looking for an extended cruise of the South Pacific, I just came across this:

In fall of 2011 and winter of 2012 two Holland America Line ships –– ms Westerdam and ms Rotterdam –– will sail three 30-day “Circle Hawaii, Tahiti and Marquesas Islands” explorations, visiting islands throughout French Polynesia and the Aloha state. Westerdam’s voyage sails round trip from San Diego, Calif., and departs Sept. 29, 2011. Rotterdam also sails round trip from San Diego and departs Jan. 4 and March 4, 2012. During the voyages the ships will call at Hilo, Lahaina, Honolulu and Hawaii; Fanning Island, Kiribati; Rarotonga in the Cook Islands, and Raiatea, Bora Bora, Papeete, Moorea, Rangiroa and Nuku Hiva, French Polynesia.

Highlights of the journey include crossing the equator and international date line. Cruise fares for Westerdam’s “Circle Hawaii, Tahiti and Marquesas Islands” voyage begin at $3,699 for 30-day, $3,899 for the 34-day and $3,949 for the 35-day journey. Rotterdam cruise fares begin at $3,999. All fares are per person, double occupancy. For more information call 1-800-522-3399 or visit http://www.hollandamerica.com.

The cruise ship Paul Gauguin has a glassed-in tiki in some of the guest rooms.
http://maritimematters.com/2013/03/paul-gauguin-in-paradise-part-one/

http://www.pgcruises.com

While on the cruise you can also attend a lecture by Mark Eddowes.
"Mark is an acknowledged authority and researcher in the field of Polynesian anthropology. On almost every voyage, you will have the opportunity to attend an entertaining and enlightening lecture given by this renowned archaeologist and scholar—and gifted raconteur."