UNASSUMINGLY DIVINE
Explore Tahiti, sailing the greatest sites in the South Pacific. Huahine to Bora Bora. Multi-colored waters, beautiful lagoons and more!
Huahine, Embark
Day 1
Arrive by Air Tahiti at 0740 to the island of Huahine (HUH). A member of the Diana crew will meet you at the airport with a garland of frangipani flowers – a Polynesian tradition to welcome (maeva) visitors. It is a pleasant 10-15 minute transfer by luxury van to Catamaran Diana anchored off the port of Fare. Once you are settled on board we will sail inside the clear lagoon, past alluring emerald bays to the remote and magically peaceful Avea Bay for a sheltered anchorage.
Avea Bay is a perfect spot to test out the sea kayaks, or to exercise on the Stand-up Pedal Boards (they can be paddled as well as pedaled!) Alternatively, you can try one of our Sea scooters, for a less strenuous way to explore the island...very James Bond...
Lunch will be served on the aft deck, and of course wine and cocktails are on call as you live this dream at your own schedule, shedding the cares of the outside world and relaxing into true Polynesian cruising mode. Walk ashore on the beautiful beach by the Mahana Hotel, followed by cocktails and dinner on board Diana at anchor watching the sunset.
Huahine
Day 2
Explore Avea Bay with the tender and perhaps go for a sail in the sailing dinghy. Or test out the Flite boards. In the afternoon we can sail up to Bourayne Bay and snorkel at the Coral Gardens on the South Western motu by the entrance to the Bay. With enough prior notice we can arrange for a picnic BBQ on a pristine private beach with Tahitian music and beach games.
Huahine to Raiatea
Day 3
Exploring the inland areas of Huahine is highly recommended. A private day tour can be arranged to take you round the island with some panoramic jungle views down into the lagoon. Along this route you can visit the market in Fare, historical marae (temples), see ancient fish- traps, and visit the rum distillery. Of course, no visit to Huahine would be complete without stopping to feed the sacred blue-eyed eels. (NB – subject to availability and we must book early as it is high season).
Diana will move to Fare whilst you tour and then we will sail to Raiatea. This should be a pleasant late afternoon sail, with the opportunity to test out the fishing gear and hopefully catch a fresh Mahi-Mahi for dinner. Anchor for the night in Raiatea, the spiritual capital of the ancient Polynesian World. Take in the wonders of the night sky on Diana’s foredeck. The Polynesian voyagers of centuries ago used these very same stars to navigate huge distances with astonishing accuracy.
Raiatea and Tahaa
Day 4
This morning you will go on a lovely river trip that can be done at the head of Faaroa Bay. We can go by kayak or using Diana’s small tender. The trip meanders up the river to the Botanical Gardens, surrounded by hanging trees and jungle on all sides.
Lunch underway as we continue sailing around the lagoon of Tahaa and Raiatea with the opportunity to visit a Vanilla Farm and also a Pearl Farm, where you can see the pearls actually being cultured. Anchor for a snorkel and at the motu just inside Toahotu Passe. Circumnavigate Tahaa East to West and anchor for the evening off one of the remote Northern Motus.
Raiatea and Tahaa
Day 5
Continue sailing round Tahaa this morning and then anchor off the Western side of Tahaa for lunch and visit the Coral Gardens for multiple drift dives in the pass between the motus.
Move down in the late afternoon to anchor close to the Rautoanui Pass on Raiatea to have sunset drinks at Fish and Blue, with amazing views of Bora Bora. Dinner and cocktails ashore could be booked here if you wish. It is a casual, beach club vibe (with a stunning view). (NB – subject to availability and we must book early).
Sail to Bora Bora
Day 6
Breakfast at anchor and a morning swim in the pass before heading across to that most famous and romantic of islands - Bora Bora. We would set sail in the morning. It is a 30 mile sail, which should take us around 4 hours. We will set the fishing rods underway and hopefully catch some fresh tuna or Mahi. We should arrive in time for a late lunch, anchoring in the amazing Toopua anchorage, which has the most amazing turquoise water and is perfect for swimming and water sports.
Bora Bora
Day 7
Snorkel with the stingrays and smaller sharks in the Toopua anchorage. Back to Diana for lunch. Do the shark dive this afternoon on the outer reef. Later in the afternoon we can take the tender through some very narrow and shallow passages to the beautiful white sand beach at Matira and snorkel in the Coral Gardens.
Bora Bora, Disembark
Day 8
We can visit the township of Vaitape this morning for an early coffee and pain au chocolat. There are some interesting souvenir stalls and black pearl shops. The guests could rent a car or scooters for a round the island road tour (2 hours is long enough). Lots of amazing photo ops that cannot be arrived at by boat.
Pull up anchor after lunch and move to the airport anchorage this afternoon. Diana’s crew will transfer you to the Motu airstrip for the short 50 minute flight back out to Papeete, where you can connect with your international flights. The views of the island of Bora Bora and the multi-colored waters of the lagoon when taking off are just remarkable, as are the views over the twin islands of Tahaa and Raiatea. It’s a fitting farewell to a trip of a lifetime as the flight will retrace the cruise that Diana has taken you on through the Society Islands. The Polynesian tradition is to present a departing guest with a necklace made from small sea-shells. These represent the memories that you and your family take with you and they signify that you will hopefully return to these special islands one day...
