Rangiroa in March
 

From reading various sources, it appears that French Polynesia is warmer and wetter in March, than say later in the year. I know weather is unpredictable, but may I ask for some guidance on early March? I'm not put off by breezes, squalls and such, but persistant strong winds, monsoons, typhoons, and the like would put a damper on things. <BR> <BR>Also, I've read of the jellyfish situation on GBR. Are there any such natural hazards at this time of the year on Rangiroa? <BR> <BR>Is the snorkeling better, worse, the same? Sealife just as plentiful? Just wondering. If I am to go, March is my only window. Thanks for any guidance or info.

We went to FP in March of 2000 and loved it. In fact we are planning to go to the nearby Cook Islands next year and are deliberately choosing that time of year - in part because the water is extremely warm then, in part because there are far fewer tourists. There are more clouds and rain that time of year, but it never seemed to interfer with anything. Mostly the rain just seemed to come and go (mostly at night), rarely lasting for more than a few minutes - and 10 minutes later you would never know it had rained at all. Another plus is that the photography is better under those kind of far more dramatic lighting conditions. You might want to take a look at my photos on Webshots.com to see what I mean (and get an idea of what the weather may be like). The URL is: <BR>http://community.webshots.com/user/lordbalfor <BR>Bear in mind that there was pretty much always a breeze (the tradewinds). This is actually a good thing - they help keep the mosquitos grounded and help cool things off. The few times the winds died down it got very warm, very fast - fortunately, this never seemed to last more than a few minutes. If you have any additional questions, feel free to e-mail me or check out my travel reviews posted on Epinions.com. The URL for my Bora Bora Pearl Beach Resort review is: http://www.epinions.com/trvl-review-...tk_~CB003.1.10 <BR> <BR>From there you can find the others (Moorea, A comparison of Bora Bora Resorts, etc). <BR> <BR>Ken <BR> <BR>

Thanks Lord Balfor. I have read your reports, and they have helped a lot, along with other reports on Rangiroa itself. I was in Bora Bora in 1989, and the only really quality hotel was the Bora Bora, in which we stayed. Many of the experiences and memories you have, we also experienced on our stay in Bora Bora. <BR> <BR>I'm getting the idea that some of these package deals are ok, like Islands in the Sun. Any thoughts from any one out there. <BR> <BR>Also, I'm getting the idea that planes from LA all come in in the evening. Does that mean we have to stay a night in Papeete before departing for any outer island, like Rangiroa? Can one sleep in the airport?

Hello! We left LAX on Corsair about 2:00 a.m. and arrived Papeete about 7:00 a.m. - it was perfect! We did have to stay in Papeete on the way back though due to flight times. I think Moorea is the only place you can go and avoid the night in Tahiti. Have you heard anything about the sand flies in Rangi? I haven't been there, would like to go, but have read recently about the sand flies, which I would rather not deal with.

I will try to add my bit to be helpful. In March you are coming off of the rainy season, I think and you are near the peak of the ocean temperature. Ideal would be late April but that is not your option. On the good side, weather patterns have been very spotty in recent years so your chances of very nice or interesting weather are good. We have not had normal weather locally. We have always had good luck off of the peak seasons. We have not been to Rangiroa. It was, years ago, a major dive destination but we went instead to Manihi witch is further out in the same direction mostly for divers. In many ways I wish we had stopped at Rangiroa also. We are primarily snorkelers and it is hard to find outstanding spots since there is not much economics in snorkeling. However, for us it is great since you have real freedom and can go all over without great problems with equipment etc. Things have changed a lot in the general area since we were last there however I can assure you that things do not change rapidly in places as far out as Rangiroa. Since you are that far out they will try their best to keep you happy. I would think that there would be more that speak something other then French by now but that does not matter that much. When we were in the area some years ago nobody spoke English on Manihi but that was not a problem until you went to the lecture on pearl farming. Manhihi is one area where they get black pearls. The shell fish that they use are beautiful. I today have a shell by my bed where I sheep. I think you should go with a flexible and open mind and I think you will have a ball if you do not expect the world. Yes, there are places to stay near the airport that do not cost an arm and a leg. However you are best to fly through if you can make it and I would think, if not, you are best to stay close to the airport and get the first plane out. We also agree that The Bora Bora Hotel is the class place because of location, there is no other place that can match it. We watched a lot of the others being built. However, if you have never experienced the best, then 2nd or 3rd best are not that bad since Bora Bora is still one of the most beautiful islands in the world from the little we have seen.