Discover the Wonders of French Polynesia

Wanderlust Manifesto: Pursuing the World's Most Extraordinary Horizons

Discover the Wonders of French Polynesia

French Polynesia, with its 118 islands and atolls scattered across the South Pacific, has always been a place of magic and allure for me. From the moment I first set foot on its pristine shores, I knew I had found a slice of paradise. This tropical haven offers a myriad of experiences that will leave you in awe, and I am thrilled to share some of my most cherished memories and adventures with you.

Swimming with Humpback Whales: A Dream Come True

One of the most unforgettable experiences of my life took place in the warm waters off the coast of Moorea. It was the peak of humpback whale season, and I had the incredible opportunity to swim alongside these gentle giants. As I slipped into the water, my heart raced with anticipation. Suddenly, a mother whale and her calf appeared, their massive bodies gliding gracefully through the deep blue. The sheer size and majesty of these creatures left me in awe, and for a few magical moments, I felt a profound connection to the natural world.

Marine Adventures: Snorkeling, Diving, and Swimming with Giants

Snorkeling and Diving: French Polynesia is renowned for its crystal-clear waters and abundant marine life, making it a top destination for snorkeling and diving enthusiasts. In Moorea, you can snorkel with humpback whales and playful dolphins, an experience that is both magical and surreal. The island's warm waters and excellent visibility provide the perfect conditions for these encounters. For diving aficionados, the islands of Rangiroa and Fakarava are not to be missed. Rangiroa's Tiputa Pass offers exhilarating dives with resident pods of bottlenose dolphins, while Fakarava is famous for its "Wall of Sharks," where you can dive among schools of up to 200 grey reef sharks. The vibrant coral reefs and diverse marine species in these areas make every dive an unforgettable adventure.

Touring Bora Bora by Scooter: An Unexpected Adventure

Bora Bora, with its iconic overwater bungalows and turquoise lagoons, is a place that dreams are made of. One sunny afternoon, we decided to explore the island by scooter. The freedom of the open road, the wind in my hair, and the stunning scenery made for a perfect day. However, as we rounded a bend, the sky suddenly darkened, and a torrential rain shower began. Laughing at the unexpected turn of events, we sought shelter under the overhang of an electric meter station (in retrospect, maybe not the best place!!)? and watched as the rain transformed the landscape into a lush, vibrant wonderland. It was a reminder that sometimes, the best adventures are the ones you don't plan.

Diving with Eagle and Manta Rays: A Dance with the Ocean's Giants

The underwater world of French Polynesia is nothing short of spectacular. During a dive off the coast of Bora Bora, I found myself surrounded by a ballet of eagle and manta rays. Their graceful movements and the way they effortlessly glided through the water was mesmerizing. As I watched these magnificent creatures, I felt a sense of peace and wonder that only the ocean can provide. Each dive in these crystal-clear waters revealed new wonders and left me with memories that I will cherish forever.

Savoring the Sweetness of Moorea Pineapples

Moorea is not only known for its stunning landscapes but also for its delicious pineapples. Every morning for breakfast, we ate local pineapples - the sweetest, juiciest pineapples I have ever tasted. The flavor was so intense and refreshing, it felt like a burst of sunshine in my mouth. This simple pleasure was a reminder of the incredible bounty that nature provides and the joy of savoring fresh, local produce.

Exploring Huahine by E-Bike: A Journey Through Time

Huahine, often referred to as the "Garden of Eden," is a place of lush greenery and ancient history. We decided to explore the island by e-bike, which allowed us to cover more ground while still enjoying the natural beauty around us. As we pedaled through the island's winding paths, we discovered hidden temples, ancient marae (sacred sites), and charming villages. The e-bike made it easy to navigate the hilly terrain, and we felt a sense of freedom and adventure as we explored this enchanting island at our own pace.

Luxurious Overwater Bungalows: A Slice of Paradise

French Polynesia is synonymous with overwater bungalows, offering a unique blend of luxury and natural beauty. Imagine waking up to the gentle sound of waves lapping beneath your bungalow, with panoramic views of turquoise lagoons stretching out before you.

Overwater Bungalows:

• St. Regis Bora Bora Resort:?Known for its stunning views and luxurious amenities, the St. Regis Bora Bora offers some of the largest overwater bungalows in Tahiti, starting at 1,550 square feet. These bungalows feature separate living rooms, spacious bathrooms, and glass viewing panels in the floors to watch the tropical fish swim by. The resort also boasts a private lagoonarium, multiple dining options including the renowned Lagoon Restaurant by Jean-Georges, and a signature butler service to cater to your every need.
• Le Taha’a by Pearl Resorts: Located on a private islet, this resort provides an intimate and serene escape with exceptional service and culinary excellence.
• Hilton Moorea Lagoon Resort: Nestled between the mountains and the sea, this resort offers overwater bungalows with breathtaking views and a tranquil atmosphere.

Unforgettable Cruises

Cruising is one of the best ways to explore the diverse islands of French Polynesia, and one cruise lines stands out for their exceptional itineraries and luxurious experiences.

Paul Gauguin Cruises: Paul Gauguin Cruises specializes in luxury cruises through the shallow seas of the South Pacific. The m/s Paul Gauguin, designed specifically for this region, offers spacious suites, gourmet dining, and an onboard watersports marina. With itineraries that include overnight stays in Bora Bora and visits to private islets, guests can immerse themselves in the rich culture and natural beauty of French Polynesia. The onboard hosts, Les Gauguins and Les Gauguines, provide a warm and authentic Polynesian experience through storytelling, singing, and dancing.

Windstar Cruises offers intimate yacht-style cruising with a focus on personalized service and unique experiences. Their newly transformed 312-guest Star Breeze yacht sails year-round in French Polynesia, visiting iconic destinations like Moorea, Bora Bora, and Raiatea. Guests can enjoy activities such as drift snorkeling in coral gardens, exploring lush forests, and experiencing traditional Polynesian fire dances during exclusive beach events

The Exclusive Brando Resort on Tetiaroa

Tetiaroa, a breathtaking atoll in French Polynesia, is home to The Brando, an exclusive luxury resort that offers an unparalleled blend of natural beauty, sustainability, and opulence. Once the private retreat of Marlon Brando, this resort features 35 private villas, each with its own beach area and plunge pool, set amidst pristine white-sand beaches frequented by sea turtles, manta rays, and exotic birds. The Brando is renowned for its commitment to environmental sustainability, being the first resort in the world to receive LEED Platinum Certification. Guests can enjoy a range of activities, from kayaking and diving to learning about Polynesian culture and conservation efforts at the on-site EcoStation. The resort's restaurants, led by innovative chefs, offer a fusion of Polynesian flavors and classical French techniques, providing a culinary experience that is both authentic and exquisite.

French Polynesia is a destination that promises adventure, luxury, and unforgettable memories. Whether you're diving with rays, swimming with humpback whales, or relaxing in an overwater bungalow, this tropical paradise offers experiences that perfectly align with the spirit of Wanderlust Manifesto: Pursuing the World's Most Extraordinary Horizons. Join me as we continue to explore the world's most extraordinary destinations and inspire your next great adventure.

We offer many itineraries with our partners, Paul Gauguin Cruises. I will be escorting a group in August 2025 to experience the height of whale season and the opportunity to swim with these gentle giants in their natural habitat (very highly regulated and non-invasive!). Details here

Claire Maguire is an award-winning Travel Advisor and Bucket List explorer who has visited an impressive 116 countries across all 7 continents. Her passion for seeking out the world's most extraordinary destinations has taken her from the frozen landscapes of Antarctica to the tropical islands of the Pacific. As an entrepreneur and franchise owner with Cruise Planners, Claire has dedicated her business to creating unforgettable vacation experiences for her clients.

Claire's debut book, "Make Your Bucket List Trip a Reality," available on Amazon , serves as a valuable resource for aspiring travelers, offering invaluable tips and insights for turning their wanderlust into reality. Through her websites, https://bucketlisttraveltrips.com/ and https://expedition-vacations.com/ , Claire shares her adventures and inspires others to embark on their own extraordinary journeys.

With her extensive knowledge, personalized approach, and unwavering commitment to creating unforgettable experiences, Claire Maguire has established herself as a trusted guide for those seeking to explore the world's most extraordinary destinations.