Tahiti is one of the Society Islands though often its used as a catch-all, a la "Tahiti and her Islands", referring to all of the islands.  The Society Islands ~ Tahiti, Moorea, Tetiaroa, Maiao and Mehetia ~ are the Windward Islands with Huahine, Bora Bora, Raitea, Maupiti, Tupai and and three other small motus being the Leeward Islands.  Raratonga is not a Society Island but one of the Cook Islands.  Another group of islands which one Tahitian Princess itinerary covers are the Marquesas Islands.  There are many more island groups than I'd realized.  Tahiti Traveler provides an overview of the many island groups.

~ Know before you go!  ~

French Polynesia is VERY expensive.  Cruising is a less expensive 
way to see this island paradise.  In a hotel, with room, food & 
and an outing somewhere, it can easily be $1000.00 / day. An 
average (not gourmet) dinner for two runs about $150 USD with breakfast between $50 and $60 and drinks running $12 to $15 each. 
Thus 5-6 days at a hotel can equal or exceed the cost of a 10 day cruise.

Many travelers return complaining about the service as well as the expense of French Polynesia so a word about service.  From my 
year of reading, I've learned that one is ill-advised to arrive 
in Tahiti and Her Islands expecting equivalent accommodations and service as one would receive at a 4 or 5 star Resort or Restaurant in the US or Canada.  It's not going to happen. The people of FP 
are very laid back and gentle.  Just as they will not rush you and 
are most eager to please, speed is not in their nature and 
neither is our western idea of efficiency. 

Someone made the comment, "It's not Hawaii. Come back to FP in 20 years and you may rue the day you were disappointed with its quaintness and slow ways so be careful what you ask for."  With memories of Hawaii's islands 30 plus years ago 
versus today, I well agree with that philosophy.

It's a mind set.  Accept, going in, you are on island time. 
Yes the service isn't quick and sometimes forgetful, but 
as long as you accept that you won't be disappointed.

The Beachcomber was everything we could have dreamed of! Checking in was so personalized. They take you to the bar & get you coffee & leave you with the forms to fill out & describe the resort, restaurant hours, etc. Very nice. Our room wasn't ready (it was only 9:30 a.m.) so they gave us the key to a change/shower room (warning--there's no toilet in there, so if you have to go, find the washrooms before you go to the changeroom). Big tip--pack sunscreen in your carry-on luggage. We packed shorts, bathing suits, etc. and were prepared to sit in the shade by the pool, waiting for our room, but the shade turned out to be less than shade (we were under an umbrella that was under a tree) and we both got very bad burns in a couple of hours. It wasn't a great way to start a 2-week vacation.

I'd emailed a couple of weeks ahead, asking for Beach Bungalow 314 since so many here said it had such good shade. The Beachcomber emailed back to say it was already booked, but they'd make us happy. Did they ever! They gave me my second choice (tip---always give them backup choices!), #311, and we liked it even better than we would have #314. We had a beautiful view of the mountains to our right from our deck, the Dolphin Quest area, the over-water bungalows & the lagoon. There are tons of plants growing around the deck so it's very private (I don't think anyone walking by was aware we were sitting on the deck). #310 also looks excellent. We had the hammock right beside our bungalow & only once couldn't use it when we wanted. The bungalows are so nicely appointed. We used the bar fridge to store our groceries (we took out the bottled water & bottled juices & left them above the fridge, returning them when we left & we weren't charged for anything). We found the fridge stayed colder if we left the door of the wooden unit containing it open (to let the heat out). Every morning, we'd walk to the market (turn right once you're out of the Beachcomber's driveway)

Moorea -- We loved the Beachcomber! We had emailed them a couple of months ago requesting 514 and got it. By far the best overwater bungalow there. Fully overwater, very private deck -- no neighbors, great view of the sunrise. Nice bungalows, very comfortable, great snorkling off our deck! Staff was very pleasant and attentive. Went to the Helene Spa -- excellent massages and we also did the fresh flower bath and it was great! Did the Dolphin encounter -- AWESOME! There is a great pizza place (Miss Pizza) right outside the resort (Excellent chocolate crepes!) and a supermarket real close by (less than 10 minute walk) where we got beer and water and snacks. Breakfast was good, you get tired of the buffet breakfasts after a while. Ate at both restaurants -- both very good. Plenty of places to lay in the sun. We didn't go to the pool at all. If you go to the motu to snorkel, go in the morning -- more fish to see.

Taken to the Moorea Intercontinental Beachcomber. Very nice! Really upscale. We had joined the Six Continents Club and were upgraded from beach to OWB #510. Not a direct sunset view but a splendid spot. We were on a point and it was just magnificent.

Check in at the Moorea Beachcomber went smoothly. They have a separate check-in for the Rad isson guests. I had e-mailed the resort the week before requesting a certain overwater bungalow (514) and received it. It is one of the few that is completely overwater and has a great view of the reef, the Dolphin area and the sunset.  The interior of the bungalow is very nice. Thatched roof, woven walls, a separate sitting area and balcony. The bathroom was quite spacious with a large tub, open shower and separate toilet room. The only minor problem was the water was scorching hot unless you turned it almost all the way to cool. The AC worked well but the remote control was a bit finicky. A firm yet comfortable bed, good pillows and we were off to sleep.

Beachcomber in Moorea is fabulous. We stayed 1 night at Tahiti Beachcomber, 5 nights Moorea Beachcomber, + 5 nights Bora Bora Le Meridian.
Moorea is definitely much better than Tahiti ....I would stay in the Beach Bungalows on Moorea, (not overwater bungalows). The overwater bungalows at the Beachcomber in Moorea are not truly overwater. You don't really walk out onto a dock like you would think. Beachfront is best. Bungalows are beautiful...all teak wood, separate bedroom area, gorgeous baths...truly amazing! 

We had chosen to stay at the IC Beachcomber here as well. The hotel was beautiful, the grounds were beautiful, and our OWB (got upgraded again) was amazing! We were in #507 and had a pretty good view of everything. We thought that our bungalow might have that glass floor under the coffee table to see beneath, but it didn’t. We don’t know if it was just our bungalow or if all the bungalows were like that.

That day we quickly discovered that no matter how nice the hotel was, it was also somewhat inconvenient. We found that there is nothing within walking distance of the hotel!….which can be a big problem if you don’t have a car, which we didn’t, and if you like to venture outside the hotel. We did find that there’s a small pizza joint (Miss Pizza) just outside the hotel. Walk out the hotel and make a right. We never went there, but were told by another couple that it wasn’t bad. There’s also a little store called Raimona Market that’s about a 5-10 min. walk from the hotel. Again, walk out the hotel and go right. We walked there every morning to buy chocolate croissants for 120 cfp each. They were delicious!! Go early in the morning as they run out (so we were told). We would take the croissants and buy a bottle of coke and some pineapple juice (to store in our room) and go back to our bungalow and sit on our decks to eat our breakfast. One of the most inexpensive meals we had on the trip.

The Beachcomber was everything we could have dreamed of! Checking in was so personalized. They take you to the bar & get you coffee & leave you with the forms to fill out & describe the resort, restaurant hours, etc. Very nice. Our room wasn't ready (it was only 9:30 a.m.) so they gave us the key to a change/shower room (warning--there's no toilet in there, so if you have to go, find the washrooms before you go to the changeroom). Big tip--pack sunscreen in your carry-on luggage. We packed shorts, bathing suits, etc. and were prepared to sit in the shade by the pool, waiting for our room, but the shade turned out to be less than shade (we were under an umbrella that was under a tree) and we both got very bad burns in a couple of hours. It wasn't a great way to start a 2-week vacation.

I'd emailed a couple of weeks ahead, asking for Beach Bungalow 314 since so many here said it had such good shade. The Beachcomber emailed back to say it was already booked, but they'd make us happy. Did they ever! They gave me my second choice (tip---always give them backup choices!), #311, and we liked it even better than we would have #314. We had a beautiful view of the mountains to our right from our deck, the Dolphin Quest area, the over-water bungalows & the lagoon. There are tons of plants growing around the deck so it's very private (I don't think anyone walking by was aware we were sitting on the deck). #310 also looks excellent. We had the hammock right beside our bungalow & only once couldn't use it when we wanted. The bungalows are so nicely appointed. We used the bar fridge to store our groceries (we took out the bottled water & bottled juices & left them above the fridge, returning them when we left & we weren't charged for anything). We found the fridge stayed colder if we left the door of the wooden unit containing it open (to let the heat out). Every morning, we'd walk to the market (turn right once you're out of the Beachcomber's driveway) to buy a bagette (cheap!) and danishes that looked (and tasted) like they were apricot and raisin. Delicious (160 XPF each). We also bought cheese, cream for my coffee (I didn't trust the stuff the hotel supplied at first since it's not kept refrigerated, but I got so disappointed with the creme fraiche from the market, that I ended up using the resort cream eventually...that creme fraiche is weird stuff for coffee!). I'd packed a small jar of peanut butter (great suggestion) so we had the danishes for breakfast and cheese or peanut butter on bagettes for lunch. This really cut our costs down. Dinner was Miss Pizza several times (good pizza 1200-1500 XPF, cheeseburger frites--cheeseburger and fries--2 of these plus 2 pops were 2100 XPF). Diet Coke is called Coke Light there, by the way. We bought ham at the ABC grocery store at Le Petit Village for dinner once, too. And I celebrated my birthday in Moorea, starting the day with a room-service full breakfast (thanks for the tip that there's enough food there for 2---it's more like 4!) and finishing with dinner at Te Honu Iti (wonderful food, great service and it was so fun to watch the fish & rays come right up to the restaurant to be fed).

We loved the Beachcomber! We had emailed them a couple of months ago requesting 514 and got it. By far the best overwater bungalow there. Fully overwater, very private deck -- no neighbors, great view of the sunrise. Nice bungalows, very comfortable, great snorkling off our deck! Staff was very pleasant and attentive. Went to the Helene Spa -- excellent massages and we also did the fresh flower bath and it was great! Did the Dolphin encounter -- AWESOME! There is a great pizza place (Miss Pizza) right outside the resort (Excellent chocolate crepes!) and a supermarket real close by (less than 10 minute walk) where we got beer and water and snacks. Breakfast was good, you get tired of the buffet breakfasts after a while. Ate at both restaurants -- both very good. Plenty of places to lay in the sun. We didn't go to the pool at all. If you go to the motu to snorkel, go in the morning -- more fish to see. Went on the interior tour with Albert Tours. William, our guide, was awesome and it was only US$25. Great time. Tiki Village was fun -- good show, not good food. But an experience you have to do.

the moorea beachcomber is one the nicest properties we have visited and we travel extensively. i recommend it highly. we stayed at an over the water bungelow #614, it is at the end of the island where the owb's are located. it offers alot of privacy and great views. however, it is near a travel channel where excursion boats and other watercraft move about, so it can be a bit busy at times but we were never bothered and enjoyed waiving at the passing visitors from time to time. the water was very clear and we could see numerous fish moving about right below our deck.

was surprised the beachcomber did not have an exercise facility as a resort of that caliber should have one.

We first stayed 4 nights at the Beachcomber in Moorea - best resort. Moorea is only 30 min ferry from Tahiti - stay here instead of Tahiti. The overwater bungalows at the Beachcomber are really only half on the water. We stayed in a garden bungalow and it was great. We went on a 4x4 tour (Moorea Explorer) - $45/half day - great tour. My husband did a dive through Bathy's, which is on the resort and is a PADI facility ($70/1 tank). Eat off the property because the food is a lot better. We ate at Le Tipanier (cute French place, reasonable - $65 dinner) and Te Hono Iti - over the water and rays swim by as you eat. They both pick you up at the hotel for free or $5/each. We ordered an American breakfast from room service each morning (just one - $33), but we could share it, as it was a lot of food. We did the Polynesian Buffet one evening - they set it up on the beach and there is a dancing show - $65/person - good to do once.  

Going by the rooms people recommended on this forum, I sent an email to the Beachcomber folks telling them the rooms I would prefer. We got our first choice - beach bungalow 317. If you are not into snorkeling you cannot go wrong with this room. It has an unobstructed view of the lagoon and the ocean. You can see sunsets from the patio. The main beach is close by. In fact right below the patio, another small beach starts. We saw rays, eel, stonefish and plenty of other fish from our patio.  The Beachcomber grounds are kept very neat. You can see over a dozen varieties of flowers, and plenty of birds around.  The continental breakfast is really good and one order is enough for two people. We also ordered some soup and stuff at night and that was also good too.  They were cashing travelers cheques for 109XPF for each US dollar, which was by far the best we got. Our connection from Papeete to Moorea was so tight, we didn't get time to exchange any currency in Papeete . So the Beachcomber exchange rate was what we had to live with. They didn't charge any commission either.

Moorea Beachcomber – Beach Bungalows #314 or #315 but actually all from #310 up have unobstructed views.  Also both #514 & #507 have been reported as excellent accommodation.

The Sheraton was a beautiful hotel, much larger than the Sofitel Motu, and has more of an "American" feel to it. The Front Desk, Activities desk, etc. are all helpful, but not the all out, do anything we can for you service that you get in Bora Bora . Just our observation and not a complaint AT ALL. More rooms, mean more people - so you don't have a secluded feeling like we did in BB. We had an overwater bungalow here as well, we were right in the middle of the pack, but you really don't mind your neighbors, if you see them at all.

Stayed 4 nights at the Sheraton Moorea. This is an amazing resort. Much nicer than the IC and possibly the best location on the island. O/W bungalow had awesome views of the mountains and the horizon. Tons of fish and coral right under us for daily snorkeling. Huge bathroom with claw foot tub, shower, pillow menu (oh yeah!), glass top coffee table for fish viewing, 2 tiered deck, fresh water shower on lower deck, etc.

Sheraton Moorea – Beach Bungalow #54 is best (regardless if it appears not) as it gets sun all day.

We then spent 6 nights on Moorea again at the Pearl resort. We were upgraded to a deluxe OWB (#426 the best one at the resort) and couldn't have been more pleased

Moorea Pearl Beach OWB (overwater bungalow) is the BEST!  The OWB are right on the crest of shallow to deep water, thus snorkeling was excellent right off the OWB. All other OWB's we saw on other resorts were in 2 ft of water with no coral and very little fish. We guessed from internet photo's and were exactly
right. Where the water is a light teal color, it is very shallow-waist deep at most. where it is dark blue, it is deep and more fish.  We also stayed at Bora bora pearl beach-beachfront bungalow and OWB, and there was no snorkeling at Bora Bora without going a ways. Also, all the Moorea OWB's face north (out the
deck), and got sun on the deck all day even to sunset where at BB, most faced so there was very little sun on the deck - partial day sun at most. If you want sun, make sure you figure out which unit you will get in advance!

A comment worth reading:

We knew all about the restaurants that come and pick you up from your hotel, but again we didn’t find this to be true. We discovered that some of the restaurants (mainly the ones near Cook’s Bay, where most of the restaurants are located) would not come to the IC Beachcomber as it was too far from them. We also thought about ordering pizza from the well-mentioned Allo’s Pizza, but again, they wouldn’t deliver to our hotel because it was too far from them. I’ve already discovered from other posts that the restaurants DID come out to pick them up. Maybe it just depends on how the restaurants are feeling that day. I don’t know. We had called Le Mahogany, Le Cocotier, and Te Honu Iti and none of them would come to the IC. Someone also posted on this site that it might be better to go through your hotel concierge as some restaurants may not come to pick you up if you call the restaurant directly and you’re the only one from your hotel going to that restaurant. So check with your concierge and have him/her arrange a pick up time for you. We called some other restaurants on our own and finally found 2 that would come to our hotel: Alfredo’s and Linareva. We went to each on different nights. Our hotel did provide a shuttle to La Petit Village , where a few restaurants are located, but the shuttle isn’t free. I believe it was 400 or 600 cfp per person. So unless you’re going to rent a car, you’re basically limited as to where you want to go eat. Some have said that the walk from the IC to La Petit Village isn’t bad, but I would say it’s AT LEAST a mile, which may not seem far to some, but it was to me, especially in that hot sun!
The Sheraton and the Sofitel seemed to be just as bad. It appeared that the most “convenient” hotel was the Pearl Beach Resort. Since it’s near Cook’s Bay, there are numerous restaurants, shops, and little markets within walking distance.

"Excellent Classical French cuisine. I ordered a seafood combination that was the best. Make reservations for a table by the water. We saw about 4 rays, many fishes and a kind of a water snake (sorry, I don’t know the name in English). 1000 cfp for pick-up and slow service."

"If you can get a seat at the railing, you can see and feed the fish and sting rays. (And excellent apple pie!)"

"We had the snails in puff pastry, which were excellent, and I had the Shrimp Provencal, which I would also recommend. My husband had a chicken dish that he didn’t like because it wasn’t chicken breast like you would expect in the US . The service here was extremely slow and although the restaurant provided free transportation on the way home, on the way there it was $5pp."

"We ate the first night at Te Hono Iti. We're food connoisseurs and thought it was just okay, but we didn't find it as great as a lot of people on this board reported. The atmosphere is nice, though, and the location great.  We got to see an eel hunt for his dinner!"  

"Second best food and by far the most romantic spot."

"Great food, but the night we were there, the service was EXTREMELY slow. We were patient, but it was a reallly long night. The location is great and if you sit by the water you can see the sting rays come up for "leftovers". "

"The Linareva Floating Restaurant where, after the waitress pulled two large chalkboards to each table as patrons decided on their orders, we chose and then dined on thinly sliced sashimi on cabbage with a wonderfully flavored soy sauce dip as an appetizer, Mahi Mahi in Vanilla Sauce and Shrimps in Curry for the main course, and a Rum Raisin Ice Cream and Mango Parfait with a very large rolled cookie sticking straight up."

Advice is to go there when the water is calm.  

We also went to Linareva - the floating restaurant. It was a long drive from our hotel, but it was an interesting atmosphere and the food was good.

"Delicious Italian food. Fettucine Alfredo and Tortellini was great! The best garlic bread appetizers. We went here twice since the food was good and different from what every other restaurant had."

We also did Alfredos. The best meal I think we had. I highly recommend the grilled tuna in mustard sauce YUM YUM and the Crème  Brulee heavenly!!!

We ate at Alfred's - great food, friendly owner and staff!! 

Good food but service reported as on the slow side.

"Le Mahagony was the site of one of the best dinners on our entire trip. We ordered appetizers consisting of hot stuffed mussels and Chinese-style poisson cru made with two kinds of ginger and a light vinegar dressing. The main course was mahi mahi in vanilla sauce and tuna chunks in coconut curry sauce. Dessert was half a small pineapple soaked in rum with vanilla ice cream. Our waiter’s name was Heiva, and he was so fast and efficient waiting on all the tables in the restaurant. After this delicious dinner, we returned to the Sheraton and enjoyed the cool breezes and stars on the deck, and took another long soothing bath."

"We ate at Le Mahogany twice and really enjoyed it. Better food and half the price of Te Hono Iti."

That night we had dinner at Le Mahogany, which we would highly recommend and they do offer a free transportation from the Sheraton.

"The best meal, my wife and I both agree, was at a small place called Chez Michelle at the bottom of Cook's Bay right beside the bridge and the internet cafe. It is a small place (5-6 tables) and run by one older French lady. Plastic tables, but right on the water. The food was incredible. I had the Shrimp in Coconut Curry sauce... and I have never (and likely never will) taste shrimp that fresh (and it was completely deveined and no shell at all). The sauce was the proper blend of flavor and spice, and it was served with rice and a side of local spinach (2100CFP).  My wife had a chicken dish that also was incredible. The chicken was so flavorful, so fresh and just tasted like the best home-cooking ever 1800CFP). Obviously, we really loved it. Cash only, and Michelle is very good about translating the menu (on a blackboard) into English."  Open for Lunch and Dinner."

Understand this is near the Pearl Beach Resort

"Le Cocotier was our favorite. Food was good, place was very "comfortable" and they had a guy singing American Blues music. He was very good. Drinks were terrific. I could have stayed there all night."

on Cooks Bay and provides free transportation to and back from most hotels. Top notch.

Reported to be very enjoyable.  Handy if you stay there!

The husband and wife were so friendly and fun to talk to - we felt like old friends when we left! Their pizza is thin crust and right out of the wood fired oven - tres bon! They also have some wonderful olive oil with local chili peppers if you like it hot, to sprinkle over your pizza!

Sandwiches from the truck up at Le Belvedere are to die for......baguettes a foot long, ham, cheese, tomatoes, onions, lettuce.....350xpf's, 500 if you want a salad too. If you aren't there at lunch stock up, take them back to the hotel for dinner (stash them in your little fridge)

• Rent a car on Moorea to avoid the restaurant "ride" problem and see the sights, and for sure, the other resorts. Plan your days and your car rental. Get the car in the afternoon, go to Belvedere for the views, have dinner on Cook's bay, and use the car to tour in the morning before you return it back.
• Scooter around the island: HIGHLY Recommended to do on Moorea.  This took about 3 hours to make it around the entire island and it was so much fun. Originally we were going to take 2 scooters, but the activities director recommended we share and we were so happy that we did. This way you get to talk to your loved one and laugh with them while driving around. Half way thru the scooter ride it started to pour rain. We couldn't do anything but laugh and hope that we made it safe. It made it more exciting. This was a great way to see the entire island and kind of an adventure.
• Dolphin Quest:  Although this is a little expensive, about $450, this was something we really wanted to do. This is thru the Beachcomber resort. The honeymoon program only has 6 people in it and you get to swim with the dolphins and get to learn about them and get pictures with them. The program also gives you a free picture. It was amazing to come so close with the dolphins.
• Dolphin Quest: We didn’t participate but you can watch this by the bridge and take some good photos.
• Mandara Spa (At the Sheraton):  I got the coconut scrub and Heaven and Earth massage and my husband got the 80 minute Sports Massage. The treatments were great and although pricey we got a room together which was romantic. We were glad we did this on Moorea since it was a lot more expensive at the same spa in Bora Bora.

• Rent a Scooter – it takes about 45 minutes to drive around Moorea. 

• If you want to do the “Lagoonarium” – talk to Albert’s Tours

• We took the 4X4 tour offered by Albert on Moorea, and I’m sorry I did. First off, they really packed us into the back like cattle – they wanted to put 10 of us back there! One couple refused and sat in the cab of the truck with the driver, but it was still a little too crowded for my tastes. The worst part, though, was the bumpiness, particularly on the way up to the waterfall. It was so bad that when we got to the point where the waterfall hike began, I decided to hike back down to the road instead. I couldn’t stand that bumpy ride a second time! As it turned out, the waterfall wasn’t that impressive – Doug says one woman kind of had a look on her face that said, “Is that all?” Anybody who’s spent a fair time in Hawaii has seen plenty of nice waterfalls without having their kidneys up in their throats.
  The highlight of the 4X4 was Belvedere, but you don’t need a 4X4 to see it! You can go up in a rental car, because the way is smoothly paved. Also, they took us to a couple of tourist traps that sell black pearls and liquor. So, I’m sorry we took that tour. Better to rent a car and explore the island on your own.

• Alberts Boat Cruise and Motu Picnic. This was worth EVERY PENNY. It was $60 per person. We boarded a catamaran near the Club Bali Hai. The tour guide was very good, he explained all the mountain peaks and pointed put things here and there. We went past both bays and docked near the Sheraton (but far out) for the shark feeding. This really pissed us off: we didn't know to bring our snorkels and no one told us to! We bought them for the sole purpose of not using anyone elses nasty masks, but we had to our we would have missed one of the greateest experiences here in Moorea. Swimming with Sharks! I was scared but they don't bother u ...you are literally swimming WITH the sharks, watching them be fed by our tours guides. BRING YOUR UNDERWATER CAMERAS! it was an experience we will never forget.  Next, off to the Sting Ray Feeding by our Beachcomber.  Then off to the Motu Picnic. They docked us near a cute motu, seems like all the tours go here too..we saw a few boats. They demonstrated the coconut husking and we were able to eat some. We snorkeled around until they had the Barbecue ready for us. There was ice cold water, juice and Hinanos ready for us. They also demonstrated how to make to Poisson Cru(raw tuna, lime juice, salt, cucumbers, tomatoes, onions, and cocunut juice mixed together) Now it was time to eat. This was ABSOLUTELY the freshest most delicious meal. Fresh grilled tuna (so tender unlike the tuna in any US restaurant) the Poisson Cru was soooo good and i don't even like raw fish at all! They had fried rice, bread, barbecued chicken and the sweetest pineapples. We pigged out and snorkeled some more. They gave us some raw tuna to feed the fish with while we snorkeled. It was really cool because the colorful fish actually come us to your hand and take little bites of the fish from you.  Then they dropped us off at the Beachcomber deck.

• We did the shark and stingray tour with Maco. This was one of the best days of our trip. We had to contact Maco directly because when we asked the Sheraton about this tour they said he was no longer running it. Obviously, they must not get a commission from him. The tour was so amazing and included a great lunch and Hinanos. The staff was great and we really can’t say enough about this tour.

• Also do the tour with Dr. Michale Poole - the marine biologist stationed there.  He does tours on Sunday and Thursday. It was whale season (July-Oct) and we spent a couple of hours with 3 Humpback Whales and even got to snorkel with them! This was a once in a lifetime experience! He'll also take you out to cavort with the spinner dolphins.

• Went on the interior tour with Albert Tours. William, our guide, was awesome and it was only US$25. Great time. Tiki Village was fun -- good show, not good food. But an experience you have to do.

• 4x4 Tour Albert Transport: Cost = 40,000 XPF per person: We signed up with Albert Transport for this very worthwhile excursion around Moorea. There was a “shack”/office right outside of the Beachcomber (literally across the street) where you can sign up and get around the extra commission charged by the Beachcomber. Hint: Don’t forget to bring sunscreen and apply bug spray BEFORE heading out!!! If you plan on bringing back some alcohol, be sure to buy it at the juice /distillery factory as the prices will be the best that you will come across. If vanilla beans are on your shopping list, I suggest you buy them at the agricultural school where 5 beans will cost you 900 XPF. The prices for vanilla beans were generally much higher everywhere else.

• Bicycle Ride: Highly recommended. You can rent bikes from the Beachcomber for 13,000 XPF per person for 4 hours but we went with a company called “Rent a Bike” that rented bikes for 10,000 XPF per bike for the entire day. They will actually pick you up for FREE and their telephone #: 711 109 Hint: BRING LOTS OF WATER. I would estimate 2+ liters of water for 2 people over 3-4 hours so bring a light backpack and fill up with more water at the roadside magasins when you run out. The bikes were actually pretty decent 18 speed mountain bikes in reasonably good shape and the road around the island is paved. Enjoy the sights, the intermittent breeze, and go at a leisurely pace! We biked east for 13 km before heading back.

• The highlight of the 4X4 was Belvedere, but you don’t need a 4X4 to see it! You can go up in a rental car, because the way is smoothly paved. Also, they took us to a couple of tourist traps that sell black pearls and liquor. So, I’m sorry we took that tour. Better to rent a car and explore the island on your own.

• We did the 4x4 tour (Albert Tours) on Moorea. My husband has a bad back (2 herniated disks) and I have a bad neck (1 herniated disk). We were really leary about doing the 4x4 after everyone said not to if you have a bad back, but we found it was fine as long as you stand up for the rough parts (going up to the pineapple plantation & distillery and the waterfall). If it gets really bumpy, stand on the balls of your feet. Neither of us had any problems with our backs or necks (but watch your head on the framework over the 4x4 when it gets bumpy!). This tour was really amazing! My favourite parts were the view from the Belvedere and the hike up to the waterfall (you cross 2 streams on stepping stones). It had rained a day or two before our tour, so there was water on the waterfall (it would still be beautiful without, though). Wear running or hiking shoes on this trip or you'll have trouble on the hike to the waterfall (we saw many people slipping & falling with thongs or sandals on).
  
  

   

   

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

• If you are staying on Moorea, bring a flashlight for navigating a night.
• We toured the whole island, went to the Belvedere (get there early in the morning it tends to get very cloudy up there later)
• It turns out that the OWB's are not completely enclosed, so if you have the ceiling lights on when the sun is going down, light seeking bugs might get in trying to get to the light.
• Le Petit Village is worth the walk (about 1/2 hr.) and we went 3 times. I bought pareos and a t-shirt at one of the shops there...on the Beachcomber end of the strip. I don't remember the name of the place, but it had a wide covered porch on the front with racks of pareos and wasn't very deep inside. She had beautiful colors & the pareos were the most reasonably-priced that I saw. I got 2 short pareos for my 19-yr-old daughter for 600 XPF each and several full-sized ones for 1000 XPF each. A t-shirt for my 21-yr-old son was 1500 XPF.
• Wake up call at 5:45 so we can watch the sunrise and go to the markets for breakfast pastries (gotta go early or they will all be gone) Went to the bridge near Dolphin Quest to watch the sunrise. You can hear the dolphins playing around by the bridge. The market was fully stocked with the pastries. We got so much: Pizza, chocolate croissants, donuts, and a large muffin. Went back to have breakfast on the deck. We made tea and coffee from the in room supplies. It was wonderful and cheap.
• Some hints for traveling to Moorea: Speaking French would be helpful as most people greeted us with “Bon jour,” instead of the Tahitian “iao rana” (pronounced yo-rana).
• stop at a local market where we picked up four cartons of Rotui fruit juices in all the flavors (banana juice was excellent), baguettes, jams, crackers, pate, cheese, and Hinanos. We had brought a collapsible thermal bag and instead of emptying out the refrigerator to make way for our abundant supply of beverages, we kept them cold in the thermal bag with ice from the hotel ice machine. We did put the cheese and a few other snacks in the honor bar refrigerator to avoid soggy crackers.
• We rented a car upon returning to the Sheraton from Eurpocar (The Air Tahiti Nui Magazine advertisement for Europecar should get you a 10% discount)
• Also rented a car for the day and drove around on our own. Perfect and relaxing. This island is incredibly beautiful. Moorea-get off the resort for fun-the rental car shack across the street was half price than the on-resort one, plus we kept it overnight free, while the resort one pickup was 2pm, and minimum 4 hr rental, but car had to be back by 5pm! Drive to Belevedere lookout! Walk to store just down street and get some snacks. 
• Buy water at the grocery store – even restaurants charge 4-700 CFP for it.
• a small “magasin” approximately 5 minutes away by walking (take a right onto the main road from the IC resort and the store will be on your right. Note: the store closes daily from 12-3pm for a break and is only open Sunday in the morning…)
• Stock up on goodies at the grocery store for happy hour at the hotel....and buy any booze onboard....it is way cheaper and you get 10% off if you buy 3 bottles - 2 to take home and 1 to drink there!

The local currency is the CFP -Central Pacific Franc- (the currency code is XPF).  The currency code actually comes from the original name - Cour . . .
Banks, located on each island and at Tahiti's International Airport generally give a slightly better rate of exchange than hotels.

In Tahiti, 2 extra foreign exchange offices are available: the Faaa International Airport office (from Monday to Friday from 7.30am to Noon and from 12.45pm to 4 pm as well as 1 hour before departures and after arrivals of international flights); and the Overseas Passenger wharf on the Papeete waterfront (open from 7am to 7pm Monday to Saturday and from 7am to 1pm Sundays and holidays).
The following forms of payment are accepted: all legal bank notes, international credit cards, and travelers checks (an exchange commission is charged on the latter)

Pearls of Tahiti Buyers Guide

Black Pearl Gem Company - Moorea. It took me a long time to decide on something but my husband was unusually patient. I think it may have had something to do with Hinanos they kept giving him. Overall, our experience here was great and we were able to take advantage of their free shuttle, which allowed us time for lunch at the Iguana Café where we enjoyed some cheeseburgers and Hinanos. We also went to the grocery store and bought some drinks and snacks to take back to the hotel. After lunch and shopping, it was back to the Black Pearl Gem Company to get the free shuttle back to our hotel.

Remember ~ if you are blessed, be a blessing to someone else!

Tonight, I went to Smart and Final for groceries and, although not on my List, I remembered that I need to buy Candy for the Children. Nani will probably bring her Little Whale (daughter) on our Moorea Dolphin ShorEx so I thought it would be nice to bring some gifts (with Mom's permission to eat it, of course). 

I wanted to get something that won't melt in my luggage. I have about 15 pounds of candy & gum. You know they sell those Huge Industrial-Size boxes at Smart and Final.

I bought M&M Minis - in the little tubes (24 tubes in a box), 48 tootsie rolls - 1-1/2 lb. (they are now square instead of round), 150 pieces of bubble-gum, and 36 Chick-O-Sticks ("crunchy peanut butter and toasted coconut candy"). Of course, I had to sample the 'Sticks'. Now I remember them from when I was a child - delicious. It may be too much to bring it all; however, I could sell it on the ship - LoL. 

Last request...
If you are staying at the Sheraton we went to go eat at this place that right by there. When you come out of the Sheraton its the first place that sells pizza to the left. Its a family of 5. They are very poor they were able to get us pizza but didn't even have to offer us to drink. Luckily we had a bottle of water. They treated u with so much love and kindess that we just wanted to bless them and we did. We had brought Kool Aid from the states and bottled water and some other stuff like pop tarts and chocolate granola bars and we gave it to them and they took it like it was gold! So grateful! Also reading on the board we read that Gameboys are really big out there and you could use it probably to negotiate or barter or whatever, we just gave it to them so that her kids could enjoy it. Those kids faces just lit up! SO last request is that you go over there to her place and maybe not take a Gameboy but buy something from her little boutique of souvenirs, take her kids some kool aid from the states, some candy, clothes, anything. I'm sure they would greatly appreciate it.

Gifts for Tahiti discussion

Learn to count, days of the week, names, where are you from, in both French and Tahitian. Learn colors in Tahitian for sure! You'll need them for the boat launch rides. Think blue, green, well, every color under heaven. The boat driver will love you! No, you don't need to, English is OK, but I encourage my fellow travellers to give it a try. The response is overwhelming. And smile. Tahitians love that.