Raiatea/Tahaa: Sail Catamaran for just one couple

RAIATEA & TAHAA Raiatea & Tahaa are two high volcanic islands that are inside one same large lagoon surrounded by coral reefs which allows us to sail around both islands on calm and protected waters. They're not as known as Bora-Bora and Tahiti and not so crowded with resorts which makes them ideal scenarios to get to know the polynesian culture better. RAIATEA is loaded of cultural and historical significance. Believed to be the original birthplace of the polynesian culture, this legendary island is a secret garden of ancient myths and hidden temples. Her unique and fascinating heritage gives the island of Raiatea an intriguing sense of place. Many cultures believe that that the expansion of polynesians throughout the Pacific began on Raiatea from which large double-hulled sailing canoes set out to colonize Hawaii and New Zealand. For that reason, until today it is recognized as the most sacred island of French Polynesia. The green-carpeted mountains of Raiatea rise to the idylic plateau and to the peak of Mt. Temehani that offers breathtaking panoramic views from all the Leeward Islands. We can anchor Moskito Valiente II close to the beginning of Mt. Temehani hike trail and we are always pleased to guide our guests on this epic hike. There are many different anchorages that we can visit while sailing around Raiatea. The west coast is more wild and there we can find wonderful snorkel sites, local restaurants, deserted little islands and pearl farms. The east coast is more developed and urbanized where we can scubadive on the legendary Nordby wreck, visit the botanical garden and check out the sacred site of Taputapuatea Marae (from where the first polynesian navigators left to explore the Pacific Ocean). The airport and the main village of Uturoa are on the north part of the island, very close to the usual embarkment and disembarkment. TAHAA is a secluded and quiet island that sweeps you deep into the typical polynesian easy going lifestyle. The only way to arrive in Tahaa is by boat as there is no airport on the island. What makes the island of Tahaa truly known is vanilla. The polynesian vanilla is known throughout the world for its unique flavor and Tahaa is the center of production. More than 70% of all vanilla in French Polynesia comes from this island. There are a few vanilla farms opened to the public on the west coast that we’re happy take our guests to visit if they wish. The north of the islands has plenty of deserted motus (tiny islands) with white sand beaches, coconut trees and turquoise shallow waters that we can visit and be totally alone. The north of the lagoon has many nice coral reefs that are good for snorkeling and good scubadive sites for beginners there too. The west coast of the Vanilla Islands offers everyday spectacular sunsets with a dramatic view of Bora Bora on the background. There we can visit the famous Coral Gardens, where our guests can snorkel while floating with a gentle current on top of colorful coral reefs with many different species of reef fishes. There are daily flights from Tahiti (PPT) to Raiatea (RAI) with the local air company Air Tahiti.