Travel review: South Pacific is paradise on earth!

When a group of our friends first mentioned this trip, we weren’t really thinking about ‘South Pacific’; we were thinking ‘fun with friends!’ We ended up absolutely blown away by both – an amazing trip with friends through a tropical paradise that enthralled us. Please continue reading this travel review: South Pacific.

We arrived a few days ahead of our cruise in Papeete, Tahiti, in 2015 so we could explore and get somewhat acclimated and into our vacation mindset. (I need at least 2-3 days off of work before I settle down and start enjoying myself!) We walked around, took in the local City Market on Good Friday, and had some great food – definitely enjoyed the Harbour Food Trucks!

Our embarkation on Oceania’s Marina was easy in the extreme – we were very lucky we arrived a couple days ahead! Some of our friends didn’t arrive till late, and the ship held off departure for them to arrive from the airport!

Ports of call included Moorea, Raiatea, Bora Bora, Rangiroa, Fakarava, Pitcairn Island, and Easter Island.

This really was an amazing experience, and one we hope to have again – it was that beautiful !!

Great activities to do while exploring the islands

Moorea:

Dammon ATV Tours – Fantastic time riding the backroads and seeing the Belvedere, Magic Mountain, Pineapple Plantation and the numerous viewpoints!

travel review: south pacific — ATV in Moorea

Raiatea:

L’Excursion Blueu – sailing, snorkeling, and a lovely afternoon spent on a motu. Bora Bora – Patrick’s Maohi Nui – I don’t think anyone can go to Bora Bora and not hear of or about Patrick! OMG! Amazing day on the water and enjoying the most entertaining hosts as we were shuttled around different motu’s, snorkeled and ate like kings!

Rangiroa:

Oviri Excursions – off to the petrified reefs, to our own ‘blue lagoon’! Paradise on earth, and a crew that made homemade coconut bread and other delicacies for lunch. We enjoyed some snorkeling and swimming with some sharks!

Easter Island:

Highly recommend seeing as much of the island as you can. We had two days with a local company to help us see as much as we could. Some highlights: Ahu Tahai Ceremonial Complex; the Ahu Akivi, the extinct volcano, Rano Kau, an absolutely beautiful site; and Anakena Beach.

In addition to this travel review: South Pacific, check out our Cruising posts for more information on how to plan a cruise (like this one) that suits you!