ballistic

Planning a honeymoon to Tahiti in June (I know I'm booking kind of late, but I just can't decide on a place).

Came across an offer for the Intercontinental Beachcomber Resort Tahiti. It looks good and all, but I don't know how much a typical day of tourist activities would cost and if there would be enough touristy activities (snorkling, parasailing, stuff you would find in the Carribean).

Thank you in advance.

Loki

I'm more familiar with Moorea and Bora Bora than the island of Tahiti itself. I couldn't justify going all the way down there and staying on Tahiti rather than visiting the islands. You will probably find all of the same outdoorsy stuff in Tahiti that you will find in teh carribean. You will not find casinos and a crazy nightlife scene. Tahiti actually has more nightlife than Moorea and Bora Bora but most of the visitors are trying to avoid that. As for expenses, 4x4 tours, snorkelling trips, SCUBA dives, horseback riding all seems to run around $65-$75. Parasailing will be about double that. Most people will get bored on one of the islands in 3 or 4 days which is why most 7/8 day packages include 2 islands, 10 pakckages 3 islands, etc... So it also depends on how long you're going for.

I haven't been there but many rave about the Mayan Riviera in Mexico. Generally speaking, I would say the Carribean is a better value unless you can leave the island of Tahiti itself in which case it will be real treat compared to the carribean. Also depends where you live. For us on the east coast U.S., Tahiti is a long haul.

Food is also very expensive in Tahiti and the exchange rate is very weak for us right now as they are tied to the Euro. Taxi's are expensive also, you won't get far for under $20 each way,but they have this Le Truck down there which is like a public bus.

ebrener

I agree with Loki in that if you go to Tahiti, you really should go to 1 or 2 of the other islands. He is also correct in the costs he mentions. I was there in January and stayed in the Beachcombers in Tahiti and Moorea (as well as in the Sofitel Motu in Bora Bora). We had a great time, Both Beachcombers are great hotels, but the Moorea is just spectacular! You can arrange all sorts of tours from there, so you shouldn't get bored, plus there's always kayaks, canoeing, snorkeling, etc. to keep you occupied.

I suggest that you look into the other island. Moorea's prices are "reasonable" (which means as expensive as Tahiti), Bora Bora is even more expensive...

Send me an e-mail if you have any questiosn, and I'll be glad to try to answer them.

Regards,

Enrique

sandi

I agree with the other posts. Tahiti might sound romantic, but it is also very expensive. Rarely is anything other than breakfast included, if that, and meals can add close to $100 day person for 3-meals, though you'd probably want to try various restaurants, even at other hotels.

The cost of a bottle of vodka can be $40, a t-shirt $30-40 and a 6-pack of beer $12. That's alot of money.
While snorkling, kayaking and few others are free, scuba can set you back about $50 tank/dive.

The only thing good about going in June would be the weather, while hot it is dryer than in the late Fall thru early Spring which is very humid and prone to storms.

Most people do experience 2 or 3 islands for a change of scenery, but Moorea and Bora Bora are high on the tourist list. The idea would be to get to one of the outer islands in the Tuamoto chain which are mainly atolls and provide interesting water experiences.

A long haul yes, 6-hrs. to LAX and another 8-9 hrs to PPT (assuming Air New Zealand), where you arrive in middle of night (about 3am), and if going onto another island you'd have to have a room till morning before you could fly out.

I'd go for the Caribbean.

Pina

We are leaving for our honeymoon in about two weeks. Were staying one night in Tahiti and 6 nights in Bora Bora and 6 nights in Moorea. I was wondering what each day of food would cost us and what restaurants would you recommend?

sandi

If you were booking your trip with meals, the prices for AP (Bkfst and Dinner) is about $75/person/day and MAP (3-meals) is about $100-110/p/d.

I'd certainly want to be able to have Breakfast, even if only juice, yogurt, fruit and coffee/tea.

We normally don't eat "Lunch" as often if you arrange a full-day tour Lunch is included - otherwise I might want a salad or something light, but couldn't see prepaying for a full meal which based on the above would probably run about $25-35/person.

As to Dinner, again, while I'd like a nice meal, I wouldn't want to be tied into a 3-or 4-course meal at something like $50-$60 but prefer a-la-carte (which often can be more expensive than fixed menu) or even choose to dine at other hotels or restaurants of my choosing.