Pape’ete

There is nothing quite like a Tahitian sunset. Captured here is the outlined grandeur of the Island of Moorea as viewed from Papeete, Tahiti. A part of the Society Islands, Moorea, isn’t a big island. About 10 miles across from east to west, it has one road that goes around the whole of it. Several ferries depart from the waterfront in downtown Papeete to the Vai’are wharf in Moorea daily. Get there early to insure a ticket for the time you want. Upon landing, we caught a local bus at the wharf to take us around the whole island of Moorea for a nominal fee.

There are many accessible waterfalls on Tahiti that are perfect for a refreshing shower or swim after a hike or long car ride. If it is good enough for the locals..why not?

What Tahiti’s capitol city lacks in style it makes up for at its sprawling town center market, open every day. Fresh flowers, exotic fruits, anything you can imagine made from coconut oil, plenty of tropical shirts and skirts and jewelry made from palm leaves and pearls, all under one giant, steel roof. To eat, there’s the fish-of-the-day like fresh Mahi Mahi on ice, and coconut milk sucked straight out of the nut with straws. And, a tip: insiders know the best prices on black pearls.

While Paul Gauguin’s cruise to Polynesia is taking you, unarguably, to one of the most beautiful places on earth, you’d think you’d be dying to get off the boat. Funny enough, travelers often boast that the best part of their journey was actually the service and friends they made with the staff on board. While you’re certainly going to be encouraged to get off the boat to wiggle your toes on the white-sand beaches under the swaying palms, and hike the spectacular mountain peaks or snorkel in the multihued lagoons, don’t be surprised if you feel like hanging out for the afternoon on the ship. And don’t worry, we won’t tell. Visit www.pgcruises.com