Having been to French Polynesia 4-5 times I guarantee youre in for a treat. I remember thinking that they are what I thought Hawaii was (and wasnt). I cant give you a lot of info on the diving as I wasnt certified when I went though my trips there are the reason I finally got certified. However, I know a lot of people who have gone (and one ex-employee who married a local and now lives on Moorea). I havent been for a few years so my info is out of date, but here are some things to at least consider.
Overwater bungalows sounds like youve got them pretty well figured out they can be a wonderful experience (such as at the deep overwater bungalows at Hotel Bora, Bora
but they do get pricey! Best bet might be at one of the outer Islands if you go that route or see if your packager can add a special night in a bit of a pain to move in and out, but might be worth it if youre on a budget. After a few trips (mostly Sofetels, I found I could usually book a garden room and get a free or virtually free upgrade to an ocean view but overwater always cost more). Normally Id say being on a honeymoon would get you that, but then on Moorea/Bora Bora etc. a heck of a lot of people are honeymooning
still, wherever you go try to talk to them about a free (or very cheap) upgrade, they do it all the time on a space available basis.
Oh, again IMO I wouldnt stay at the Moana Beachcober Parkroyal its very fancy, but in the process its lost its local flavor. However, they have/had an awesome seafood buffet on Fridays.
Islands In The Sun have great priced packages as do a number of others. Not sure where youre flying from, but be aware that a number of companies book flights on Corsair, French charter company, to save money. As best I know the plans are safe (747s usually, but they add rows(!) and space gets VERY tight on a long flight not to mention the over head lights are in the wrong places). I found it a real trade-off, cheaper but took a lot more recovery time (and that with a simple 81/2 hour flight from LAX). Ultimately I avoided them myself, but again, its a way to save for that overwater bungalow.
On Moorea Club Bali Hai is okay, but unless theyve spent a lot on upgrades recently its really showing its age. Ive stayed there and at the Sofitel Ia Ora which is on Mooreas only natural white sand beach (then again, you want to get out on the water so it doesnt necessarily matter). For my money (and the difference wasnt great), the Sofitel is WAY better. Also, their garden view rooms are much closer to the beach and none of the rooms are anywhere near the main road whereas Club Bali Hai has a number right on the road not ideal in paradise.
Note, at whatever the hotel you go with find out exactly where the room is and if you dont like it, tell them (nicely) - it makes a HUGE difference. One garden room is not the same As another location wise. Im not sure if you can book a specific room ahead of time, but Id get a hotel map with room numbers and try. Either way, take a look as soon as you get in and talk to them if you dont like your location
if possible they really will try to change your room and in paradise it makes a difference!
As I said, I didnt dive when I went, but Ive heard the TOP dive center on Moorea is quite good wild morning shark feeding dives, but then again, in Moorea they take snorklers shark feeding (I kid thee not). As for restrictions on snorkeling or diving from shore, Ive never heard of any though remember to always where good foot protection lots of sharp coral and especially in Cooks Bay, little critters called Rock Fish that will definitely make your honeymoon memorable .NOT. The only restriction I know of on Bora, Bora was a marine preserve right outside the Hotel Bora, Bora, however that is just a ban on hunting and as a result is a great scuba spot (even if youre not staying there.)
Regarding must see/do things
well, Id say if you dont go to the outer Islands then even though Moorea is wonderful, its nothing compared to Bora, Bora IMHO. One of the most exciting things we did on Bora, Bora was the helicopter ride (the pilot picked us up himself) wild, but then he didnt put the door on - it was tremendous.
Oh, and dont forget a possible excursion day to Marlon Brandos Island Tetiaroa (6 square kilometres with a population of 50) its an add on and takes at least a full day, but wonderful you can also stay there overnight last I heard. Its not really an Island, that part sunk, its an atoll which is really amazing
Oh, and one last thing I wouldnt even consider the meals included options you can save money and have a much better time going out to eat (to save money pick up some fresh bread and local fruit for breakfast and/or lunch and just go out for dinner. The food at the big hotels is good/very good, but on the Islands, many/most restaurants will actually come and pick you up from the Hotel. Favorite restaurant on Moorea - ALFREDO'S
and Bloody Marys on Bora, Bora is the classic.
Humm, last thought the entertainment at the Club Med on Bora, Bora can be outstanding (saw the best Island dancing there ever - they compete on the Islands and Bora, Bora usually kicks butt) and is open to guests staying at other hotels. Our favorite day on Bora, Bora was probably the all day circle island boat trip combined with visits inland
Oh, and as has been mentioned in other posts, by far the best beaches are on the atolls, not the islands themselves. Every hotel has an outrigger or boat (usually free) that will bring you to one of the atolls and just leave you there for all or part of the day
its an amazing way to spend time together alone
Last lastly - Id say just keep asking around
most hotels will try to sell you numerous add ons once youre there (such as the circle Island trip). Some are great, but Id research ahead of time and if possible, book at least some directly more choice as most hotels only market specific peoples tours and they are not always the best. Also youll usually save money booking directly.
~lol~ well, sorry to go on so but as you might guess, I miss those Islands and must be getting back soon
And did I say, congratulations?!
Paul
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