Barbara on Mohawk, November 2019
Why did you choose Tahiti?
This choice fell in my lap by accident. After caregiving for a long period of time, I was exhausted & needed a change. A wise friend advised: “Go on an adventure! Go somewhere you have never been! Experience things that would honor what you enjoy…in a place totally different from your normal hangouts & routine.”
While I was contemplating where this adventure might take place, a friend said “why don’t you come along on our trip to Tahiti?” It took me a half a second to say yes to Tahiti!
Experiencing Tahiti through small ship sailing, included lots of outdoor activities, educational excursions that immersed me in culture and history, kept me surrounded by beauty that filled every day from sunrise to sunset, and allowed me the privilege of observing the majestic southern hemisphere nightly…it was the right destination.. at the right time… on the right vessel…a 4-mast sailing ship …Truly cathartic!
This choice fell in my lap by accident. After caregiving for a long period of time, I was exhausted & needed a change. A wise friend advised: “Go on an adventure! Go somewhere you have never been! Experience things that would honor what you enjoy…in a place totally different from your normal hangouts & routine.”
While I was contemplating where this adventure might take place, a friend said “why don’t you come along on our trip to Tahiti?” It took me a half a second to say yes to Tahiti!
Experiencing Tahiti through small ship sailing, included lots of outdoor activities, educational excursions that immersed me in culture and history, kept me surrounded by beauty that filled every day from sunrise to sunset, and allowed me the privilege of observing the majestic southern hemisphere nightly…it was the right destination.. at the right time… on the right vessel…a 4-mast sailing ship …Truly cathartic!
Activities & Sightseeing at each island
Moorea
Snorkeled with dolphins, stingrays & many varieties of colorful fish
in their natural habitat of the clear sapphire sea.
Snorkeled with dolphins, stingrays & many varieties of colorful fish
in their natural habitat of the clear sapphire sea.
Bora Bora
Lots of snorkeling and exploring sea life around the lagoons. Swam with black-tip and lemon sharks, moray eels, & fed tons of stingrays. The stingrays feel like velvet when they swim between your legs. No shortage of entertainment as guides that took us from one great dive site to another serenaded us with popular island tunes along the way. Shared a lovely afternoon with a local Bora Bora family that made us a traditional Polynesian lunch while they played ukuleles and sang traditional island songs. They taught us how to make Pareos, how to properly open coconuts and how to perform a traditional Polynesian dance. The afternoon was capped off with more spectacular snorkeling in pristine waters. |
Raiatea
Time to drop anchor in a small island destination that had no docking options. The “Watersports Platform” was opened off the back of the ship where water toys galore were readily available for recreation… (rafts, jet skis, wave runners, kayaks, paddle boards etc) or you could merely snorkel ashore to a white sandy beach and enjoy all the colorful underwater sights on the way 
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Huahine
Took an off-road vehicle to reach spectacular panoramic views. Lush forests and tropical landscapes were loaded with beautiful plants, fruits, and flowers. This particular island seems relatively unchanged by the modern world. One can understand why this island is known as “the Garden of Eden”. Qualified local resident guides enhanced the appreciation of local history, culture, and customs. Educational stops at the few quaint villages and plantations scattered across the island included a Vanilla Plantation, a Pearl Farm, an opportunity to observe the locals that faithfully feed the sacred blue-eyed eels twice a day! A final stop at the 400 year old V shaped stone fish traps that are still in use today!! They are visible in narrow parts of the waterway where fish can be harvested from a boat. Kayaked up the Faaroa River, the only navigable river in French Polynesia! A strenuous and breathtaking journey where steep river walls are covered with jungle foliage. The rare tiare apetahi flower grows only here and if caught picking one expect a heavy fine and imprisonment! This area is also home to diverse species of birds! |
Tahaa & Motu Mahaea
I’ve snorkeled many islands in the past, yet this was my first exposure to “Drift snorkeling” in the shallow crystal-clear coral lagoon known as “The Coral Gardens”. These amazing coral formations, along with spectacular up close encounters with multiple varieties of colorful, tropical fish made this an exceptional day to remember. Experiencing an elaborate barbecue and tropical drinks on a private, uninhabited island after a strenuous day of drift snorkeling was icing on the cake! Cruising aboard a small yacht to take in the sunsets while sipping Champagne was a welcomed luxury after an active day. |
Would you like to add anything?
Small ship sailing (this ship had 130) is the only way to go for me because:
Small ship sailing (this ship had 130) is the only way to go for me because:
- You can explore many islands where the big ships are not able to dock.
- You see and do more by island hopping as opposed to being in one location ina chain hotel that offers thatched-roof overwater bungalow.
- You have a wide variety of activities from which to choose daily …water sports,biking, hiking, kayaking, wave runners, paddle boards, jet skis, manyunique, small group educational excursions at every stop.
- You can enjoy 5-star dining & wine-ing (not whining) in casual elegance while enjoying sunsets.
- The more casual policies on small ships, like the “open-bridge policy” allowedfree access to the bridge. There you could ask questions, get insight intship operations and engage in relaxed interaction with the ships officers and crew.
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Travel tip?
Spend a day or two in LA pre and post travel to Tahiti to adjust quickly to the length of travel, the time difference and arrive well rested for non-stop activities! Favorite memory of the trip
Stargazing with the ship’s navigator & my SkyView app! The amazing, breathtaking beauty of the southern hemisphere at night, complete with shooting stars and constellations not seen here in the northern hemisphere, there are no words to adequately describe. |
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Go! of the Month Tahiti May 2020
Click on pictures below for other articles!
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