One last stop — and beautiful and historic island of Moorea

One last stop — and beautiful and historic island of Moorea

We hopped a short flight from Bora Bora to the French Polynesian island of Moorea that is spectacularly beautiful with its crystal clear lagoon and the green cliffs. This island is known less for its manicured resorts than for what there is to do here — taking a hike, passing by ancient marae (ancient temples excavated by archeologists), checking out the spinner dolphins and humpback whales, playing with the stingrays in the crystal clear water.

The life aquatic on Bora Bora

The life aquatic on Bora Bora

We’re diving in an area called Muri Muri just north of the island of Bora Bora and nearly as soon as we get under the water, our dive master Benoit Gratas introduces us to a Hawksbill Sea Turtle (like Crush, the character in “Finding Nemo”), showing us how to feed him a piece of sea sponge. He’s so big — more than two feet in diameter.

At the Four Seasons Bora Bora

At the Four Seasons Bora Bora

I’m sitting in an over the water bungalow, the ceiling fan whirring, with a thatched roof and expansive deck with its own swimming dock and outdoor shower? Did I mention that gigantic tub big enough for two with views of the lagoon as well?

Spa treatment day for the ladies on Bora Bora

Spa treatment day for the ladies on Bora Bora

DAY 7 — I’m face down on a massage table looking through glass at fish swimming in the lagoon as the Polynesian masseuse caresses me first with bags of seaweed and creams made from ground pearls and deep sea water. Click: PHOTO GALLERY Ahh,,, Ohhhh!Polynesian...
At the Heiva Festival on Bora Bora

At the Heiva Festival on Bora Bora

They look like they are hemming curtain rods. But actually, they are working with a kind of dried plant called Pandanus. We are again at the famous Polynesian Heiva festival that is held here in July. We first visited a Heiva on Raiatea and now on Bora Bora. Along with dancing and celebrating are competitions for dancing, canoe racing and this morning, thatch making.

Learning New Tricks at Caribbean Resorts

Learning New Tricks at Caribbean Resorts

This summer, whether you want to learn to dive with your tween or snorkel with your kindergartner, teach your grade-schooler to sail or fly on a trapeze, you’ll find plenty of opportunities at Caribbean resorts — at prices that are surprisingly affordable.

A SNORKLERS AND STINGRAY-LOVERS PARADISE

A SNORKLERS AND STINGRAY-LOVERS PARADISE

DAY FOUR (June 14, 2009) — Ready to kiss a Stingray? Eight year old Timmy and 13 year old Miles Singer are game but 12 year old Max Weinberg takes a pass despite a lot of good natured ribbing — and an outright bribe from his buddy Miles. We’re at the...
SKATEBOARDING WITH A CHAMPION

SKATEBOARDING WITH A CHAMPION

Douglas Cameron, the Canadian who manages the park and oversees the camp — just in its second year — says it’s as much for local kids as visitors. It has 64,000 square feet of ledges, boxes, v-hips, banks and stairs and half pipes, which to the uninitiated look like a lot of hills built into the cement.

CHECKING OUT THE BEACHES AND THE RESCUED IGUANAS

CHECKING OUT THE BEACHES AND THE RESCUED IGUANAS

DAY THREE (June 13, 2009) — Finally, a Caribbean beach that’s everything a Caribbean beach should be — quaint, with hammocks strung in the palm trees. Crystal clear water perfect for snorkeling, white sand, a first rate beach bar (known for their mud...