Society Islands Explorer

Once you clear customs and immigration, look for your name on the board.  Your Tekura Tahiti representative will assist you to your transfer vehicle.

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.

A busy small city, Papeete hums with happy sounds in a tropical atmosphere with French flavor and an easygoing Tahitian disposition.

Please wait in the hotel lobby area for your transfer to Papeete airport for your flight to Moorea. Upon 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.

Follow your guide for this full day tour of Moorea! Spend the morning in a 4WD vehicle discovering the interior of Moorea island, its magnificent panoramas and cultural beauties. Lunch will be enjoyed reef side at the Pointe de Temae, with a typical Polynesian dish served with a glass of punch. A short break will give you time to stroll along the beach, collect some nice shells and swim in the lagoon. In the afternoon, you will be driven to Afareaitu where an easy hike up of about 15 minutes will take you to one of the waterfalls of the valley. Do not hesitate to take a dip! An enjoyable day for the discovery of the different facets of Moorea.

Only 40 miles around on a well paved road along the shore, this dramatic and lush island can easily be circled by car, scooter or on bicycle for the more physically inclined. You can also enjoy horseback riding along the beach or the interior, hikes to hidden waterfalls or visit the Belvedere's very spectacular scenic view point.

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.

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.

Say goodbye to Tahitian paradise as you transfer by boat to the airport for your return journey.