French Polynesia
If you grew up watching re-runs of Gilligan's Island and couldn't figure out why the castaways were so desperate to get off the island, you're not alone. In fact, if you ever watch the director's cut from the movie Castaway, starring Tom Hanks, you'll hear about the challenges of trying to make a deserted South Pacific island look unappealing to overworked urbanites longing for a few days in the sun.
The truth be known, I've only visited these islands twice, but both times they exceeded my expectations. They're just so stunningly beautiful, you've really got to see them to believe them. The good news is that you don't have to be a millionaire to do this. You just have to be flexible and know when and how to go. I'm hoping this section will help you get there.
Air Tahiti Nui runs periodic airfare sales, routing winter flights from Paris through Los Angeles. If these flights aren't full, any unsold seats are discounted to maximize capacity, and when you figure in inflation, they're actually less expensive that they were twenty years ago. In my mind they're a real bargain.
Tahiti- the main island
Above: Surf spot at Teahupoo, Tahiti (courtesy of Sean Davey).
Why go?
beautiful island with plenty of services
reef-protected crystal clear waters, ideal for swimming
world-class snorkeling
some of the best surf spots on Earth
developed country with excellent sanitation
warm, tropical weather
very low crime rate
an easy 8-hour flight from Los Angeles
affordable luxury
Above: Faa'a International Airport
Know before you go
All transpacific flights arrive on Tahiti in Papeete at Faa'a International Airport.
From here, you can walk to the domestic terminal and catch an inter-island Air Tahiti flight to another island.
Air Tahiti Nui is a trans-pacific carrier.
Air Tahiti is a local carrier. These are NOT the same airline.
The ferry terminal (for Moorea) is a 12-minute taxi ride from the airport,.
Bargain flights from Los Angeles arrive close to midnight, so you may need to get a hotel room for the night.
pre and post-flight COVID testing is no longer required.
There are currently no luggage storage facilities available at Faa'a International.
French is the official language of French Polynesia, but English is widely spoken.
The currency is CPF franc; currently CPF 100= 88 cents US.
Moorea
Above: Moorea's reef-protected waters seen from the air.
Why go?
beautiful island with lots of empty beaches
reef-protected crystal clear waters, ideal for swimming
an easy 30 min ferry ride ($15) from Tahiti
more of an island vibe than Tahiti.
plenty of services
world-class snorkeling
developed country with excellent sanitation
very low crime rate
less expensive than Bora Bora
Above: Hauru Public Beach, Moorea- absolute perfection!
Know before you go
Visitors can arrive by air or ferry.
You will need a rental car to get around.
Rental cars with manual or automatic transmissions are available.
There are two large, well-stocked grocery stores on the island; I prefer Champion.
There are 3 gasoline stations on Moorea.
Mosquitos can be a problem any time of year.
Bring and wear a shirt to wear in the water to avoid getting sunburned on your first day.
Bora Bora
Above: Bora Bora and lagoon as seen from Motu Mute
Why go?
unparalleled beauty; you have to see the lagoon to believe it!
Matira Beach is said to be among the prettiest in the world.
To cycle around the 20-mile paved road.
For the reef-protected crystal clear waters, ideal for swimming and snorkeling
very laid back, relaxing island
clean, safe environment
warm, tropical weather
very low crime rate
an easy 50-minute flight from Papeete
To take advantage of the only affordable over-water bungalow I know of.
If you really have your heart set on staying in an over-the-water bungalow, you can rent Marlon Brando's former over-the-water on VRBO for $500/night. I stayed there two years ago for a week. Since then, the property changed hands and the new owner doubled the price. Even so, if shared with another couple, this air conditioned, 2-bedroom bungalow is a relative deal.
Above: An over-water bungalow on Bora Bora, available from VRBO for $500/night.
Know before you go
Most visitors to Bora Bora arrive by air.
The Bora Bora airport is on a motu or atoll, built by the US Navy "Seabeas" during WWII.
The port on Bora Bora is called Viatape.
A free shuttle ferries passengers across the lagoon between Motu Mute and Viatape.
Flights to and from Motu Mute must be coordinated with ferry schedules.
Flights back to Tahiti may take longer than 50-minutes to stop at neighboring islands.
Bora Bora is less commercialized than Moorea or Tahiti; expect to relax, not to be entertained.
You'll need to rent a car to get around, and
only manual transmissions are available
Gasoline, groceries and essentials can be purchased in Viatape, but...
There is a single grocery store on the island and fresh produce sells out quickly.
Remember...you are on a remote island, so if you really need something, bring it with you.