Tahiti: things to do on Bora Bora and Moorea when cruise is docked.
 

Any ideas on things to do in Moorea and Bora Bora that can be done without a ship excursion? Is it easy to do from the dock? Greatly appreciate any suggestions. We are a very active, healthy 60-ish couple.

How long will you be in Moorea & Bora Bora? In Moorea, you may want to rent a car for the day and drive around the island. You can really see alot and the island is easy to navigate. I would recommend stopping at Les Tipaniers or perhaps the Sofitel for a drink. Also there is great golfing in Moorea if that interests you. My favorite excursion on Moorea is the 4X4 jeep safari which takes you into the interior of the island. It's really quite beautiful.

On Bora Bora, you will probably dock by Vaitape, which is a small village with some shopping. Really all of the great things to see around Bora Bora is really by water. I would recommend a sailing tour of the island. Alternatively, you can rent bikes in Vaitape and ride around the island...well, not all the way around..it's quite far! :)

There is a good tour operator - Marama Tours - which can book shore excursions for you. They are normally cheaper than what you can book through the cruiseline.

Try the helmet dive with Aqua Blue. It was a wonderful experience.

If you hire a car do they drive on the left side of the road as in Australia. Also do you know of any tour companies that takes you to the lagoon. Our ship doesnt dock until 7.00am so we wouldnt reach Bora bora until at least 9.00am. Any suggestions.

If you are in Bora Bora for a day and a half as we were on a cruise, if you like to snorkel get in touch with the Lagoonarium: http://www.boraboraisland.com/lagoonarium/ or call them when you get there. Someone on the dock will call for you if you ask nicely.
It was the most exciting snorkel trip we have ever been on both in the Pacific and the Caribbean. You snorkel with the stingrays and sharks. You can take either a half day or whole day trip. The only difference is the whole day includes lunch and a swim at their beach. Would love to do it again.
As for Moorea, right at the dock they book tours of the Island that leave from the Intercontinental hotel. Very cheap and worth the money.

Thanks patbobk

I have my mother with me who is 78 and we would like to sail around the lagoon. Dont think mum would be up to snorkelling. Is there any boat trips that you know of to the lagoon in bora bora. I appreciate your feedback.