Polynesia: Maupiti + Rangiroa + Moorea - October 2012

Trip to French Polynesia. Relaxation in Maupiti. Diving in Rangiroa. Lazing in Moorea.

    (Photo: © GIE Tahiti Tourism / Tim McKenna)

    Pareo, monoi, tattoos and tiare flowers

    These words are already a journey. Before discovering Polynesia in 2012, I thought it was mostly folklore for tourists in search of exoticism. Not at all. These are really strong cultural symbols, rooted in the everyday life of Polynesians.
    (Photo: © VindeTahiti.com)

    Do you know coral wine?

    Before landing at Rangiroa to dive, in October 2012, I was completely unaware that it was producing ... wine! It seems incredible, but yes, we cultivate the vine in full Pacific, in the Polynesian archipelago of Tuamotu.
    (Photo: CPTM / Aranui.com)

    The Marquesas and Aranui

    In the dream boat category, here is one on which I would see myself embarking one day: the mythical Aranui, to go to the Marquesas Islands, in Polynesia!
    The trailers of the place Vaiete, in Papeete, on the seafront. Tahiti, Polynesia, October 2012.

    Evening delights with the "roulottes" of Papeete

    If you are visiting Tahiti, it is essential to eat at the popular "roulottes" of Papeete, on the seafront. The atmosphere is nice, family. It's good and cheap.
    The spectacular jump, out of the water, of a humpback whale. (Photo: Wikimedia)

    Watch the whales in Rurutu

    Among the islands that I dream to explore when I return to Polynesia, there is Rurutu, in the Austral Islands ... For humpback whales.
    The beach of the Auira motu, in Maupiti. A little corner of paradise ! Polynesia, October 2012.

    Pensions, a good deal for not (too) expensive accommodation in French Polynesia

    Polynesia is not just about luxury hotels on stilts. There is also a lot of simpler and more affordable accommodation, where the atmosphere is also more family and very warm.
    The sharks of Rangiroa. (Photo: © GIE Tahiti Tourism / Philippe Bacchet)

    Shark Diving in French Polynesia: Rangiroa and Fakarava

    In 2012, I discovered Rangiroa and its spectacular shark gathering. My dream: to go back there and also to dive in Fakarava, another legendary Polynesian spot to observe the sharks.
    Moorea. Polynesia, October 2012.

    Moorea, Stunningly Beautiful

    I regret that I could only spend two days in Moorea, the neighboring island of Tahiti. I loved its rugged terrain and lush vegetation, azure lagoon and the legendary Cook Bay.
    In Polynesia, it's always summer ...

    Do you dream of going to Polynesia? Me too

    My first trip to Polynesia in 2012 made me want to go back (sigh). But the plane ticket is not given and given the duration of the flight, it is better to have a little time in front of you. Here are some practical information to remember.
    Bora Bora from the sky. Polynesia, October 2012.

    Huge French Polynesia

    Five archipelagos with 118 islands and atolls, scattered in the Pacific, on a vast territory like Europe ... Polynesia is just huge!
    Shark photographed off Rangiroa (French Polynesia, October 2012)

    Polynesian Sharks

    A little video flashback: In October 2012, I went to meet sharks in the blue, off Rangiroa, in Polynesia.
    Maupiti. Meeting with a whale. Polynesia, October 2012.

    My first whale

    In Polynesia, there are not only lagoons, coconut palms and yukulélés. There is also the ocean and the whales!
    Motu Auira. Maupiti, Polynesia. October 2012.

    Living on A Motu in Maupiti

    When it's cold and gray, I remember Maupiti. I see the light, the lagoon, the ocean ... Come on, presto! We return to Polynesia.
    Katy dances with the Rangiroa dolphins. Polynesia, October 2012.

    Rangiroa Dolphins

    In Rangiroa, Polynesia, dolphins love to play underwater with divers! Video demonstration in the Tiputa pass.
    Maupiti. Polynesia. October 2012.

    Pacific Blue

    It's the blue of the huge Pacific Ocean. An intense blue that twists the retinas and floods the head of light. Cape on Polynesia.