Should my whole visit be to Moorea or should i divide my time between Moorea and Bora Bora?
 

We are in our mid-fifties and have discovered a love for snorkeling. Moorea seems like our first choice island, staying at the Sheraton Moorea. Is Bora Bora sufficiently different from Moorea to merit splitting our vacation between two locations? We are most interested in snorkeling, beautiful scenery, water activities, easy hiking and nature walks and local culture. Our trip can be 7-10 days in length, but we don't want to go beyond 7 days if it just becomes "more of the same". We live in Phoenix,Arizona, so we have lots of sunshine and palm trees at home, and we are not honeymooners, so hours of "downtime" and romantic privacy are not what we are looking for in this vacation. Thanks for your advice on this topic.

While Moorea and Bora Bora are often considered to be the 2 most beautiful islands in the South Pacific (which is #1 & which is #2 often varies), the two locations are very different from each other. While the lagoon at Moorea is very beautiful and the views terrific (especially those back towards Tahiti across the "Sea of the Moon"), the lagoon pales compared to that of Bora Bora. On the other hand, comparing the islands themselves, Moorea is much more beautiful than Bora Bora (the latter is a scruffy).

You have time to do both, so if you can afford it, I would do so.

Ken

and don't forget huahine! my best snorkeling was steps from the beach around a lone rock in a sandy bottomed swim area: at least 15 -20 different types of fish in bright colors...and friendly!

Kerikeri's suggestion is a good one. Though I've not been personally, by all accounts Huahine is lovely and certainly worthy of consideration.

Ken

We were married at the Hotel Bora Bora and returned a yr later on the Windsong. Yes you would find differences on the islands both are beautiful. We stayed at the Intercontiental in Moorea and splurged for an overwater bungalow. The Sheraton in Bora Bora is very nice.

We visited both Bora Bora and Moorea for our honeymoon. For me, Bora Bora had the romantic, deserted island feel that was perfect for honeymooners. I loved Bora Bora. Although there are not as many restaurants and activities, the snorkeling is good and the scenery beautiful. Moorea has more choices in restaurants and activities, and I felt that the snorkeling was also much better. We stayed at the Moorea Sheraton where there is excellent snorkeling right there. We stayed 4 nights at the Moorea Sheraton, but I could've stayed there 3 or 4 more days just for the snorkeling.

If I were to go back with only 7 days to spare, then I would spend the entire time on Moorea. If I had 10 days, then I would do 6 nights in Moorea and 3 nights on Bora Bora or one of the other islands.

Thank you all for the very helpful information. It seems that the main reason I would add Bora Bora to my itinerary is that the lagoon in so special. Can anyone elaborate on how Bora Bora's lagoon is better than Moorea's? Sorry to belabor this point, but I'm trying to get a feel for what makes the lagoon a standout.

Bora Bora is further along the series of development stages of coral atoll development. As these volcanic islands slowly subside back into the ocean, coral reefs grow up around the edges. You eventually end up with an island like Moorea, surrounded by a fringing reef. In the next stage, the island begins to submerge, leaving behind a central core (Bora Bora), surrounded by a coral atoll ring. Finally, the island submerges completely, with nothing left but the atoll (e.g. Rangiroa).

So, there is a much wider gap between the outer reef and the coastline of Bora Bora's center island, compared to Moorea. The result is a fantastically beautiful turquoise lagoon, bounded by the reef ring, and a central mountainous island.

Take a cruise -Weloved Tu Moana-snorkelling on several islands where you have the beaches to yourself.We loved it. Also loved Moorea. Disliked Bora Bora. Avoid Pearl Beach Resort on Bora Bora if you go.The beds are so mildewed and musty that you can't sleep in them.The are saving on AC and have ruined many of there rooms.Our complaints to them and to our travel agent at home got us know satisfaction.Beware.Pearl Beach on Moorea is good with good snorkeling right off the beach.Enjoy your trip but be careful of Bora Bora.

Alf's message was very well thought out and intelligent. That being said, this message will be a little simpler. If you are into water activities, you must go to Bora Bora - period. Although not as lush as Moorea, it is much more exclusive and the water is more beautiful then anything you will see in Moorea. Don't miss out. The Bora Bora Nui (also referred to as the Sheraton, which it's not).. is incredible. Splurge on an overwater bungalow wherever you stay - that's why people travel here. That inside itself is an experience.