![]() The Tuamotu islands are all flat atolls laying a few meters above sea level and covered with coconut trees. ![]() Tahuata Vaitahu Bay – Image credit to Asia Pacific Superyachts Tahiti and Michel Aubert Once inside the lagoon the manta rays will arrive to a cleaning station just next to your yacht, offering you an unforgettable welcome to this little jewel of our seas and making you feel you have reached the mythical island of ‘Bali-hai’. Is it because the pass can be treacherous with strong south swell? Is it because neighbor Bora Bora has ripped off all the attention? Is it because people in Maupiti are a quiet breed and prefer their peaceful lifestyle to the lures of ‘King Dollar’?įrankly, Maupiti pass is no more difficult than many others to modern powerful yachts, as long as captains take the right advice and do not ignore weather warnings. However, the island of Maupiti, thirty miles west of Bora Bora, is often forgotten when proposing itineraries to this part of our oceanic country. The leeward islands of French Polynesia are the most visited and include the famous Bora Bora, magical Huahine, wild Taha’a and the sacred island of Raiatea – the legendary center of Mahoi religion. Toau anse amiot ‘Beach & Coconut Trees’ – Image credit to Asia Pacific Superyachts Tahiti There they will meet the friendliest of Polynesian people, who will proudly lead visitors through their incredible landscape. However, a quick halt at the old Temao tender dock will allow guests to stop, climb up the cliff and explore the island. The population, now down to 50 (in the 1960’s a population of 3,000 was at its highest), is enjoying a return to a peaceful environment.įor most yachts Makatea is just a radar print during night passages to Rangiroa as there are no good anchorages in the area to invite stopping. Now the remains of this ecological disaster are an astonishing mix of deep holes and caves, scrapped trucks and rusted railways. Like Nauru, Makatea was once an important mining field for phosphate and seriously dug out by thousands of men trying to get all that was possible from the land. With an altitude between 80m and 120m above sea level, Makatea is safe for the 21st century’s adventurers, but the 20th century was not so kind to her. Makatea, laying half way between Tahiti and Rangiroa atoll, may remain the last bit of the Tuamotu archipelago to be seen out of the water if the worst GIEC predictions of sea level rising becomes a reality. Tahiti Te Pari – Image credit to Asia Pacific Superyachts Tahiti and Thierry Zysman Recently the owner of a 100m+ yacht dove in these waters and afterwards, saying he was amazed at the number of whales he could closely approach in the protected waters of Te Pari. Many humpback whales come to French Polynesia from mid-July to October to give birth to their calves and rest. Yachts can stop in some superb anchorages where guests are sure to find only undisturbed fish, curious sharks and splendid manta rays. Once a shelter for those seeking a natural environment and escape from the modern world, the 20 mile Te Pari coastline is worth exploring by foot and searching for ancient petroglyphs. The lagoon offers good protection in several places when some of the deep bays are hit with the remains of large Antarctic swells. ![]() Starting at the worldwide famous surf spot of Teahupoo located at the end of the west coast tarred road, are miles of long a uninhabited seafront made of rugged black cliff and contrasting layers of tropical lush green foliage. The south coast of Tahiti Iti is very isolated as there are no roads. Tahiti is made of two islands joined by an isthmus, Tahiti Nui and the smaller Tahiti Iti. In my view, the following locales are very much worth a visit. But, for the exploring mind there are other wondrous areas to visit specifically, five places around French Polynesia which are not commonly known and offer new and enchanting underwater and above ground scenic wonders and thrilling adventures. I have been a yacht agent in Tahiti for almost 20 years and have worked with many captains to open new itineraries to some remote and seldom cruised places in French Polynesia – however, I must admit most guests eventually decide to go to Bora Bora. ![]() Tahiti Te Pari ‘Whale Waving’ – Photo credit to Asia Pacific Superyachts Tahiti
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
Details
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |