Papeete - Patrick's 1/2 day 4 x 4 tour

[btrojanoski]

Hi all:

 

I would like to see any current reviews of Patrick's 1/2 day 4 x 4 tour out of Papeete, Tahiti. Has anyone gone the last couple of months? Comments, concersn, kudos, complaints?

 

Barry

[JRoeT]

We went with him in August Here;s an excerpt from my review:

 

We had reserved Patrick’s full-day 4wd for our last day (independent tour), but when we found Patrick on the dock, he explained that we were the only ones who had signed up for today (pretty uncommon he said). So, while he said he could not justify the full-day tour, he was happy to provide us a (Private!) half-day tour. We agreed and jumped in his jeep. He took us a look-out point along the highway where we could see the beautiful Radisson and the black sand beaches from day one of our Tahiti trip. We entered the access road for the Papenoo Valley and spent the rest of the tour learning about all of the plant-life and animal life (pretty limited!) on Tahiti. Patrick knows a lot about these subjects. We learned about many plants, including invasive ones that have been introduced and are creating environmental problems.

 

The road is very bumpy in places along this access road – the bumpiest we had experienced anywhere. And, like I mentioned, we did A LOT of 4wd’s!!!

 

Toward the end, Patrick took us to a beautiful clear swimming area near a waterfall. It was wonderful to be in cool (well - cooler - it's still Tahiti) fresh water. There were a few Princess-sponsored groups there on excursion, but Patrick was the only tour guide in the water. When we arrived, he jumped right in and it encouraged us to do so as well. Taking a cue from their guides, none of the other Princess passengers went in. They looked bored! My husband, on the other and, was having sooo much fun. He and Patrick climbed to the top of rock formations in the side of the mountain (about 20 feet above the water at the highest point) and jumped into the water several times. I have great pictures of this too!! If you do this excursion, book with Patrick. It was $45 Polynesian francs per person.

[Julia’s Journey’s]

Was the 45PF per person for the full or half day and are kids the same price??

[ciana]

HI. We just returned from the Nov. 27th sailing of the Tahitian Princess and took Patrick's 1/2 day tour on the afternoon before we sailed from Papeete. He picked us up at the ship at 12:00 and we were back by 4:00. The ship sailed at 5. It was a great 1/2 day. The tour was as described in the post above with the exception of the waterfall. The one he took us to was very small with only a small pool at the bottom. Only 3 of the 6 of us went in. We would definitely recommend Patrick's tour and thought that 1/2 day was really enough on a 4x4. The cost was $50 US per person (about 4500-5000 pacific french francs). Actually all of the private tours we booked wanted US dollars. This identical 4x4 valley/waterfall tour through the ship cost $89US. Patrick was very personable and easy to understand. It was a very enjoyable afternoon.

 

Cheers,

Ciana:)

[WeBeGone]

We used Patrick on the day in between our 2 cruises. Totally agree with Ciana. Loved our day!

[JenAMR]

How do you book Patrick? Where can I get more info???

[mountainhouse]

There's a website with photos at:

http://www.papeete.com/patrick/index.html

Email him at: patrickaventure@mail.pf

 

He answered me promptly. BTW He prefers reservations be made no more than 3-4 months in advance.

[Princess-of-Quite-alot]

Hi Frank,

Were you planning on doing this tour? If so, did you need another couple to round out the trip? We were considering this tour as well, possibly Tuesday morning or afternoon if we could make it back in time for departure.

[mountainhouse]

That would be great. I would prefer Tuesday morning. Based on his email, he wants to be contacted again in May.

[Princess-of-Quite-alot]

I guess he's got one of those 3-months-at-a-glance calendars!:p

[mountainhouse]

I've have to try that excuse at work! :cool:

[JenAMR]

Thanks!!! I have contacted him and am awaiting his response! So many things and places I have contacted are already booked so I am keeping my fingers crossed!!!

[lalawgirl]

I did a similar tour through Princess which we booked on the ship for the last day of the cruise. Very enjoyable.