

10 Day Itinerary Society Islands
by Captain Angus Fuller aboard S/Y MATELOT
Day
1:
Join Matelot stern to in Marina Taina at the foot of Tahiti’s mountains,
just 5mins from Tahiti International Airport. Depart for Moorea via the
southern passage through the reef – Passe de Taapuna – sailing through this
passage lets you know that you’ve truly arrived in the Pacific! Sail to
Opunohu Bay (15nm). Night at anchor.
Day
2:
Spend the day at anchor in Opunohu Bay. Apart from relaxing onboard the
yacht and using the water toys, the options of activities to do off the yacht
are almost limitless – diving, feeding sting rays by hand, picnic lunch on a
Motu, shopping for pearls in the local village, horse riding and land tours.
There are also two excellent, but very different restaurants (Matiehani and
La Villa des Sens) to enjoy dinner at. Finally there is an eco outdoor spa
for those who are looking for further relaxation!
Day
3:
Enjoy an all day sail downwind to Huahine of 90nm. Enter the reef passage
and anchor in Bai Haavia. It’s not unusual to have surfers on either side of
the yacht as we go through the pass!
Day
4:
A day at anchor off Baia D’Avea in Huahine Iti. This island has probably the
best beaches and prettiest lagoons in the Society Islands and is a
wonderful, quiet location in which to relax (it would be possible to spend
many days here). Go horse riding along the beach and even take the horses
swimming! Have dinner in Restaurant Mauarii - a lovely setting on the
beach.
Day
5:
Spend the morning at anchor or move north to visit the town of Fare. After
lunch sail the 25nm to Tahaa. Have a refreshing swim on arrival, anchor in
Baies Haamene or Faahe for the night.
Day
6:
Day at Tahaa. After breakfast, have a private tour of the Vanilla
plantations. In the afternoon visit a pearl farm and snorkel on the pearls.
Here there is also the opportunity to visit Le Taha’a Private Island and Spa
- a Relais and Chateau hotel. In the evening enjoy a local Polynesia Dance
Troupe ashore.
Day
7:
Sail the short distance inside the reef to Raitaa. There is the option of
taking a hike inland to a waterfall or go on an island tour here and visit
the Marea at Taputapuatea. This Marea is referred to as the “father” of all
the sacred sights in French Polynesia, so for those who have an interest in
history or archeology it would be well worth a visit.
Day
8:
After breakfast, sail the 26nm to Bora Bora. Enter the lagoon and continue
to the southern end and anchor off the renowned Bloody Mary’s restaurant and
bar. Have lunch ashore here. In the afternoon go snorkeling off the motus
and reefs or take the tender on an exploration along the south side of the
lagoon and reef. Night at anchor.
Day
9:
The activities available in Bora Bora are endless, but the following
provides a taster of what can be done: Renting a private motu/ beach for the
day, Diving, Hiking through the mountains and gardens, 4 x 4 excursions, Jet
Ski tours of the island, Parasailing, enjoy the spa at the newly refurbished
Pearl Beach Spa, visit the Pearl Market to purchase any pearls you missed
earlier in the holiday!
Day
10:
After a morning onboard, sail to the northern end of the lagoon and depart
via tender which will take you to the dock at the airport. Alternatively, if
moving to a hotel for a few nights we can anchor the yacht off the hotel and
take the guests in by tender (depths and weather permitting).
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