French Polynesia - Carry on Caro

Stunning landscape in Moorea. Credit: Carolina Valenzuela

Viator tours in Moorea you shouldn’t miss

Written by Caro on September 9, 2022. Posted in French Polynesia, Oceania.

Experience Moorea’s picture-perfect beauty by sea, air and land.

Moorea is an idyllic paradise and is probably among the most striking islands of French Polynesia. With its pristine beaches, white sand and wild landscapes, Moorea looks like heaven on earth.

In this post, we have compiled the best tours you can’t miss when visiting this island. These tours are all conveniently offered by Viator – a website where I booked several tours in different countries and never had an issue. On the contrary, my experience has always been great.

I encourage you to take a tour or two while in Moorea, as the island offers much more than cocktails and beaches. Even though you might want to just lay down on the beach sipping up a cocktail you will be missing a lot of unique adventures if you don’t venture out.

Swim with the ocean wildlife

Swimming with the sharks in Bora Bora. Credit: Christian Bergara

When visiting Moorea, it’s a must to explore its crystal-clear waters. I recommend you book the Ocean Wildlife Expedition; Swim With Whales, Sharks, & Rays Half-Day Boat Tour. This tour will give you the chance to snorkel close to marine animals including sharks, stingrays and whales. A dream come true for many!

This tour is limited to only 8 people, which in my opinion is a major plus; small tours give you personalized attention. Additionally, it includes snorkeling equipment, hotel pick-up and drop-off as well as beverages and fresh fruit, which you will probably crave after having spent so much energy swimming in the salty water with the wildlife. I recommend getting a GoPro to capture the underwater life. We took our GoPro HERO7 Black and were able to take really spectacular photos of sharks and fish in their natural environment.

Tip: Make sure you book any whale watching expeditions in Moorea; not only is it substantially cheaper than other islands but you will get a better chance to see these magnificent creatures.

Hang out with humpback whales

Between July and early November, humpback whales migrate through the Polynesian waters to either breed or give birth, giving you a great opportunity to watch them. Join the Swim with Humpback Whales tour to admire these wonderful creatures in their natural habit. There are few creatures that inspire such awe when you see them up close and personal.

On the way back, the tour will also stop on a shallow sandbank of the lagoon where you can stand as the water is only waist-chest high to swim with stingrays and black tip sharks. This is the adventure of a lifetime so don’t miss it. This is also a small tour allowing a maximum of 12 people.

Explore the best sites on the island

Stunning views from Magic Mountain. Credit: Carolina Valenzuela

Moorea is quite different than other islands on the archipelago; its known for lush vegetation, soaring mountain peaks and for it’s bird eye view the heart shaped island. As expected, Moorea has some great sites with amazing viewpoints that you should explore when visiting the island. These include Magic Mountain and the Belvedere lookout. I promise these viewpoints will take your breath away!

The Moorea 4WD Tour Including Belvedere Pineapple Farm and Magic Mountain full-day tour will give you the chance to get off the beaten path and explore what the island has to offer. And don’t forget your camera, you will definitely want to capture the amazing landscapes of the island.

Enjoy the crystal-clear waters on a jet ski

Turquoise sea in Moorea. Credit: Carolina Valenzuela

Hop on a solo or twin Jet Ski to explore Moorea’s beaches and bays. The Moorea Solo or Twin Jet Ski Tour also offers the opportunity to swim with stingrays and sharks while spotting turtles, dolphins, and whales (in season).

This is the best way to get to beach hop throughout the island and see the sites directly from the water, like the sailors of old. You will be able to explore Cook’s Bay and Opunohu Bay and be amazed by the translucent color of their pristine waters. All while experiencing the adrenaline rush from jet skiing!

Go parasailing

Ready to explore Moorea from above? The Moorea Parasailing experience – Double Flight tour offers a spectacular and unique view to experience the island of Moorea. Get ready to get a bird’s eye view of the turquoise blue lagoon and the surrounding mountains and see if you can spot the ocean wildlife while soaring through the air.

Take a romantic sunset cruise

Moorea is among the top honeymoon destinations in French Polynesia, second to Bora Bora, so why don’t take the chance to do something romantic? The Sunset Cruise: Moorea Sailing on a Catamaran named Taboo tour lets you sail along the northern coast of Moorea.

This small group tour will take you to Cook’s Bay and into a barrier reef, where you’ll get great views of the island and its surrounding waters before returning to shore. And of course, typical Moorea Cocktails and fruit juice will be served on board. Sunsets are meant to be unforgettable, and to watch one on water with your significant other is truly a memorable experience. Enjoy!

Have a Polynesian culinary experience

We always try to immerse ourselves in local customs as much as possible when traveling, and food is the best way to connect with others while traveling. Join this tour to have a truly Polynesian culinary experience – the Polynesian culinary experience tour will give you a glimpse of the Polynesian culture, the local products and their benefits, how they are cooked locally and how to cook them at home. Get ready to learn recipes, and taste delicacies and a good local meal.

Rent a roadster

The tiny roadster we rented through Viator. Credit: Carolina Valenzuela

If you prefer to explore Moorea by yourself, I recommend you rent a roadster. We did this when we were in Moorea and had a lot of fun. This roadster sits two people and it’s convertible – so roll the top down and let the fresh air and sun shine on you while you drive. You can rent it for either 4-8 or 24 hours. Choose the landmarks and viewpoints you’d like to visit but I highlight recommend you don’t miss the Belvedere Lookout, Opunohu Bay and Magic Mountain. There is only one road in Moorea so it will be difficult for you to get lost.

Tip: the Roadster is super fun and we loved it. It’s a tiny go-kart that is ideal to explore the island and beach hop.

Go sailing

If you don’t get a chance to sail while visiting the island, you are truly missing out. Island life is just as much about the water as it is the beach, and a sail boat is the best way to relax and connect with nature. Climb aboard the Taboo sailing catamaran on this excursion to discover Moorea. Swim and snorkel with rays, sharks, and tropical fish using the provided snorkeling equipment provided by the tour. Get some sun on the boat’s deck and enjoy snacks provided by the tour. This tour will have a maximum of 8 travelers.

We are part of several affiliate programs including Viator and Amazon which means that we will earn a small commission at no extra cost to you if you make a purchase through the links included in this post.

View on our way to the Belvedere lookout. Credit: Christian Bergara

Packing list for a vacation in French Polynesia

Written by Caro on March 15, 2021. Posted in French Polynesia, Oceania.

From a light carry-on to comfortable sneakers for hiking, here are 10 things that you should include in your packing list for a vacation in French Polynesia.

French Polynesia is a bucket list destination for many, and as such, you might want to make the trip unforgettable for the right reasons. If you are planning a trip to the islands, below are 10 things that you shouldn’t forget to bring – as well as a few recommendations of my favorite brands and experiences.

A lightweight carry-on

A few years ago, I decided to ditch the big suitcase and only travel with a carry-on (except when I travel to Uruguay, my home country, where I take 3 suitcases full of Christmas gifts!).

I have to say that it has worked well every time. I don’t have to worry about the airline losing my suitcase and it forces me to be selective of the clothes I’m taking. Be honest with yourself: How many times have you returned from a trip and when unpacking you find clothes that you didn’t wear at all? If you are traveling for a couple of weeks, just do laundry; some hotels have DIY laundry amenities. I encourage you to try it, once you switch to the carry-on, you won’t go back.

I recommend this carry-on from Samsonite, it’s ultra-light, provides a TSA combination lock and besides, who doesn’t love the mint color it comes in?

A good camera

With its stunning landscape, it’s very hard to take a bad picture in French Polynesia. However, you might want to take the best pictures possible and to achieve this goal you need a good camera. If you can’t take a professional quality camera with you – and who can these days – just use your cell phone! I always take pictures with my iPhone 8 plus, and it takes wonderful photos. My husband has been using the iPhone exclusively since the 7 series for photography; he now buys cell phones based on their camera quality alone.

However, for our trip to French Polynesia I decided to get a GoPro since we wanted to book an excursion to swim with sharks and there was no way that we would leave the tour without documenting the experience underwater. My husband spent a few hours figuring out how it worked before we left for French Polynesia which was a good idea because even though it’s easy to manage you still need to go through the instructions. The GoPro also provides a free app to upload, store, and edit all your photos and videos.

Sun protection

Sun protection is key because the sun is quite strong in French Polynesia. I recommend Clinique Sun SPF 50 for your face. It’s lightweight and it doesn’t leave your face oily. You can toss it inside your bag and reapply every two hours or as necessary.

For the body, some of my favorites brands include Coppertone and Neutrogena. I wore SPF 50 during the whole trip and still managed to get a tan so please wear your sunscreen!

Remember to also bring chap stick – there is nothing more uncomfortable than cracked lips. I love the brand EOS – I feel that it leaves my lips hydrated and nourished.

Comfortable sneakers

French Polynesia is a hikers paradise, with plenty of opportunities to explore the islands on foot. If you are planning to do some hiking it’s imperative that you bring good shoes. No one wants to be dealing with blisters in the middle of a hike. I highly recommend the following hiking shoes:

KEEN women’s targhee 2 low height waterproof hiking shoe: It’s a lightweight and waterproof shoe which will be handy if you get caught in the rain.

KEEN men’s targhee II hiking shoe: It’s also waterproof, flexible and lightweight, so your feet will not get tired when hiking.

Snorkeling gear

Most of the resorts and tour operators offer free snorkeling gear so if you don’t mind using those there is no need to bring them with you. I personally don’t like sharing underwater equipment with a number of strangers, but my husband doesn’t seem to mind! If you are like me, this
snorkeling gear worked pretty well for us.

Dramamine

If you know you are prone to seasickness, I recommend that you take Dramamine with you. I wish I had taken my own advice. During our swim with the sharks tour I got seasick and hit hard with nausea, so I had to stay in the boat while my husband got very close and personal with the sharks. Therefore, take some with you, it doesn’t occupy much space and you’ll thank me later! Keep in mind that it needs some time to kick in so take it at least an hour before you get on the boat.

Light jacket

Even though the weather is nice during the day, the temperature can go down during the night and if the wind is blowing (which happens more often than you expect) you will feel more comfortable with a jacket. I recommend a light jacket from the North Face which is one of my favorite brands when it comes to jackets. Besides, you can use it during the flight – I’m always freezing in airplanes and having a jacket is always handy.

Power adapter

The standard voltage is 220 Volts and hotels use either 110 or 220V. The power plugs and sockets are of type A, B and E. I recommend to just get a generic adapter so you don’t need to be getting a different adapter every time you travel.

Mosquito repellent

Get a repellent before you travel to French Polynesia. Trust me, it will come handy especially during the evenings, when you are hiking or if you go during the rainy season. I recommend getting
Sawyer’s insect repellent. If you are traveling with a carry-on, get the travel size.

Sleeping pills

Unfortunately, I have a lot of trouble falling and staying asleep, and the problem gets worse when I travel to countries where there is a significant time difference. Thankfully I packed ZZZquil which helped me get through the insomnia and jetlag I usually experience during the first couple of days. Melatonin works well too and it’s easier on the morning grogginess.

Hope you find this list helpful and you have a great time in French Polynesia!

We are part of several affiliate programs including Amazon and Viator which means that we will earn a small commission at no extra cost to you if you make a purchase through the links included in this post.

Overwater bungalows at the Hilton Moorea Lagoon Resort & Spa. Credit: Carolina Valenzuela

Know before you go: 8 tips before travel to French Polynesia

Written by Caro on March 4, 2021. Posted in French Polynesia, Know before you go series, Oceania.

Learn 8 helpful tips before you travel to the wonderful destination of French Polynesia.

Whenever I think about French Polynesia a few things come to mind: Tahiti, Bora Bora, Gauguin, and surfing. French Polynesia is the true “once in a lifetime dream destination”; not only are the islands literally in the middle of nowhere but the associated costs can be daunting. I was so excited when we decided to make this our honeymoon destination and it would definitely check one off our travel bucket list. However, I quickly realized how little I knew about the islands. Here are some tips you should know before travel to French Polynesia.

Island hopping: what island(s) to visit

French Polynesia has an enormous number of islands that can overwhelm travels when choosing where to go. Bora Bora is the most popular island, but the hidden gem is Moorea – you have an entire island with tons of beaches and restaurants. In Moorea, you’ll have lots of opportunities to venture out on your own, explore beaches and hike up mountains to get unbelievable views. We highly recommend you don’t skip over Moorea, as you’ll have many more things to do than in Bora Bora (and expeditions/tours are much cheaper).

Tahiti, the capital island, is much more urbanized than you would expect and can tend to be overlooked. While it has its charm, it’s a great island for surfing, our focus was maximizing our time relaxing by the beach. We stayed one night upon arrival and set off to Moorea in the morning.

If you plan to visit multiple islands, consider Air Tahiti, the domestic air carrier (Air Tahiti Nui is the international carrier). Air Tahiti offers several multi-island passes which can save you lots of money instead of booking multiple single leg flights.

Surfing

Surfing is big here, like in many South Pacific islands, and if your timing is right you can catch some of the biggest names competing in the Billabong’s Tahiti Pro Teahupo’o in this elite tournament. But don’t just watch…Tahiti is great for surfing and there are lots of schools for beginners to learn the sport!

Pearls

French Polynesia is famous for its abundance of pearls…specifically black pearls. In truth, pearls can be bought pretty much anywhere on the islands, from resorts to jewelry stores. For more adventurous types you’ll have a chance to dive for pearls, but unlike Steinbeck’s The Pearl, there are plenty of farms offering travelers lots of opportunities to harvest these jewels.

Gauguin

There are few places in the world that have become so synonymous with a single artist, and French Polynesia goes hand in hand with Paul Gauguin, the post-impressionist painter. The moment you land in the archipelago, you are instantly transported to his world. It blew my mind to get such a sense of familiarity just by being acquainted with his paintings of the islands and its inhabitants.

More than that, Gauguin lived the western dream of leaving civilization behind to live in paradise – you can even visit his grave. He served as the inspiration for generations of artist and travelers, despite his shortcomings you cannot help but see the islands through his eyes, experiencing the intense colors sprinkled throughout and snapshots of life his paintings offer. Many times on this trip I would find myself looking at the landscape feeling I was in one of his works – it is that close to the reality of the islands.

On the ground

Language:

Yes, it’s obvious that French is the official language, but you’ll find English is widely spoken as well.

Safety:

French Polynesia is one of the safest places in the world, but it’s always good to practice basic precautions – don’t leave valuables out of sight and don’t walk around by yourself on deserted beaches.

Plugs:

Power plugs are type A, B (both are used in North America), and E (typically used in Europe). The standard voltage is 110/220 V, and the frequency is 60/50 Hz. While we had no issues using type A or B, it’s always best to have a universal adapter (with surge protection) handy.

Currency:

The local currency is the French Pacific Franc (CFP). US dollars are widely accepted, especially for excursions, but if you are off on your own it’s best to have some of local currency for small purchases. Keep in mind that some shops, like roadside food stalls will only accept cash.

You can use your credit card at resorts, for car-rentals, restaurants, and various shops.

Tip: ATMs are called “billetterie” and can be found in banks, resorts, and some post offices.

Expensive

Yes, French Polynesia is an expensive destination to visit, but there are some tips to avoid all the expenses. As one of the more desired honeymoon destinations, a trip to French Polynesia is a luxurious experience with overwater bungalows, lots of luxurious resorts and R&R options that can dent your wallet.

We did a half board option that included breakfast as our meal option, which worked well in Moorea – the island has plenty of dining options and you can get cheaply priced groceries at any market (perfect for a picnic or on-the-go meal while exploring). However, when we got to Bora Bora we realized that an all inclusive option would have saved us much more money! The most popular resorts are too far from the main section of the island that you are essentially forced to have all your meals at your hotel.

Tip: Strategize your excursions carefully. For example, you can go whale watching from any island as all boats go to the same geographical area, but in Bora Bora the prices are almost double what you would pay in Tahiti or Moorea.

Marine life

Whale watching is a must do when visiting French Polynesia, but what’s even more fun? Swimming with humpback whales! The islands where you will have the best chance to see or swim with whales are Moorea, Tahiti and Bora Bora. Moorea is all around the best choice to go on a small group tour to see whales – it’s much more affordable than Bora Bora for ocean adventures to see marine wildlife.

When in Bora Bora, you can take advantage and visit the Sea Turtle Sanctuary on Le Meridien resort or take one of the many tours to swim in the wild with these adorable animals.

If you are more adventurous, I recommend swimming with sharks and rays. Don’t be scared of these prehistoric predators – all the sharks you’ll swim with are too small and too scared of humans to make the cut for Jaws.

And who can forget the stunning coral reefs of French Polynesia? The islands are surrounded by some of the worlds best corals and you cannot miss this opportunity.

There are plenty of locations around the islands where you can go scuba diving for a deep-sea adventure. If you are a beginner, you can find multiple locations to get certified and take safety courses.

Tip: The archipelago has countless animals to see – birds, dolphins, fish, even wild horses. If you go on a guided tour, make sure you combine as many as you can; tours can be very costly. Our small group excursion to swim with sharks included swimming with rays and snorkeling with fish in coral reefs.

Wet and dry seasons

French Polynesia, like most tropical locations, has wet and dry seasons. The islands are at their best between June and August, the southern hemisphere’s winter months. During this time, the weather is very pleasant during the day with cooler nights, and there’s a smaller chance of storm clouds coming in to a perfect day. However, this is also the high season, and prices will skyrocket.

During the wet season, from November through April, you’ll find tropical storms roll in much more frequently, but the storms can be short-lived, with the sun out again before you know it. Keep in mind that with storms, you’ll have the summer humidity to deal with so make sure your hotel has AC!

Turtle sanctuary at Le Méridien Bora Bora. Credit: Carolina Valenzuela

A French Polynesia honeymoon: The 10 best reasons why you should go

Written by Caro on February 22, 2021. Posted in French Polynesia, Oceania. 2 Comments on A French Polynesia honeymoon: The 10 best reasons why you should go

Here are ten reasons why you should choose French Polynesia as your honeymoon destination.

French Polynesia is literally paradise on earth – there is no other way to really describe it. From crystal clear water to luscious mountains, it’s no wonder these islands are among the best honeymoon destinations in the world.

How do you picture your honeymoon? I always pictured it on a remote island in the middle of nowhere relaxing on the beach with no hurry to do anything…so I knew I wanted to go to French Polynesia. My husband and I have traveled extensively – before we met, while dating and as a married couple – so we wanted to go somewhere neither of us had ever visited.

After being blown away by breathtaking pictures of the islands in travel magazines, it was difficult to find a destination that could top the islands. And it was impossible to imagine how it would end up being more amazing than I had ever imagined. With 118 islands located in the South Pacific Ocean, surrounded by the bluest of waters, French Polynesia is an idyllic destination which offers plenty of opportunities to spend your perfect honeymoon.

Sunset at the Hilton Moorea Lagoon Resort & Spa. Credit: Carolina Valenzuela

After showing my future husband pictures of the crystal-clear waters, overwater bungalows and magnificent natural beauty surrounding the islands, he immediately jumped at the idea. Besides crossing this destination from my bucket list, I want to share 10 other reasons why we finally decided to book our honeymoon in French Polynesia in early September.

dream destination:

Going to French Polynesia is one of those trips that can be very expensive and requires lots of travel time, so what better excuse to go than your honeymoon? These islands are perfect for newlyweds, as they offer a picture-perfect setting for romance and relaxation. Instead of the typical wedding gift registry, we decided to create a honeymoon fund and the memories we gained were worth every penny.

It’s a place where life comes to a standstill:

When we travel, we usually have a full itinerary that keeps us busy throughout the day. However, for our honeymoon, we wanted to find a place where we could relax, disconnect from the world and not worry if we couldn’t see all the places highlighted in our itinerary. We were looking forward to embracing the laid-back island vibes and enjoy doing very little. Booking a tour or two to get some unique experiences was our most strenuous activity during the trip.

It’s a remote place:

French Polynesia is in the middle of nowhere and depending on where you are located it can be a (very) long trip with plenty of stops. A few years ago, my husband and I decided to visit countries that are either farther away from home or more difficult to experience; so, in the future we won’t have to put up with long flights or unnecessary layovers.

You can sleep in an overwater bungalow:

French Polynesia was the birthplace of the overwater bungalows and staying in one was a dream come true for me. For a long time, I wondered how it would feel to wake up and jump into the water from your own balcony or view sea life from the glass panels on the bungalow floors. There are plenty of hotels on the islands where you can book these accommodations. However, choose wisely as they can be farther away from the hotel and are more expensive than the villas.

Read the blog: 5 reasons why you should stay at Le Méridien Bora Bora

It’s luxurious:

French Polynesia offers the opportunity to stay at the most exclusive and over the top hotels in the whole world. Furthermore, luxurious hotels means luxurious experiences, such as having breakfast delivered to your bungalow in a canoe, relaxing at some of the top spas in the world, and being spoiled by the friendly hotel staff throughout the entire trip. If there is a trip where you should splurge, this is it.

Never-ending natural beauty:

The islands in French Polynesia offer plenty of hiking opportunities for all fitness levels. For unforgettable and breathtaking viewpoints, mountains, and waterfalls head to Moorea – which ended up being one of the main highlights of our trip.

Amazing snorkeling and diving opportunities:

French Polynesia is home to hundreds of species of colorful fish, turtles, and crustaceans in its crystal-clear waters. The water clarity is so pristine that you will be able to take unbelievable pictures. We joined an excursion to swim with the sharks and seeing these creatures so up close was one of the most exhilarating experiences of my life. Do not forget to bring a GoPro to take amazing underwater pictures.

Dozens of shades of blue:

View from Magic Mountain. Credit: Carolina Valenzuela

It’s just impossible to describe in words how the water transitions from one shade of blue to another – beautiful turquoise, royal and even navy-blue colors dotted every corner of the lagoon. No matter where you looked all across the archipelago there were rainbows of blue at every turn. Not only do the colors make an indelible impression, but the water is refreshingly warm – just dive right in!

Plenty of friendly locals:

No matter what you do or where you, all the locals treat you like you’ve been best friends for ages! On one excursion in Bora Bora, the guides were all family members who shared homemade goodies and joked about their own experiences. Not only that but everyone did their best to make sure you took the best pictures, had the best meal or truly enjoyed sitting in a cabana sipping a drink.

It’s (still) unspoiled:

An additional bonus of the remoteness of the location is that it doesn’t welcome as many visitors as other destinations – so it never feels crowded, even on the peak season. Much of the islands are still not developed, giving you feeling you have the islands all to yourself. If you like Gauguin, you will instantly recognize the landscape as it’s relatively unchanged from his paintings. Just be careful – you may be tempted like Gauguin and never leave paradise!

View on our way to the Belvedere lookout. Credit: Carolina Valenzuela

Where to take the best photos in Moorea, French Polynesia

Written by Caro on February 9, 2021. Posted in French Polynesia, Oceania. 2 Comments on Where to take the best photos in Moorea, French Polynesia

Flying over Moorea gives you an amazing first glimpse of the natural beauty that is waiting to be discovered. From the Belvedere lookout to Magic Mountain, learn where to take the best photos in Moorea.

Moorea is one of the 114 islands of French Polynesia and it’s almost impossible not to fall in love with its lush landscapes, crystal clear waters, and marine life. It’s clearly paradise on earth -but for some reason it doesn’t get the same popularity as Bora Bora.

Get your camera ready because you will want to snap pictures non-stop and capture the breathtaking landscapes that the island has to offer.

We flew from Papeete to Moorea and spent one day touring the island with a tiny roadster we rented through Viator. The entire island can be done in a day, but we focused on the northwestern loop that combines killer views and hidden beaches. Since the whole island consist of a single road, it’s hard to get lost. When driving, you will notice tons of picturesque spots, so take your time and enjoy the island’s natural beauty.

Here are 5 of the most amazing photo spots that capture the island’s beauty. They were all taken with our iPhones, proving you don’t need an expensive camera to take wonderful pictures.

Belvedere lookout

The Belvedere lookout offers fantastic photographic opportunities as if gives a panoramic view of Mount Rotui in the middle of Cook’s Bay and Opunohu Bay. Snap your pictures and then take some time to soak the magnificent sights.

There are many ways of reaching this viewpoint, including by car, ATV, biking or hiking. If you decide to drive, as we did, a tight parking lot is really close to the lookout. Keep in mind the parking lot is very small and the road leading up is very steep with sharp turns. The roadster was a blast to drive but taking it up to the lookout will test your driving skills.

Magic Mountain

Head to Magic Mountain – one of the highest points of the island – to get 360-degree views of the island. You can hike up the mountain (it only takes 25 minutes and it’s good exercise) or via 4WD vehicle or ATV to a small parking clearing. The views of the turquoise water and of the idyllic island will take your breath away! The hike up it’s steep but totally doable. Remember to bring comfortable shoes for hiking, sunscreen, water, and a hat.

I recommend the KEEN targhee 2 low height waterproof hiking shoe for women, a lightweight and waterproof shoe which will be handy if you get caught in the rain and for men the KEEN targhee II hiking shoe as it is also waterproof and lightweight so your feet will not get tired when hiking.

Read blog: Want to soak up stunning views? Head to magic mountain in Moorea

Tip: You can visit the Belvedere Lookout, hike up Magic Mountain and relax in the beach in one day. We rented a roadster for a day to drive around the island and the rest of the days we spent them relaxing and enjoying life at the hotel.

Overwater bungalows

One of the highlights of a trip to Moorea is to view (and hopefully stay) in the overwater bungalows. In addition to providing a luxurious experience, they provide easy access to the water, offer a lot of privacy, and amazing photo opportunities. Who doesn’t want to take a pictures of cottages that appear to float on turquoise waters?

The picture below was taken at the Hilton Moorea Lagoon Resort & Spa where we had a wonderful and relaxing stay.

Stunning landscape

With lush mountains all around, Moorea is a hidden gem. I have to confess that I liked it more than the popular Bora Bora – it offers more opportunities for non-guided tour exploration and “cheaper” options for both excursions or food. If you have the time there are several hikes all around the island where there are a lot of photographic opportunities. The pictures below were taken on the road that leads to the Belvedere lookout. The landscape, no matter where you went on the island, made me think I was in an episode of the hit tv show Lost – it had that exotic pacific feel: majestic mountains surrounded by turquoise water and sandy beaches.

Turquoise waters

The color of the water in Moorea is impossible to describe with words as it has so many shades of blues and turquoises that it’s mesmerizing. And the best part? It’s quite warm. Trust me – I don’t get in when the water is mildly cold, and I was able to swim in the water several times. Additionally, the crystal-clear waters allow you to appreciate the underwater life and is perfect for snorkeling. If you don’t want to go in the water you can always sunbathe on the white sand.

Tip: Remember to take a GoPro to take amazing underwater pictures!

There is a whole side of the island we left out – it was our honeymoon and we wanted to unwind with few to-dos. This island has many hidden beaches, unique dining opportunities, lots of trails and friendly locals that we plan to experience on our trip back.

Want to soak up stunning views? Head to Magic Mountain in Moorea

Written by Caro on February 2, 2021. Posted in French Polynesia, Oceania. 2 Comments on Want to soak up stunning views? Head to Magic Mountain in Moorea

Put on your sneakers and head straight to Magic Mountain in Moorea to appreciate the best views of the island. After a short hike, you’ll be rewarded with 360-degree breathtaking views of the island and surrounding turquoise waters.

Our second day in Moorea was exclusively devoted to exploring the island. Since we had planned a day full of activities, we rented a tiny roadster through Viator. The roadster made the trip more fun -and exhilarating- as it’s more of a go-kart than an actual car. We still laugh when we remember the long line of cars behind us in the island’s only road as it took us a while to get our sea legs underneath us. Despite the speed of the tiny vehicle, we loved it – it was open roofed and provided an unforgettable experience.

If you are traveling to Moorea, your first excursion should be Magic Mountain – one of the highest points of the island where you get stunning views from high above.

Hiking Magic Mountain

The entrance to Magic Mountain is located via a private road; the enterprising local allows visitors to park on his property for only US$2. The hike up the mountain is a bit steep but it only takes around 25 minutes to go up. Fortunately, most of the way up is paved which made the hike a bit easier. We opted for the authentic climb but if you are not too fond of hiking, you can always join a tour to get to Magic Mountain via 4WD vehicle or ATV. Remember that Magic Mountain is not accessible by regular cars (or roadster!). I recommend booking tours through Viator – I have used them several times and they never disappoint!

Because we were hiking in the late morning, it was very hot so we made a few stops to catch our breath along the way when we found shade – try not to sleep in this day as the earlier you get out the smoother the hike.

Tip: While the climb is steep you don’t need special shoes, we just wore sneakers and they did the job. Remember to also bring lots of water, sunscreen, and a hat with you. Read this blog post to find out a list of things you need to bring with you.

Stunning views all around

When we got to the top there was a group of tourists, but thankfully they left after a few minutes and we had Magic Mountain just for ourselves. We took the opportunity to take several pictures as well as just stare at the turquoise waters and magnificent landscape ahead of us. Considering this is a major destination on the island, the earlier you hike the lesser the crowds.

One of my favorite experiences on Magic Mountain is the views of the surrounding waters. You can clearly see the division between the lagoon and the ocean – this is one of those places where pictures can never fully capture the natural beauty. No matter where you look, you can find stunning displays of colors from every possible angle and it’s hard to believe your eyes when you see how the natural shades pop!

Tip: Don’t rush down. Really take time to soak in the magnificent views which will be imprinted in your mind forever.

Enjoying a pineapple juice after the hike to Magic Mountain. Credit: Christian Bergara

We were a bit tired after the hike -and it was hot- so we decided to stop by the juice stand just feet away from the parking lot and ordered pineapple juice. There are certain places in the world where foods just taste better – or like they should. Moorea is famous for its pineapples and the juice was unforgettably delicious giving us a much-needed sugar boost after the hike.

What to bring

Comfortable sneakers: The MAINCH women’s hiking water shoes have a rubber toe cap which prevents foot injuries, and the synthetic ribbons on both sides of the water shoes provide support and stability. Additionally, the midsole channel has multiple small holes, which effectively promote the rapid drainage of water. This is really handy if you get caught in the rain all of a sudden.

Water bottle: Bringing a bottle of water is key during any hike as the exercise and heat will make you feel really thirsty. The Nomader Collapsible Water Bottle is a great choice as it’s sturdy and comfortable to drink from.

Sunscreen: It’s imperative you bring sunscreen to protect your skin. Get Supergoop! for your face, which protects you from damaging UVA, UVB, and IRA rays. Coppertone is a good option to use for your body. Remember the sun is strong in French Polynesia so you might want to take all precautions to avoid getting a sunburn.

Hat: Wearing a hat is another precaution you can take to ensure you are protected from the sun and heat. I love the North Face Norm Hat which comes in a variety of colors to choose from.

The best hotel to stay in Bora Bora – 5 reasons why you should stay at Le Méridien

Written by Caro on February 1, 2021. Posted in French Polynesia, Oceania. 8 Comments on The best hotel to stay in Bora Bora – 5 reasons why you should stay at Le Méridien

From its stunning location overlooking Mount Otemanu, to its beautiful overwater bungalows and the opportunity to visit an on-site rehabilitation turtle center, Le Méridien is the best hotel to stay in Bora Bora, and will make you feel as if you have arrived in paradise.

I never really envisioned how my wedding day was going to go. But there wasn’t a doubt in my mind about where I wanted to go for my honeymoon. After falling in love with the unbeatable turquoise waters, breathtaking scenery, and remote location portrayed in travel magazines, French Polynesia was my first choice. And it wasn’t difficult to convince my soon-to-be hubby to go – he immediately embraced the idea.

Therefore, as soon as the wedding preparations began so did the planning for this trip. Although we were excited to sightsee, we also wanted to unwind and just do nothing. For this reason, choosing the right hotel where we would spend most of the time was imperative. There are quite a few accommodation options in Bora Bora but after a thorough review we settled for Le Méridien Bora Bora.

5 reasons why you should choose Le Méridien Bora Bora

Stunning location & grounds

Sunbathing at Le Méridien Bora Bora. Credit: Christian Bergara

With its location on an opposite islet across Mount Otemanu, I’m certain that no other hotel in Bora Bora can beat the view. Having the possibility to wake up and see Mount Otemanu every day right in front of us, made us feel totally relaxed and disconnected from the world.

The hotel grounds are carefully taken care of there are also plenty of eating options with 4 restaurants onsite. Head to Le Tipanié to enjoy a breakfast buffet offering a wide selection of pastries, cereals, eggs/omelets to order and fresh fruit.

For lunch we usually just went with light fare, (a selection of on the go but pricey items like a $30 ham sandwich) from the pool bar but we also treated ourselves to the hotel’s tasty gnocchi at Le Te Ava restaurant. I have to say that at night it got cold as the wind was blowing (We visited Bora Bora in early September) and the walk from the bungalow to the restaurant was not really appealing so we decided to order room service on the windier nights.

Tip: Do not forget to swim in the infinity pool and take a picture with Mount Otemanu as a backdrop. As the “official photographer” of this trip, I encouraged my husband to go into the swimming pool so I could take the picture above. He wasn’t too happy about it – it seems the water was freezing!

Heart-warming turtle sanctuary

Turtle sanctuary at Le Méridien Bora Bora. Credit: Carolina Valenzuela

There are two animals that I definitely want to see up and close in my life: penguins and turtles. Le Méridien Bora Bora let me check off the sea turtles from my bucket list!

Among the most lovely attractions of Le Méridien Bora Bora is their turtle sanctuary, which houses injured turtles for rehabilitation thanks to the efforts of the hotel in collaboration with the government. Due to the sensitive environment the injured turtles are found in, space is limited and you will need to plan your visit in advance with the hotel.

The Ecological Center is open every day and offers a daily visit at 10:30AM. For a small fee (US$8 dollars) which goes to their foundation, you’ll will learn about the importance of protecting sea turtles during a short presentation followed up by a chance to feed them while they are in a tub.

Visiting the turtle sanctuary was one of the most rewarding experiences we had at Le Méridien. We not only had the opportunity to see them up close, but we also felt for the efforts that are being done to take care of these amazing creatures.

Tip: There is a pool filled with fish that leads to the center. If you time it right, you can see rehabilitated turtles swimming and eating.

Beach with turquoise waters

Relaxing time at Le Méridien Bora Bora. Credit: Christian Bergara

The beach at Le Méridien Bora Bora is simply amazing. We spent hours and hours reading, sunbathing, swimming or simply enjoying the wonderful view and the soft sand. For those of you who are like me and prefer not to be in the sun for too long there are comfortable cabanas with plenty of pillows where you can lie down and relax in the shade.

I also have to say that I took several naps – as the sound of the waves and soft breeze were a perfect lullaby to sleep. If you prefer to do some exercise, there’s equipment such as paddle boards and snorkeling equipment that you can borrow for free.

Beautiful overwater bungalows

Overwater bungalows at Le Méridien Bora Bora. Credit: Carolina Valenzuela

Among the most exciting parts of the trip was the chance of sleeping in an overwater bungalow. We had mentioned in the reservation that it was our honeymoon so when we got to our bungalow there was a bottle of champagne and two t-shirts waiting for us – a really nice gesture from the resort.

The glass floor viewing panel of the bungalow is huge (it’s the largest glass-bottom floor in French Polynesia according to Le Méridien’s website) allowing you to watch the sea. I sometimes felt that I should just tip toe on top of it as I might break it! Of course, this was just my imagination. The décor of the bungalow is really modern but managed to create a very cozy atmosphere. The bed is extremely comfortable, making it a huge effort just to wake up, and the bathroom very spacious.

The overwater bungalows have private terraces where we read books and just enjoyed the stunning view. They also have a ladder that takes you directly to the water, or you can jump like a crazy person as my husband did several times.

On-site tour desk

While we wanted to focus on relaxing due to the remoteness of the hotel, we couldn’t pass up a unique excursion to swim with sharks and sting rays that we booked through the hotel tour desk.

We were picked up at the hotel in the early morning and off to sea. What made this memorable for both my husband and I was the tour guides. I have taken quite a bit of day trips and have never had the guides so engaged with their clients. Not only did they encourage comradery with jokes and singing island songs, they treated us to a home cooked coconut cake!

I was so excited when I spotted the sharks that I started snapping pictures like crazy. Unfortunately, the water here was fairly choppy and I started getting seasick; I had to stay in the boat while my husband jumped into the water. He’s a big shark nerd; you can imagine how much he loved the experience and he would definitely do it again. There were two additional stops to swim with rays and snorkel. If you are like me and prefer not to share your snorkeling equipment, take yours or buy this in advance in Amazon. It doesn’t really occupy much space, we fitted them in our carry-ons.

Tip: If you can, purchase a GoPro to take underwater pictures. Because the water is so transparent, taking amazing pictures and videos is easy. If you are using it for the first time please read the instructions in advance and practice beforehand!

Final thoughts:

The hotel offered a variety of packages for guests. Our package included complimentary breakfast which had a quite a large variety of options, but we were on our own the rest of the day. If we could go back, we would have chosen half pension, which included breakfast and one meal – the hotel is fairly remote and your options are limited to what they offer. Food and beverages are really expensive at the hotel (at least $30 for lite fare options and starting at $20 for beer, more for cocktails).

The hotel is amazing as are the staff and offerings. The hotel provides you a private bathroom (with shower!) for guests who stay to relax until the last possible minute the day they are checking-out.

Would we go back? Of course! French Polynesia is really expensive – but totally worth it – so maybe we will be back to celebrate our 10-year anniversary one day.