For our 10-year wedding anniversary, we embarked on a once-in-a-lifetime journey to the paradise of Bora Bora, Moorea, and Tahiti. From the moment we arrived, the experience was nothing short of magical—starting with an unexpected upgrade to an overwater bungalow, where we fed fish through removable tables. We snorkeled alongside blacktip and lemon sharks, kayaked to private islands, and enjoyed breakfast delivered by outrigger canoe. Our anniversary night was celebrated with a romantic beachfront dinner, serenaded by a private ukulele player under the stars. From exploring Tahiti’s historic shores to watching sunsets at the Bora Bora Yacht Club, every moment was unforgettable.

Highlights from Each Island:

Bora Bora

• Stayed three nights at Hotel Maitai with a free upgrade to an overwater bungalow
• Stayed two nights in a Le Bora Bora Pearl Beach Overwater Bungalow, including our anniversary night
• Had a romantic beachfront anniversary dinner with a private ukulele player
• Had breakfast delivered by outrigger canoe
• Snorkeled with blacktip and lemon sharks and stingrays
• Had dinner at the Bora Bora Yacht Club, a top sunset spot
• Took a basket weaving class (above water)
• Kayaked from Hotel Maitai to Sofitel Private Island
• Captured aerial drone footage with our DJI Mavic Air
• Watched the sunset from Matira Beach, Bora Bora’s only public beach
• Admired the stunning lagoon and motus surrounding the island
• Took dozens of photos of a picturesque tree leaning over the beach
• Explored the island and enjoyed the serene overwater bungalow views

Moorea

• Took a prop plane from Bora Bora to Moorea
• Stayed two nights in a Anapa Beach Deluxe Bungalow
• Stayed two nights at Aimeo Lodge Honeymoon Overwater Bungalow and met the sweetest cat who snuck into our bungalow
• Rode ATVs through pineapple fields
• Toured the Manutea Rum – Rotui Juice Factory & Distillery and tasted lots of rum

Tahiti

• Visited Matavai Bay and Point Venus, a historic landing site
• Learned about famous voyages, including the HMS Bounty

Detailed Itinerary:

Saturday, June 22 – Arrival in Tahiti

• Flight Details:
  • 7:30 AM – 9:50 AM: STL > SFO (4h 20m)
  • 1:15 PM – 6:50 PM: SFO > Tahiti (8h 35m)
• Arrival in Tahiti:
  • Get cash from the ATM at the airport.
  • Accommodation: Airbnb Fare Xpress ($77/night) – 👉 Airbnb NOT RECOMMENDED – see Tahiti Misadventure Story
    • Walking distance to airport & food, free airport pickup/dropoff.
• Free breakfast (coffee, tea, butter & jam)
• Dinner: Papeete Roulottes at Place Vaiete (Cash only, USD accepted)
  • Large outdoor food truck gathering with various cuisines.
• Check-in for Air Tahiti flight to Bora Bora

Sunday, June 23 – Fly to Bora Bora

• 10:45 AM – 11:35 AM: Flight from Tahiti to Bora Bora (50m)
  • 👉TIP: Sit on the left side for best views.
• Arrival in Bora Bora:
  • Take the free airport shuttle to Vaitape, then a 15-minute Hotel Maitai bus ($30 one-way for two people).
  • Accommodation: Hotel Maitai Beach Bungalow ($370/night via Agoda, free upgrade to an overwater bungalow)
    • A/C, free WiFi, beachfront location.
    • Walking distance to restaurants, grocery store, and Matira Beach.
    • Free use of snorkeling gear, canoes, kayaks, and life jackets.
• Lunch: Restaurant Tama’a Maitai (on-site)
• Afternoon: Relax on Matira Beach, watch the sunset
• Dinner: Lucky House

Monday, June 24 – Adventure in Bora Bora

• Morning:
  • 8:50 AM: Moana Tour pickup at Hotel Maitai (Reconfirm with Moana Tours: +689 87-78-27-37 or booking@moanatours.com)
  • 9:00 AM: Moana Jet Ski Tour, Lunch @ Bloody Mary’s, and Shark / Stingray Snorkel ($452)
  • Essentials to Bring: Water shoes, snorkel gear, sunglasses, towel, cameras
• Evening:
  • Sunset Dinner: Bora Bora Yacht Club (Free transport, call +689 40 67 60 47)
  • Backup Option: St. James Restaurant (Free transport, call +689 40 67 64 62)

Tuesday, June 25 – Exploring Bora Bora

• Morning: Kayak (free) to Coral Gardens for snorkeling or take a water taxi to a nearby motu.
• Lunch: Bora Bora Beach Club (11-minute walk)
• Evening:
  • 5:00 PM: Sunset at Matira Point
  • 7:00 PM: Dinner at Noa Noa (Buffet & Dance Show, walking distance from hotel)

Wednesday, June 26 – Transfer to Pearl Beach Resort

• 11:00 AM: Check out of Hotel Maitai
• Transportation:
  • 20-minute taxi to Pearl Beach Resort base at Faanui Bay
  • 11:30 AM or 12:30 PM: Free boat transfer to the resort
• 3:00 PM: Check-in at Le Bora Bora Pearl Beach Overwater Bungalow ($780/night via Orbitz, with cash back discounts)
• Lunch: Miki Miki
• Dinner: Tevairoa Restaurant

Thursday, June 27 (Anniversary) – Bora Bora

• Morning:
  • 8:00 AM: Breakfast delivered by to bungalow by outrigger canoe
• Evening:
  • 7:00 PM: Private Beach Dinner with Ukulele Performance

Friday, June 28 – Fly to Moorea

• Morning: Free breakfast buffet at Tevairoa (6:30 AM – 10:00 AM)
• 11:00 AM: Check out, take hotel boat transfer to the airport
• 11:20 AM: Boat leaves for airport
• 12:20 PM – 1:05 PM: Flight from Bora Bora to Moorea.
• Arrival in Moorea:
  • 1:00 PM: Pick up Avis rental car (Confirmation: 505034630, shuttle at airport).
• 1:45 PM Check-in: Anapa Beach Deluxe Bungalow (AKA “La Baie de Nuarei”) ($206/night via Agoda)
  • Located on a beautiful turquoise beach, near the best public beach on the island
  • Good snorkeling, A/C, free WiFi, northeast side of the island
• Late Lunch/Snacks: Food Truck/Beach Bar
• Afternoon: Snorkel or kayak near hotel
• Dinner: Le Mahogany

Saturday, June 29 – Moorea

• Morning: Relax at Anapa Beach
• Lunch: Market pickup
• Afternoon Activities:
  • Hike to Afareaitu Waterfalls (1.5 hr round trip)
  • Stop at Toatea Lookout
• 6:00 PM: Dinner at Rudy’s
• Alternative Activities (Weather Permitting) – We had to cancel due to weather
  • Shark expeditions dive (TripAdvisor) ($193/person)
  • Pure – Sofitel – Polynesian dance show on Wed & Sat (right by hotel). Can also watch show without paying for buffet dinner.

Sunday, June 30 – Moorea

• 10:00 AM: Check out
• Activities:
  • Drive around the island
  • Snorkel at Airbnb Temae Beach / Lagoonarium
• Lunch: Vaiare Pizza
• Afternoon: Visit the Tropical Garden
• 3:00 PM: Check-in at Aimeo Lodge Honeymoon Overwater Bungalow #40 ($161/night via Airbnb)
  • Standalone bungalow. Mixed reviews on location, snorkeling visibility fair, non-drinkable water
• Dinner: Creperie Cook Cafe (6-10 PM, walking distance)

Monday, July 1 – Moorea

• 7:00 AM: Breakfast at  L’Ananas Bleu (hotel restaurant)
• 8:45 AM: SSV ATV Tour (3.5 hrs) via Albert Transport (Belvedere Lookout, Magic Mountain, & Route des Ananas) ($220, pay with CC on-site)
• Lunch: Allo Pizza (casual, 11 AM – 2 PM & 5 PM – 8:30 PM)
• Afternoon: Kayak or electric bike to Manutea Rum – Rotui Juice Factory & Distillery (8 AM – 4:30 PM, free tours & tastings)
• Dinner: Te Honu Iti (stingrays/sharks swim below, near hotel)

Tuesday, July 2 – Ferry to Tahiti & Departure

• 8:00 AM: Check out of Aimeo Lodge
• 8:15 AM: Return Avis rental car at ferry terminal
• 9:00 AM: Terevau ferry to Tahiti (30m)
• 9:40 AM: Pick up Hertz rental car
• Explore Tahiti sites (time permitting):
  • James Norman Hall Home
  • Matavai Bay / Point Venus
  • Fautaua Waterfall
  • Arahoho Blowhole
  • Vaipahi Gardens
  • Taharuu Beach (‘Ārahurahu Marae)
  • Grotto de Marae (waterfalls, km 28.5)
• 6:00 PM: Dinner at Papeete Roulottes
• 7:00 PM: Return rental car, head to airport
• 9:15 PM: Flight home

Tahiti Misadventure Story

Our Tahiti adventure started with a misadventure. A late flight meant an overnight stay before heading to Bora Bora. We had booked an Airbnb near the airport—great reviews, free pickup, and breakfast. The only catch? The hosts only spoke French. No big deal, or so we thought.

When we landed, no one was there with our name on a sign. We messaged through Airbnb and texted, but got no response. After 45 minutes, I left Sarah at the airport with our luggage and set off to find the place.

My route led to a fenced government facility, so I backtracked and took a dark alley, using my phone as a flashlight. No luck. Finally, I ran into two kids. They didn’t speak English, but one used Google Translate to ask if I was lost. She figured out where I was going and led me there.

The place didn’t look like an Airbnb—just a gated house. I called out, and some kids let me in. I showed them the listing, and they took me to their mom, our supposed host. In broken English, she said, “Airbnb? Close since January.” Uhhh, what? I explained that Sarah was still at the airport, and we only needed a night. She agreed and drove me back to get her.

In the morning, we were served a huge breakfast while the family chatted away in French. One of the guys dropped us off at the airport, and we made it to Bora Bora.

Custom Shirts

Here’s more on the making of our matching Tahiti shirts.