salt life - Passports Overloaded

Rangiroa, French Polynesia

March 3, 2025 – March 3, 2025

Wetraveled to one of Rangiroa’s renowned black pearl farms, learn how these lustrous treasures are produced and graded, and browse for unset pearls at the onsite shop. It’s certainly very much a hands-on operation, too, as you’ll soon see as the farm staff provides some background on the evolution of the industry and on how these special black-lipped pearl oysters are selected, grown and grafted for production. After hearing it described, you’ll see the process underway as you tour the work sheds and observe a grafter skillfully plying his trade. After a time, you’ll have the opportunity to view a selection of unset black pearls available for purchase. Shape and luster are both key components of the pearl grading scale, and your guide will demonstrate the criteria used.

If you would like to see where and what we ate while visiting Rangiroa

Nuku Hiva, French Polynesia

March 1, 2025 – March 1, 2025

Take a guided group drive by 4WD caravan into the lush valley described by Herman Melville and survived by 2001’s intrepid Survivor contestants. A famously rugged paradise, Taipivai Valley spectacularly beautiful, rich in archeological sites, and yours to discover during this adventurous excursion. Melville was first to bring this place to the attention of the outside world in his 1846 bestseller, Typee. Part novel, part real-life travelogue, the book recounts Melville’s month spent living as guest and captive of the exotic – and reputedly savage – locals after deserted his whaling ship here on Nuku Hiva. The fact that the Survivor TV series chose to base their 2001 competition here indicates how little things have changed in Taipivai Valley in the intervening years.

If you would like to see where and what we ate while visiting Nuku Hiva

Fakarava, French Polynesia

February 27, 2025 – February 27, 2025

Pure, pristine and dreamlike, the ecosystem of this gorgeous island is home to extremely rare birds, plants and crustaceans. Quaint villages, old coral churches and welcoming people are intertwined with a spectacular lagoon creating a paradise like none other in the world.

If you would like to see where and what we ate while visiting Fakarava

Moorea, French Polynesia

February 26, 2025 – February 26, 2025

Enjoy a scenic orientation drive around Moorea’s ring road, see the views from high Belvedere Lookout, and visit galleries showcasing island artwork. The distance around this idyllic island is only some 38 miles and the route is loaded with captivating sights and photo opportunities. Ride past fields of pineapples ripening in the sun, visit an ancient Tahitian stone temple, or marae, en route to the Belvedere, where magnificent views of Cook’s Bay, Opunohu Bay and Mt. Rotui await.

If you would like to see where and what we ate while visiting Moorea

Papeete, Tahiti (French Polynesia)

February 24, 2025 – February 26, 2025

Alphabetic Links of Where We’ve Been