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Tahiti Travel

Tahiti Travel

Normand Schafer

Welcome to Tahiti Travel, your ultimate guide to exploring the stunning islands of Tahiti and French Polynesia. Whether you're dreaming of overwater bungalows in Bora Bora, discovering hidden gems in Moorea, or diving into vibrant coral reefs, this podcast offers insider tips, expert advice, and cultural insights. Join us as we uncover the best experiences, from adventure activities to local cuisine, to help you plan the perfect Tahitian getaway. Dive into the beauty and magic of Tahiti with us!

39 - Tahiti Island Hopping: Choosing the Right Islands, Flights and Ferries
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  • 39 - Tahiti Island Hopping: Choosing the Right Islands, Flights and Ferries

    Planning a Tahiti vacation means deciding which French Polynesian islands belong together and how to travel between them. Valerie from Tahiti Tours joins Normand Schafer to explain how personal interests, interisland transportation, and local assistance shape a successful itinerary. Far and Away Adventures.com, https://farandawayadventures.com/, helps travelers plan customized French Polynesia vacations with specialist guidance.

    Valerie challenges a common approach to itinerary design. Rather than beginning exclusively with flight routes, she argues that the first step is discovering what travelers want from their trip. Are they interested in hiking and mountains, spending time around a lagoon, exploring local culture, or choosing a particular style of accommodation? Those interests help determine which islands should be included.


    The distinction becomes clear when the conversation moves between the Society Islands, Tuamotus, Maupiti, and Marquesas. Normand notes that the Tuamotus are not primarily a hiking destination. Maupiti offers lagoon scenery and local guesthouse experiences, while the Marquesas appeal to Valerie for their remote character and culture. These islands cannot simply be treated as interchangeable stops on a Tahiti itinerary.



    Transportation remains an important part of putting those choices together. Normand discusses interisland flights, ferries, and cruises, and Valerie explains why logistical problems sometimes require an itinerary to be redesigned. A trip may sound attractive on paper without being practical once the connections are examined.

    The episode's most revealing example involves weather disrupting ferry transportation from Maupiti toward Bora Bora. An alternative flight was booked, then canceled, before another direct flight arrangement allowed the travelers to reach Bora Bora on their planned travel day. Valerie explains how quickly decisions may need to be made and why additional costs can complicate changes.



    For help choosing the right islands and coordinating a personalized Tahiti vacation, contact Far and Away Adventures.


    Normand also considers travel insurance and the reassurance of assistance when something unexpected happens on a remote island.

    Get a free trip quote from Far and Away Adventures: https://farandawayadventures.com/form/quick-trip-request/?dest=French%20Polynesia&src=spotify

    Wed, 21 Oct 2026 - 10min
  • 38 - The Tiare Tahiti Welcome: Inside Air Tahiti Nui's Polynesian Experience


    What does the tiare Tahiti flower reveal about traveling to French Polynesia? Moy from Air Tahiti Nui joins Normand Schafer to explain why this fragrant flower is central to the airline's onboard welcome and how it reflects Tahitian hospitality. Far and Away Adventures.com, https://farandawayadventures.com/, helps travelers plan Tahiti vacations with personalized destination expertise.For visitors anticipating their arrival in Tahiti, the flight can introduce important elements of island culture. Moy explains that passengers are welcomed by Polynesian flight attendants and offered the tiare Tahiti flower. Its fragrance, the greeting of Ia Orana, and the accompanying island music help create an immediate connection with the destination.


    Moy describes the flower as more than a decorative symbol. For Air Tahiti Nui, it represents hospitality, love, and cultural identity. She recalls watching passengers breathe in its fragrance and visibly relax, sometimes feeling as though their vacation has already begun.The cabin itself continues this introduction. Shades of blue are inspired by the lagoons, colorful pillows echo the vibrancy of island flowers, and wall panels display images of green mountains, lagoons, and overwater bungalows. Each element contributes to a Tahitian atmosphere.

    Normand also asks about Air Tahiti Nui's three travel classes: Moana Economy, Manava Premium, and Poerava Business. Moy explains how these different choices serve travelers with different comfort priorities, including those who value lie-flat seating for rest.

    Begin planning your own Tahiti vacation with a French Polynesia specialist at Far and Away Adventures.

    The conversation ends with a reflection on aroha and the pleasure Tahitians take in sharing their culture with visitors.

    Get a free trip quote from Far and Away Adventures: https://farandawayadventures.com/form/quick-trip-request/?dest=French%20Polynesia&src=spotify

    Sat, 17 Oct 2026 - 13min
  • 37 - Moorea Resort Guide: Sofitel Kia Ora Bungalows, Dining & Snorkeling

    Planning a stay on Moorea in French Polynesia involves more than choosing a view. Normand Schafer interviews Hikura from Sofitel Kia Ora Moorea Beach Resort about bungalow categories, lagoon access, restaurants, and how to make the most of this beautiful island. Far and Away Adventures.com, https://farandawayadventures.com/, offers specialist guidance for travelers designing Tahiti and French Polynesia vacations.One of the most useful parts of the interview covers accommodations. Sofitel Kia Ora Moorea has 110 bungalows across its grounds, including garden, beach-view, beachfront, and overwater categories. Hikura explains that the differences are primarily about location within the resort and that those choices affect price. Some visitors stay in a beach bungalow for part of their vacation and move to an overwater bungalow for the final nights. A story about a surprise wedding anniversary upgrade demonstrates how meaningful that experience can be.


    Hikura begins by explaining why Moorea makes such a strong impression on arriving visitors. The ferry journey from Tahiti introduces travelers to local island life before revealing towering mountains and brilliant blue water. Even residents of Tahiti consider Moorea a favorite escape, thanks to its proximity and completely different atmosphere.



    The lagoon is equally important. Hikura describes a protected area in front of the resort where motorboats and jet skis do not operate, contributing to quiet snorkeling conditions. Normand recalls seeing the coral and fish while exploring the water with sea scooters. The clarity and color of the lagoon are recurring themes throughout the discussion.


    Dining brings another dimension to the stay. The Pure restaurant combines Polynesian dishes with French influences, while the waterfront K restaurant offers a fine-dining experience. Hikura also describes Polynesian buffet evenings and the preparation of a traditional ahima'a earth oven.



    Whether you're weighing beachfront against overwater accommodations or deciding how long to spend on Moorea, work with Far and Away Adventures to plan a French Polynesia itinerary built around your interests.

    Get a free trip quote from Far and Away Adventures: https://farandawayadventures.com/form/quick-trip-request/?dest=French%20Polynesia&src=spotify

    Fri, 16 Oct 2026 - 13min
  • 36 - Raiatea Beyond the Lagoon: Taputapuatea, Taha'a and Opoa Beach

    What should travelers know before adding Raiatea to a Tahiti itinerary? Arnold of Opoa Beach Hotel joins Normand Schafer to explore the island's UNESCO-listed heritage, boutique accommodations, and boat excursions to neighboring Taha'a. Find personalized French Polynesia vacation planning through Far and Away Adventures.com at https://farandawayadventures.com/.


    Raiatea is part of the Society Islands, but the experience Arnold describes is distinct from a vacation focused entirely on beaches and resorts. He begins with Opoa Beach Hotel, a property of just 10 bungalows facing the lagoon on the island's southeastern side. Its atmosphere reflects his belief in simple luxury, where peaceful surroundings and attentive hospitality are central to the stay.


    One of Raiatea's defining cultural landmarks is Taputapuatea marae, located a short drive from the hotel. Arnold discusses the significance of the UNESCO World Heritage site and its connection to the history and traditions of Polynesian civilization. It is one of the experiences he believes travelers should make time to appreciate.


    Travelers can also explore Raiatea by land, visiting coconut farms, honey producers, pineapple gardens, and botanical gardens. The hotel discusses cultural activities such as cooking classes and coconut-leaf weaving when weather changes the day's plans.


    Another compelling reason to visit Raiatea is access to Taha'a. Arnold explains how a full-day boat excursion can combine visits to a vanilla farm, a rum distillery, and a pearl farm with lunch on a motu and snorkeling in the coral garden. Normand shares why he keeps returning to this marine environment and how strongly it impresses him.Arnold recommends at least three or four nights on Raiatea. That advice provides a useful starting point for deciding how to divide time between islands during a Tahiti vacation. Consult Far and Away Adventures to build a French Polynesia itinerary that includes the culture, scenery, and experiences that matter most to you.


    Get a free trip quote from Far and Away Adventures: https://farandawayadventures.com/form/quick-trip-request/?dest=French%20Polynesia&src=spotify

    Thu, 15 Oct 2026 - 12min
  • 35 - Scuba Diving Tahiti's West Coast with Fluid Tahiti

    Where should you begin exploring Tahiti underwater, and what makes the island's west coast distinctive? Fluid Tahiti joins Normand Schafer to describe local scuba sites, snorkeling excursions, marine wildlife, and a memorable sunset encounter. Far and Away Adventures.com, https://farandawayadventures.com/, helps travelers plan Tahiti and French Polynesia vacations with knowledgeable guidance.The discussion offers a closer look at diving on Tahiti itself. Fluid Tahiti operates on the west coast, near Papeete, and the guest describes a convenient introduction site with a broad white-sand area, relatively shallow water, and an assortment of submerged objects. Among them are a Cessna airplane and two small wrecks that make the underwater surroundings particularly interesting.


    The guest explains how beginners are introduced to diving. Instruction begins at the surface with breathing techniques, followed by a slow descent. Rather than treating the activity as something reserved only for experts, the team focuses on trust and helping visitors relax. Those who become comfortable may want to continue exploring other diving opportunities.


    The episode also covers half-day snorkeling trips with two or three stops, plus lagoon cruises facing Moorea. One extraordinary story features a late-season sunset dive during which whale song could be heard underwater. After surfacing, the group unexpectedly witnessed a whale breach in the evening light.


    For certified and experienced divers, the discussion turns to the variety of local sites. The guest describes more than 25 dive spots accessible from the school's location and recalls a favorite area with gray sharks, including juvenile animals observed at different depths. The comparison to a little Fakarava gives listeners a sense of the guest's enthusiasm for Tahiti's own underwater wildlife.


    If Tahiti is on your itinerary, this conversation helps illustrate why allocating time for water activities can be worthwhile, whether you are a beginner or an experienced diver.


    Explore your Tahiti diving and snorkeling options with a Far and Away Adventures specialist.



    Wed, 14 Oct 2026 - 10min
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