Not on the usual backpacker list due to its extremely expensive nature. But French Polynesia has always been on Sarena's wish list (and the Tahitian women are gorgeous) so we thought we would spend a couple of weeks at this paradise on Earth...

French Polynesia Stats:
Size:3,500 sq km
Population: 220,000
Capital: Papeete

Days spent in French Polynesia: 8
Images in Diary:35

Useful Links:
Lonely Planet

...Lazing around on tropical beaches II
After a few weeks of beach life in Fiji we thought it was about time to spend some more time on a beach. This time we caught a ferry from Tahiti to the nearest island (20km) of Moorea and found a great campsite on the north west coast. read diary

...Celebrating the visit of Jacques Chirac!
Probably not an obvious attraction for us. But we where very kindly offered free tickets by two new Tahitian friends to a show but on for the french presidents four day visit. It was a pretty extravagant show put on at the main stadium on Tahiti and was a great introduction to the islands. read diary

...Touring Moorea by scooter
Moorea island is only 67 km in circumference and is surounded by a coral atoll which has created a natural lagoon all the way around the island. We spent a day touring the coast on a scooter which also served to give us some rest from the mosquito's.read diary

...Swimming with sharks and sting rays
The highlight of our stay on Moorea was a day trip just a few meters into the lagoon from our campsite to be plunged into the water and instantly confronted by 15 or so black tip sharks. It was an amazing experience. we the encountered a huge group of friendly sting rays who liked to rub themselves against you like a cat. read diary

...and then we went to Easter Island >