JAG

We're thinking about a trip to Bora Bora, Moorea, etc. at Xmas but we're thinking it might be too hot and sticky then. Anyone? If on land, any recommendations on islands with great snorkeling accessible from the beach, nice locals, good food and some good exploring to do? Small hotels or Inns? <BR> <BR>Also, has anyone taken a sailing cruise in that vicinity? Any advice on company, destinations, etc.? <BR>TX

Amy

I wouldn't know about the weather at that time of year - we just got back June 11 from our honeymoon there. I wanted to give you the website of a travel board that helped me quite a bit with questions I had before our trip though. It's http://polynesianislands.com/fp/. Also, you might try www.tahiti-explorer.com. Good luck!

gail

We went the second week of December and it was not too bad. I think lightweight dresses, shifts (for women) etc would have been a better choice than shorts and shirts I brought. since we were right over the water the whole time it is so easy just too hop in. The breezes go right through the bungalows so that is wonderful too.Winter is great as there are fewer tourists!

ALF

It will be hot, but as mentioned above, the wind blows steadily. We visited Moorea, Tahiti, Bora Bora, and Rangiroa in November, and had a grand time. The Haaru Point area of Moorea has some nice beaches, although the snorkeling off the beach is only so-so. I think its worthwhile taking a boat to a motu out in the lagoon for better snorkeling. The 'shark trip' out of Moorea Camping is reasonably-priced and lots of fun. The same is true for Bora Bora. You can hire a water taxi to take you out to one of the motus, some of which have great snorkeling. We liked Tupitipiti Point on motu Piti Aau, where you can snorkel through the 'Coral Garden'. The beach at Matira Point is nice on Bora Bora. If you like hiking, take a bus (or bike, or rent a car) to Belvedere Lookout, then take a trail from there. I would also rent a car on Bora Bora so you can explore some of the old WWII inland roads (many too rough except for 4WD), and then walk some of the trails.

Kris

I too just returned in April from my honeymoon in the South Pacific. We went to Moorea, Bora Bora and Tahiti. We stayed in overwater bungalows on all three islands and the snorkeling right off the deck was great in both Bora Bora and Moorea. If you can afford it, I would definitely recommend staying over the water as it made a huge difference to us. <BR>For food, I would definitely recommend a restaurant called Bloody Mary's on the island of Bora Bora. They serve fresh seafood everyday and it is owned by an American. <BR>Another helpful website is tahiti.com.