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Papeete, Not Such A Hot Place!

Approaching Papeete on Tahiti, French Polynesia

Approaching Papeete on Tahiti, French Polynesia

Our flight from Fakarava back to Papeete took us first to Rangiroa, so we got a glimpse of this atoll as well, before we continued to Papeete. Since we were warned by fellow travelers that restaurants close early, we rushed into the center around 06:30 pm and found a ghost town. Everything was closed, shops, businesses and we could not find a bar or restaurant. Continue Reading →

The Black Pearls Of Polynesia

Black Pearl Farm, Fakarava, French Polynesia

Black Pearl Farm, Fakarava, French Polynesia

Monday morning, the day of our departure from Fakarava, we visited Hinano pearl farm. Black pearls are cultivated throughout French Polynesia and the Cook Islands, the only place in the world, whereas white pearls are traditionally produced in China, Japan and now in Australia as well. It was the Japanese who about 100 years ago developed the technique of cultivating pearls. Continue Reading →

More Astonishing Diving

Photo: Guillaume Fuenfrock, 5Rock Production, Fakarava, French Polynesia. In five dives, we actually saw more than two hundred Grey Reef Sharks, sometimes being surrounded by them and having them swimming between us

Photo: Guillaume Fuenfrock, 5Rock Production, Fakarava, French Polynesia. In five dives, we actually saw more than two hundred Grey Reef Sharks, sometimes being surrounded by them and having them swimming between us

The choice of the Te Ava Nui diving center was definitely a great one: everyone there is just nice and relaxed, but when it is about diving, they are all extremely professional and security oriented, just what we are looking for. The instructors know the lagoon inside out and the fauna you find here, making these few days an unforgettable experience! Continue Reading →

A Few Days On Fakarava

Relais Marama, Fakarava, French Polynesia

Relais Marama, Fakarava, French Polynesia

Our top priority for accommodation was kitchen-use since everything we heard and read about prices here seemed outlandish. Accommodation on the atoll is limited and most of them offer rooms with half-board for at least 65 Euros per person and day, but often much more. Only one or two provide cooking facilities, which is why we chose the Relais Marama. It has nice breezy bungalows with shared squeaky-clean bathrooms. The common area is large & inviting and includes a well-equipped outdoor kitchen, all this for “only” 60 Euros per night with breakfast, a bargain for French Polynesia! Continue Reading →

Fakarava – A Divers’ Paradise

Photo: Guillaume Fuenfrock, 5Rock Production, Fakarava, French Polynesia. In five dives, we actually saw more than two hundred Grey Reef Sharks, sometimes being surrounded by them and having them swimming between us

Photo: Guillaume Fuenfrock, 5Rock Production, Fakarava, French Polynesia. In five dives, we actually saw more than two hundred Grey Reef Sharks, sometimes being surrounded by them and having them swimming between us

The reason why a few tourists come out to this atoll in the Tuamotu Islands is to spend as much time under the water as possible. Fakarava is one of the top-notch diving spots in the world with a marine life that is truly unchallenged! Continue Reading →

Tahiti – The Myth!

Approaching Papeete on Tahiti, French Polynesia

Approaching Papeete on Tahiti, French Polynesia

The very name Tahiti probably triggers the wildest imaginations in most people, a tropical island with white sandy beaches lined with palm trees, populated by graceful people dressed in exotic costumes with flowers in their hair moving their hips to the wailing music. Continue Reading →