SOUTH PACIFIC | FRENCH POLYNESIA
Activities on Bora-Bora, French Polynesia
Looking for nightlife? You won't find much here. But you will find spas to slow you down and lots of water sports to ramp you up.
SPORTFISHING OR SAILING
Out to sea: Explore Bora-Bora's lagoon and the waters of French Polynesia aboard the 50-foot catamaran Taravana or the 34-foot sport fisher Luna Sea. Half-day charters start at $1,200. Richard Postma, 011-689-72-30-99; e-mail taravana@mail.pf.
LAGOON PICNICS, SNORKELING
Back to nature: Bora-Bora native Patrick Tairua leads nature tours and also offers small-boat tours for snorkeling, shark and ray feeding (below) and motu picnics. Half-day marine tour for two to four people $360; motu lunch with Tahitian foods $750. 011-689-791911; e-mail patrick.bora@mail.pf.
JEEP TOURS
In the wilds: Take a break from the water to tour the backcountry on a Land Rover tour with Bora-Bora native Heirama Fearon. See stone temples and World War II guns that once guarded the island. Three-hour tour is $80 per person. Vavau Adventures, 011-689-720121; e-mail temana689@mail.pf.
SPAS
Good life: At the InterContinental's Thalasso spa, guests can view marine life through the glass panels in the over-water bungalows during a massage session (above). At the new Manea Spa at the Bora Bora Pearl Beach Resort, a Tahitian-owned property on Motu Tevairoa, two pavilions offer couples treatments, and two spa suites are available. Individual 50-minute treatments start at $145. 011-689-50-84-52, www.maneaspa.com.
 This is a city known for great old architecture. And it's a desert spot and has a long-standing tradition of hospitality. |
 America's 20 most-visited national parks in 2009. |
Phoenix airport luggage thefts: 10 tips to protect your bag and belongings
Worried about your bag getting stolen in baggage claim? You've got plenty of company, espec...
Read more »
Users' Favorites
Taking restless Southern California on vacation
Los Angeles Times e-mail newsletter, delivered every Thursday
wherever it appears.