Indeed, the waterfalls were the icing on the cake. However, we contend that they also gave this tropical paradise the “substance” that affirmed to us that tropical islands were nothing more than artificial pleasures often associated with the Western notion of paradise. Indeed, while most visitors spend their time living it up in paradise, seeing waterfalls gave us the opportunity to experience paradise on a much deeper level.

The French Polynesian waterfalls that we have been to so far are on the larger islands of Tahiti and Moorea (part of the Society Islands group, which also includes the Leeward Island of Bora Bora). These larger islands tend to have the high mountains and deep gulches and valleys that seem to receive a large portion of the rains – most of which fall in the Wet Season (typically November through April). So tall waterfalls like Cascade de Fachoda as well as the Faarumai Waterfalls are among the more dramatic examples of what Tahiti has to offer.

Then, there are also more intimate types of waterfalls like the Vaipahi Falls as well as those that require a bit of an adventure like the Afareaitu Waterfalls in Moorea.

So far, we haven’t found any on Bora Bora though it’s entirely possible that there are some watercourses on the main part of the island since Mt Otemanu and some of its neighboring mountains scrape the sky enough to get moisture from some of the low tropical clouds. However, as of our latest visit in 2012, self-driving no longer seemed to be a feasible option so riding bicycles might be the way to go.

And finally, we have yet to go to the Marquesas Islands, which was made famous by the very first season of the TV show “Survivor.” However, we know there are a few giant waterfalls over there and it’s definitely on my wish list as its remoteness, ruggedness, and sense of mystery beckons.