Tahiti

Raiatea and Tahaa share a barrier reef, providing endless bays and inlets to explore for days. Multiple coral gardens with easy, shallow snorkeling will leave you awestruck. Onshore, you can tour vanilla plantations, enjoy delicious meals, browse small shops for local crafts, and visit pearl farms for a unique souvenir. Consider taking a tour to see petroglyphs and other cultural and archaeological sites around the islands.

When anchored or moored, head ashore for a meal in settings ranging from casual outdoor dining to dramatic dinner shows with local dancing, music, and a traditional chief’s welcome. The food on the islands is a delightful blend of Polynesian flavors—fish, coconut, vanilla, local vegetables, and shellfish—all influenced by French cuisine and cooking techniques. The result is unforgettable, and you’ll always associate Mahi Mahi with the taste of Tahiti.

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

Sail on to Maupiti for a more secluded adventure where the word “unspoiled” barely begins to describe the setting. The islands of Tahiti and Moorea, about 110 nautical miles east-southeast of Raiatea, offer delightful sailing. It’s an open-water trip, but the weather is usually mild with moderate sailing conditions.

Raiatea Airport is serviced by two regional airlines, Air Tahiti and Air Moana. After flying into Tahiti from your home country, you’ll need a connecting flight. While ferries are an option, it’s only a forty-five-minute flight from Tahiti. Once you arrive in Raiatea, it’s just a few minutes from the airport to the charter base.