Posts Tagged ‘polynesia’

5 archipels, 5 different hidden paradises

Seemingly lost in the legendary shadow of Tahiti, Bora Bora and Moorea are the “Hidden Paradise” islands of Tahiti – Huahine, Raiatea, Taha’a, the Tuamotu atolls, and the Marquesas islands. Relatively unchanged by the modern world and long considered some of Tahiti’s “best kept secrets,” these islands and atolls lure travelers looking for an authentic Polynesian experience enhanced by world-class resorts, with international cuisine and pure uncrowded beaches.

In the lagoon of Huahine

Huahine, nicknamed the “Garden of Eden” : the magic of Huahine can be felt instantly upon arrival, and the proud locals do theirbest to make all visitors feel welcome. A road winds through the island, passing through small villages and climbing high into the hills for spectacular views of the brilliant turquoise lagoons. Restored Tahitian “marae” (temples) and centuries-old stone fish traps reflect the island’s ancient culture and proud descendants who still reside in this magnificent paradise. International surfing champions seek the world-class waves at Avamoa Pass, and the world’s largest outrigger canoe race, the Hawaiki Nui Va’a, begins here each October. Huahine is sparsely populated, and visitors will fall in love with the remote, unspoiled scenery and relaxed pace of this island.

Raiatea and Taha’a, are two islands that are encircled by the same barrier reef.

On the "marae" of Taputapuatea

Raiatea, “The Sacred Island”, may be the most revered island in all the South Pacific. Historically, kings from the neighboring islands would gather at Marae Taputapuatea for important ceremonies and negotiations. Re-enactments of these ceremonies on the restored marae help visitors discover the Tahitian culture. Raiatea has the only navigable river in the islands, the Fa’aroa, and popular excursions include exploring its cool, green waters in an outrigger canoe.

The Pacific breezes and calm lagoons provide ideal conditions year-round for sailing and deep-sea fishing. On the slopes of Mt. Temehani, visitors can discover the Tiare Apetahi, a rare flower that is found only on this particular mountain in Raiatea. Botanists have unsuccessfully tried to grow it elsewhere.

Traditionnal canoe in the lagoon of Taha'a

Taha’a, “The Vanilla Island”, offers a glimpse of the traditional, tranquil life of Tahitians. The 4,000 residents fish from thelagoon and raise livestock. Taha’a is called “The Vanilla Island” for its many plantations of this sought-after spice, which sweetens the island air with its rich aroma. Each November, Taha’a comes alive with a Stone Fishing tournament. In the method of their ancestors, the villagers wade into the lagoon, beating the water with stones tied to ropes. The frenzy frightens the schools of fish, driving them ashore, where they are easily collected for a feast.

The Tuamotu Atolls: Tahiti’s Strand of Pearls

The Tuamotu atolls, the largest of the Polynesian archipelagos, are located northeast of Tahiti and include 76 islands and atolls spread over more than 7500 square miles. Four of these islands – Rangiroa, Manihi, Tikehau, Fakarava – offer a host of lodging options and exciting activities, including world-class scuba diving, horseback riding, shark feeding and deep-sea fishing.

Rangiroa is one of the best diving spots in the world

Rangiroa is the world’s second largest atoll. From the air it appears as a large pearl necklace gently placed on the water. Known as “The Infinite Lagoon,” Rangiroa’s coral ring creates a seemingly endless display of deep turquoise and lapis blue. Because there’s no island runoff, the visibility in the lagoon is over 150 feet and the temperature a constant 80 degrees.

The famous Tiputa Pass, which provides an opening to the ocean, is rich with sea life. It’s known as one of the world’s greatest shark dives, and those who “shoot the pass” find themselves in the deep blue with literally scores of gray, black-tip, white-tip, lemon and nurse sharks. Non-divers can try some world-class snorkeling and see schools of dolphins that gather in the pass. For the true adventurer, a two-hour boat ride across the lagoon leads to the Kia Ora Sauvage, a luxurious way to “rough it.” There’s no electricity at this remote property, but it offers spectacular scenery and complete solitude. Torchlit nights add to its exotic and romantic appeal.

Motu in the atoll of Manihi

Manihi is a small atoll with less than 1,000 residents. Called “The Pearl Island,” this atoll was the site of the first pearl farm that helped pave the way for pearl faming throughout the Tuamotu atolls. The black-lipped oysters, found only in Tahiti, are cultivated for their prized black pearls. Visitors can enjoy lagoon activities while exploring the many black pearl farms for which the island is known.

Located about 10 miles from Rangiroa is the secluded island of Tikehau. Known as “The Pink Sand Island,” this oval-shaped atoll is an important supplier of fresh fish and copra. Tikehau boasts exotic pink sand beaches and an abundance of sea life that make it a must for scuba divers. In Tuheiava pass, diving enthusiasts can closely observe manta rays, barracuda, tuna, sea turtles, and gray and white-tipped sharks. This diverse island is also home to a number of bird colonies that have sought refuge on the aptly named “Isle of Birds” motu. This protected islet is well-known for its red-footed gannets and brown noddies.

Fakarava, “The Dream Island”, is the second largest atoll in Tahiti after Rangiroa. This protected atoll, along with its six neighboring islands, is under consideration to become a UNESCO nature reserve. The delicate ecosystem supports especially rare flora and fauna, including the hunting kingfisher, the Tuamotu palm, and sea life such as squills and sea cicadas. Fakarava also contains one of the first Catholic churches constructed in Tahiti. Located in the ancient village of Tetamanu, this structure is built primarily of coral and dates back to 1862.

Landscape of Nuku Hiva

The Marquesas: The Mysterious Islands

The Marquesas islands are located about 930 miles northeast of Tahiti. About a 3.5-hour flight from the capital city of Papeete, the 12 islands (six inhabited, six unpopulated) offer some of Tahiti’s most dramatic scenery and authentic experiences. These islands have no lagoons and feature dense jungles with 1,100-foot-high waterfalls and sheer cliffs. There are only five flights a week from Papeete to the Marquesas. Some visitors opt to arrive via the Aranui 3, a working cargo/copra ship that accommodates 200 passengers. The Marquesas is where Herman Melville jumped ship, and where Paul Gauguin came to paint and retire. The most populated islands, Nuku Hiva and Hiva Oa, offer lodging in small hotels and pensions.

>> Live your dream by discovering Tahiti’s hidden paradises

You are dreaming of the Bora Bora lagoon and its magnific underwater fauna ?

Do you know you can make a romantic ballad in an underwater bubble with your lover? It’s a new concept which will delight submarine fans.

>>> Follow the guide !

French Polynesia is made up of 121 pristine atolls and islands located in the tropical South Pacific, including popular destinations such as Tahiti, Bora Bora, Moorea and Huahine – each one ringed with vibrant coral reefs and overflowing with exotic marine life. Visitors can explore underwater caves, caverns, lagoons and shipwrecks – while swimming alongside friendly dolphins, manta rays, eels, jellyfish, barracuda and tuna. But for those seeking the ultimate thrill, French Polynesia is also home to one of the world’s highest concentrations of great hammerhead, whitetip, blacktip, silvertip and gray reef sharks. Here’s our top 5 places for getting up close and personal with one of the sea’s most magnificent creatures and revered predators.

5. Tahiti: When it comes to shark diving, Tahiti island is the place to get your feet wet. The area’s calm waters and abundant marine-life, which includes small reef sharks, nurse sharks, friendly moray eels and countless schools of dazzlingly bright colored fish, provide a safe yet thrilling experience for beginners. Even novice divers can experience a shark feeding frenzy at the Shark Cave, explore sunken shipwrecks and seaplanes or peer into the deepest depths of the ocean from a sheer cliff located on an underwater plateau at the famed Tahiti Wall.

4. Bora Bora: Renowned worldwide for its stunning topside beauty, Bora Bora also offers some of the world’s best dives. Beginners can swim easily among groups of giant Manta Rays at sites including Anau and the Teavanui Pass, be shadowed underwater by ‘torpedoing’ gray reef sharks at Muri Muri (The White Valley) and feed lemon sharks by hand at Tapu Dive.

3. Huahine: The island’s sleepy, beach-town vibe, modest prices and authentic Polynesian style make it perfect for travelers wanting to get off the beaten track. You can find plenty of reef life surrounding Huahine including leopard rays, tortoise, big napoleons, jacks, eels and barracuda. Dive in at Avepeihi (Fitii’s) Pass for one of the world’s best places to witness gray sharks feeding in their natural habitat.

2. Fakarava: Perhaps the newest and least explored sport diving destination, Fakarava (a designated UNESCO reserve) is one of the world’s best places for viewing big fish and large pelagic animals (tuna, shark, mantas) and for drift diving. Advanced divers can literally flow along with the current at the 2/3 mile wide Garuae Pass and see great hammerhead, whitetips, manta rays and marbled grouper. Intermediate divers can have less challenging yet equally rewarding experience at Tumakohua Pass.

1. Rangiroa: For one of the world’s ultimate diving experiences, come to Rangiroa (the world’s second largest atoll). With exceptionally clear visibility (commonly exceeding 100ft), exhilarating currents and and massive amounts of sharks, rays, turtles, eels, tuna, barraduca and dolphins, divers are in for the thrill of a lifetime. The Pacific Ocean connects with Rangiroa’s gigantic lagoon at the Avatoru Pass and Tiputa Pass, creating an in-and-out flow that results in an unbelievably high concentration of marine life. This area is also one of the best places for spotting great hammerhead sharks and huge numbers of gray reef sharks.

Do you have your own shark diving experience to share? Where are your favorite places to dive in French Polynesian?

Click here to find out what’s included in our 9 Day Diving in Bora Bora, Rangiroa and Fakarava package