My Review / Suggestions

[NYR Fan]

Tahitianbigkahuna, I am in awe of your photos and informative details. We leave in just 5 more weeks and can't wait. I am on page 10 of this posting and had to jump ahead and say hello. Thanks for all the helpful hints. Now back to reading ...

[Tahitianbigkahuna]

Tahitianbigkahuna, I am in awe of your photos and informative details. We leave in just 5 more weeks and can't wait. I am on page 10 of this posting and had to jump ahead and say hello. Thanks for all the helpful hints. Now back to reading ...

 

Thank you for the kind words and glad I've been of some help for your upcoming trip on the PG :cool:

[AnglerGirl]

I'm really enjoying these pics Jerry. Thank for you always sharing your work. Thought I'd drop into CC. The marine biologist girls are heading back now for a couple holiday cruises. I just heard from them and they are excited to get back to working in paradise.

[Tahitianbigkahuna]

I'm really enjoying these pics Jerry. Thank for you always sharing your work. Thought I'd drop into CC. The marine biologist girls are heading back now for a couple holiday cruises. I just heard from them and they are excited to get back to working in paradise.

 

Glad you are enjoying .... Wish I was in paradise for Christmas this year, great memories of Holidays on the PG.

[Tahitianbigkahuna]

Some more info/pictures about the IC Bora Bora and the Thalasso Spa ...

 

https://photos.smugmug.com/South-Pacific-Photography/i-3tSt2vQ/0/7225444d/X3/Thalasso%20ex%20%284%20of%206%29-X3.jpg

 

The feeding of the rays which is done in the afternoon. All sorts of fun beach/water toys to enjoy.

 

You never get tired of the views ...

https://photos.smugmug.com/South-Pacific-Photography/i-BRZB8wn/0/fa535cbc/X3/Thalasso%20mountain%20with%20villas%202%20%281%20of%201%29-X3.jpg

 

Taken from the inner lagoon at water level

looking back toward the mountain

https://photos.smugmug.com/South-Pacific-Photography/i-PMmsRgp/0/63a42f54/X3/Thalasso%20ex%20%286%20of%206%29-X3.jpg

 

The inner lagoon with the cozy wedding chapel

https://photos.smugmug.com/South-Pacific-Photography/i-dtbVK7r/0/a84a5605/X3/Thalasso%20ex%20%285%20of%206%29-X3.jpg

[SWFLAOK]

Wonderful photos of the IC Thalasso, TBK. We did that excursion on our recent cruise and considered it to be a good value. There were 32 of us from the cruise (4 taxi vans, and 2 water shuttles from IC Le Moana to IC Thalasso. Half of the PG guests had other things to do (some renewing vows, others having a business meeting for their incentive cruise), so the rest of us headed off to the pool and beach where there were plenty of shady seating areas available. A 2 course lunch was included (so we shared an app, each had an entree, and shared a dessert), and it was delicious. We saw only a handful of hotel guests. The boat trip there and back in the lagoon was also enjoyable.

I would love to see a manta ray in the wild. Despite spending a lot of time in the Bahamas, and many vacations in the past to the Caribbean, the only manta rays I've ever seen were at The Dig at Atlantis on Paradise Island. Our next PG cruise is in September of 2019, and we hope to see whales. The captain on our Moorea excursion said that there are often whales in the bays at that time. And if we don't see them there, we might see them on our way to Fiji, by way of Aaitutaki and Tonga.

[longhorn5]

Once again I am amazed by your stunning pictures! I can’t wait to be in Bora Bora in a few weeks. We have booked a snorkel excursion with Pure Snorkeling four our first day and had planned to go to the PG beach on our second day. After reading this review, I am wondering if we should switch and go to Mattia Beach instead. I would love to hear a comparison of the two.

 

Thanks and hope you have a very Merry Christmas!

Karen

[Tahitianbigkahuna]

Once again I am amazed by your stunning pictures! I can’t wait to be in Bora Bora in a few weeks. We have booked a snorkel excursion with Pure Snorkeling four our first day and had planned to go to the PG beach on our second day. After reading this review, I am wondering if we should switch and go to Mattia Beach instead. I would love to hear a comparison of the two.

 

Thanks and hope you have a very Merry Christmas!

Karen

 

Thank you Karen .... Both are great beaches. However IMO the PG beach is superior. The location is the where the classic view of Mount Otemanu was/is taken from, you know, the ones you see on travel brochures. It is a perfect little crescent shape with a bit of a leading line, a photographers dream location. I will post some pictures of the two location of the locations over the long weekend ;)

[Tahitianbigkahuna]

Lets continue on our tour of the IC Bora Bora and Thalasso Spa ....

 

The petite wedding chapel, love photographing this place. For you photo geeks I took these with a cropped sensor Canon 70D and a $150 lens. I've included the links so you can take a better peek ;)

 

https://photos.smugmug.com/South-Pacific-Photography/i-RmMVHZV/0/828a7881/X3/Z%20Thalasso%20%283%20of%206%29-X3.jpg

 

 

Taken from the entrance ....

https://photos.smugmug.com/South-Pacific-Photography/i-TWdVmXw/0/fc04a110/X3/Thalasso%20Resort%20%281%20of%2018%29-X3.jpg

 

 

https://photos.smugmug.com/South-Pacific-Photography/i-JZ3dbhQ/0/eb05b591/X3/Z%20Thalasso%20%282%20of%206%29-X3.jpg

 

Taken from the location a couple would be standing for the ceremony. How is that for a backdrop :0

https://photos.smugmug.com/South-Pacific-Photography/i-T5NqxPx/0/7eb4990d/X2/chapel%20instagram%20%281%20of%201%29-X2.jpg

 

 

Tomorrow I'll take you through an OWB at this fine resort ...

[Lrorogers]

Not to put too fine a point of it, it feels like you're trying to have this thread replace the entire board. The board is meant for asking questions on a variety of topics. They should not be ask in one big thread.

 

 

Like many other posters have already expressed, this thread is invaluable to most of us, especially those who are experiencing PG for the first time. I have LOVED reading both this thread and the other recent TR one. I also appreciate that the original posters in both cases have spent a great deal of their personal time to share their wonderful experiences. Furthermore, it is helpful to have all of the information contained in one place (thread)! This forum is meant to be both one for posting questions and for being able to share helpful suggestions.....which this thread does. When questions are posed during the thread, they often pertain to something in the post that was shared. In the spirit of the season, let us all be thankful for the time spent by all on this forum to help others. Thank you BigK for your beautiful photos and the time that you have devoted to this thread!

[Tahitianbigkahuna]

Like many other posters have already expressed, this thread is invaluable to most of us, especially those who are experiencing PG for the first time. I have LOVED reading both this thread and the other recent TR one. I also appreciate that the original posters in both cases have spent a great deal of their personal time to share their wonderful experiences. Furthermore, it is helpful to have all of the information contained in one place (thread)! This forum is meant to be both one for posting questions and for being able to share helpful suggestions.....which this thread does. When questions are posed during the thread, they often pertain to something in the post that was shared. In the spirit of the season, let us all be thankful for the time spent by all on this forum to help others. Thank you BigK for your beautiful photos and the time that you have devoted to this thread!

 

Thank you :)

 

Your correct .... each time I post some info and around 6 pictures it takes about an hour of my day. Lots more still to come ;)

[Cruisedreamer1]

As a travel agent once told me, "Tahiti is a place where the travel photos don't lie!"

[Tahitianbigkahuna]

As a travel agent once told me, "Tahiti is a place where the travel photos don't lie!"

 

Words can only describe so much .... even photos have their limits .... French Polynesia is best seen in person :)

[Tahitianbigkahuna]

Let us peek inside one of the OWB's at the IC Bora Bora Thalasso Resort. I've included a high resolution link for each picture ...

 

Entering the living room

https://photos.smugmug.com/South-Pacific-Photography/i-V734pcJ/0/db2fdbe3/X3/Thalasso%20Resort%20%284%20of%2018%29-X3.jpg

 

 

https://photos.smugmug.com/South-Pacific-Photography/i-gMRs4tM/0/d4dddc33/X3/Thalasso%20Resort%20%282%20of%2018%29-X3.jpg

 

 

The bathroom

https://photos.smugmug.com/South-Pacific-Photography/i-QSB7xsW/0/bd3739c8/X3/Thalasso%20Resort%20%285%20o

 

The view from the bed is very nice... and you never know who might be on the video screen ...

https://photos.smugmug.com/South-Pacific-Photography/i-G22Rkp9/0/8b912e83/X2/Thalasso%20instagram-X2.jpg

 

 

The partially cover deck is very nice and inviting ... enjoy your morning coffee ...

https://photos.smugmug.com/South-Pacific-Photography/i-DPqm37n/0/ceadb854/X3/Z%20Thalasso%20%284%20of%206%29-X3.jpg

 

 

And the view from the deck isn't to shabby ...

https://photos.smugmug.com/South-Pacific-Photography/i-P2pbZbr/0/9b68aab4/X3/Z%20Thalasso%20%286%20of%206%29-X3.jpg

 

 

Will show some pictures from around the island of Bora Bora over the next few says ...

[macbest]

With that view you must have been in a Diamond villa

[Tahitianbigkahuna]

With that view you must have been in a Diamond villa

 

Yes it was a Diamond ... room #232

[davwen81]

TBK, have you any idea about Papeete-Moorea ferry times. If you come in on a 4.30 pm flight could you still get to Moorea Hilton for the night or do you suggest an overnight in Papeete?

Many thanks and hope you’re having big a great Holiday celebration [emoji898]

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

[aerobee]

TBK, have you any idea about Papeete-Moorea ferry times. If you come in on a 4.30 pm flight could you still get to Moorea Hilton for the night or do you suggest an overnight in Papeete?

 

Not my thread, but as far as I know your ferry schedule is here (put in your actual dates since the times do vary):

http://www.aremiti.pf/horaire (French)

http://www.aremiti.net/schedule (English)

[Tahitianbigkahuna]

TBK, have you any idea about Papeete-Moorea ferry times. If you come in on a 4.30 pm flight could you still get to Moorea Hilton for the night or do you suggest an overnight in Papeete?

Many thanks and hope you’re having big a great Holiday celebration [emoji898]

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

 

I would plan on staying in PPT one night. To many possibilities that could influence your arrival time at the ferry terminal ;)

[Tahitianbigkahuna]

As it is Christmas day ......

 

 

 

 

 

https://photos.smugmug.com/South-Pacific-Photography/i-wmwMWRx/0/5d9a7e63/X3/Steaming%20towards%20Moorea%203%20%281%20of%201%29-X3.jpg

 

What an honor it was to be asked to play the big guy :)

[Wendy The Wanderer]

TBK, have you any idea about Papeete-Moorea ferry times. If you come in on a 4.30 pm flight could you still get to Moorea Hilton for the night or do you suggest an overnight in Papeete?

Many thanks and hope you’re having big a great Holiday celebration [emoji898]

 

I agree with Kahuna, it's cutting it short since you don't know what kinds of delays you might experience at the airport. On our recent trip we had to line up for at least an hour to get through Customs & Immigration since two flights came in simultaneously. The ferries don't operate much after sunset, so depending on the day of the week, the latest ferry might be about 5:30, perhaps 6 at the latest.

[davwen81]

Thanks Wendy and Aerobee and TBK for your help

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

[Tahitianbigkahuna]

Lets take a little trip around Bora Bora ...

I've included links for larger pictures ...

 

 

Taken from the deck of the PG looking east toward mount Otemanu. The community of Viatape sits at the base. The morning sun was behind the clouds making this neat reflection in the lagoon. Loved how the clouds are in the reflection.

https://photos.smugmug.com/South-Pacific-Photography/i-PZC8VKv/0/31feb4d0/X3/reflections%20%281%20of%201%29%20%281%29-X3.jpg

 

 

The clouds are ever changing ....

https://photos.smugmug.com/South-Pacific-Photography/i-sttmNZZ/0/d60766db/X3/bora%20bora%20%282%20of%202%29-X3.jpg

 

 

No words needed ... The next dozen of so pictures taken on a 4X4 ship excursion, BRB-1609

https://photos.smugmug.com/South-Pacific-Photography/i-RkD3jtC/0/dc464d6a/X3/in%20front%20of%20Bloody%20Marys3%20%281%20of%201%29-X3.jpg

 

 

Taken in front of Bloody Mary's. The PG sits in the background,

https://photos.smugmug.com/South-Pacific-Photography/i-hG7Ffjp/0/f366c282/X3/in%20front%20of%20Bloody%20Marys2%20%281%20of%201%29-X3.jpg

 

 

Matira Beach

https://photos.smugmug.com/South-Pacific-Photography/i-Xfnh8Jm/0/d8d6884a/X3/materia%20beach2%20%281%20of%201%29-X3.jpg

 

 

Taken above Bloody Mary's

https://photos.smugmug.com/South-Pacific-Photography/i-hj4kCmN/0/a69461ee/X3/bora%20bora%20high%20above%20Bloody%20Mary%20looking%20west%20%281%20of%201%29-X3.jpg

 

 

More Bora Bora pictures / info coming

[NYR Fan]

Tahitianbigkahuna - It seems you are using professional photography equipment, and I cannot ever hope to get such wonderful photos as you (I'm loving them all). Although photography has been an interest of mine for a long time, now with the advent of smartphones and iphones, sadly I've given up using my SLR. I now have a Samsung S7 smartphone, and it's so easy to get pretty decent pictures with it. I'm wondering if you could suggest a good, waterproof case for my smartphone? I would like to take some underwater photos during snorkeling. Many thanks, Sande

[Tahitianbigkahuna]

Tahitianbigkahuna - It seems you are using professional photography equipment, and I cannot ever hope to get such wonderful photos as you (I'm loving them all). Although photography has been an interest of mine for a long time, now with the advent of smartphones and iphones, sadly I've given up using my SLR. I now have a Samsung S7 smartphone, and it's so easy to get pretty decent pictures with it. I'm wondering if you could suggest a good, waterproof case for my smartphone? I would like to take some underwater photos during snorkeling. Many thanks, Sande

 

I would say half of my pictures are taken with a camera/lens one can easily purchase at Costco, another words a consumer model. Some of my pictures are taken with a full frame camera and decent lenses.

 

I do not use a cell phone for underwater, I use a GoPro Hero 5