My husband and I are arriving in Tahiti on August 9th and leaving on the 17th, so we have 7 nights in total. We love water activities and land activities and we also like good food. We plan to scuba dive at least once while we are there. Where should we go? Should we do 3 nights in Moorea and 4 nights in Bora Bora? Should we spend a night in Tahiti? Should we try to spend a couple of nights Huahine? Any specific hotels we should stay at or avoid?

Also, we used miles to purchase our plane tickets so we don't need airfare. I have checked out some of the travel agent websites and find that the package deals seem to include airfare. Do you suggest I work with the hotels directly? Has anyone found that working with an agent actually saves money?

Any advice would be very helpful. Thanks.

NYtraveler,

I'm leaving for Tahiti on Sunday, doing more hotel inspections than any one human should ever do, but hey, it's my job!

I don't claim to be an expert on Tahiti (YET...wait until after this trip), but from your email address, I assume you're from NY, so you have a looonnng way to go -- and as you have 7 nights total, I'd advise plunking yourself down in one spot, unpacking, relaxing, and doing day trips from that spot.

As said, haven't been yet myself, but I have sent clients there before (with more time than you have); and try to schedule the "forced" overnight in Papeete, and, with more time, Moorea and then Bora Bora. Why? Cuz, it's generally considered that Bora Bora packs the WOW factor, so you "lead up" to the best place last, so the itinerary just keeps building. I'd plan on staying there and not splitting your time in Paradise!

Hope this is helpful!

Melodie
Certified Aussie Specialist

As far as booking yourself or going with a Travel Agency I would look into it both ways.I booked our trip five years ago and also the one we took the beginning of this month.I know our trip five years ago would have cost $3000 each if we had went with the lowest priced travel agency.Booking it myself it only cost $1800 each for the same exact hotels,airfare and transfers...
I also booked it myself for our trip that we went on the beginning of this month (March 2-9th,2006)because travel agents did not offer the hotels (actually Pensions) we were interested in staying at...
We had a great time both trips and everything from the airfare to the hotels to the transfers went off without a hitch.No problems.
It's a matter of preference.Some people feel more comfortable going with a travel agency.It gives them a sense of security in case a problem arises that they cannot take care of themselves..which is OK too...
To each his own.
Well as far as hotels go..we stayed at the Sheraton Moorea Lagoon Resort on Moorea and the Le Meridien Bora Bora.Both in Horizon Overwaters...we loved both of these hotels.Each had it's own special appeal.And yes,Bora Bora does have the 'WOW' factor!
Well I hope my post helps you in some way to decide and hopefully someone will jump on board to give you another perspective too!
You will love Tahiti!!
Debbie

waltzing-

Can you help me hook up with your company? I'd love to do some hoel inspections.

Halsar

hotel

We were in Moorea for 6 nights in Feb and it was a bit long for us. We should have gone to another island. However, unlink many, I prefer being busy to relaxing. We found many of the activities id not have the minimum required to do it (sunset cruise only had enough one evening) so while there sounds like there is a lot to do, the trips don't always work out. If you are diving, you should book before you go since 2 of the days were full because of a group. It was beautiful though.

Hello, We went to FP for our honeymoon in 2003 and loved it! PLEASE try and stay at Sheraton Moorea Lagoon Resort on Moorea and the Le Meridien Bora Bora - what an incredible expirience! The islands are meant to relax and do some water stuff, like snorkling and scuba. Also, do the 'safari' excursion in Moorea. If you want more night life, then add more time in Papeete. We spent a night and the day of our departure (flights leave late) in Papeete and was more than enough.