OK, my ever-helpful comrade travelers, I sent in my selections for our excursions just now. I picked based partly on what I learned here and on CC and partly based on what I thought my kids would enjoy, making sure to allow lots of simple relaxation/motu/kayak/pool/water ski time, too. So, how'd I do? Anything you think I should be sure to add or delete or change? I'd love to hear your opinions!

My Requests:

Thu. June 22 Discover Scuba Diving Theory and Pool Huahine 3 Hours PM $80.00 3 (in case we decide not to get certified at home before going and decide to simply dive and not get certified)

Fri. June 23 Anapa Pearl Farm - the Creation of the Pearl Raiatea 2 Hours PM $95.00 3 (some have said this one is neat to see--and we have to see at least one pearl farm--but why so expensive, I wonder?)

Sat. June 24 Scuba: Motu Nuhi Nuhi (Beginner Divers) Rangiroa, Tuamotu Islands 2 Hours PM $80.00 3

For Sunday, understand lots of things are closed, so will play it by ear, or maybe play torture the butler...or hijack a kayak...the possibilities are endless. <img border="0" alt="[naughty]" title="" src="graemlins/naughty.gif" />


Mon. June 26 Scuba Table Top - Beginner Divers Bora Bora 2 Hours AM $80.00 3 (plan to hit the Bora Bora motu in the afternoon)

Tue. June 27 Bora Bora Off Road Adventure Bora Bora 3½ Hours AM $95.00 3 (I'll be thinking of you, Olivia, on this one!!)

Wed: Motu Day!

Thu. June 29 Lagoon Discovery with Snorkeling Moorea 3½ Hours PM $69.00 3 (you can swim with the rays here (I didn't want to do the caged ones). No more shark feeding from what I can see)

Fri. June 30 Scuba Shark Gallery - Beginner Divers Moorea 2 Hours AM $80.00 3 (Ah! Here is the shark feeding--except we are feeding them US!)

that's it so far!

Sue,

I am SURE you and the kids will have an incredible time in Tahiti.

Woo hoo Sue! Greg and I are about to grab a couple of cocktails, convene in his office and have an excursion selection party. Kinda like the NFL draft coming up next weekend - these little things we look forward to, that have no immediate results, but will mean everything to us if we can wait!

I can't believe we are only 60 days out! We booked this cruise when we were, like, 18 years old, it seems! LOL!

This will certainly be the trip of a lifetime for your children - I bet they can't wait!

LOL! You're so funny. Let me know what you guys decide. I'm kind of surprised we went so heavy on scuba, but I thought it was something we'd all enjoy. We're not allowed to do the ATVs or the Jet skis. Dumb age rules.

Sue, you and your kids are going to have a wonderful time. You will most likely see black tip reef sharks when you do the Moorea Lagoon Discovery with Snorkeling - just don't try to feed any! Don't worry, they do not bother you - but they do sometimes freak people out.

Thanks, Kathy and Kathy! This is the reason i posted what I chose--and to make sure i wasn't missing out on a don't-miss-out excursion that just didn't sound so great in the description or choosing something that in reality was a waste (have been on some of those in the past, trust me).

My kids have been to so many places at a young age and have their opinions about it all! I'm excited to see how Tahiti and environs will rate with their past trips. It's so beautiful there, I don't see how they can't catch the FP flu like me!

Sue,

I think FP is a different vacation for those who snorkel, those who dive and those who don't. If you don't like water activities, you are fair skinned and don't want to be outside in the sunshine or tropical atmosphere, then FP may not be for you. We snorkel and love being out in the water.

I am guessing that you have taken the kids to Hawaii so think of it as Hawaii on steriods.

We also like to walk around places just to see things. I don't think that would be what kids want to do particularly. I think there is a lot to see there - the 4x4 will be fun.

Me, too, Kathy. The 4x4 was a compromise for them to see some of an island but to have fun doing it. If I hadn't been to the islands before I'd have insisted on more sightseeing, but once you've seen the shacks and all those roosters (they're EVERYWHERE!) you've seen them all. I've even had a Bloody Mary in Bloody Mary's, so I've filled a lot of the squares already. Although I'm making fun a little bit, there ARE some beautiful areas of jungle and all the foliage but like you said, not so appealing to teens. I did look long and hard at the waterfall hike but the description and physical requirements such as having to be a "trained hiker" (???) scared me away. This IS after all, a vacation; I don't want to re-live my US Air Force survival school days!!!

Such fun to choose! You guys are going to have a fantastic time, Sue!

Sue,
Mark and I did the land and sea safari in BB. This was great because we did the 4x4 and also got to go out and snorkel. It was a fun way to spend time on land and on the water. Have a wonderful time.

Thanks, y'all! I love the input, so thanks for that. msheiny, how was the snorkling at the spot the land and sea safari took you to? The one I've booked is all driving, so I'm just curious if the snorkling stop is worth it! I still have loads of time to tweak our choices.

I find myself daydreaming of drinks in coconuts...sigh...

I think I want to be a stow away, or maybe you need someone to take care of your luggage, bring you drinks?

The PG is on my list for maybe our anniversary in November, I hope.

Hope you have a wonderful time, I'm really jealous.

KarenM

Sue,

We stopped at a Pearl Farm on our Bora Bora off road adventure if you want to eliminate something. Saw all the various aspects from planting the seed though grading/sizing/setting. And then, of course, the show room.

Suzanne, was your off-road adventure the same one I booked? If so, are there many stops?

Thank you for offering up the idea about reducing the # of excursions. I'm sure the Anapuha (sp) pearl farm is cool, but how many do we need to see?

I will check it out now. As I recall there was just one on BB last year. This year may be different. Be back soon...

Editing to say, it sounds the same. The pearl farm visit was a surprise. I also think we may have stopped at an artist's home/studio. Also, not mentioned in the write-up...

We did not snorkel around oysters, but listened to a short talk, saw the implanting of the seed etc. It gave me all the info I needed about the cultivation of Tahitian pearls. I think you may be paying for the "water sport" part.

Hmm, our BB 4x4 excursion didn't include a visit to a pearl farm. But that was in 2000. Maybe it's changed, or maybe it varies. There were maybe four stops, at the WWII relics, at Bloody Mary's, a couple of viewpoints high up. Whatever it is, I'm sure the kids will enjoy themselves--there is a fair amount of "theatre" involved, and the ride is quite wild going up through the jungle. There may have been some kind of shopping opportunity as well, I must admit I can't recall.