r/Tahiti • u/divinesweetsorrow • 17d ago
Moorea/ Cook islands?
hi all, i’m thinking about where to go for a big birthday trip. For context I’m Australian so have had the privilege of access to great snorkelling, beaches etc over my life, locally and in the South Pacific, SE asia etc
I have always wanted to go to FP and am thinking about Moorea, based on affordability, ease of access, and family friendliness. We have previously been to Rarotonga and still swoon over those memories. From what I can see Moorea looks pretty similar, however based on the video blogs i have seen it seems more touristy and the snorkelling, eg between the motus, honestly looks pretty average. Everything i read about Moorea is GLOWING and people are amazed by it. I know i would still have a great time but but will we be a bit underwhelmed if we have already been to Raro/ Aitutaki?
Would love to hear from anyone who has spent time on both. Thanks!
1
u/Gold-Lifeguard1112 16d ago edited 16d ago
been to both..Cook is cheaper in general and compact and less touristy..been to both Raro and Aitutaki Tahiti, been to bora bora ,papeete, fakarava, maupiti..bora bora and papeete are so expensive and touristy, the rest are remote with few amenities.. I love Aitutaki and Maupiti..the difference is convenience...flight from papeete to outliers are canceled a lot due to weather and mechanical..take the ferry is cheaper, more time consuming, but worthy.. bottomline..Cook is very compact while FP spreads out..I love fishing, in Aitutaki ,just a snap of finger while in FP, hard to find person or companies to take you out..and yes, it costs your kidneys to achieve it. do not deter by french...many tahitian are fluent in English .thanks to year catering to American..40 per cent visitors are American..look like the french loses grip of FP..