Destinations And Sightseeing

A. Bora Bora

The island of Bora Bora is one of the Leeward Islands and is situated some 150 miles northwest of Tahiti. The island's hills and valleys are covered with Hibiscus and the coastal waters have an abundance of different types of colorful fish and sun-soaked corals. One of the most memorable experiences of the island is the journey from the airport to the main village of Vaitape as the road leading to the village is dotted with palm trees, which feels like entering a fairytale.

The Island is one of the most beautiful in the world and it looks really stunning when you view it from the plane while arriving on the island. The small island is surrounded by a spectacular lagoon that has shades of blue and turquoise. The island's skyline is dominated by the magnificent twin mountains namely Mount Otemanu and Mount Pahia that rise from the center of the island. The peaks are often draped in white clouds, which add to the magic and mysticism of the island. Together with its awe-inspiring peaks and sparkling lagoon, the island has become one of the most sought after destinations in Tahiti.

B. Moorea

The island is located just eleven miles from Tahiti and is famous for it's jagged peaks and spires. While on the island, you can enjoy the breathtaking view of the volcanic peaks reflected against the serene waters of the Cook's bay and Opunohu's bay. The experience of just walking along the island's white sandy beaches and multi-hued lagoons is simply awe-inspiring.

The island has a circumference of just 37 miles and access to the coastline is via paved roads, which means that you can easily encircle the whole island in a single day on a bicycle or car. While exploring the island, you can stop at the villages and boutiques that are located along the paved roads. Other options available on the island include horse riding on the beach, hiking along the path leading to a hidden waterfall, and driving to the Belvedere lookout point, which offers spectacular views of Opunohu and Cook's Bays. You can also hire a boat to view the island from a distance. If you have time, do not forget to experience local Tahitian food, which is cooked in a pit filled with heated volcanic stones.

C. Huahine

The island is situated some 110 miles from Tahiti in the northwest direction and belongs to the group of Leeward Society Islands that are visible from Raiatea, Tahaa and Bora Bora. The island is characterized by lush green forests, beautiful mountains, and white sandy beaches. The island actually comprises of two islands namely Huahine Nui and Huahine-Iti, which are joined together by a thin landmass and are surrounded by coral reefs. Other islets located nearby provide the necessary land for Huahine's watermelon and cantaloupe industry. A 20 mile road, mostly unpaved passes through the two islands along small villages that are home to some 5,411 inhabitants.

Options available to visitors include horseback riding, bicycle tours, lagoon excursions, motorboat cruises, scuba diving, and deep-sea fishing. The island is a surfer's delight as the popular surfing spot; the Avamoa Pass is located on the island. The island is home to the quaint port of Fare, which comes to life on shipping days and the sleepy village of Parea where little has changed since many centuries. On the island, you will also find the village of Maeva, which resembles an open-air museum and is home to some ancient sacrificial temples that were constructed some one thousand years ago.

D. Rangiroa

The island is just an hour's flight from Tahiti and has a lagoon measuring 42 miles long and 16 mile wide, which makes it the largest atoll in the Tuamotu Archipelago and the second largest atoll in the world. Surfers from all over the world flock to this island to experience the powerful currents generated due to the rise and fall of ocean tides. You can either practice snorkeling in the shallow waters or indulge yourself in the more adventurous drift dives, both of which guarantee a myriad of underwater sea life.

The island is home to two small villages, namely Tiputa and Avatoru, both of which have a population of around seven hundred. While on the island, do not forget to visit the Kia Ora Sauvage Resort, which is built around a unique, natural setting and offers a peaceful and solitary environment to visitors. Other activities possible on the island include sailing, fishing, and para sailing.

E. Manihi

The island is situated in the Tuamotu Archipelago, some 311 miles from Tahiti in the northeast direction. It is a dream destination for tourists originating from different parts of the world as the island has all the modern facilities and infrastructure. Most parts of the island are lined with palm trees and the white sandy beaches are considered appropriate for indulging in a host of activities such as scuba diving, snorkeling, and spear fishing.

The island has a wonderful lagoon, which is 19 miles long and 3.5 miles wide and is home to many black pearl farms located along the deep navigable pass through the reef. The lagoon waters are the best place to explore the island's underwater flora and fauna. The island has a population of just 800 inhabitants and most of them live in the small village of Turipaoa, which is located behind the pass.

F. Tikehau

The atoll is situated at a distance of two hundred miles from Tahiti in the northeast direction and is supposed to have been created due to a natural phenomenon wherein the coral rises above the sea level and gradually erodes away. The egg-shaped atoll comprises of a chain of several hundred flat islands surrounding a wonderful lagoon, which thrives with different species of sea life. The atoll's population of 350 residents lives in the small village of Tuherahera where the daily life of residents is associated with fishing and tending to small gardens in front of their homes.

The main attractions of Tikehau are the beaches and the remarkable snorkeling and scuba diving opportunities. If you long for miles of beautiful pink sand beaches, gleaming turquoise water, and a serene atmosphere then Tikehau is the best place for you. If you long for solitude, you can take a paddleboat and go to any of the deserted islets located nearby for spending the day in complete seclusion.

G. Raiatea

The island is situated some 119 miles northwest of Tahiti and is the second largest in the country. The local people believe that the island was the birthplace of their gods and the associated religion and culture. The island is home to some of the most significant and well-preserved religious sites in Tahiti and is also suitable for sailing, deep-sea fishing and scuba diving. It is the same place from where entire tribes sailed off for colonizing new regions such as the Hawaiian Islands and New Zealand.

A semi-paved road passes through the island, along lush valleys and broad flatland, past farms and orchards. There are numerous passes along the lagoon that also connect to the nearby island of Tahaa. The most interesting aspect of the island is that there are no beaches as the main island is surrounded by several tiny islands that are excellent for swimming and relaxing.