Tahiti

Raiatea and Tahaa are close enough to share a barrier reef, and circling those islands to visit the numerous bays and inlets will keep you busy for days. Multiple coral gardens with easy, shallow snorkeling will take your breath away. On shore, you can tour vanilla plantations, find sumptuous meals and small shops with local crafts, and visit pearl farms to find a souvenir of this adventure. Consider a tour to see the petroglyphs and other cultural and archeological sites around the islands.

When you’ve anchored or picked up a mooring, head ashore for a meal in settings from casual outdoor dining on a picnic table to dramatic dinner shows with local dancing, music, and a traditional chief’s welcome as your party approaches over the water. The food on the islands is a delightful melange of Polynesian styling with fish, coconut, vanilla, local vegetables and shellfish, all influenced by French cuisine and cooking techniques. The result is memorable, and you’ll only order Mahi Mahi again after thinking of Tahiti.

As you approach Bora Bora, the white sands under the crystal clear waters reflect the sun so brightly it changes the color of the sky. Clouds show tints of greenish-blue, and the air has a distinct look and feel as you approach the reef entrance. Inside the reef, you’ll find the clearest water you’ve ever seen. The principal town of Vaitape is a beautiful stop with many excellent dining and shopping options. A taxi tour of the island from Vaitape is a must. When you work your way around the lagoon, you can swim with stingrays, snorkel, dive, and stop at fantastic waterfront bars and restaurants.

Sail on to Maupiti to experience less traveled waters, where “unspoiled” can’t begin to describe it. The islands of Tahiti and Moorea lie about 110 nautical miles east-southeast of Raiatea and are delightful places to sail. It’s an open-water trip, but the weather is usually mild with moderate sailing.

Raiatea Airport is serviced by two regional airlines – Air Tahiti and Air Moana. You’ll need a connection after you fly to Tahiti from your home country. There are also ferries, but it’s only a forty-five-minute flight from Tahiti. Once you get to Raiatea, it’s a few minutes from the airport to the charter base.