Moorea and Bora Bora Sampler

Today you will begin your Swain Destinations customized itinerary. Please note, international air has not been included in this package price. 

On arrival you are met and greeted with a traditional flower lei and transferred to your overnight accommodation in Papeete.

Papeete, the capital and commercial hub of French Polynesia, hosts the government offices, hospitals, banks, airline and travel agencies, boutiques and black pearl shops.  The Central Market (Marché Central) is a must, located 1 block behind the waterfront. You will see traditional Tahitian crafts, flowers, fruits, fish and other produce.  The waterfront is attractive, with a tree lined promenade along a marina with an international yachting community.

Transfer to the domestic terminal for the 10-minute flight to Moorea. On arrival you will be transferred to your accommodation.

Less than 10 minutes away from Tahiti by air or less than one hour by ferry are the deep, spectacular bays and white sand beaches of Moorea. The craggy volcanic peaks, reflected in the tranquil waters of Cook's Bay and Oponohu Bay, rise like a shark's jaw from the island's basaltic base. The lush mountain slopes are covered with rain forest or pineapple plantations, and white sand beaches border crystalline lagoons.

Set off on a safari experience and explore the volcano’s internal crater and incredible landscapes. Visit a pineapple plantation, Moorea’s Lycee Agricole (agricultural school) and its huge vanilla, banana, grapefruit and lemon plantations to name but a few. Then head to a marae before driving to the Belvedere for stunning views of Cook and Opunohu bays. On the way, you can taste the fruit juices of the boutique of the Manutea distillery (not open to the public). The final stop will be the Tiki Village, the only Polynesian village in French Polynesia.

Moorea is a daydream realized. Serrated peaks and tremendous gorges are hugged by shallow bays and translucent lagoons. Pineapple plantations dot the hills and waves lap quaint villages free of hotel development. Befriend a local guide and hike the emerald valleys, give your camera a workout at Belvedere Lookout where you'll be mesmerized by the blue horizon. Wrap yourself in a rainbow by wearing tie-dyed pareus (sarongs), a Moorean specialty, or frolic with dolphins in crystalline lagoons at Dolphin Quest.

Transfer to the airport for your flight to Bora Bora, where you are met and transferred to your accommodation.

Bora Bora – Unquestionably the most mythical of the Pacific islands remains the island of all dreams. So much has been written about Bora Bora, and yet it is hard to find the right words to describe the magic that emanates from this island.

Seen from the air, the view has been compared to that of "a tiny emerald in a setting of turquoise, encircled by a sheltering necklace of sparkling pearls". The airport, built by US forces in 1942, is located on a palm fringed motu about 20 minutes by boat from the main village of Vaitape. The view of the main island from the airport is truly breathtaking, and as you travel across the spectacular lagoon you will soon understand why it is the main area of attraction for most visitors.

Embark on a nice motorized outrigger boat to meet the colorful fish, stingrays and black tip sharks. It is to the sound of ukulele that your Polynesian guide will lead you to the motu where a tasty lunch of grills and typical Tahitian dishes is prepared for you. Sit on one of the common large tables and enjoy a local entertainment while sipping a cool drink.

When you see its crown of lush green volcanic peaks, you can understand why the late James A. Michener described Bora Bora as the most beautiful island in the South Pacific. Bora Bora is encircled by a multihued lagoon and protected by a wall of coral reef. Traverse this tiny island on bicycle and chat with locals, or explore Bora Bora's rugged interior on a jeep safari tour. Pack a picnic and maroon yourself on a remote motu, or make a lunch date with a black tip reef shark and watch your guide hand-feed these amazing creatures. Explore a cultural note by enjoying a Polynesian dance performance.

Transfer to the airport for your return flight.