Ah....Bora Bora. Simply saying that out loud brings out sighs of longing, dreams of overwater bungalows resting over turquoise waters and visions of unspoiled paradise where time seems to stand still. It’s a place that has become synonymous with luxury travel, and exudes bucket list dreams. 

Bora Bora is truly a paradise like no other and deserves to be at the top of the bucket list! Why is it so iconic? Not only for the stunning natural beauty, with beautiful white sandy beaches and a crystal clear turquoise lagoon surrounded by all the shades of blue, the dream is real and one that I have fortunately been blessed to have realized!

On a fateful Friday the 13th in December (2024), we were on our way to Bora Bora! We left the island of Moorea to head back to Papeete to board our flight to Bora Bora! The jewel of French Polynesia.....the “Pearl of the Pacific”....a quick 50 minute flight from Papeete and you arrive in true paradise. We made it to Bora Bora and arrived at the airport, which is located on its own motu (island). Even with the overcast clouds, you can see the beauty immediately and we were giddy with excitement! ​

Flying between the islands is the easiest and quickest form of transportation between the islands. Air Tahiti flies between all the major islands, but there is also a new domestic carrier, Air Moana, which may be another option if the Air Tahiti flight schedule doesn’t work for you. 
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Boarding is quick and easy and there are no assigned seats so you select a seat and sit wherever you want. For the best views from above, sit on the left side of the plane flying to Bora Bora, and on the right side when leaving. 

On our arrival day, it was raining so the views from above were not great. However, we left Bora Bora after 2 nights (not enough time!), the sun came out that morning and for a couple of hours, we caught a glimpse of the glory and true beauty of Bora Bora! She really is a sight to behold! 

Water is a way of life when you live in Bora Bora. You are surrounded by the turquoise blue waters and the easiest mode of transportation is through boats. Depending on where you are staying, your hotel may have its own boat to take you from the airport to the hotel. Otherwise, there is a boat ferry for Air Tahiti passengers that will take you to the main island, Vaitape, and you can make your way to your accommodations.

Now, staying in an overwater bungalow in Bora Bora is the ultimate dream, isn’t it?! 

During our visit, we had the privilege of touring a variety of stunning properties on the island, ranging from charming 3-star hotels to luxurious 5-star resorts. Each property offered its own unique charm, showcasing a diverse array of options for travellers. To be honest, every single one was breathtaking in its own way. Standing there, surrounded by the island’s ethereal beauty, it’s nearly impossible to fully grasp the sheer magnificence—even as you’re experiencing it firsthand. We all had so many “pinch me!” moments because it felt so surreal! 

But even beyond its sheer beauty, there is culture and history here to experience in a way that sets it apart from other South Pacific islands. During World War II, Bora Bora played a key role as the U.S. used the island as a strategic military supply base. With that, they built bunkers, cannons, and built up infrastructure to the island with resources that the island uses today. Though the island was never used in the war, you can still see many of these remnants throughout the island. The airstrip built on the island originally for war was never used for that purpose, but is now used as the Bora Bora airport for all guests arriving to the island. 

Hard to see...but if you look real close, you can see the cannons and the bunkers hidden in the hills.

Our lagoon tour took us around the island exploring the lagoon, with our guide Ray, sharing the history, the culture and music of Tahiti with us during our excursion. We also had the opportunity to swim with sting rays, sharks and snorkel in Mother Nature’s most beautiful and natural aquarium. 

Unfortunately, we only had 2 nights to spend in Bora Bora, which is simply not enough! And it so happens we were visiting during the rainy season, we received over 100mm of rain in the 2 nights we were there. So sadly, with the limited time we had on the island, the rain prevented from doing more than what we wanted and we didn’t get to explore as much as we would have liked. 


The sun peeked out on the day we were leaving and we had a small glimpse of the true brilliance of Bora Bora! I went for an early morning walk to explore a bit, and walked to Matira Beach, the renowned public beach on the island. The sights of the island landscape from the road, and the calming clear waters of the beach provide a sense of peace and serenity. The sounds of chickens everywhere you go become background noises you grow accustomed to and you approach the beach to feel the soft white sand beneath your toes and through your fingers. Surrounded by the smell of fresh fragrant flowers everywhere you turn, the beauty is everywhere, your senses become alive and nothing else matters. 

And about 30 minutes into the walk, you can see the beautifully bright blue skies coming out! 

With the serene lagoons, clear turquoise waters, lush landscapes and rich cultural heritage and history, Bora Bora lives up to her reputation, the “Pearl of the Pacific”.

​This island isn’t just a place to visit; it’s a place to fall in love with. Bora Bora is one of the few places on earth that everyone hopes to witness in their lifetime—and once you see it, you are forever enamoured.

If you're reading this and made it this far, I KNOW Bora Bora is on your bucket list! So when you're ready to start planning your South Pacific - French Polynesia - Islands of Tahiti vacation, your first mode of action is to reach out and let me help you plan it! 

For the very first time to Tahiti, hands down the best experience to fly there is none other than Air Tahiti Nui, the national airline for the Islands of Tahiti! They fly from Seattle, and Los Angeles to Papeete, the capital of Tahiti. Now, there are certainly other airlines but none will come close to the true Tahitian experience onboard Air Tahiti Nui, where your vacation truly begins the minute you step onboard their Dreamliner aircraft. You are immediately welcomed by the all-Polynesian crew, and the bright colours of the seats brings an immediate sense of excitement and exhilaration as you feel you are truly heading to paradise! ​

Only eight hours from Los Angeles, and nine hours from Seattle, you arrive in Papeete, the capital of Tahiti. Once you depart the plane and head into the airport, guests are welcomed by a group of Tahitian dancers and singers providing cultural entertainment as you arrive and wait in line to enter the country instantly experiencing the hospitality of visiting their home.

Our flight from Seattle was a day time flight so when we arrived, it was 11:00pm at night. Upon arrival at our hotel, we settled in and got ready for an early morning the next day to attend the largest trade tourism event for the Tahiti Tourism, the Tahiti Travel Exchange, a conference for North American travel advisors and local Tahitian hotel, hospitality and tour companies. The importance of tourism to the islands was a key message as highlighted by the President of the Islands of Tahiti, French Polynesia, “There is a Tahiti for everyone”. This is more than simply visiting a destination for tourism. They invite guests to feel what it is like to live how the locals live, experience all sides of the islands that are different and unique, but also all connected by mana (their life force). 

We met with so many local Tahiti suppliers, from hotels, excursion companies and transportation suppliers and everyone was absolutely lovely! The consistency in the passion and the pride they have for their islands, their history, their culture and their people is what draws you to their mana. The sense of love they have for life and its simplicity is something we can definitely use a lot more of these days! 

We ended the day inspired and excited to experience the islands for the rest of our trip! 

Our itinerary was a jam packed one, and not one I would suggest taking lightly! We visited 4 islands, including Tahiti, Moorea, Bora Bora and Rangiroa, through a variety of transportation options, 13 hotel inspections, three excursions (Moorea excursion cancelled due to the heavy rain) all in the course of 10 days! 

Here are some of the standout experiences to enjoy on a trip to Tahiti! 

1. Visit the Marche de Papeete (Papeete Market).
Papeete is the capital of Tahiti and is where all international visitors arrive. It is a vibrant city, full of people and a hub of activity. Travellers start and end their vacations here, whether it be a land tour, island-hopping adventure, or through a cruise. 

The Papeete Market is located in central Papeete and is full of fresh fruit, produce and fish for locals, arts, jewelry and handicrafts for souvenirs, and all kinds of apparel, including the iconic Tahitian pareo in different stores located through the two floors of the market. 

2. Tahiti Island Tour
Explore the diverse island landscapes with a Circle Island Tour of Tahiti, where your guide will drive you around the island, immersing you in the culture, stories and significance of notable landmarks. Doing the tour of the island gave us an intro to Tahitian hospitality, lifestyle and history while exploring the amazing and diverse landscapes of the island. 

3. Try the famed “poisson cru”, the national dish of the Islands of Tahiti!
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Each place has a slightly unique version but it is essentially a Tahitian ceviche – a dish of fresh raw tuna, cut into bite-size pieces, with fresh lime juice and coconut milk, tossed with cucumbers, tomatoes and onions. It is served on its own as an appetizer in a fresh coconut shell  or it can be served with rice, similar to a Hawaiian poke bowl. (I may have tried it every day during our trip.....calories don't count when you're travelling for work, right?)

4. Enjoy a traditional Polynesian show.
Nothing gets you more excited than the explosion of the vibrant dancers adorned in colourful skirts, garlands and headpieces, captivating sounds of the drums, ukuleles and haunting melodies. Their movements tell you their stories of love, nature and tradition, and their feet stomp to the rhythm of the drums. It’s a true cultural experience, one that they are proud to share with you. Many hotels will have shows once or twice a week so make note of the evening shows but you will likely experience a few during your trip and they are not to be missed! 

5. Visit a pearl farm.
The Tahitian cultured pearl is one of the islands’ largest export and known for its size and beauty. There are only three places in the world that can grow cultured pearls and the French Polynesia is one of them. A South Pacific oyster can live up to 12 years meaning it can grow up to 4 pearls in its lifetime. 

On our last day in Rangiroa we went to a pearl farm to see how pearls are grown and harvested. It takes a minimum of 5 years to grow a cultured pearl and we got to watch the whole pearl farming process, and the work that goes into growing them. 

Just like diamonds, the quality of pearls differs and the colours, lustre and shape of the pearl can determine the grade. There is a certain percentage of imperfections permitted at each grade but the lower the percentage, the higher the grade. 

You will see pearls everywhere you go in Tahiti – from the Papeete market, souvenir stores at the hotels, and boutique luxury pearl stores with a wide variety in styles, sizes and prices. After a visit to the pearl farm and learning about the process, the time and labour involved, you gain a deeper understanding and appreciation of the value and price of pearls but also how they differ from natural pearls as well. 

5. Enjoy a private island motu picnic and experience all the shades of blue up close in a lagoon tour.
Lagoon tours offer amazing experiences to get into the crystal clear waters for the most breathtaking water life experiences. We swam with stingrays and sharks in Bora Bora and Rangiroa, the original Blue lagoon, home to “shark city”, where you see so many sharks swimming around aimlessly in and around you in the water. 

In Bora Bora, we snorkelled in amazing clear turquoise waters, swam with sting rays and sharks, who were so friendly with us! We then enjoyed fresh coconut bread, and fresh fruit as we enjoyed the beautiful music sung by our guide, Ray. 

6. Stay in an overwater bungalow.
Tahiti is the birthplace of the overwater bungalow when it was first built on the island of Raiatea in 1967 and the experience of staying in one is available on so many different islands. So while staying in an overwater bungalow in Bora Bora is the bucket list dream for most, it has become the ultimate experience in your luxury stay in paradise with the price tag to go along with it!

​You can stay in different types of accommodations including a garden bungalow, beach bungalow, hotel rooms or even Tahitian guest houses for a more authentic experience. Split up your stay with a variety of accommodation types for different experiences and for something that can be suitable for your budget. ​

If you are staying on Papeete and want to stay in an overwater bungalow, the Intercontinental Tahiti is the only hotel on the island of Tahiti that has overwater bungalows. 

These are only a snippet of the amazing experiences to be had for an Islands of Tahiti vacation and there really is so much more to explore and experience. We had a short time on each island to provide a small teaser of what you can experience. 

A vacation to the Island of Tahiti is more than a getaway—it’s an immersion into paradise, where stunning natural beauty, vibrant Polynesian culture, and unparalleled luxury come together to create memories that last a lifetime. Whether you're dreaming of lounging on pristine beaches, exploring lush rainforests, or savoring world-class cuisine, Tahiti offers something truly magical for everyone.

Ready to turn those dreams into reality? Contact a Certified Tahiti Specialist like myself today to start planning your personalized adventure to this tropical haven. It's not something I would have been able to put together well without having the first hand experience to know the complexities of travel and how to make it as memorable as possible. 

Ia ora na e Maeva! 

"Hello!" (And look at me attempting Tahitian!) My travel agent journey takes me to Tahiti! Learning about the Islands of Tahiti for the Tahiti Tiare Program is helping me understand the appeal and desire to visit Tahiti and now, I'm just going to "have to" visit Tahiti someday to truly understand her personality!  

If you love Hawaii (and really, who doesn't??!!), The Islands of Tahiti and the South Pacific islands are a logical next step destination to visit! For a place offering a similar relaxing experience, but more authentic, more luxurious and more exotic, and possibly even more relaxing, it may be time to consider Tahiti on your next destination list! 

The Islands of Tahiti, is a French colony and officially known as the French Polynesia but the islands are autonomous and have their own government. There are two official languages - French and Tahitian and Tahiti is the official capital of the French Polynesia. Covering a geographical area as large as Europe, there are 118 islands and 5 archipelagos that make up the paradise know as the Islands of Tahiti! 

"Arche-what???" (I had to look Google that too!") An "archipegalo" is simply a chain or cluster of islands together. The 5 archipelagos that make up the Islands of Tahiti include the following:
- The Society Islands
- The Tuamotu Atolls (An "atoll" is a flat island that is what's left when the island sinks into the ocean.)
- The Marquesas Islands
- The Austral Islands
- The Gambier Islands

With names sounding so exotic and islands in the middle of nowhere, I know my first thought was that it is so far away and so foreign and that Tahiti is far too exotic for me to even consider visiting. But after taking a closer took, I am convinced it is not as far away as I once thought, and definitely much more of a "do-able" destination. Whether it be an uber romantic honeymoon or once in a lifetime anniversary trip, or an unbelievable family vacation, Tahiti offers so much more to the unknown traveller that it is a place definitely worth considering! 

Tahiti, the Queen of the Pacific, is the largest island and the capital of the French Polynesia. All international flights arrive into the Faa'a International Airport. 

It's closer than you realize! It is only eight hours away from Los Angeles and five hours away from Honolulu. If you can make the trek to Honolulu, it's easy to take another 5 hours to go to Tahiti! 

It is also on the same time zone as Hawaii (2 hours behind Pacific Standard Time) so it's just as easy to get used to Tahiti time! 

It is the perfect year round destination. The tropical weather yields warm and sunny temperatures all year round with an average temperature of 80'F (26'C-27'C). According to weather studies, Tahiti receives more sunny months and less rain than Hawaii. 

Tahiti's summer season is from November to April, and their winter is May to October (which is also their peak season). 

With so many islands you can visit, island-hopping ensures you can see several different islands! Air Tahiti offer domestic air service with island-hopping passes to give you the greatest value for transportation options. Tahiti Helicopters offers private charter flights and several fast ferry companies can connect Tahiti and Moorea (Moorea is the only island that offers passenger catamaran/ferry service). 

Take the time to learn about the history of Tahiti from a variety of museums including Paul Gaugin Museum, Museum of Tahiti and Her Islands, Pearl Museum, James Norman Hall House and the Point Venus Lighthouse. The Polynesians were also very superstitious people and had many sacred places that served religious, ceremonial and social purposes. These archaeological sites are called "Marae Arahurahu" and are full of past and history and offer insight into Polynesian culture and history. Many of these sites are accessible for visits. 

Beauty everywhere! Take advantage of the many tropical gardens for stunning views of nature and its beauty. There are lots of great hiking opportunities for easy to advanced hikers to explore beautiful lush valleys and mountains, and discover The Faarumai Waterfalls, also known as the "Three Waterfalls". Visit Teahupoo's mythical wave on Tahiti Iti - where the best surfers in the world compete. 

Eat like a local and enjoy the "roulettes", Tahiti's versions of food trucks. They are located on the waterfront and will offer an assortment of Tahitian, French, Chinese and Italian cuisine. 

Stay in an overwater bungalow, Tahiti's iconic accommodation option. Choose from authentic to extravagant ones, with options available for every budget and taste. With more families visiting Tahiti, accommodation options have increased to welcome families in stunning beach villas or resorts with kids clubs and programs for entertainment. 

The islands offer a nice and safe environment for all travellers and families. It is never crowded in Tahiti, which is a true luxury in today's busy, modern world. [Fun fact: Tahiti receives the about the same number of visitors each year as Hawaii in 12 days.] So if you're looking for isolation and seclusion in paradise, Tahiti is ideal!  

The people are amazingly friendly and generous, warm and welcoming. In Tahiti, you are not a tourist but a guest of the people. They treat you like family and welcome you into their homes with open arms and feed you like you haven't eaten for days! Their hospitality is unmatched and engaging with the locals can provide a truly authentic Tahitian experience! 

Hop on a 15 minute flight from Tahiti to Tetiaroa, Marlon Brando's Dream island. The actor was in Tahiti in the 1960's filming "Mutiny on the Bounty" and fell in love with the island so he acquired it. The man has good taste! Back in the day, Tetiaroa was the retreat for royalty, but today, it is an incredible sanctuary for sea life and birds and a haven for the non-profit organization "Tetiaroa Society", where scientists from around the world can come and conduct research. On the island, where would you stay?? Well, at the one and only, "The Brando", of course. 

The island of Moorea, also known as the Magical Island, is Tahiti's sister island. It is the only island reachable by fast ferry (30 minute ride) and is known for its gorgeous valleys and mountain peaks, 2 stunning bays - Cook's and Opunohu. The island has a completely different feel to Tahiti and is where the best pineapple in the world is produced. Visit pineapple plantations and the Agricultural School, the Beledere Lookout point for incredible views of the valley and bays, the Tiki Village (reconstructed ancient Polynesian village) and the only Dolphin Center in the islands. 

Bora Bora, The Pearl of the Pacific, was a US GI base during World War II. The airport that was built during WWII is still used to day, and operates shuttle boat services from the airport to the main island and its resorts. Known for its pristine lagoon, most of the activities and excursions are centered around the sea. Enjoy the sea in boat rides or waverunners, and from above by parasailing, helicopter or skydiving in the area. Take a guided hike to the Valley of the Kings for an impressive view of the bay. 

The Marquesas Islands are known as Mythical and Mysterious Islands. The islands are high, full of dramatic scenery of stunning cliffs, peaks, bays, valleys and mountains. It is not a reef or beach destination but rather more adventurous and stunningly beautiful with impressive drama. The legends say the gods created the Marquesas Islands to be their home, each island representing a part of the house. The Marquesans have a fierce sense of pride for their islands and a strong sense of identity. The art of tattooing originated from the Marquesas as well as the finest wood, bones and stone carvings. "Tapa" is made from the bark of the trees, originally used to make clothing, but now is used for paintings and wall decorations. 


If you are looking to see more of the islands in a shorter time frame, a cruise is the perfect option to island hop. Paul Gauguin Cruises offers ships that are ideal for navigating the small and narrow waters between the islands so passengers can get up close and personal with the stunning scenery. Princess Cruises and Windstar offer itineraries allowing you to enjoy the Islands of Tahiti and South Pacific. 

Island life for most islands remain traditional and the people live for the tourism, pearl farming, vanilla production and fishing. Lots of great authentic and natural activities for you to experience! 

- Visit pearl farms and pick up a Tahitian cultured pearl as a souvenir. 
- Scuba diving for amazing underwater species and excellent for all levels from beginner to advanced.
- Snorkeling with giant manta rays
- Secluded islands for exploration to visit natural beauty, birds, and ocean species in their natural habitat. 
- Fishing (lagoon, deep sea and fly fishing options)

Get married! By French Polynesian law, Americans and Canadians can legally wed in the Islands of Tahiti. Many resorts have wedding packages that can offer stunning scenery, authentic cultural and ceremonial touches to add to an intimate yet unforgettable wedding in paradise! 

So many islands to choose from and with 118 islands to visit, there is something for everyone. Enjoy Tahiti for the pristine, untouched natural beauty where you can truly escape from the world. If you stay on the smaller, more remote islands, many will have private boat shuttles to transport you from the airport to the resort. It doesn't get much more remote and secluded than that! 

Surrounded by overwhelmingly and unbelievably gorgeous scenery, the Islands of Tahiti are the perfect place to unwind and disconnect with the world while reconnecting with those you love and enjoy life's simple things.

Have you been to Tahiti?? There will be a lot of exciting opportunities to visit Tahiti in the upcoming future (wink wink, nudge nudge!) so stay tuned and see if you find yourself on a unique experience to Tahitian paradise!