One of your first observations will be the contrast in geography. The high peaked mountains, lush valleys and hidden caves characteristic of the Society Islands are replaced by stretches of empty beaches and groves of coconut palms, silent except for the lapping of waves and the gentle rustle of trade winds. These are low-lying atolls where life is relatively simple and with few distractions.
That is NOT to say you will be limited to living Robinson Crusoe style. The small Hotel Kia Ora provides creature comforts albeit with a certain rustic charm. Do not expect the fashionable features of a world-class Bora Bora Resort . But they are not really needed or missed here.
Their overwater bungalows are extremely popular, especially with honeymooners. The glass coffee table that serves as a viewing window and direct access to the water from the deck are lovely appointments.
For more information, contact:
Jacintha Perera, Tahiti Tiare Specialist
www.IslandGetawaysTravel.com
(916) 897-9597
Rangiroa is the most popular visitor destination within the Tuamotus and is one of the best known dive sites in the Pacific. It is the second largest atoll in the world after Kwajalein in the Marshall Islands. In fact, the lagoon is so sizable that it could actually contain the entire island of Tahiti.
Photo Courtesy of Tahiti Tourism
As a certified scuba diver myself, I can tell you that one of the main attractions is the Drift Dive through the Tiputa Pass. Divers and snorkelers are taken by boat to the ocean or outside of the reef and dropped off into the water. Participants are asked to join hands so no one gets separated. The strong, swift-moving current takes hold and carries them along rapidly back into the lagoon.
As you float by in a rush, you can view an abundance of marine life below, including gray reef sharks and perhaps even manta rays. This is repeated several times just for the fast fun of it all. And as you return out past the reef, playful dolphins may accompany you.
For non-swimmers, a glass bottom boat excursion can be arranged.
For more information, contact:
Jacintha Perera, Tahiti Tiare Specialist
www.IslandGetawaysTravel.com
(916) 897-9597
Our adventure continues . . .
In the very heart of French Polynesia, between the high-peaked volcanic Society Islands and Marquesas Islands lies the giant arc of Tuamotu Atolls.
Photo Courtesy of Tahiti Tourism
Atolls are created as the coral reefs surrounding an island rise just as it sinks. Over time, as the land gradually vanishes beneath the surface of the sea, a donut-like atoll remains around the lagoon.
This is the place to indulge in a desert island fantasy.
Breathtakingly beautiful. Remote. Uncrowded. Quiet. My kind of place.
These far-flung specks of coral that form the largest Polynesian archipelago are also known as the Dangerous Archipelago. Here around low-lying islands, razor-sharp reefs are littered with wrecks. In fact, Thor Heyerdahl’s famous rafting expedition on the Kon Tiki, was a casualty here on the Raroia reef.
Pictured above is Rangiroa’s Blue Lagoon. We will perform a closer inspection tomorrow.
For more information, contact:
Jacintha Perera, Tahiti Tiare Specialist
www.IslandGetawaysTravel.com
(916) 897-9597
