French Polynesia is a vast collection of 118 islands scattered across nearly two million square miles of the South Pacific, roughly halfway between California and Australia. It is South of Hawaii and below the equator. Though politically part of France, the islands retain a strong Polynesian culture expressed through language, dance, food, and a warm island hospitality. With volcanic peaks rising above turquoise lagoons and coral reefs, I can verify it is one of the world’s most visually stunning tropical destinations with extremely clear water. My wife, Janet, was able to practice her French daily while we were there. 

 

After our overnight flight from LAX, we arrived into Papeete and caught the 8:30am ferry to the Hilton on the island of Moorea. Just a short ferry ride from Tahiti, Moorea is often described as the most dramatic of the Islands. Its jagged volcanic peaks rise sharply from a brilliant lagoon. Known for its laid-back atmosphere, lush mountain scenery, and abundant marine life, Moorea is the classic South Pacific paradise without the crowds of its more famous neighbors like Bora Bora. 

This the hotel where most of the rooms are built over the water- a “bucket list” dream. We were immediately blown away by the beauty, Polynesian feel, and easy access to the water for snorkeling, and luxury huts over the water. That protected lagoon was only 3-6 ft deep with no waves. 

 

Underwater it was covered in tropical reefs, vibrant colorful fish life, including Nemo the clown fish. In all my 50+ years of diving, I was never lucky enough to find a clown fish or manta ray! We hiked, snorkeled, and listen to local island music (ukulele) and Polynesian dance shows. 

We met one interesting character Harry. He was an American, lived on Moorea, was the Tourist Ambassador for Tahiti AND his dad is the one who first created the over-the-water stilt hotel rooms in the 50’s. We looked it up and he was right. His mother was in the movie South Pacific too.