The territory
Among the Society Islands, in the Leeward Islands archipelago, Raiatea and Taha'a are two islands located in the same lagoon. By boat, it is possible to enter the large lagoon through ten different passes, depending on the origin and conditions.
To the north, Taha'a is shaped like a cloverleaf and covers 90 km². Reasonably frequented by boaters, the island nicknamed Vanilla Island has several anchorages with varied landscapes. We would like to introduce you to three places where the inhabitants are eager to share the richness of the territory and give a special welcome to boaters.
Apu Bay
In the south of the island, the large bay of Apu includes the three bays of Toerauroa, Mao and Vaipiti, with Toapuhi Island in the center. The anchorage area near Toamaro Point can accommodate many boats, thanks to buoys anchored in 20 to 30 meters of water.
The landing on a small wooden pier is easy by dinghy. From there, one quickly reaches a snack bar and a restaurant offering typical cuisine. Several times a week, Polynesian dance animations are offered to the visitor and allow him to immerse himself in the local culture and traditions.
The bay of Tapuamu
On the west coast, Tapuamu Bay is one of the busiest points on the island: it is here that imported goods and local products destined for export pass through. Schooners from Tahiti dock along a quay and a small marina welcomes some fishing boats. A gas station allows you to do some emergency shopping and fill up a few cans.
To take advantage of the place, the boater takes one of the two or three lockers placed in the bay. From there, he can rent electric bikes to discover the island, or focus on discovering the products of the territory: on the Tapuamu quay, the Pari-Pari estate and the Mana'O distillery cultivate vanilla and produce rum, honey, coconut oil and tamanu oil. After the free visit of the sites, it is possible to taste the products and make purchases.
The Coral Garden
Opposite Tapuamu Bay, the anchorage near the motu Tautau offers a heavenly setting. It is not by chance that a large luxury hotel has chosen to set up here! The anchorage area allows boats to anchor in crystal-clear waters and sandy bottoms, with a depth of 2 to 8 meters.
The narrow passage between the motu Tautau and the adjoining motu forms the site of the Coral Garden: here, thousands of fish gather to animate beautiful underwater discovery sessions. Snorkeling is done in very shallow waters and presents no difficulty. At anchor in the evening, the sun sets behind Bora-Bora.
Ãeuros a little over a mile north, visit the pearl farm Love Here Pearl Farm is definitely worth a visit. The crew will take one of the trunks placed in front of the installations and will take advantage of the pontoon put at the disposal by the structure to disembark.
Here, the presentation of the pearl culture is professional and complete, the pearls naked or mounted jewels of quality. What to bring back memories of this beautiful stopover!
