Best PG shore excursions?

[rebeccaluvscruising]

Hi!

I'll be sailing on the Paul Gauguin April 26 for 9 days around French Polynesia. The shore excursions go on sale Friday. Are there any that are a "must do" that might sell out? Thanks to all who respond!

[AtA]

It really depends on what you enjoy doing. From experience and also from reports from others, I'd recommend the off road jeep safari's, Mark Eddowes hike in Huahine (if you like to hike), Michael Pooles dolphin watch in Moorea (just be sure to take medication beforehand if you tend towards seasickness) I'd also do the snorkel with the stingrays in Bora Bora. (it's in shallow water as are most all the snorkels) There were a few couples who did the helicopter ride in Bora Bora and loved it as well as several that did the sunset sail in Moora.

[rebeccaluvscruising]

I want to do a lot of snorkeling and have read those threads, but don't want to overlook anything that might be fun or very special. I'll definitely consider each one that you mentioned! Thanks for taking the time to help... ;)

Rebecca

[karenj4546]

My review is over a year old, but probably still valid....
We're avid snorkelers and loved the PG trip. Our favorite trip, by far, was Michael Poole's Dolphin Watch. When he says to bring snorkeling equipment, he does not mean that you'll snorkel with dolphins...instead, we found whales and snorkeled above 5 of them. I would suggest that you go to his enrichment lecture on the ship. Then, ask him if it's whale season (no point in paying for this chance at an experiance if the whales aren't even there).
We enjoyed a number of other snorkel trips, but this one is forever in my mind.
Karen

[rebeccaluvscruising]

Can you pre-book that online or do I need to do it on the ship? Sounds fab - thanks so much!

Rebecca

[karenj4546]

We didn't book that excursion until we went to the lecture. I don't know if we got lucky with spots open on it, but we got 2 tix immediately.
A really nice thing about the PG....you can cancel excursions in full if you do it before 24 hours prior to the excursion.
If I had it to do again, I'd do research right now as to the whale season. (We did it in Oct, so I'd guess that they either won't be there or it will be the tail end of their season). If you see that they're there, I'd book in advance.
Word of warning......Even Dr. Poole seemed surprised by the number of whales we saw (5). I got some pix, but they're nothing compared to the pics in my memory.
We didn't take $'s with us on the excursion, so couldn't buy one of his t-shirts. I'd have liked to have had one....
Karen

[mythologist]

First of all, I recommend that you also consider hiring a driver to get a feel for the local atmosphere. You may want to book the Bora Bora off road adventure. The jungle hike up to the waterfalls was something that really fascinated me, but I understand it is quite strenous. Oh, and the waverunners book rather quickly. Most people could ride them all day. We also really liked snorkeling with the stingrays. The snorkeling was in fairly shallow water that was calm and the operators of the tour were good. They also brought fresh fruit along.

My best advice is do not schedule anything for the day of the motu. The ship's staff cooks a wonderful barbecue while you indulge at the bar. Get there early for a good chair and umbrella. There are restrooms and picnic tables. Bring your snorkeling gear from the ship and plan on doing some kayaking. We stayed until the very end. It was glorious!

[shorton]

Excursions all sound terrific! We will be going Sept. 26. Hope whales will still be around.

[TimATL]

I wouldn't count on being able to book all of your excursions on Friday. The excursions for my April 19 cruise were supposed to be available for booking this past Friday December 21 and they're still not all posted online. Right now, just the excursions for Raiatea and Taha'a Motu Mahana are available. I was told by a RSSC representative that 120 days prior to the sail date is just an estimate for excursion booking availability, and that they're still working with vendors on selecting the excursions for our cruise. I have to say, this isn't a great first impression.

[Cruising Librarian]

We really liked the jet boat excursion on Bora Bora that circled the island. It felt like we got three excursions in one-first we stopped and fed stingrays, then snorkeled in a lovely place far from shore, and had a great ride and nice perspecticve of the island and lagoon from the jet boat.

Can't wait to go back!

[jmf123]

Circling Bora Bora on a jet ski was definitely our favorite excursion...on Christmas Day 2001, unforgettable! We also enjoyed renting a car on Moorea and exploring on our own.

[DaytonGirl]

Circling Bora Bora on a jet ski was definitely our favorite excursion...on Christmas Day 2001, unforgettable! We also enjoyed renting a car on Moorea and exploring on our own.

The wave runner tour around Bora Bora gets my vote also! We've done it twice and I'd do it again in a second. Gorgeous, gorgeous, gorgeous! :)

I can't wait to go back. I wish they'd get their Spring '09 itineraries up soon!

[2manyplaces]

The sunset sail excursions sell out quickly. We were lucky enough to get on, but we talked to several people who tried but were not able. If I remember correctly, there were only about 20 or so spots available.

[rebeccaluvscruising]

Thanks so much for all the great suggestions!! I will take each one to heart. I guess I won't freak out if I can't book online Friday as I thought - thanks for letting me know, TimATL. I'll do the jetboat around Bora Bora and the sting ray ballet as well as try to get on the Dolphin Watch with Michael Poole - even though the whales won't be there.

Has anyone done the Blue Lagoon Escapadeon the 21' foot bayliner? It a pricey one, but sounds fantastic. I wonder if I could find 3 other people to share this - any thoughts?

I'm so excited and sooooo ready!! :)

Rebecca

[Wendy The Wanderer]

Be aware on Dr. Poole's excursion that snorkeling is not guaranteed. The first time we did it, we were lucky enough to spot dolphins early, and after enjoying them for quite a period, we went to a reef and had a snorkeling break. The second time, we never did find dolphins, and spent the entire trip searching for them, so no time for snorkeling. Pretty trip around the island, however.

[paulmichael]

Thanks so much for all the great suggestions!! I will take each one to heart. I guess I won't freak out if I can't book online Friday as I thought - thanks for letting me know, TimATL. I'll do the jetboat around Bora Bora and the sting ray ballet as well as try to get on the Dolphin Watch with Michael Poole - even though the whales won't be there.

Has anyone done the Blue Lagoon Escapadeon the 21' foot bayliner? It a pricey one, but sounds fantastic. I wonder if I could find 3 other people to share this - any thoughts?

I'm so excited and sooooo ready!! :)

Rebecca

We did the Blue Lagoon in May and it was great. No rush, No lines and a great ride. You get to spend as much time as you want in the water, it gos all around the Island and you have a nice time on a little Island. If you send me your email address I will send you some pics, but we are leaving on Jan 11 for 24 days on the PG and yes we are again doing the Lagoon trip

mike

[rebeccaluvscruising]

Here is my address: rchute at cabinfactors dot com

I'd love to see your pix! It will be my birthday so I'd like to do something really special!!
Rebecca

[Shipandshore]

We rented bikes for 4 hours @ $15 each and rode around Bora Bora stopping at various hotels to visit them and at various vista points. The traffic was not a concern(I was worried about that) and there were only 2 spots where we walked the bikes mainly due to the condition of the road and the decline. It really gave us a "feel" for Bora Bora. We also took the sail/snorkle catamaran trip which was very relaxing the next day.

[skyview851]

By far, my favorite excursion was snorkeling at Tahaa during the "motu"day. We enjoyed the waverunners in Moorea, as well as Dr Pooles dolphin watching, and if you are lucky enough to have a virtuoso travel agent, the excursion that they arrange in Bora Bora is not to be missed!
I want to go back! Please can I win the lottery?

Lisa

[rebeccaluvscruising]

I do have a Virtuoso agent and just found out that the tour is an allday tour in Moorea with lunch. Sounds fab - does anyone know more about it so I don't duplicate with future bookings? And any info on how Virtuoso works would be appreciated!

[ladylms]

We are sailing on 2/16, and my Virtuoso TA gave high marks to this all day tour with lunch. Rebeccaluvscruising, is that your date as well?

[missouri_girl]

We loved the jet boat circle island tour of Bora Bora. You stop and swim with the sting rays, saw some reef sharks also, did some snorkeling and had a great tour from two highly entertaining young men. It was a new tour March, 2007 but it was awesome.

Have a great time - the islands are beautiful. No matter what excursions you choose you will have great time.


Francine

[drifting_away]

Does anybody know how many people are on the jet boat and how big it is?

Do they have multiple boats for the blue lagoon tour or is it only offered to one group of 4?

Thanks for the great info!

[missouri_girl]

The jet boat is fairly large. We had at least ten people on our tour and I think there were some empty seats. Here is a link to a similar (if not the same) tour http://www.moanajetboat.com/html/adventures.htm You can see the picture of the boat.

Francine

[Westiemom2]

Hi Rebecca: It looks like we'll be on the same cruise together. I am also starting to sign up for the excursions. I wish I knew what times the Paul Gaughin has its parties so I'm not out on an excursion at the same time, but I don't see anything that outlines what the ship's schedule for get-togetherss is. Is their Motu Mahana party the first day and does it last all day. I thought I heard that they also host a party on Bora Bora but don't know when so I can book the excursions around it. Hope we bump into each other on the ship. My DH and I can't wait. Does anyone else know what the ship's schedule is or where I can find it?

[Westiemom2]

Hi Rebecca: It looks like we'll be on the same cruise together. I am also starting to sign up for the excursions. I wish I knew what times the Paul Gaughin has its parties so I'm not out on an excursion at the same time, but I don't see anything that outlines what the ship's schedule for get-togetherss is. Is their Motu Mahana party the first day and does it last all day. I thought I heard that they also host a party on Bora Bora but don't know when so I can book the excursions around it. Hope we bump into each other on the ship. My DH and I can't wait. Does anyone else know what the ship's schedule is or where I can find it?

[Blue Wolf]

Hi Rebecca: It looks like we'll be on the same cruise together. I am also starting to sign up for the excursions. I wish I knew what times the Paul Gaughin has its parties so I'm not out on an excursion at the same time, but I don't see anything that outlines what the ship's schedule for get-togetherss is. Is their Motu Mahana party the first day and does it last all day. I thought I heard that they also host a party on Bora Bora but don't know when so I can book the excursions around it. Hope we bump into each other on the ship. My DH and I can't wait. Does anyone else know what the ship's schedule is or where I can find it?

Here are a few more thoughts to confuse you! June 25 will mark our 5th PG cruise and even though we have taken many others, this package is unbeatable.
You might consider the Lagoonarium on Bora Bora ... NOT the one on Tahiti. They boat you totally around the island and end up on a private motu. There, they have made "channels" in the water with chain link fencing. The channels are loaded with all types of sea creatures (sharks, rays, turtles, etc) and you drift amongst them. (Buy a cheap, disposable underwatrer camera.) Then there is time on the beach with a great view of Bora Bora, some fruit and ,usually, a funny lecture.

Motu Mahana is all day with constant shuttles back and forth. Please, don't miss it ... it is terrific! Two huge huts house the "restaurant" and the other is the bar. Don't want to walk to the bar?? Not to worry! They constantly cycle through all of you loungers asking for refills. Don't want to get out of that lovely water? Now to worry, either. There is a guy toting a floating bar for your pleasure.

The Bora Bora motu is the same, but, scaled down. Just an open bar with fruit. Upon request, they will pack you a box lunch, however, a constant shuttle allows you to come and go whenever you want. So, we go back for lunch, then return.

Hope this helps ... Bob & Ellen

[Jetscot]

Rebecca
Sorry to butt into your thread, but I am desperate for info on this ship!
As you can see we are used to travelling on the larger ships, but have an option on PG for 1st March. I am so pleased to see so many people enjoyed there trip. As we are travelling onwards to Australia, I want to limit my cruise packing, so can you please tell me how formal the ship is especially on Captains night and how casual you can be on other nights:confused:

[Wendy The Wanderer]

First of all, no formal night at all, no need for jackets or ties. Or cocktail dresses, for that matter.

Just nice resort-wear. Long pants, no jeans in the evening for guys. Simple summer dresses or pant outfits for the ladies.

Motu Manaha--just look at your schedule to see what day it is, and book your excursions around it.

Bora Bora, as another poster said, is just a beach escape, not a party. Very pretty beach, lovely swimming, great view of Bora Bora.