French Polynesia: A Warm Look Back on a Cold February Day!
Bora Bora
French Polynesia (FP), on a cold February day I look back warmly on a bucket list trip aboard the Paul Gauguin for a special anniversary in 2012, more than ten years ago! If FP is in your future, let Jeff’s images inspire you to plan a trip to one of the truly most beautiful places we’ve ever been. I joked at the time that no matter which way you looked, it was postcard views (and today we’d say “Instagram” views) in every direction! We didn’t begin our blog till 2014, so I’ve never had a chance to share this amazing trip on GoSeeItTravel. Grab a cup of cocoa and transport yourself to a warm tropical paradise!
Aboard the Paul Gauguin
Seeing an archipelago by ship is a convenient way to get from island to island, ferries and flights are also available, but sailing an all inclusive small cruise ship with a sports platform, was a truly relaxing way to see the area! To see our Ships Tour Click here.
Intercontinental Resort in Tahiti
Tahiti
Before embarking on the Paul Gauguin, we stayed at the Intercontinental in Tahiti, and took a jeep tour to the lush, mountainous side of the island. We also explored the local market in Papeete, the capital and business center of FP.
Jeep Tour
Click an image to expand- Around the Intercontinental in Tahiti
Market in Papeete
Raitea
Our Sunday morning visit coincided with church, many families gathered in the port town, Mama’s (affectionate term for older women) went to church, while the Papas (the older men) gathered on benches around town to meet friends, have a beer and relax. Everyone shopped at the local supermarket carrying boxes of diapers and groceries home!
Raitea click any image to enlarge
Bora Bora
We anchored overnight in Bora Bora and enjoyed two days ashore. One day by water, taking a boat tour and snorkeling and the next day by land, taking a jeep tour to explore WWII relics and learning about the agricultural and pearl industries.
Imagine our surprise when after returning home, we saw our tour guide, Patrick, “starring” in Amazing Race, helping contestants to complete a Road Block! Our boat Tour Included snorkeling with sharks and rays, and circumnavigating the island, while Patrick serenaded us on the ukulele.
Bora Bora by water, sharks and rays!
Bora Bora by land; Jeep tour
Moorea
Moorea
In Moorea we again had an overnight stay and two days to play. We’d planned another day by sea and day by land, but the snorkeling trip with a whale researcher was scuttles and instead we toured an archeological site with a local archeologist on one day and rented bicycles and pedaled up the Belvedere; the highest point on the island,
Archeological project at an ancient Polynesian village.
Biking in Moorea
Hope this warm memory of French Polynesia warmed up your (northern hemisphere) February and get you dreaming of your next adventure!
Outrigger canoe in Tahiti