Makatea and Tetiaroa - French Polynesia's Hidden Gems
Beginning and ending in Tahiti, this roundtrip of about 270 nm takes you to some of French Polynesia's hidden gems and back.
Makatea is the only raised atoll in the northwestern part of the Tuamotus. Surrounded by spectacular cliffs, it rises up to a plateau 80 m (260 ft) above sea level. Despite the phosphates mining that lasted until 1964, the atoll remains a paradise offering climbing, caving, coconut crab hunting and some magnificent diving. It’s just an overnight sail away from Tahiti. On the return trip we’ll stop in Tetiaroa, a magical atoll in pristine condition. It is a sanctuary where you can see nesting birds, explore the pristine beaches and enjoy water sports in the crystal clear lagoon.
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Day 1: Arrive on Be Happy. Choose to relax or have Sail Tahiti arrange scuba diving or some holopuni sailing for you. Leave in the afternoon for the 130 nm sail on a close reach to Makatea.
Day 2: Arrive in Makatea around noon and get your first dose of snorkeling along a spectacularly deep blue reef. Arrange to go coconut crab hunting in the evening if there’s not too much moonlight or simply enjoy a sundowner and meal on your boat.
Day 3: Discover this hidden atoll’s history as a phosphate mine. Explore the cliffs and if you’re daring in nature you can organize some rock climbing with Makatea Escalade.
Day 4:Enjoy a last snorkel or walk on the island and then set sail for the 105 nm trip to the Tetiaroa atoll. This SW sail is almost always downwind or on a broad reach, so set the gennaker and enjoy sailing through the afternoon and into the night.
Day 5: Arrive in Tetiaroa, a pristine atoll belonging to the Brando foundation. Tetiaroa atoll is a bird and turtle sanctuary, and while you won’t be able to see breeding turtles, you can visit bird island where there are active breeding colonies.
Day 6: Enjoy the Tetiaroa lagoon with a lazy snorkel in the coral gardens, or a more adventurous spearfishing outing. The flat waters of the anchorage or the lagoon are a paradise fore kite foiling or wind surfing enthusiasts. Alternatively, just enjoy your paddle board.
Day 7: Sadly, it is time to head back the roughly 30 nm to Papeete. Leave the lagoon to wrap up a phantastic week of sailing and adventure. During your last evening watch the sun set over Moorea and reflect on your week before having dinner at one of the many restaurants on west side of Tahiti or in Papeete to ease your return from dream to reality.
